Emily has worked in adult social care for over sixteen years, with both private and public sector organisations. Her career began as a support worker and she has held various management posts before joining Thera East Anglia. Emily is extremely passionate about providing excellent, person-centred support and has experience of delivering Positive Behavioural Support, an area which she is committed to and passionate about.
I joined the Camden Society (London) back in September 2021, and was the Service Quality Director for about just over 2 years. Then started as Head of Development in November 2023, for about 9 months working in an equal role. Then I joined Thera East Anglia in September 2024 as a Service Quality Director where I have been enjoying my role, and my experience of having a learning disability.
Andy initially trained with Unilever in Marketing, then moved into the international arena, taking well established UK brands into numerous markets. In 2008 his career changed direction when he became a Support Manager for Affinity Trust. Andy moved to the Royal Mencap Society, managing supported living and domiciliary care services around Bury St Edmunds.
Recently retired, Andy says it has been a privilege to support people in the community and make a difference to people’s lives. Andy hopes he can continue to make a difference in his new role with Thera and in the Trusteeship he has taken up with The Prospects Trust.
My actual name is Anthony Burns although everyone calls me Joe which is my middle name. I am a Chartered Engineer and have worked all over the world designing and building roads, bridges, schools and hospitals and many other things. I have had a lifelong association with people with a learning disability. I was on the lookout for an opportunity to contribute my experience to a charity to which I could identify, so when I saw the advert for a Non-Exec director I applied immediately.
Bill joined Thera East Anglia as a Non-Executive Director during the Covid-19 pandemic, and has worked in advocacy, IT and retail. Bill has lived experience and knows what it's like to claim for benefits, live independently with support, and understand certain information amongst many other challenges people face. Bill hopes to contribute and use his own experiences to help point Thera East Anglia in the right direction.
Simon is a Partner at Data Protection Network where he enjoys advising senior leadership teams on how to protect people’s personal information and establish strong governance practices. Before focussing on data protection, he was Head of Data & Online Marketing at a leading publishing company.
Simon was delighted to join the TEA board in 2023 as Non-Executive Director. He’s passionate about helping people with learning difficulties to lead happy and fulfilled lives and keen to make a positive contribution.
Clare is Head of HR at the Road Haulage Association, a trade association that supports the road transport industry. As part of her role there she gets involved with supporting on all people aspects as part of the Senior Leadership team.
Clare joined the TEA board in 2025 as Non-Executive Director. Clare has a life long passion for helping people with a learning disability to lead the best life of their choosing so was delighted to take up this position to contribute to the success of Thera East Anglia.
Katie is passionate about making sure people with a learning disability live good lives, believing we should all strive to get the very best outcomes for people by thinking outside the box and challenging the norm.
Katie’s professional experience includes HR, company operations, and development projects, including 6 years as Thera’s Head of Development, an equal leadership role which combines the skills and knowledge of a business development professional with the lived experience of someone with a learning disability.
Now Group Executive Director – Development and Innovation at Thera, Katie’s day to day role oversees the development of innovative support solutions for people with a learning disability, ensuring people have choice and control over their own lives.