group of door 84 staff and volunteers

Meet The Team

Our amazing team of staff, volunteers, and Board of Trustees all come together to keep the heart of the charity beating strong.

Door 84 is more than just a place – it’s a community where people can belong and thrive, and we’re all proud to be a big part of that!

Our Team

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Lisa Green

Executive Charity Manager

I have worked at Door 84 since 2022. Previously a qualified chef, I worked in high-end restaurants in London and owned a café in Notting Hill Gate in the 90s. Most recently, I worked in business leadership at a large local primary school, where I was responsible for business and financial administration.

Passionate about apprenticeships, I took the opportunity to study for an Executive MBA at York St. John University.

Making a difference in communities is why I choose to work at Door 84. I am privileged to lead the charity and the great team.

Outside of work, I love going to the theatre and I volunteer with two local amateur theatre companies. Walking in the great outdoors with my two labs is another favourite activity.

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Diane Lambert

Community Manager

Previously, I was employed by the City of York Council for 19 years in a wide range of roles. These included running a community centre, delivering youth work, commissioning services and face-to-face work in primary and schools.

Alongside my full-time employment, I gained a 2-1 Bachelor of Arts degree in Children, Young People, and Families at York St John University.

What makes Door 84 special to me is that my first volunteering role as a lone parent was supporting family groups at Door 84. Now I have come full circle and back to the very first place where I began my career working with people in the community.

Outside of work, I love to spend time with my grandchildren.

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George Arksey

Youth Manager

I started my role in May 2023 as the Youth Manager, overseeing youth sessions and activities delivered at Door 84. Before joining Door 84, I had numerous roles working with children and young people in York, as well as roles within the charity sector. I studied at undergraduate level in Leicester before completing a postgraduate diploma in Social Work at the University of York.

I grew up in York and my family lived on Lowther Street, just down the road from Door 84. What makes working here so important to me is giving something back to the communities I am a part of, myself.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing football, hiking and collecting trainers.

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Graham Pilmoor

Facilities Manager

I started my role as Facilities Manager in 2019. My role entails ensuring the building is safe & all statutory tests are carried out, managing any contractors on site, carrying out DIY jobs in addition to organising all bookings for the venue.

My background includes working as a Health & Safety Manager on the railways for 35 years and more recently as the Site Manager at Joseph Rowntree School.

I appreciate Door 84's work with young people and adults facing disadvantages or disabilities. I'm also fortunate to work alongside a fantastic team.

I enjoy all sports, particularly cricket & horse racing, and I love riding my motorbike.

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Lewis Moore

Finance Officer

I joined Door 84 in 2023, and I'm responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting matters. With over 15 years of experience in finance, I've had the opportunity to work across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

I really enjoy working at Door 84 because it gives me the chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Being part of such a supportive community is fantastic, and I love the varied work environment—no two days are ever the same!

In my spare time, you'll often find me walking national trails like the Cleveland Way and the Yorkshire Wolds Way.

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Chris Bloomfield

Youth Engagement Lead

I started at Door 84 back in 2015 as a volunteer whilst studying Children, Young People and Families at York St John, and now I work as the Youth Engagement Lead. My role involves maintaining the charity's social media accounts, helping run the youth sessions, planning trips and session activities and coordinating the volunteers & young volunteers.

I love working at Door 84 because of all the amazing young people we get to work with and seeing how they benefit and grow during their time at Door 84. It's a wonderful place to work that has countless benefits not just for those attending, but also those who work/volunteer here.

Outside of Door 84 I enjoy running, watching movies and spending probably a bit too much time playing video games.

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Kath Craigen

Senior Community Worker

Since joining Door 84 in 2013, I've been involved in the Sparks project, where I work with adults who benefit from additional support. I was drawn to this role because I wanted to directly connect with people and see the positive impact of our work firsthand.

I also lead on creative projects such as our evaluation, website and rebrand.

My background in Human Resources has equipped me with valuable skills in organisation, communication, and building strong relationships, all of which are key when working with individuals with diverse support needs.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my dog, hiking, live music and theatre, painting, and exploring new places in the UK or abroad with loved ones.

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Claire Blaze

Senior Youth Worker

Since Door 84's opening as a youth centre in 2011, I've been dedicated to empowering young people and adults within our community. As a Youth Worker and dance activity lead, I create engaging and educational experiences. My expertise also extends to the Sparks project, where I facilitate creative craft and vibrant disco sessions for adults with support needs.

My experience encompasses working with children from pre-school to 17 years, complemented by a strong background in dance instruction.

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Sue Kemp

Fundraising Assistant

I first joined as a volunteer in September 2023 and started fundraising in the summer of 2024. I'm a scientist and my career has been in the medical device industry, driven by a desire to help people. Now I run my own consultancy, whilst fundraising for Door 84 part-time.

Working for Door 84 brings me into a team that is passionate about helping people and for me that is the motivation to raise as much money as possible to enable them to deliver some brilliant projects for our community in York.

Outside of work, I have fun with my kids and enjoy gardening when time and weather allows.

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Lizzie Murray

Community Worker

I've been working in the community café for almost two years, and it's been a fantastic experience. We're always looking for new ways to support our community. The volunteers who give their time here are truly amazing. When I'm not here, I'm out walking my dogs.

Rachel Platts

Youth Worker

I started my role in January 2025 but had previously worked with Door 84 in other capacities, so I knew the centre and staff well. I started out in early years provision and then moved to counselling whilst completing my Youth Work qualifications. These roles complement each other and have taken me on a whole new path professionally.

What I like about working at Door 84 is the sense of community, if something isn’t working well we discuss, adapt and change to meet the needs of those that attend Door 84.

Outside of work, I enjoy concerts, spending time with my pets and getting involved in charity events.

Sophie Sanderson

Senior Youth Worker

Bio coming soon!

Rachel Dennison

Youth Worker

I started in January 2023 as a volunteer youth worker in my first year at university, where I was studying Counselling and Mental Health. I loved Door 84 so much that I am still here and have progressed into a staff position.

My main hobby is baking / cooking and I use the skills I've developed to teach the young people and - I hope - to inspire a passion for cooking and baking in them. This is one of the reasons that Door 84 is special - we are able to watch young people grow and change over time, and it feels amazing to be a part of that.

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Cate Drew

Senior Youth Worker

Bio coming soon!

Becca Sharp

Youth Worker

I initially became a volunteer at Door 84 in early 2023 and progressed to a member of staff in 2024. Outside of Door 84, I’ve worked as a 1-1 support worker in primary schools and at the local scout hut supporting young people with education/ life skills. I study Counselling and Mental health at York St John University and have a personal interest in neurodivergence.

I’m also interested in anything craft related, music and cooking.

Working at Door 84 is important to me because it represents a place where young people can reach out for support and have a place to be themselves outside of education and family.

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Emma Linsley

Youth Worker

I started volunteering at Door 84 in February 2023 and became a staff member in March 2024. My role involves supporting the young people by being a listening ear and a friendly, familiar face. My previous experience is within primary school settings, although after studying on the ‘Children, Young People and Society’ course at York St John University I discovered my love for youth work.

I love Door 84 in particular as it is a fully inclusive environment, where the young people are treated with respect and feel safe to express themselves.

Outside of Door 84 I love to dance!

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Adrianna Ortiz

Youth Worker

Bio coming soon!

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Lynda Moore

Cleaner

I started in the facilities team at Door 84 in 2022. I find satisfaction in my role, ensuring that our building remains a clean, hygienic, and welcoming environment for everyone who uses it.

Being part of a great team and knowing that my contributions truly make a positive difference to the daily experience of our users is something I genuinely enjoy.

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Minnie Rose

Youth Worker

Bio coming soon!

Our Trustees

Sheelagh Salter

Chair of Trustees, Chair of HR, Governance and Finance Sub-committee

My background is in Human Resource Management, initially in the engineering and pharmaceutical sectors. As a Director of a Further Education College for 16 years, I witnessed the impact raising expectations and a supportive environment had on the life chances of young people and vulnerable adults.

Returning to my Yorkshire roots in 2011. I became involved with Door 84 in October 2018. With fellow trustees and highly committed staff, I look forward to bringing positive changes to the outcomes for young people and the wider community of Door 84.

Carole Pugh

Member of Safeguarding, Service Delivery and Fundraising Subcommittee

I joined Door 84 as a trustee in 2020, but have worked alongside the organisation for about 10 years before that. I am a Senior Lecturer at York St John University and teach on courses that relate to Children, Young People and Education.

Before this I worked as a professional youth and community worker in York. I live in York and outside of work enjoy cooking and making things.

Dennis Adamson

Member of Estates, Properties and Maintenance Subcommittee

I've been involved with Door 84 for nearly ten years, serving on the Management Committee, and I've been a trustee for the past three. Before retiring, I was a Director and Partner in an office supplies and furniture company, which had both retail and commercial outlets in York.

I have a strong interest in serving the local community. I'm a member of the Rotary Club of York and also serve as a school governor. I'm a keen sports fan, belong to a local golf club, and I'm a former Vice President at York City FC. I also enjoy my holidays, particularly trips to Scotland, France, Spain, and Portugal.

Brian Houghton

Chair of Estates, Properties and Maintenance Subcommittee, Member of HR, Governance and Finance Sub-committee

I joined Door 84 in 2009 when it was still called 'YBC Young Groves'. I had previous contact with the charity through my roles at Round Table and York Rotary Club, who had supported the charity with funding.

I joined the committee to help re-establish what was a once thriving youth club.

A local business man (40yrs) in the building industry with many local and national business contacts. My time in both Round Table and Rotary had involved several Community Service and Fundraising projects. My contacts and experience in these areas together with running a family business enabled me to use these skills to push Door 84 forward.

Anda Baraskina

Member of Finance and Governance Subcommittee

I joined the Board of Trustees in 2023. My background involved working with migrant communities in Scarborough and as an energy adviser in the Citizens Advice. After finishing my Board Apprenticeship programme with the local housing association, I was looking for a place where my knowledge would be useful, and I’m glad I found it at Door 84.

I enjoy supporting Door 84 as they have a long history of local charitable work, and help those who need it but can not get in anywhere else.

I am a craft and reuse-recycle champion as those are skills that not only give me joy but can also be very useful.

Lifelong learning is my other passion, as well as gardening and volunteering.

Helen Clarkson

Treasurer, Member of Safeguarding, Service Delivery and Fundraising, HR, Governance and Finance Sub-committee

Bio coming soon!

Tony Smith

Member of Estates Subcommittee

Bio coming soon!

Trustee

Laura Castle

Member of Finance and Governance Subcommittee

I started as a trustee at the beginning of 2024. My background is in radio and theatre, and I am currently the breakfast show host on YorkMix Radio. I have various helpful skills to put to use as a trustee, including journalism and marketing.

Door 84 is such a fantastic organisation, and I am really passionate about my local community and particularly supporting community groups that otherwise do not have access to resources. Door 84 provides a safe space for these groups and I feel privileged to be a small part of that.

Outside of being a trustee I enjoy walking my dog Dwight, and acting in various local theatre productions.

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Sophie Allenby

Bio coming soon!

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