Meet The Relate Team

Our management team are responsible for the effective management and running of Relate London North East and Essex. They’re also here to give you the best possible service and provide you with the information and support you need.

Meet The Team

Caroline Hattersley MEd MIoD

CEO

Caro joined Relate London, North, East & Essex as the CEO in 2022. She holds qualifications in leadership, counselling and psychotherapy and has had two books published alongside various research papers. She is a member of the Institute of Directors with over 25 years’ experience working nationally and internationally in a range of settings with vulnerable and extremely marginalised groups and communities, with children, young people and adults. Having worked for so many years to support people in crisis, Caro is passionate about supporting people to have better relationships across their lives, as these are the foundation stones of our lives and strong relationships are vital to protect against life’s challenges.

Sue Cook

Head of Mediation Services

Sue is our Head of Mediation services at Relate London North East & Essex. Sue helped establish the service in 2000, achieving the Mediation Quality Mark and Legal Aid contract. Sue’s passion is family mediation, our work with children and young people ensuring their voices are heard in the process and reducing parental conflict. Sue collaborated with Professor Jan Walker Head of Family Policy at Newcastle University on research into the outcomes of children in family mediation and this work has supported the development of our services. Sue was also part of the team who introduced family mediation to the Principal Registry Family Division – the high court for family law. Prior to joining Relate Mediation; Sue worked for a large service company as PA to the Regional Director.

Lesley Kelsey

Head of Services

Lesley is the Head of Services at Relate London North East & Essex and joined in 1999. She is responsible for developing services, project managing various contracts, including working to support clients affected by homelessness, working with young people at risk of gang membership and young girls at risk of sexploitation. Lesley collaborates with the clinical management team in the recruitment of placement students ensuring all practitioners are up to date with relevant training, enabling the smooth running of the services. She is passionate about the work that Relate does supporting a hugely diverse client group to strengthen relationships and aid communication. Lesley also works closely with the finance co-ordinator running the monthly payroll and monitoring service income.

Shelley Smith

Executive Assistant

Shelley Smith is our Executive Assistant and has been a valuable member of Relate London North East & Essex since 2013. In her role, she works closely with the management team and handles a diverse array of responsibilities. Her duties range from administrative tasks to project management, coordinating courses for the counsellors and large-scale events showcasing her versatility and organizational skills. Before joining Relate, Shelley had an enjoyable career with the NHS, where she worked in various roles for over 20 years. Her extensive experience in healthcare administration has equipped her with a wealth of skills and insights that she brings to her current position.

Chithira Rajasegaran

Finance

Chithira has been with Relate London North East & Essex since 2007 and manages the financial processes and procedures for the organisation. Her role involves creating detailed financial reports, confidently presenting budgets, and addressing feedback from the Board and wider team. Additionally, she works closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Team, Treasurer, and Board to support our strategic goals and financial planning. Chithira also collaborates with the CEO to manage funds and monitor reserves effectively. Outside of work, she finds balance and inspiration through meditation, enjoys travelling and exploring new cultures, and is an avid reader. She also cherishes spending quality time with family and friends, as these experiences enrich her life and fuel her passion for her role at Relate North East London.