Meet the team
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP, ENABLING COMMUNITY
Katherine Shepherd
CEO
Katherine has worked in the Reading voluntary sector since 2003 and initially joined the Mustard Tree as Manager of Engage Befriending.
She is passionate about increasing well-being in our local communities and believes strong partnerships are key to achieving this. She is actively involved in her local church and enjoys connecting with people.
Jackie Curtis
Engage Programme Manager
Jackie joined the Mustard Tree team in January 2019.
She has a heart to help older isolated people make connections with other people on a personal level and to help increase their self worth.
In her spare time she enjoys reading, dancing and walks in the countryside.
Jackie Jackson
Rahab Programme Manager
Simon Ray
Starting Point Creative Lead
Simon joined the Mustard Tree team in April 2021.
A graphic designer with many years experience, Simon is the Starting Point Creative Programme Manager. Alongside producing any design work needs, he heads up Starting Point Studio – our creative work experience programme – including our alternate provision for schools. He brings energy and enthusiasm, and a desire to see young people grow in confidence, expression and technique.
He is mad about fonts. He also loves graffiti/street-art, music, films and the colour yellow.
Emma East
Starting Point Community Mentor
Emma joined Starting Point in October 2022 and is our Community Mentor.
She realised she had a passion for supporting and working with young people through her previous experience on a summer programme for teens back in 2018. She went on to study childhood and youth studies at university.
Emma is energetic and always talking. She loves to talk to young people and get to know them and their interests and enjoys seeing them grow in confidence and supporting them to achieve their goals.
Outside of work Emma enjoys going to West End Musicals and watching Disney films as she is a big Disney fan.
Rebekah Hathaway
Operations Administrator
Rebekah joined the Mustard Tree team in April 2026
She has worked in administration for many years, first as a civil servant and later running a small business with her husband. She enjoys streamlining processes and improving efficiency, and is passionate about supporting The Mustard Tree to reach as many people as possible.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking and going on long walks.
Amanda Bayley
Rahab Outreach Worker
Amanda joined Rahab as an Outreach Worker in June 2026 after volunteering for the Charity for 10 years.
She has had extensive experience within the Reading homelessness pathway for over 15 years, mostly working within faith based charities.
Amanda thrives on ensuring positive outcomes for vulnerable clients, coming alongside them to encourage and navigate through challenges and break down barriers within the homelessness system.
She spends her early mornings at the gym, on her bike or walking, her summer evenings playing Softball League Cricket and also enjoys spending time with family, visiting friends, going to the theatre and concerts, shopping and relaxing by the river.
Renee Griffiths
Community Engagement Mentor
Renee joined Starting Point in January 2025 as our Community Engagement Mentor.
Renee has been supporting young people & young adults for 10+ years in the form of mentoring, university workshops and youth focused initiatives. She believes that creating a healthy space for safe conversations, without the fear of shame is important for personal growth.
Outside of work, Renee enjoys cooking and going to the gym.
Jo White
Regional Co-ordinator
Jo is the Regional Co-ordinator for South and Central Reading.
Jo joined the Engage Befriending team in February 2020. She has working experience in both counselling settings, and providing support for vulnerable adults.
She enjoys seeing people flourish through the benefits of positive relationships.
In her spare time she loves seeing friends and family, swimming, spending time outdoors, and card making.
Sheila Cox
Regional Co-ordinator
Sheila is the Regional Co-ordinator for North and East Reading.
Sheila has spent most of her working life supporting vulnerable people. She’s committed to supporting older, isolated people through the work of Engage Befriending, and by leading a Pastoral Care Team at her church.
Sheila enjoys singing, walking and being with her five grandchildren during (any remaining!) spare time.