RAY Staff
RAY currently employs a small team of staff on a part-time basis to run each aspect of the services RAY offers. All employees hold enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service, formerly CRB) clearance.
Meet the team below:
Carrie wheater - RAY CEO
Carrie has worked for RAY since 2009, initially as Manager before becoming RAY’s CEO. As CEO, Carrie’s main role is to provide leadership to RAY and to be responsible for the management and administration of RAY within the strategic, policy and accountability frameworks laid down by the Board of Trustees, as well as for the financial health of the charity.
Carrie has a Master’s Degree in Marketing and an Institute of Leadership and Management Level 5 Certificate.
John Williamson - SENIOR PROJECT WORKER
John has been involved with RAY for several years, initially as a volunteer and more recently as a volunteer trustee. He came to RAY with a lengthy background in anti-racist activism, which was the driver in becoming involved in a charity that directly helps refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
John’s work background involves 28 years in the Civil Service working in the Courts and Tribunals system, initially in clerical and managerial roles in Court offices and later as a Learning & Development professional covering areas ranging from South Yorkshire northwards and into Scotland.
As our Senior Project Worker, John oversees all the casework support provided by the Project Work team and is RAY’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. He is also RAY’s lead in our new Immigration Advice partnership project.
Steph Cooper - SENIOR PROJECT WORKER
Steph has been involved with RAY for several years, as a befriender and volunteer, and more recently as a volunteer trustee. Her involvement as a volunteer working with asylum seekers in York during the pandemic led to her wanting to become more involved with RAY.
Steph takes the lead in RAY’s support to the residents of York’s asylum hotel, offering advice, support and signposting at weekly drop-ins. She also represents RAY at various inter-organisational meetings regarding the hotel and liaises with other RAY colleagues and volunteers when residents receive a positive decision on their asylum claim, or when someone needs additional support.
Steph has a Master’s Degree in Development Management and a CMI Level 3 Diploma in Business and Management and has recently completed a Level 2 Arabic course.
SALAM KHANJAR - PROJECT WORKER
As a Project Worker, Salam supports refugees and asylum seekers in accessing essential services and co-facilitates youth sessions for refugee youth resettled in the community.
Salam holds a Master’s Degree in International Humanitarian Affairs (2019) and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of York (2024). Salam has over a decade of humanitarian experience in conflict-affected and fragile contexts, including Iraq, where he worked with both national and international organisations. His expertise spans gender-based violence (GBV), human trafficking, and the empowerment of women, girls and youth. Salam is also a Rotary International Peace Fellow and is fluent in English, Arabic and Kurdish.
Emma Drake - Project worker
Emma joined RAY in 2023 as a Project Worker within the Project Support Team. In this role she provides support, guidance and signposting on a range of issues including employment, education, housing, benefits, health and wellbeing, among other key areas. Emma also attends drop-in sessions, working closely with partner organisations across the city and manages RAY’s Swimming Project.
Emma has a BA (Hons) Degree in History with Criminology and a CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Human Resource Management.
TULAY KIRAN - PROJECT WORKER
emma rivers - project worker
Emma started with RAY as a volunteer and mentor before joining the team as a Project Worker. She now primarily supports families who have received a positive decision on their asylum claim and thoroughly enjoys helping to empower service users navigate the complexities of statutory systems as part of their transition to life in the UK. Prior to joining RAY, Emma initially built a career in HR which then developed into her working for Accenture as a Senior Manager specialising in change management; her focus was working within fast-moving consumer goods industries across both the UK and US.
MEG PECHONIS - operations manager
Meg began volunteering with RAY as a befriender before being employed by as Administrator in 2022. She later took on the roles of Volunteer Coordinator and Office Manager. In her current position as Operations Manager, Meg oversees the smooth running of all RAY sessions, maintains the administrative systems of the organisation, performs bookkeeping duties and manages RAY’s record keeping. Meg also organises distribution of donations, responds to general enquiries and maintains the RAY website.
Meg has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy and a Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping.
sayed nasratullah hashmi - parternships and development officer
Sayed holds a Master’s Degree in Conflict, Governance and Development from the University of York and brings diverse experience from international NGOs, government sectors and UK public services. At RAY, he leads on fundraising and partnership development, working to strengthen the organisation’s long-term sustainability and community impact. Fluent in Dari and Pashto, Sayed has supported newly resettled refugees in navigating essential services and integrating into UK society. He combines strong administrative, communication and cross-cultural skills with a deep commitment to social justice, using his background in strategic planning, grant writing and stakeholder engagement to help drive positive change. Sayed is passionate about creating inclusive, empowered communities and believes in the transformative power of collaboration. His work is grounded in empathy, resilience and a firm belief in equality for all.
SARAH MENYS - VOLUNTEER manager
Sarah began volunteering with RAY in 2019 before joining the staff team as Volunteer Coordinator in 2022. In her current role as Volunteer Manager, Sarah oversees the operation and development of RAY’s volunteer programme to ensure our volunteer projects and teams support our service users. Sarah is the first point of contact for external organisations with whom she works to develop volunteering opportunities for RAY service users.
Sarah works closely with the Volunteer Staff Team to support volunteers in their roles and provide a welcoming and supportive network for RAY volunteers.
Katie pooley - volunteer coordinator
Katie joined RAY in 2025 as Volunteer Coordinator and plays a key role in supporting our fantastic team of volunteers. You’ll find her at various weekly sessions, where she serves as the first point of contact for volunteers. Katie helps ensure that RAY sessions run smoothly, that there is sufficient volunteer cover and that volunteers are matched to roles that suit their strengths and interests. It’s important that each volunteer finds their role and the sessions they attend purposeful, empowering and enjoyable. Katie takes on feedback and works closely with the Volunteer Staff Team to keep improving processes and the experience of both volunteers and our service users.
cassia lonsdale - volunteer administrator
Cassia first became involved with RAY in 2023 as Refugee Week Coordinator. Shortly after, she joined the RAY staff team as general Administrator and now works solely as the Volunteer Administrator. Cassia is the first point of contact for anyone applying to volunteer and guides them through the onboarding process. She is also here to support current volunteers, and the Volunteer Staff Team, with general enquiries, admin and record maintenance.
ganna bielcheva - Youth Coordinator
As Youth Coordinator for RAY, Ganna leads a dynamic programme of activities for children and young people, including sports sessions, youth clubs and information events. She organises mentoring, peer support, heritage language classes and tailored assistance based on each young person’s individual needs. Ganna works closely with older children and teenagers, helping them build confidence, develop skills and feel part of the community. She also runs creative sessions at monthly Hub meetings and supports the organisation’s communication efforts by preparing newsletters and promotional materials. With a strong focus on belonging and well-being, Ganna brings energy, care and creativity to everything she does, ensuring that young people feel seen, heard and supported.
