Caragh Sanders-Wright

DIRECTOR

I have specialised in eating disorders for most of my career and have always been dedicated to improving people’s lives. Helping people with eating disorders can be complex and challenging, but the smallest change can make a life-changing difference and I find this a deeply satisfying mission.

My background is in dietetics and I joined EDS in 2013 as the specialist eating disorder dietitian. I undertook this role until 2020, when I became EDS’s Clinical Manager and then in 2022 I was appointed Director.

My job requires a considerable range of skills and knowledge, so I have undertaken further education throughout my career. I hold a BSc (hons) in dietetics, a Post Graduate Certificate in Eating Disorders, an MSc in Human Nutrition, a Post Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership and Management and am currently studying for a MSc in Leadership.

I strongly believe in sharing good practice so I regularly contribute articles to professional journals such as Dietetics Today, Complete Nutrition and the British Dietetic Association.

Leading the incredible EDS team is a huge privilege for me. I am motivated by a strong desire to see both colleagues and the organisation as a whole go from strength to strength.

Outside of work I enjoy family time and am a committed marathon and ultra-marathon runner.

Claire Russell

Practice Manager

I joined EDS as Practice Manager in July 2021 with many years’ experience in commercial management, after making the switch to charity and healthcare to pursue my passion for improving the lives of others.

Working here is both rewarding and inspiring, I feel privileged to be here, I get to make a difference every day. I am passionate about making the numbers work, I love a spreadsheet, learning new skills and developing improvements.  However, mostly I love being part of an innovate team who are all dedicated to working together to achieve the charities aims and objectives. 

Working alongside a team of such skilled and motivated professionals challenges me to be the best I can be, inspiring me to complete my greatest professional achievement to date, a nationally accredited qualification in healthcare and management to become a certified Practice Manager. 

Outside of work, I spend most of my weekends standing in the wind, rain, sleet, snow and occasionally sunshine, supporting my son’s football team. I have little knowledge of the rules of the game but appreciate the effort and teamwork as they support each other through the ups and the downs.

Kathryn Maries

Therapist & therapy coordinator

Kathryn is a BACP qualified psychotherapist and supervisor. 

In 2012 Kathryn started as a volunteer and has been working with eating disorder clients at EDS for over 11 years.  Kathryn has developed an extensive knowledge of eating disorder specific therapeutic interventions; she delivers individual therapy, and supervision to the EDS team.

Kathryn is also responsible for developing and delivering the Body Image group to both community and day service clients,  which provides invaluable support to clients post therapy to help them remain in recovery.

Away from work, Kathryn enjoys traveling and reading fiction.

Jess Mitchell

tHERAPIST

Jess is a BACP qualified psychotherapist and has been with EDS since 2021 when she joined us having spent many years working with and supporting young adults.

Jess has an array of skills with a particular interest in supporting young adults to navigate their eating disorders in the complexities of today’s society. She offers support to clients attending the Day service as well as individual therapy.

Jess facilitates and leads the carers support programme offering skills and support to loved ones supporting someone with an eating disorder.

Jess enjoys travel, and spending time with her family and dog.

Robert Melvin

Assistant Psychologist & day service lead

Rob joined EDS in 2022 as an assistant psychologist and is a registered member of the BPS with an MSc in Clinical Psychology. He delivers one to one therapy, assessments and group work.

In 2023 Rob became the day service lead and is responsible for co-ordinating this fundamental part of the Plymouth care pathway. This involves researching and developing the programme to ensure it remains in line with clinical changes and meets client needs. He enjoys watching clients take on challenges and grow in confidence.

Rob is enthusiastic about music, dancing and art; he recently starred alongside Jeremy Irons in a Shakespeare production.

Madeline Scott

Assistant Psychologist

Maddie joined the team in 2023 as an Assistant Psychologist and is a registered member of the BPS with an MSc in Clinical Psychology. 

Maddie has a special interest in both Autism and ADHD. Maddie is responsible for delivering both one-to-one therapy and exposure work. She provides weekly skills sessions in our Day Service and co-facilitates the Body Image Group. 

Maddie attends regular drop-in sessions at local universities helping to raise awareness of eating disorders.  When not in work Maddie enjoys spending time with her family and dog.

Sara Saini

Assistant pSYCHOLOGIST

Sara is an Assistant psychologist with an MSc in Clinical Psychology and is a registered member of the BPS. She joined us in 2023 bringing with her a comprehensive knowledge of cultural complexities in todays society.  Sara provides one-to-one therapy, undertakes assessments and delivers the psycho-education group for the day service.

Sara has researched and co-developed a therapy tool highlighting how working with eating disorders continues to evolve.  Alongside this she has recently published an article on orthorexia.

Outside of work Sara has a passion for dancing and the beach.

Natalie Strachan

Dietician

Natalie is a HCPC-registered Dietitian specialising in eating disorders, she is also a member of the British Dietetic Association.

Natalie has been with EDS since 2022 bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise having worked for many years with eating disorder services outside of Plymouth.

Natalie provides one to one dietetic advice and meal plans to support clients, helping them improve their relationship with food by identifying and addressing nutritional imbalances and dispelling food myths.

Away from work Natalie likes photography, yoga and spending time outdoors.

Debbie Weymouth

Admin

Debbie is responsible for all administration and support for the service.

She joined EDS in March 2022 with over 20 years of combined customer service and administrative experience. She brings a positive attitude, excellent communication and interpersonal skills to EDS.

Her attention to detail, ability to multitask and her overall can-do attitude help the service reach it’s goals.

Outside of work Debbie enjoys skiing, spending time with family and friends, and walking her dog.