Meet The Team
Founder/Trustee - Tasha Sorhaindo
My name is Tasha, and I’m the founder of Chronically Marvellous.
I set this charity up in May 2023 with one of my daughters who was only 12 at the time based on my own lived experience of living with long-term health conditions and everything that comes with them. I know what it feels like to have your life change, to feel misunderstood, isolated and sometimes forgotten. I wanted to create something that could make a genuine difference to others going through similar experiences.
My children and grandchildren are a huge part of both my life and the charity. They are my world and a big part of the reason I keep going, keep fighting and continue to build Chronically Marvellous. I want them to see that even when life changes in ways we never expected, we can still find purpose and use our experiences to help others.
For me, Chronically Marvellous is about seeing the person behind the illness. It’s about creating a safe space where people feel heard, valued and supported, without being defined by a diagnosis.
Outside of the charity, I enjoy playing the alto saxophone, I’ve always loved tennis (although sadly I can no longer play), and I have a real passion for cooking. These are the things that make me who I am beyond my health. I am incredibly proud of what Chronically Marvellous has achieved in such a short time and the lives we have touched. My hope is that through the charity, we can help people feel less alone, remind them of their worth and show them that although their condition is now a part of their life it does not have to define the beautiful individual they are.
Meet The Team
Co Founder - Jayden Sorhaindo
Hey, I'm Jaydi the co-founder of Chronically Marvellous!
I helped my mum set this up after seeing my mum's unwavering determination to help people going through similar experiences to her. Honestly, she is a huge inspiration to all and I really look up to her!
I've seen my mum's struggles through the years first-hand and I know how much courage she has to get through it all, she wanted to create this charity to spread her warmth and infectious determination for those who are struggling with chronic illness/ long-term health conditions/ etc.
Back in 2023, we were quite underground with a number of team members that I could count on my hands. However, through the years, our charity has flourished into something beautiful and developed with way more people on the team ready to support others! I am very proud of how far we have come so far and look forward to what my mum will plan next.
When I don't have my co-founder hat on, I love to sing, dance, draw and make people laugh! Laughter and happiness is one of the best ways to cheer someone up and I love to be silly and get smiles out of people. I'm basically free entertainment and all things creative!
Meet The Team
CEO - Alex Bergh
“Alex is proud to have served Chronically Marvellous as CEO since August 2025, he quickly fell in love with the charity, it’s management and volunteers. He runs a number of medical related businesses on the Wirral and in his free time enjoys spending time with his young family, playing racket sports and attempting to play golf. He is also a member of the charity ’Sporting Bears’, supporting children’s charities throughout the UK”
Meet The Team
Trustee & Safeguarding Officer - Laura Roach
Hi, I'm Laura a Trustee and Safeguarding Officer here at Chronically Marvellous.
I joined CM back in its early days, and I'm still just as passionate about raising awareness and supporting people living with long-term health conditions as I was when I started.
Day to day, you'll find me dealing with safeguarding matters in the office, setting up the cinema screen at one of our events, or popping up pretty much everywhere and anywhere in between. I like being hands-on and close to the action. What I love most is being right at the core of the charity's mission: getting help to where it's needed most.
Outside of CM, you'll usually find me spending quality time with my family, listening to music, out in nature, or planning my next trip away.
Meet The Team
Trustee - Adam Sandelson
Adam is a Senior BACP Accredited Counsellor/ Psychotherapist, with 30 years experience in the NHS and university sector. He has been accredited since 1993, and is now registered to SCoPEd Column C. He worked for 11 years in the NHS, including managing a local counselling service covering 13 GP practices. He has 16 years’ experience managing a large counselling service and later worked as a senior manager responsible for counselling, mental health and disability services at the London School of Economics (LSE). He has also been a Trustee for BlindAid.
Adam is passionate about improving access to high quality support for people living with long term health conditions, disabilities and other forms of marginalisation. He has particular experience of supporting individuals adjusting to significant changes in their health and day to day lives, and brings extensive clinical and service-management experience to his work with Chronically Marvellous.
Meet The Team
Head Trustee - Koshi Blavo Barna
Meet The Team
Trustee - Gill Cooke
Meet The Team
Trustee - Stephanie Juniat
Meet The Team
Trustee - Neha Bhattacharyya
Meet The Team
Treasurer Trustee - Alistair Gray
Alistair, our Treasurer, is a retired Chartered Accountant with an MBA from London Business School. His former roles include Finance Director, Group Finance Director and CEO of various international and UK businesses. He has worked and done business in over 30 countries. Now he enjoys working with small organisations, start ups & Charities. As he has recently been diagnosed with a Chronic condition he felt that it would be wholly appropriate to offer his skills and experience to Chronically Marvellous for as long as he is still able.
Counsellors
Lisa
Antonella
Mahek
I am a placement counsellor at Chronically Marvellous. I enjoy keeping active, staying healthy and, most importantly, having plenty of fun along the way!
Mahek
Antonella
Mahek
I am Mahek, a qualified counsellor with an MSc in Person Centered Counselling and post training in Emotion Focus Therapy. I have volunteered with Chronically Marvellous for over two years. Over the past few years, I have worked with individuals experiencing chronic illness and it's impact on anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, rela
I am Mahek, a qualified counsellor with an MSc in Person Centered Counselling and post training in Emotion Focus Therapy. I have volunteered with Chronically Marvellous for over two years. Over the past few years, I have worked with individuals experiencing chronic illness and it's impact on anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem. I have experience working with different nationalities, ethnicities and backgrounds in both short term and long term settings.
At the heart of my work is the belief that many of the struggles we experience as adults make sense when we understand the experiences that shaped us. Together, we can explore where these patterns may have originated and how they continue to influence your life today.
Clients often describe me as warm, calm, thoughtful, and insightful. I value creating a space where you feel genuinely heard and understood. I believe therapy is not about judging whether something is "big enough" to talk about; if something is affecting you, it deserves attention and understanding.
Antonella
Antonella
Antonella
I am a volunteer counsellor at Chronically Marvellous. I am passionate about supporting others and helping people feel heard, understood, and welcomed. In my spare time, I enjoy walking in nature, meditating, listening to relaxing music, and spending time with my family and friends.
Michelle
Antonella
Antonella
Julia
Michelle
Selena
.
Selena
Michelle
Selena
.
Michelle
Michelle
Michelle
My practice is grounded in empathy, inclusion, respect, and cultural understanding. Having lived in three countries and travelled to over 40, I bring a broad, open-minded perspective to my work. At heart, I’m a nurturer who believes that feeling truly heard and understood creates space for meaningful growth and change.
Sarah
Michelle
Michelle
I'm Sarah and I’m a volunteer counsellor at Chronically Marvellous. I really value creating a space where people feel seen, heard and able to be themselves. I love photography, both being behind the camera and capturing moments that make people feel seen, and I think that’s influenced the way I notice and connect with people. I also love travelling, being outdoors in nature and a good rom-com!
Bekki
Olivia
Bekki
I am a qualified person-centred counsellor who volunteers at Chronically Marvellous. I offer the core conditions of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence, lending a listening ear to those in need. I am particularly passionate about supporting those who face the challenges of chronic illness. When my body allows me, I love to sing on stage and travel to different countries
Kate
Olivia
Bekki
I am a trainee in Gestalt therapy. My aim is to try to make our community stronger and happier for everyone by volunteering at Chronically Marvellous
Marwa
Olivia
Olivia
I am a volunteer Psychotherapeutic Counsellor at Chronically Marvellous. I offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where clients can explore life’s challenges and feel genuinely heard. Outside counselling, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, listening to music and seeing live bands, and travelling whenever I get the chance
Olivia
Olivia
Olivia
Supervisors
Sophie Copage
Sophie Copage
Sophie Copage
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Trish Bell
Sophie Copage
Sophie Copage
‘I currently support volunteer counsellors as a counselling supervisor at chronically marvellous. To support the work that I do I enjoy spending time outdoors through activities such as wild swimming and gardening. I also enjoyed being creative in many ways which provides an opportunity for self-expression and reflection.’
Amy
Sophie Copage
Amy
Medical Team
Dr Issbah
Dr Abhinav
Dr Issbah
"I am a course facilitator at Chronically Marvellous, with a background in chronic disease management and a passion for raising awareness and supporting people living with long-term health conditions. I also host podcasts with our service users, providing a platform for them to share their experiences and help others better understand chr
"I am a course facilitator at Chronically Marvellous, with a background in chronic disease management and a passion for raising awareness and supporting people living with long-term health conditions. I also host podcasts with our service users, providing a platform for them to share their experiences and help others better understand chronic conditions. I enjoy connecting with people, learning from their stories and helping to make a positive difference in the community.*
Kotravai
Dr Abhinav
Dr Issbah
My name is Kotravai, and I am the head of mental health services at Chronically Marvellous. I have a Master’s in clinical health psychology and experience in front-line health care with autistic young adults and as a community rights worker working with care leavers and care experienced people, besides other things. I chose psychology bec
My name is Kotravai, and I am the head of mental health services at Chronically Marvellous. I have a Master’s in clinical health psychology and experience in front-line health care with autistic young adults and as a community rights worker working with care leavers and care experienced people, besides other things. I chose psychology because I love going down rabbit holes so much I decided to make it my profession. I like to read, so when I’m not working, you will probably see me with a book.
Dr Abhinav
Dr Abhinav
Dr Abhinav
Support Group Facilitators
Claire
Claire
Claire
I am one of the support group leaders for the online support group. I enjoy learning, getting outdoors and being physically active.
Zoya
Claire
Claire
Zoya Jahanzaib is a Gold Medalist in MPhil Psychology and an experienced Psychology Lecturer and Adult Workforce Counsellor. She currently works with adult inpatients, providing emotional and psychological support and helping individuals manage their difficulties in a safe, supportive and respectful environment.
Her approach is compassiona
Zoya Jahanzaib is a Gold Medalist in MPhil Psychology and an experienced Psychology Lecturer and Adult Workforce Counsellor. She currently works with adult inpatients, providing emotional and psychological support and helping individuals manage their difficulties in a safe, supportive and respectful environment.
Her approach is compassionate and person-centred, with a strong focus on wellbeing, emotional stability, effective communication and helping individuals feel heard, valued and supported throughout their care.
Counselling Administrators
Melissa
Melissa
Melissa
I have been volunteering as Counselling Administrator at Chronically Marvellous for a couple of years, alongside work in both a local primary school and secondary school. In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis, DIY, F1 and spending time with my family.
Chahna
Melissa
Melissa
I’m an Administrator at Chronically Marvellous, where I enjoy supporting the team and the community. Alongside my role, I have a huge love for animals and dedicate my time to rescuing and fostering cats, giving them a safe and loving home until they find their forever families. I love being able to give back and make a difference, whether that’s supporting people or animals.