Meet our dedicated team

Discover the passionate individuals behind the Dementia Training Academy. Our team, comprised of experts from diverse professional backgrounds, is united by a shared commitment to revolutionising dementia care. Learn about their unique skills and unwavering dedication that drive our mission forward, instilling confidence in our training and our future.

 

Our team combines lived experience, professional expertise, and creative leadership to raise the standards of dementia‑supportive practice

 

Together, we’re building a future where dementia training is defined by empathy, identity, and innovation

Aline Booth

Programme Director

Find out more about Aline

As our Project Director, Aline brings extensive lived experience from a specialised profession directly related to dementia care.

Aline's unique insights and strategic vision are crucial in developing and delivering our high-quality training programmes.

Aline's leadership embodies our dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by dementia, inspiring confidence in every aspect of our work at Dementia Training Academy.

Kate Pilkington

Trustee - Secretary and Community Engagement / Partnerships 

Find out more about Kate

Kate brings a lifetime of dedication to older adults and people living with dementia to her role as a Trustee of Dementia Training Academy. Her journey began at just 13 years old, volunteering after school in a nursing home, where she first discovered the profound impact of compassionate, person-centred care.

Over the years, Kate built an extensive career across health, social care, behavioural health, and dementia services in both the United States and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., she established a specialist senior services clinic for nursing home residents, recruited multidisciplinary healthcare teams, and pioneered partnerships between hospitals, physicians, psychiatrists, and long-term care providers to improve outcomes for older adults.

Alongside her professional achievements, Kate volunteered with organisations supporting people ageing with disabilities, helping to create safe and accessible home environments that promote independence, dignity, and quality of life.

After relocating to the UK in 2014, Kate continued to champion dementia-informed care, later founding Riverpath Care Ltd, a home care service developed in partnership with people living with dementia to ensure their voices helped shape staff training and care delivery.

Today, Kate's wealth of experience, leadership, and passion for dementia education make her an invaluable Trustee of Dementia Training Academy. She is committed to advancing understanding, challenging stigma, and helping create communities and organisations where people living with dementia are empowered, respected, and able to thrive.

Lawrence McAnelly

Trustee - Chair

Find out more about Lawrence

Lawrence is proud to serve as a Trustee of Dementia Training Academy, bringing a lifetime of experience working with people of all ages across communities in the North East of England.

Throughout his career, Lawrence has played a leading role in developing and supporting charities and social enterprises, always motivated by a belief that life is for living and that every person should have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. He values the simple pleasures in life, enjoys live music, and keeps active through running and exercise.

Having witnessed first-hand the impact of dementia on individuals, families, and communities, Lawrence has developed a deep appreciation of both the resilience of family carers and the vital contribution made by dedicated staff and volunteers. He understands the difference that skilled, compassionate, and knowledgeable support can make, particularly during challenging times.

This is why Lawrence is so passionate about the work of Dementia Training Academy. He believes that high-quality, up-to-date dementia education is more important than ever, and that the Academy's unique approach, grounded in lived experience, makes it a powerful resource for people, organisations, and communities everywhere. Through his role as Trustee, Lawrence is committed to helping promote a future where greater understanding, confidence, and compassion support everyone affected by dementia.

 

Carol Sargent

Trustee - Financial

Find out more about Carol

Stephen Thomas

Trustee - Governance

Find out more about Stephen

Stephen has spent his career supporting people and communities across the North East, working in local government, the voluntary sector, and health and care services. For the past 13 years, he has worked with Healthwatch Hartlepool, championing the voices of local people and helping improve health and social care services.

A passionate advocate for dementia awareness and support, Stephen chaired Dementia Friendly Hartlepool CIO for five years and played a leading role in developing Hartlepool’s first town-wide dementia strategy.

He is delighted to join the Dementia Training Academy CIO and is committed to helping deliver high-quality training that makes a real difference to people living with dementia, their families, carers, and professionals.

 

Jessica Holmes

Trustee - Marketing

Find out more about Jess

Jessica Holmes is Head of Creative Marketing at Ravencourt Living, where she combines creativity, communication, and a passion for improving lives to promote innovative products that support people to live well with disability.

She is committed to engaging audiences through meaningful storytelling and helping organisations raise awareness of solutions that enhance independence, wellbeing, and quality of life.

Jessica is delighted to support the Dementia Training Academy CIO and its mission to improve dementia awareness, education, and person-centred care.

"The dedication and expertise of the Dementia Training Academy team are truly inspiring. Knowing their diverse backgrounds fills me with confidence in the quality of training they provide."

Founder - Michael Anthony Booth