ABOUT US
Meet The Team
Donna - CQC Registered Manager & Qualified Counsellor
With a strong passion for helping individuals overcome addiction, Donna serves as the CQC Registered Manager, ensuring that the highest standards of care are maintained throughout our residential rehab. As a qualified counsellor, Donna brings a deep understanding of the therapeutic process, offering support to clients on their recovery journey. Drawing from both professional experience and lived experience, Donna is also dedicated to guiding and empowering family members affected by addiction. Donna believes in the transformative power of compassion, integrity, and personalised care in every step of recovery. I am a qualified counsellor holding a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills, and a voluntary member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychologists (BACP). As such I work within the BACP Ethical Framework and am supported in my work by a qualified supervisor, helping me to make sure that my work is safe and effective for us both. When I’m not at TRL, I work for a local counselling agency and in my own private practice.
Jamie Chaney – Director & Founder
Tamsin - Counsellor
Addiction is a hard master for those suffering and for their families and loved ones. Personal experience has shown me how easy it is to fall into, and how hard it is to get out, which is why I love working here. At The Recovery Lodge we help those struggling with the consequences of addiction and support people facing the physical and mental challenges which seem so hopeless at the beginning. We offer information about a new way of living which supports not only sobriety but an altogether happier and healthier life, along with counselling to help people come to terms with what’s gone before. It’s not just about getting clean and sober (believe it or not, that’s the easy bit!) it’s about learning to stay that way and thrive in life afterwards. Seeing people begin their journey to wholeness is a joy and a privilege for me. I am a qualified counsellor holding a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills, and a voluntary member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychologists (BACP). As such I work within the BACP Ethical Framework and am supported in my work by a qualified supervisor, helping me to make sure that my work is safe and effective for us both. When I’m not at TRL, I work for a local counselling agency and in my own private practice.
Karen – Rehabilitation Support Worker
Karen has worked as a support worker for The Recovery Lodge for 3 ½ years and has lived experience of addiction through family and friends. Karen enjoys seeing the growth of clients as they begin their journey into recovery. In her spare time she enjoys being outdoors in nature with her family and animals.
Jules - Counsellor
Professional in the field of addictions treatment and group psychotherapy since 1995. My approach to and understanding of the sometimes-elusive issue of recovery and rehabilitation continues to grow and refine. As a recovering alcoholic myself, I firmly believe in the reparative power of relationship with significant others based on emotional honesty and transparency. This process can best begin in the safety of residential treatment and needs to be continued and developed in the Fellowships of Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous.
Zara – Recovery Support Worker
My name is Zara and I am a grateful alcoholic in recovery. My journey started here at the recovery lodge in 2023, I am a passionate and dedicated individual with firsthand experience of the transformative power of rehabilitation and recovery. Having personally gone through the process of getting sober, I am deeply committed to supporting others on their journeys to wellness. My own experience in recovery has equipped me with a unique perspective on the challenges individuals face and the immense strength required to overcome them. As someone who understands the journey of healing from addiction, I strive to inspire hope, build trust, and guide others toward sustainable recovery.
Sian – Rehabilitation Support Worker
Sian brings personal experience of supporting a family member through addiction. This, combined with her professional experience as a support staff member at The Recovery Lodge and her background working with neurodiversity clients, makes her well-suited to this role.
Ian – Recovery Support Worker
Ian brings lived experience of addiction and a strong commitment to recovery, having maintained sobriety for four years. He currently works as support staff at The Recovery Lodge. Outside of work, Ian enjoys a fulfilling sober life with his family and has a passion for travel.
Nigel – Recovery Support Worker
Nigel has lived experience of Addiction and has been in recovery himself for the last 8 years. As well as support staff at the Recovery Lodge, Nigel has experience of working for a Mental Health Charity, supported living project, Drug and alcohol support within the justice system and working with the street homeless. Nigel has Diplomas in Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Mindfulness, and life coaching, he is a qualified C.R.A.F.T (Community Reinforcement and Family Trainer) and has previously been safe guarding lead at a Supported Housing Service.
Dennis - Counsellor
Vastly experienced in the field of addiction, with over forty years of personal recovery for my own alcoholism. Also with thirty plus years working as an addiction counsellor, using eclectic modules adapted to meet clients varied needs to aid ongoing recovery. Now semi-retired, I work part time at the Recovery Lodge, and in my own private practice.
Hazel – Advance Nurse Practitioner
I am currently working part-time as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in General Practice. I am an experienced clinician with a Master’s degree in Nurse Practitioner, (Strategic Leadership and Expert Practice). I excel as an independent autonomous practitioner, but also thrive in team environment, collaborating effectively with colleagues, and I have a real team spirit. With over 40 years of experience in the National Health Service (NHS). I bring strong critical thinking skills a dynamic approach to problem solving and an approachable, patient-centred demeanour. Aptitude I work autonomously, in Primary Care, initiating assessments and diagnoses. I have full prescribing rights similar to the doctors, allowing me to treat, implement and evaluate a range of complex care interventions for patients presenting with undifferentiated and undiagnosed conditions. I am skilled in making appropriate referrals to primary and secondary care. I continuously evaluate effectiveness of the treatment and referrals through autonomous and accountable clinical decision-making.
Rachel – Volunteer Recovery Support Worker
Hi I'm Rachel and I'm a recovering alcoholic. I've been sober and working a 12-step programme since March 2011 . I volunteer at the Recovery Lodge once a week as a way of helping people into recovery and showing them that life after active addiction is possible.
Hannah Bowie-Carlin – BSc (hons) Acupuncturist
I graduated from the University Of Westminster in 2004 with a BSc(hons) in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture. Throughout my career I have treated patients within NHS settings as well as being instrumental in setting up NHS acupuncture services. I have specialised in sports rehabilitation, musculo-skeletal problems, pain, drug & alcohol addiction. I have worked in both private residential as well as charity funded drug addiction programmes across the country for the past 20 years. I have used acupuncture to treat a wide range of conditions for both mental and physical health.
Maria Blose – Holistic Therapist
I am a qualified Reflexologist, Nutritionist, Reiki and Indian head practitioner supporting my clients through a holistic approach to health. My treatment are specifically tailored to the needs of each client individually to ensure they receive the appropriate support that works best for them. As a practitioner I specialise in promoting a healthy lifestyle and I am passionate about improving the overall health and wellbeing of all clients.
Helena – Non Executive Director
My name is Helena, I am one of the non-executive directors for the Recovery Lodge. I have been a part of the team since the very beginning and my role involves completing supervisions and generally supporting the manager with any ongoing concerns regarding the business. I started my career in care many years ago and enjoy doing qualifications which led me to becoming an assessor and tutor in health and social care. This has enabled me to support many clients, staff members and families.