MEET THE TEAM
BRISTOL
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​Studio Manager - Hal Camplin
Hal is a qualified, HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist (University of South Wales and a painter. He trained in psychodynamic person-centred art therapy, employing mindfulness-based techniques with a special interest in active imagination and parts work (such as Internal Family Systems).
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Studio Manager - MJ Jessel
MJ is a qualified, HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist (from Goldsmiths University) with a background in creative arts. MJ has worked therapeutically at the Notre Dame Refugee Centre, and at the British Red Cross as a creative group facilitator for adolescents and adults from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are interested in making safe therapeutic spaces more accessible.
Studio Manager - Samantha McNamara
Samantha is a practicing artist, dedicated to the intersection of creativity and healing. With an MA in Art Psychotherapy from the University of South Wales and a background in Contemporary Design Crafts, she brings a unique, hands-on understanding of the artistic process to her clinical work. She has extensive experience in community-based settings, including facilitating therapeutic groups for people living with dementia, mothers seeking mindfulness, and children within school systems.
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Studio Manager - Robin Owens
Robin is a qualified, HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist (Edinburgh University) and also works therapeutically with Family Compass.
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Studio Manager - Naomi Young
Naomi Young (MSc, BA Hons) is an Art Psychotherapist and freelance Artist who thrives on facilitating creative workshops that empower and inspire. With experience in environmental sustainability, landscape architecture, and community mental health, Naomi offers a unique, holistic perspective to the Studio Upstairs team. She is a proactive advocate for justice and accessibility, drawing on her clinical experience at Home Link Family Support and the Priory Hospital to create containing, reflective spaces. Naomi remains a dedicated practitioner of mixed-media arts, believing that "reaching" through creativity is essential for human wellbeing.
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NORTH LONDON
Administrator - Natalie Surridge
Natalie joins the team with a diverse background in customer service and administrative roles. Her most recent experience includes working as a customer contact advisor for a local authority, where she excelled at communication and problem-solving. Previously, she held positions supporting mental health services and retail customers, demonstrating a commitment to helping others and a strong work ethic. Natalie is also an artist having earned a BA in Fine Arts from Norwich University of Arts.
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Senior Studio Manager - David Fried
A registered HCPC art therapist, David has been working as a Senior Manager for Studio Upstairs since 2006 having previously worked as a Studio Manager and volunteer. David studied Fine Art BA (Hons) at Middlesex Polytechnic. He is a MA Postgraduate at the Royal College of Art and Art Therapy graduate at St. Alban School of Art. He has over twenty-five years of experience in the field and also works part-time as an art therapist within the NHS facilitating a variety of art therapeutic groups and working with inpatients.
Studio Manager - Shahla Isfahani
Shahla is an HCPC registered Art Therapist and BAAT member. She joined Studio in 2008 and has many years of experience working with adults and adolescents in various settings, including NHS Trusts and charity organizations. She has worked with refugees who are survivors of human rights abuse and as a visiting tutor at Hertfordshire University for foundation and MA art therapy students.
Shahla has won the ‘Art Therapy Essay Prize Competition’ awarded by BAAT and Taylor & Francis publications and published her article in the International Journal of Art therapy: Inscape (2008).
Studio Manager - Kristina Page
Kristina has over 6 years of experience with Studio Upstairs when she also worked with the Claremont Psychotherapies project. She was an Associate Lecturer on the MA Art Psychotherapy course (Golsmiths University) and previously an Art Therapist for Headway. Kristina is an HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist, clinical supervisor of trainees and recently completed a Diploma course with IGA. She is very committed to her own training and development as well as to maintaining active art practice.
Studio Manager - Helen Omand
Helen is an HCPC registered art therapist and an artist. Helen has been involved with the Studio Upstairs since 2007 and also has experience working in both NHS and educational settings. She has worked on a multidisciplinary research project at University College London using images with adults with chronic pain.
Helen has a background in film making and video and has facilitated arts in health projects, community arts projects and given workshops for training art therapists.
Studio Manager - Fiona Toth-Gillies
Fiona qualified in Art Therapy at the La Trobe University, Melbourne. She has experience from a wide range of settings and previously worked at the North London Studio as a volunteer and cover manager.
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Studio Manager - Murireann Hanlon
Muireann is a qualified Art Psychotherapist and experienced SEND educator who has facilitated creative programs at institutions such as MoMA and WAC Arts. She combines clinical expertise with a background in textiles to provide therapeutic support across a diverse range of educational and community settings.
SOUTH LONDON
Administrator - Sally Davies
Sally is an arts administrator with 13 years of experience working in community settings, art projects, and galleries. This includes curator roles with the Tate Modern learning and outreach programme. After a BA (Hons) Cultural Studies, Norwich School of Art and Design, she then completed an MA in Contemporary Art Theory, at Goldsmiths College, University of London.
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​Administrator - Bookeeper - Beenta Patel
​Beenta is our dedicated bookkeeper and administrator at Studio Upstairs. With over 10 years of experience, she keeps our operations running smoothly, handling everything from administration to management tasks.
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Studio Manager - Emma-Karin Gerdin-Miosga​​​
Emma-Karin is a qualified Art Psychotherapist (MA) and BEM recipient with specialist experience in NHS adult mental health and neurological rehabilitation. Currently serving as a Studio Manager at both Croydon and Dalston, she combines her clinical expertise with a passion for maintaining a vibrant and safe creative community for our members.
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Studio Manager - Hannah Hewins​​​
Hanna is an HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist and published author dedicated to developing anti-oppressive and inclusive therapeutic practices. Currently working within NHS forensic services, she combines her clinical expertise in 1:1 and group work with a passion for intersectional feminism and creative co-production.
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Studio Manager - Louise Johnstone
Louise Johnstone (MA, University of Roehampton) is an Art Psychotherapist and Fine Artist. She has a background in delivering therapeutic interventions within the NHS and community settings. She is committed to promoting equality and inclusion, using her expertise in art psychotherapy to support individuals experiencing mental health difficulties through mindful, creative practice and community connection.
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Studio Manager - Ana Cristina Rojas Vega​​​
Ana Cristina Rojas Vega (MA, BA Hons) is an HCPC Registered Art Psychotherapist and Fine Artist with a Merit from Goldsmiths, University of London. Also working as a school-based therapist, Ana has a proven track record of managing complex caseloads and facilitating therapeutic groups for adults and children from diverse backgrounds. A former Studio Upstairs volunteer, she is a strong advocate for the "artist-to-artist" relationship within therapeutic settings. Ana’s work is characterised by a focus on psychodynamic containment, active listening, and a passion for making the arts accessible to all members of the community.
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DIRECTORS & TRUSTEES
Trustee/ Director: Pernilla Rosendahl
Pernilla has extensive senior level experience in strategy, marketing, sales and operations across consumer, tech and services sectors. She has have worked globally for many of the world’s leading organisations in various management and project roles. Her passion is in creating long lasting business impact and organisational change through purpose combining overall strategic vision with operational transformation.
Trustee/ Director: Alex Holmes
Alex is Head of Administration and Finance for the University of Oxford Department of Paediatrics and has worked in clinical teaching and research departments within the University for more than ten years. Prior to this he worked clinically as a Registered Nurse in acute Trauma and Respiratory Medicine settings and has worked in finance and management in public and private sector settings including charities and industry. He holds a bachelors degree in Adult Nursing and a post-graduate Diploma in Higher Education Administration, Management, and Leadership, and is an Accredited Member of the Association of University Administrators. As well as an interest in art, Alex is a performing musician and writer.
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Trustee/ Director: Grace Sims
Grace has over ten years of experience in fundraising and communications, with a background in both arts and higher education. She is passionate about the transformative power of creativity and community engagement, and believes her experience aligns with Studio Upstairs' mission. As a fundraiser, she has raised funds for the University of Bristol and Back to Back Theatre. Grace possesses strong communication skills in storytelling, content creation, and working with diverse audiences.
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Trustee/ Director: Dianne DeFreitas
Dianne brings over 15 years of experience in economic development to the team. She's an expeienced projects and programs that empower local communities and SMEs. Dianne excels at communication, engaging stakeholders across all levels and utilising marketing and PR expertise to spread the word. Her dedication extends beyond work, with volunteer experience supporting a national charity and a passion for community development.
Managing Director/ Company Secretary: Zlatinka Hristova
Zlatinka is an artist, arts manager and curator. Her work experience spans directorships in the private sector, teaching and arts management. She holds two Fine Art degrees, PGCE, MA in Arts Policy and Management and Group Work Diploma.