THE TEAM

Clea heads up the Fundraising work at Imago Dei, and she enjoys working with the wonderful ID team to support the work that they do in the prisons, outside the prisons, and in the Grace House project.

She has recently completed her MA and was looking to make a difference in the world, and drive change. Working with ID offers her the opportunity to pursue this and make a difference to women’s lives. 

Clea loves to read and learn and is often found with her head in a book, sometimes it’s a frivolous novel and other times it can be a textbook.

Ali joined ID in 2023 and loves empowering women in prisons to see their unique identity, value and purpose. She has always worked with vulnerable women and young people and is passionate about encouraging people to see the best in themselves and others. She loves taking volunteers into prison to help run our courses and sharing those amazing moments when a woman realises she is worthy and can move forward with her life.

Kerry is the Grace House Manager and is excited to welcome women into the house in the not too distant future. Kerry's background is in youth and community work, with experience of working with the most vulnerable members of society. 

Kerry believes that belonging and being accepted where you are is the first step to seeing positive change and is excited to see the residents at Grace House step into new beginnings.

Jacqui joined ID Prison Ministry as a key worker at Grace House. She is most looking forward to supporting and walking alongside the women at Grace House by building relationships and celebrating their progress no matter how small.

Her background as a Victim & Witness Care Officer has strengthened her ability to listen with empathy and communicate effectively. Jacqui hopes all the women at Grace House will feel safe and listened to.

Jacqui enjoys arts & crafts, long walks and supporting her boys with their football and creative arts journeys.

Jo is one of the founders and Project Manager for ID Essence (formerly known as Kahaila-Essence), working in women’s prisons in London and the South East since 2012. Jo has been involved in prison work for just under 12 years and has a background in Theology, Criminology & Criminal Justice, and youth work.

Tennika works closely with the women who are leaving prison building relationships to better support them in the community. She believes having a stable relationship with the women enables them to seek for help and reassurance, allowing Tennika to help them with their needs such as looking for jobs, advocating for them for housing, applying for grants and being there for them emotionally(pastoral support). Tennika is a Christian and attends church; she believes being graceful towards those who have had similar past experiences is important because having grace allows the women to feel cared for, believed in and supported.

Tennika holds a degree in Criminology, Policing and Forensics. Tennika is a lone parent to a little girl, she enjoys spending her time volunteering, cooking and doing various activities with her daughter.

Keziah first joined Essence in April 2019 as a volunteer, before joining the team part-time in September 2019.

Kez has a background in coffee and barista training within different criminal justice settings. She is motivated to work in this sector by her desire to see change in the way society views and treats those whose lives have been affected by crime and the criminal justice system:

“I think the world needs more people who are willing to view others in light of their broader context. The more able we are to recognise how much our experiences and privilege dictate our decisions and choices, the more likely we are to treat other people with kindness rather than judgement. I really believe that’s how compassion and understanding grows, which are qualities the world definitely needs more of.”

Sunnie was released in 2021 September and completed her degree in criminology and psychology in 2023. She has always had a passion for supporting young people in the Criminal Justice System. As someone with lived experience, Sunnie has a great set of skills in addition to her qualifications that make her relatable and very understanding. She knows first-hand what women in prisons experience and can effectively contribute to the development of the young women we support.

Sunnie loves cheese. 

Pri joined the ID Essence team in late October 2024. Pri has served time in custody so has the first-hand understanding of the trials and tribulations of spending time inside. She is passionate about helping young females achieve their goals and support women who want to live a crime free life and helping to further rehabilitate them. Pri has a very open mind which allows her to listen without judgement.

Pri is doing a job share as Community Worker working to provide community support for young adults after they leave prison and encouraging the growth in young women.

I have joined the ID Essence team as a Prisons and Community Worker, delivering support to individuals both within the prison system and in the wider community.

I look forward to creating safe, positive and nurturing relationships with young women to support their development and bright futures.

I have a background in teaching, with a focus on mentoring, safeguarding, and delivering impactful learning programmes for young people. I hope to combine this valuable experience with my passion for young people to push forward positive change and contribute to the amazing, life-changing work here at ID Essence!

I’m Jay, and I’ve recently joined Imago Dei to lead the #SheMatters Employment Network (SMEN). I’m excited to get this project up and running. Finding work is tough for many, and even more so for women with a criminal background. That’s why I’ll be working with employers, Probation, and prisons to create real opportunities for women to rebuild their lives through meaningful employment.

I’ll be guiding the strategy and delivery of SMEN, helping empower women with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System to find stability, confidence, and purpose through work—while supporting employers to embrace inclusive recruitment. Together, we can build a network that truly transforms lives.

Tina has a background in managing an upcycling centre and mentoring young people in the art of upcycling and upholstery, she is dedicated to transforming lives and promoting sustainability. She enjoys empowering people with knowledge and skills that not only benefit them but also the environment. She is looking forward to being more involved with and getting to know the women who come to the shop for work experience. 

Tina finds joy in all things creative, enjoying soap making, knitting, and painting in her spare time and is always looking for her next creative project.

Magda has been involved with ID since 2021. She recently joined our #SheMatters charity Shop Project as one of the Managers.

Magda is a Christian and has a heart for worship. She is single parent who enjoys spending time with her little girl, doing arts and crafts.