Staff and Trustees

Valentina, is a graduate in social work from the Theological Faculty of the prestigious University of Bucharest, who joined Children in Distress in 1998 to lead the Charity's 'Street Children' project, she graduated with a master’s degree in Third Sector management from Sheffield University in 2017. Vali, is the powerhouse and inspiration for many of CID's projects and programmes delivered from St Margaret's Centre for Children's Care Services. In her wider role as Executive Director CID Ro, she was instrumental in achieving full registration from the National Authority for Child Protection for all of Copii in Dificultate's projects and in the past she organised the Charity's acclaimed International Autism Conference programme. She sponsors the drive to develop programmes that meet the need of the terminally and incurably ill, children who are destitute and disadvantaged and works tirelessly to champion their cause. Vali, would welcome your call on 0044212193121 or you can email on vali@cid.org.ro Valentina has accepted the challenge of further co-coordinating the work of the charities which make up Children in Distress Charity Alliance and will become lead manager for both CID UK & CID Ro from January 2019

Tina joined in September 2015 having returned to work after surgery and a long period of post recuperation. Previously, Tina’s career has included working in the banking industry and with social work services. In her most recent post, she spent seven years as an administrator for another community-based children’s charity near her home in Glasgow. She has bought a wealth of knowledge in administrations and is blessed with a high attention to detail and is never deterred from learning the operations of new computer software. Since joining the charity, she has honed her skills by quickly picking up the intricacies of the charity’s donor database system and revamped the charity’s child sponsors newsletter and acquired new design skills using Publisher and Adobe design.

Julian has worked in the third sector for several years, supporting young people, Black and Minority Ethnic communities, carers, children, and community development. His main roles have been in information management, service development, marketing, and communications. He has worked for both local and national organisations, including the NHS in Scotland and in partnerships with the local and national government. Julian would welcome your call on 0141 559 5690 or by email: julian.dawydiak@childrenindistress.org.uk

You may just recognise our newest member of staff from previous posts on our website. Lesleyann Connelly has been volunteering for Children in Distress for the past 2 ½ years and more recently helping with the administration in the office. A qualified nursery school teacher, Lesleyann brings a wealth of knowledge on all things Child Protection and the latest GIRFEC legislation. (Getting it Right For Every Child). Lesleyann would welcome your call on 0141 559 5690 or by email: lesleyann.connelly@childrenindistress.org.uk

Tracy has worked in retail and customer services for many years. She graduated to manageress of our Guisborough shop in 2013 and has overseen the shop undergo a total refurbishment. During that time, it has become one of the best shops in the North East of England. A busy single Mum, Tracy enjoys her job and the people she meets daily. She is the first to say that no two days are the same. Most of all Tracy loves knowing that all the effort her and the shop volunteers put in, is making a difference to such a worthwhile charity. Tracy would welcome your call and offers of donations and/or help. Call: 01287630770