The Oasis Runcorn Recovery Team

Kerry Dare - Senior Therapist
Kerry Dare
Centre Manager
Kerry joined UKAT in February 2023 as a Trainee Therapist - In which she successfully completed her Person Centred Counselling Degree (BsC Hons). Since joining UKAT Kerry has progressed within the company to Senior Therapist and now centre manager. Kerry has compassion, empathy and drive to help clients who are starting their journey of recovery.
Kerry possesses a deep well of compassion and empathy, which she leverages to fuel her unwavering drive to assist clients who are embarking on their journey of recovery. Her genuine care for others, coupled with her ability to truly understand and share their feelings, allows her to connect with clients on a profound level. This connection, combined with her relentless determination to support their healing, makes her an invaluable asset to those seeking to overcome addiction and find lasting recovery.
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Katherine Hope
Office Manager
Katherine joined UKAT in July 2024 as an Office Manager. Katherine has worked in administrative roles since leaving school.
Katherine's previous experience includes working for Cheshire West and Chester Council, rewarding her with the knowledge and experience she brings to UKAT, and assisting in smoothly running office-based environments and tasks. Katherine has empathy and understanding of individuals going through rehabilitation and believes that when the administration is done effectively and efficiently, it allows for a well-managed office and team.
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David Willet - Addiction Counsellor
David Willet
Addiction Counsellor
David joined UKAT in June 2023 and this will be his second counselling role since qualifying last year. David is passionate about recovery, and believes anyone is capable of abstinence if they offer humility and are prepared to change.
David is primarily person-centred in his approach and has integrated solutions focused from his previous role in an employment assistance programme. David has personal experience with anxiety, depression and substance misuse which inspired him to pursue a career in counselling.
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Claire McGlynn
Addiction Counsellor
Claire joined the therapy team at UKAT in 2024. Claire completed her therapists degree in 2020 and has since had a full and varied career.
Claire's previous role working in private practice afforded her a wealth of counselling experience in all aspects of therapeutic support. Claire is empathic, honest and dedicated to her client work.
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Jason Baker
Addiction Counsellor
Jason joined Oasis in August 2024, he worked previously as a counsellor with a local charity and experienced a diverse and vibrant range of clients, Jason has decided to use his skills in a new helping role within Oasis as a therapist.
He is trained integratively with a primary focus on Person Centred and Cognitive Behavioural therapy. Jason also has had personal experience with mental health challenges which can give him a unique perspective when working with clients.
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Jim Whitlam
Volunteer Addiction Counsellor
Jim joined Oasis in January 2024 as a Volunteer Addiction Counsellor.
Jim has been in recovery for 4 years having come through Oasis Runcorn as a client maintaining his sobriety through active participation in a 12-step program. Currently completed MSC in Addiction Psychology specialising in Psychopharmacology and psycho-social aspects of addiction.
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Tyra Forster
Bank Addiction Counsellor
Tyra originally joined UKAT in 2019 as Programme Lead for the UKAT Education programmes. Following her roles as Addiction Therapist and Senior Addiction Counsellor, Tyra is currently our Bank Therapist at present, as she is completing further study at Salford University.
Tyra already has a first class honours in Counselling (BsC) and shares her knowledge and person centred skills with her clients, contributing crucial work towards those fighting addiction.
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Julie Rigby - Senior Support Worker
Julie Rigby
Senior Support Worker
From her early working life Julie has always thrived at helping others, she believes fiercely that no individual or family need to continue suffering, the pain of addiction.
After finally finding sobriety herself 10 years ago, she made a promise to help others, and show not only the addict, but the families also affected by someone else’s use, that recovery is possible and how to find and live in the solution of addiction. Julie believes strongly that a person-centred approach is the most valuable therapeutic help and having worked many roles within a Health & Social Care setting, with individuals from a wide range across the social spectrum, she believes that treatment and services need to be as diverse as the people and communities we serve. “A lot of my using was about changing the way I felt however having endured serious illness, loss and deep emotional pain whilst in recovery, I have come to learn that experiencing the joy, happiness and true peace of never having to use again, shows me how to live, facing life on life’s terms without the use of drugs and alcohol”
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Casey Lalley-McDonnell - Recovery Support Worker
Casey Lalley-McDonnell
Recovery Coordinator
Casey joined UKAT in January 2022 as a recovery support worker at Oasis Runcorn. At the centre, Casey is responsible for being a first point of contact for new Admissions.
She monitors client’s medications and detox regimes and also supports clients with anything they may need during their stay here at Oasis. Her previous roles include: working with women and children who have been through the criminal justice system dealing with complex issues such as domestic violence, substance misuse and human trafficking as well as facilitiating groups for women as a part of their probation. Casey always has a person-centred approach and is very passionate about helping others reach their goals.
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Lizzie Tafirenyika
Support Worker
Lizzie joined UKAT in October 2024 and holds a (BsC Hons) in Sociology and a PostGrad Diploma in Counselling and Psychology.
With a profound commitment to supporting clients on their recovery journeys, she brings a unique blend of compassion, empathy, and determination to her work. Her previous experience in the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector has broadened her perspective on life, deepening her understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in various communities. During her time in the NGO sector, Lizzie successfully facilitated anti-drug abuse and mental health campaigns, conducting workshops in remote areas that aimed to raise awareness and foster resilience. Lizzie is passionate about empowering others to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives, guiding them toward living with purpose. Her dedication to fostering positive change in the lives of her clients is at the heart of her professional ethos.
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Marie Owens
Support Worker
Marie joined UKAT in November 2024 as Support Worker. Marie has vast personal experience in addiction and mental health spanning many years.
‘Recovery is my passion’. Marie carries the message of recovery to any one who is ready to hear it. Marie also works a 12 step program and believes any addict can get clean and find a new way to live. Marie works with a trauma informed approach and has experience with the criminal justice team from both sides. Marie is also the foundation of a recovery group facilitator. Marie is blessed to be part of the team.
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Chris Hearn
Support Worker
Chris joined UKAT in January 2025 Chris has worked as a Support Worker since 2002. Chris is very passionate about this line of work and his main goal is helping people achieve their goals.
Chris has achieved his Level 3 Health and Social Care. He has a great sense of humour with a caring nature. He likes sport and spending time with family and friends.
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Jessica Ireland Hughes
Waking Nights Support Worker
Jessica joined UKAT in January 2025. Jessica is a dedicated and compassionate care professional with over 8 years of extensive experience in various aspects of care and support work, including dementia support disability care assistance, domiciliary care, and mental health support.
Jessica's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing challenges is at the core of her practice, Jessica is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those she serves. With her diverse skill set and unwavering dedication to quality care, she strives to contribute positively to the field of health and social care.
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Paul Ajudua
Waking Nights Support Worker
Paul joined UKAT in November 2024 as Waking Nights Support Worker. Paul is a dedicated healthcare professional whose career journey is defined by a unique blend of legal expertise and an unwavering commitment to compassionate caregiving.
With over two years of experience as a Healthcare Assistant, Paul has emerged as a skilled and empathetic leader in adult care, specializing in supporting individuals with complex medical and mental health challenges. Paul transitioned into healthcare with determination, bringing his discipline, organizational skills, and person-centered approach to his new role. Paul is an avid reader with an insatiable curiosity for learning. He finds joy and balance in watching and officiating football, blending his passion for the sport with a commitment to fairness and precision. His love for research fuels his innovative thinking, while his engagement with football fosters camaraderie and teamwork.
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Nelson Uchebuakwu
Bank Support Worker
Nelson joined UKAT in October 2024 as a support worker. He has extensive experience supporting individuals with dementia, autism, learning disabilities, and mental health issues, providing care tailored to their specific needs.
Additionally, he has assisted individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them secure quality housing, access their benefits, assess their risk plans, and promote independent living. Nelson is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Chester and holds a BSc (Hons) in Human Physiology. He is committed to supporting clients at Oasis Recovery throughout their recovery journey.
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Deana Gago-Cao - Chef
Deana Gago-Cao
Chef
Hello I am Deana A.K.A , Dee Chef at Oasis recovery Runcorn. N.V.Q L3 qualified in Hotel catering and Management.
Obviously I love cooking and still have the fire in my belly for it. I seem to be mostly appreciated for my soups. Watch out Heinze. This year I am making the commitment to be vegan. For all the usual reasons .Prevent suffering of animals ,environment and health. 5 years ago I played a big part in adding Vegan foods to the halls of residents at Manchester university. Not afraid of anything, I love white knuckle rides, the scarier the better. Appeared on don't Tell the Bride and I jumped out of a plane once, anyone looking for someone for a challenge, I'm your woman. On a more grounded note, I love walking the dog..also focusing my mind on producing anything to do with art.
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Chris Jones
Part Time Chef
Chris joined UKAT in December 2024, making him the newest member of the team in the Oasis Runcorn Kitchen, where he works alongside Dee, the Chef and "queen" of the kitchen.
With extensive experience in kitchens, Chris is well-versed in managing pots and pans. Known for his lively personality, he enjoys chatting with guests during mealtimes, though his dry sense of humor might take some getting used to! A sci-fi enthusiast, Chris's passion is evident in his tattoos and colorful chef attire, including the unique bandanas he makes himself—guests can look forward to seeing a variety of them. One of his most memorable moments is his "claim to fame": many years ago, he once gave Robbie Williams a cigarette in a bar.
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Lindsay Humphreys - Housekeeper
Lindsay Humphreys
Housekeeper
Lindsay has for many years worked to a high standard within both private and public sector facilities as senior Housekeeper.
Lindsay believes that a clean and tidy environment leads to a clean and tidy mind and that we are indeed a product of our environment. Lindsay is a popular member of the Oasis team with both staff and clients alike, you can be assured of a cheery hello and a heartwarming smile, wherever she is. Nothing is too much to ask of Lindsay and she takes much pride in her relationships with colleagues and clients as she does in keeping our centre to an excellent standard.
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Rose Amponsah - Cleaner
Rose Amponsah
Cleaner
Rose joined Oasis Runcorn in December 2022 as a weekend housekeeper. She is an experienced housekeeper with many years experience under her belt. She is familiar with the products and machines needed to perform her role effectively.
She knows how to apply cleaning products, deploy efficient cleaning techniques, and use a variety of equipment. Rose takes great pride in her work and prides herself on high standards. Rose always ensures that everything is completed in a timely manner. It brings her great pleasure to provide our service users with fresh, clean rooms and environments.
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