Trustee
Catherine grew up in a Christian family that had a strong missional focus, particularly with regard to drawing alongside socially disadvantaged and marginalised individuals in a faith, hope and rehabilitation context. This led her to embark on a career in healthcare, choosing dentistry as her profession. Graduating from Birmingham University in 1995, Catherine embarked on a career in general dental practice and successfully combined this with continued efforts, in both a work and missional context, to help restore dignity and a sense of purpose for those that were struggling to make their way in the world and were seeking support with this. In 1999, this led her, with her teacher husband, to establish Stepping Stones Family Dental Health Centre, a mainly NHS practice in a rural location. The practice was based on a broadly christian ethos. Besides the obvious goal of providing a high standard of affordable and equitable oral health and holistic care to its patient base, it also had a particular commitment to its staff to facilitate and enable them to maximise their potential during their time with the organisation. The practice developed into a training centre for dentists, dental nurses, patient care coordinators and practice managers and became Investors in People accredited. It was always keen to develop new ways of working within the wider healthcare system. Catherine completed further postgraduate development in orthodontics and periodontics, education, coaching/mentoring, leadership and management. Some of this was within healthcare and some within the context of pioneer ministry from a faith perspective. The dental practice was sold in 2014 and the family relocated to West Wales with a view to combining educational and professional chaplaincy in a charitable context. Catherine is currently Associate Medical Director for Dental Services in Hywel Dda University Health Board, Training Programme Director for East Wales Dental Foundation Training Scheme, Local Ministry Area Chair and vicar’s wife (Church in Wales) and Mum to 3 boys aged 11 to 19. She became a trustee to the Guild because she was attracted by the opportunity to broaden her experience of working at the interface between health, science and theology, with other like-minded individuals. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, music (playing and singing), food and wine, mountains and gardens.
