Our Team

Dimitra Theofili - Banbury Lodge - Addictions and Eating Disorders Therapist
Dimitra Theofili
Lead Therapist
Dimitra Theofili holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, a MSc degree in Forensic Psychology and Criminology and a Master Practitioner Diploma in Eating Disorders and Obesity . She has extended training in Systemic and family therapy, systemic counselling, rewind- trauma therapy, anger management, self harm and suicide prevention treatment and team leading. She is a qualified therapist and registered member of BACP.
Dimitra is an experienced therapist with a proven history of working in mental health care. She started her professional career in the addiction & recovery field in 2004 as a social worker in NGO “Return” in Greece. There she completed her bachelor’s research in women’s alcoholism. It was rated as “excellent” and published by the University of Crete. During her research, Dimitra had first-hand experience of the struggles people with addiction would face and group therapy. She could see what was required to free oneself from addiction; both of the person suffering from the illness and of their loved ones. Her areas of expertise are group therapy, eating disorders, addiction counselling, couple’s therapy, crisis intervention, anger management and individual counselling. Dimitra had also worked as a special consultant in the Haemodialysis Unit of Henry Dunant Hospital of Athens, in the mental health rehabilitation Centre “Iremia” and in the recovery and rehabilitation centre “Filoktitis”. For the past 15 years, Dimitra is also working as a systemic, family therapist and eating disorder therapist in her private practice.
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Moth Riley
Administrator
Moth has previously worked to support others with their mental health and is now taking time to pursue their true passion: paperwork.
It is a pleasure for Moth to work alongside so many dedicated individuals, all sharing the common goal of helping others.
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Laura Ene - Banbury Lodge - Nurse
Laura Ene
Nurse

Laura joined Banbury Lodge team in November 2018, driven by the desire to help people who have come across addiction in their life, and she believes that substance misuse treatment should not only be replaced by prescribed medication but part of a holistic approach towards recovery, following a plan put together by a multidisciplinary team, covering all the aspects of one’s well being.

She has been using her general medical knowledge to help the clients at Banbury Lodge achieve an acceptable level of physical wellbeing whilst undergoing detox treatment, in order to be able to focus on the personal and psychological aspects of their lives, and ultimately, achieve recovery from substance misuse and addiction.

Her professional experience begins when she qualified as a general adult nurse in 2015 and began her career working as a nurse in elderly, dementia and palliative care field. She acquired a wide range of experience in the medical field while working in a nursing home, dealing with a variety of illnesses commonly occurring in elderly patients.

In 2018 she started working on a surgical ward, where she gathered experience in managing patients post-op. She underwent extensive training in order to fulfill her nursing duties and provide the best of care towards her patients, with a portfolio comprising venepuncture, catheterisation, BLS (basic life support), ILS (immediate life support), AIMS (acute illness management), early warning signs of deteriorating health, use of AED, intravenous drug administration, pain management, extensive wound management and more.

During her time spent as a nurse in the surgical ward, she developed a particular interest in pain management and how it is sometimes associated with substance misuse.

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Alex Newman
Therapist
Alex is qualified as a Person-Centred Experiential counsellor and has a passion for supporting individuals experiencing addiction.
During his training, Alex gained experience working with a drug and alcohol misuse charity in the Liverpool area, supporting family members of those in addiction and those experiencing addiction themselves. This instilled within him a drive to work with those in recovery. In this role, Alex enjoys drawing on his personal and professional experience to support the recovery of others.
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Caroline Tucker
Therapist
Caroline qualified last year as an Integrative Counsellor incorporating Person-Centred, Transactional Analysis and Gestalt therapies.
She has worked with differing presenting issues but has a particular interest in attachment, relationships and trauma. She has joined Banbury Lodge as she finds group work to be hugely rewarding.
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Olaf Nixon
Therapist
Olaf has been working in the therapeutic field for over twenty years. He recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling, adding to his extensive background in Transpersonal therapies, psychosynthesis and Anxiety Management.
He also has a specialism in helping clients understand and deal with Cults and Coercive control. His recent placement focused on working with Neurodiverse individuals or those awaiting a formal diagnosis. He is a registered member of the BACP and accredited with the NCPS. As a qualified hypnotherapist, meditation, mindfulness and transpersonal workshop facilitator he is able to work holistically at depth with a multitude of presenting issues. His primary specialties are with Complicated trauma, Inner Child work, Neurodiversity and spiritual health. Olaf also ran several community groups around the Northamptonshire area focusing on mental health and well-being and provided a space throughout the pandemic running an Online Karaoke group every week. His work is guided by a principle of mutual respect, trust and understanding, his clients often mention how they just feel calmer for being around him. “Only when we can truly accept and understand all the facets of our past, knowing where we came from, can we understand our present and take full control over our future.” Olaf Nixon
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Sian Lewis - Addiction Therapist
Sian Lewis
Addiction Therapist
I am a qualified Counsellor practicing in Person Centred Therapy and Wellbeing, currently working as a Counsellor and Wellbeing being Therapist for West London University. Trained in depression, trauma, substance abuse and bereavement, the majority of my background has been working in the mental health sector. Over the years I have worked with both children and adults with autism and a variety complex mental health issues.
When applicable, I have also started to introduce the medium of art into my practice. I feel this can help to unblock negativity and aid clients in understanding their emotions, this allowing clients to express feelings and thoughts that they otherwise struggle to. In my private practice I run Walking Talking Therapy, giving people the opportunity to talk, exercise and have new surroundings. I am thrilled to be joining Banbury Lodge and helping in the recovery journey for clients.
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David Farr
Bank Therapist
David has worked in addiction treatment since 2014. He worked in community services before moving into residential treatment centres in 2017.
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Richard Phalps
Bank Therapist
Richard joined the Banbury Lodge team in October 2022. Having completed his Counselling and Psychotherapy qualification in 2020, Richard started his private practise in Leamington Spa during the Covid pandemic.
Alongside his private work he was privileged to work part time for the NHS in the UK’s largest healthcare laboratory processing PCR tests and providing mental health support to fellow nightshift workers! Covid over, he was delighted to return to Banbury Lodge, this time as a Therapist, where he feels honoured to play a small part in the clients recovery journeys. He loves the client Group therapy sessions that provide a different challenge to the one-to-one sessions of his private practise work. His favourite recovery motto - “Recovery is a process, not an event”.
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Paul Avery
Part Time Therapist
Paul joined the team at Banbury Lodge after qualifying as a Person-Centred counsellor in 2024.
He has provided counselling through the NHS and addiction services in Warwickshire, and is a registered member of the BACP.
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Daisy Thompson - Recovery Support Worker
Daisy Thompson
Recovery Support Worker
I am looking forward to have direct client interaction within the treatment setting and providing support on to clients on a daily basis. I joined Banbury lodge looking for a change within the health care sector after being part of it for 2 years. I have an enthusiasm in personal centred and addiction and am looking forward to being part of the team.
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Olivia Mubaiwa
Recovery Support Worker
Olivia is a caring and patient support worker with a drive to see changes in people’s lives.
Have a proven ability to successfully help clients to retain, regain and develop confidence and skills needed for everyday life.
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Evelyn Cox
Recovery Support worker
I have worked in social care for the past six years and have a professional, compassionate and understanding approach.
I've come to Banbury lodge with an interest in working and developing my skills with individuals who have addictions, being a part of their journey, while working within a team dynamic.
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Stephanie Ufuah
Recovery Support Worker
Stephanie. E. Ufuah is an Agric-Economics and Extension Services graduate who delved into the health sector to fulfil her passion for human management.
With a Health and Social Care diploma from the London Professional Training Centre and her self-development and counselling understanding, she’s down to earth in working with clients and creating an ambience for adequate recovery. She is happy, contributing her quota and making a positive impact in Banbury Lodge.
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Abidemi Ogunkanmi
Recovery Support Worker
Abidemi started working in Addiction field about a year ago and has ever since been working with team of professionals to plan and deliver personalised recovery service, their proven experience in quality control has further helped their care career and over the years
, have often been praised by previous employers,service users and colleagues to be a detailed-oriented,compassionate individual and an exceptional team player. Having gained more than 5years in diverse healthcare sectors, they are looking forward to broadening their knowledge in addiction as they journey with the banbury lodge team.
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Daisy-Mae Hartwell
Bank Recovery Support Worker
I have worked within healthcare for the last 6 years in different sectors which has allowed me to gain a wide range of knowledge regarding medical needs, conditions and effective communication within a healthcare environment. I’m extremely compassionate and driven in what I do which helps me provide the best person centred support.
I'm excited for my new venture in addiction and seeing what difference I can make to people in need.
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Olivia Palin
Bank Support Worker
Olivia has worked in addiction since 2022, after completing a health and social care degree and focusing on their dissertation on how parental substance misuse impacts the life chances of their children.
Olivia is interested in meeting all sorts of people from all walks of life and looks forward to working as part of an amazing team.
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Dionne Jenje
Bank Support Worker
Dionne is a diligent and dedicated support worker with excellent communication skills.
She is passionate about person-centred care and helping people reach their potential and lead fulfilled lives. Dionne is compassionate and approachable. She is able to collaborate with management, doctors, therapists, and nurses to deliver the best possible care. Dionne has a strong understanding of relevant regulations and ethical standards related to privacy and consent.
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Maaria Ahmed
Bank Support Worker
Maaria has worked in the healthcare industry for over 12 years, gaining extensive experience in people management, direct support, and upholding exceptional standards of care.
She draws on her comprehensive background to ensure a person-centered approach, dedicated to delivering excellence in care. Supporting individuals to positively impact their quality of life brings her great satisfaction. Maaria is excited to join the team at Banbury Lodge, where she looks forward to contributing her 12 years of experience in the support sector and collaborating with her colleagues.
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Esther Obu
Night Support Worker
Esther is a dedicated support worker with a degree in Child Psychology and over two years of experience working with children and young people with complex and special needs.
Recently, she transitioned into supporting individuals with addictions, bringing her empathy, patience, and strong relationship-building skills to this new challenge. Esther is passionate about helping individuals overcome obstacles, achieve their full potential and looks forward to support clients through their recovery journey.
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Eve Ho
Housekeeper
Eve started working at Banbury Lodge in June 2024 as a housekeeper. She previously worked in a hotel in Banbury as a Housekeeping Supervisor for 1 year and 10 months.
Eve has a proven track record of working effectively in providing cleaning services and consistently works hard on daily tasks. Her adaptability allows her to work in various environments and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. Eve is happy to be a member of the Housekeeping Team at Banbury Lodge, where she contributes to providing excellent cleaning services to the guests.
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Kayleigh Brady
Housekeeper
Kayleigh worked her way up the career ladder in Health and Social Care, performing various roles, from support worker to stand-in Service Manager.
After 15 years, she felt it was time for a change. Kayleigh found the best of both worlds at Banbury Lodge, doing two things she loves: speaking with the clients to make a positive change to a person's day and cleaning, making use of many tips and hacks.
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Claire Betts
Bank Housekeeper
Claire is a very happy and bubbly person, who joined the housekeeping team at Banbury Lodge in August 2024.
She has worked in Housekeeping for 30+ years and she enjoys her line of work.
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Katalin Peto Kuruczne
Chef
Katalin wanted to work with the Banbury Lodge team because she greatly admires their dedication.
She had been searching for her place for a long time and desired to be part of a good team. Katalin finds it fulfilling to belong to a community that fosters growth, where collaborative work brings out the best in everyone.
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Greg Simmonds
Part Time Chef
Greg Simmonds has built a career in the catering industry, amassing over a decade of experience.
Now at Banbury Lodge, he’s made a shift from catering to large crowds to focusing on a more personalized dining experience for guests, bringing his passion for food to an intimate setting.
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Graeme Johnson
Maintenance
Graeme is excited to work at Banbury Lodge as the maintenance guru. If he can't fix it, he'll find someone who can.
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