Our Trustees

Marc Lewis

Chair of Trustees

Marc became a trustee in 2020 and has been a supporter of the charity for a number of years. Marc has two daughters, who both have TS. Leading up to the time of their formal diagnoses, their family received amazing support from TA, helping their daughters establish the right support at school. Professionally, Marc has worked in the Financial Services industry for over 20 years and enjoys cycling in his spare time. 

Dr Edward Palmer

Vice Chair of Trustees

Edward is a psychiatrist and researcher at the University of Birmingham, with a clinical focus on youth mental health, schizophrenia, functional neurological disorder, and TS. His research explores novel treatments for psychosis. Edward has lived experience of Tourette’s, having had symptoms since early childhood. A trustee since 2017 and now Vice Chair, he also serves on the safeguarding and research subcommittee. One of his favourite aspects of the role is delivering training to healthcare professionals and parents, helping to improve understanding and support for those with Tourette’s. 

Ian Ayres

Treasurer

Having worked in the finance sector for more than 40 years, mainly within the television production sector, and now retired, Ian is keen to use his financial experience to help benefit Tourettes Action, a charity he has recently become involved with.

Genna Barnett

Trustee

Genna joined the TA Board of Trustees in September 2019. Having been diagnosed with TS at the age of 7, she has first-hand experience of the challenges faced by those with TS. Genna works at Nesta in the research, analysis and policy division. With this experience, she is passionate about supporting Tourettes Action to measure the impact of their work.

Professor Eileen Joyce

Trustee

Eileen Joyce is a Professor of Neuropsychiatry at The Institute of Neurology, University College London. Her current research focuses on interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, OCD and TS and their mechanisms of action. Her clinic work includes the management of complex neuropsychiatric disorders such as conversion disorder, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. She runs the National Tourette Syndrome Service, and is Chairman of the Faculty of Neuropsychiatry, Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Amanda Pape

Trustee

Amanda became a trustee after spending 3 years volunteering on the helpline, befriending and visiting schools.

She has 15 years' experience teaching A-level business, as well as teaching martial arts to ages 5 to 65. She is an advocate of exercise being essential for the well-being of children, and believes in teaching resilience in a changing world. She has an adult son with TS.

Sharon White

Trustee

Sharon joined the Trustee Board in December 2022 and has a daughter recently diagnosed with TS and was very grateful for the resources provided by TA. Sharon has had a long career in finance, both in the commercial and public sector. Her most recent role is Assistant Director of Finance at Fairhive Homes.

Sonal Dhulashia

Trustee

Sonal joined the Trustee Board in December 2022. The resources on the TA website have been, and continue to be, invaluable to Sonal and her family. Sonal has an established career as a HR professional, having worked in a number of HR roles across both the professional services and retail sectors. Sonal is currently Director of People Experience at a UK accountancy firm.

Dr Tara Murphy

Trustee

Dr Tara Murphy is a Consultant Psychologist. She has worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital since 2003, and co-leads the national Tic Service there. Tara is involved in clinical work and research; she has written books, published peer reviewed papers and made documentaries about Tourette syndrome. She is looking forward to contributing to the excellent work of Tourettes Action in her role as a Trustee.

Felix Peckitt

Trustee

Felix has been involved with Tourettes Action since he was 8 years old, supporting his brother and finding community in his own Tourettes journey. Felix’s professional work is as a data leader in the NHS and he brings his experience in the strategic use of data and how the NHS works to his role as Trustee.

Dr Jeremy Stern

Honorary Medical Advisor

Dr Jeremy Stern is a Consultant Neurologist and former Chair and Trustee of Tourettes Action. He is currently Honorary Medical Advisor to the charity, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board.