Jessica Skinner - Hospital Manager

Jessica started at Cygnet Sedgley House and Lodge as a support worker in 2008. Throughout her 10 years as a support worker, she developed a passion to encourage, motivate and collaboratively work with service users as well their families to enable them to progress through their treatment and successfully integrate back into the community. During her time at Sedgley, Jessica also worked at different hospitals within Cygnet, giving her the opportunity to work with a range of service users who experience different mental health and learning difficulties.

In 2018 Jessica qualified as a registered mental health nurse. Her commitment to delivering high quality care that is patient centred and being a positive role model for her junior colleagues, enabled Jessica to progress on to become a senior nurse in 2019. In 2021 she was successful on her application to become Head of Care for Cygnet Sedgley. She also had the opportunity to work at different Cygnet services which enhanced her knowledge and leadership skills.

In 2024 Jessica was appointed Hospital Manager at Cygnet Sedgley and looks forward to continuing her career with Cygnet and supporting the Sedgley team and the individuals within our care.

Carly Slimm - Head of Care (Cygnet Sedgley House)

Carly joined the team at Cygnet Sedgley House and Lodge as a Preceptorship Nurse in 2021 having previously worked within the NHS as a support worker for over 10 years working with females with complex needs.

Carly is an experienced mental health nurse with over four years dedicated practice, currently her position is Head of Care at Cygnet Sedgley House. Throughout her career, Carly has worked across a range of clinical environments, developing a strong foundation in delivery high quality and person-centred care. Her experience has shaped her commitment to creating safe, supportive and therapeutic spaces where patients and staff can thrive.

Everton Kanyayi - Head of Care (Cygnet Sedgley Lodge)

Everton graduated with a Bachelor's of Laws (LLB) from the University of Wolverhampton and explored various sectors before joining Cygnet.

Everton joined Cygnet in 2017 after graduating with a Master's degree in Mental Health Nursing from the University of Essex. As a mental health nurse, Everton was driven by a passion for amplifying the voices of both patients and staff. He served as the hospital's Freedom to Speak Up Ambassador until 2024, when he was promoted to Head of Care.

As Head of Care Everton continues to uphold the values of Cygnet's Freedom to Speak Up initiative. His goal is to provide patients with the highest standard of care in a supportive, non-restrictive environment that empowers them to reintegrate into the community. For his team, Everton strives to foster a workplace culture where staff feel valued, look forward to coming to work, and are inspired to deliver their best.

Dr Zainab Bashir - Consultant Psychiatrist & Medical Director

Dr Bashir completed her medical degree in 2009 and commenced a Masters’ Degree in Public Health in 2011 at Birmingham City University. After completing a two-year doctorss foundation programme/internship training between 2013-2015 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Walsall Manor Hospital, and Dorothy Pattison Hospital, Zainab developed a keen interest in Psychiatry. She went on to complete post graduate psychiatry training and specialized as a Consultant in General Adult psychiatry in 2022, with special endorsement in Liaison Psychiatry.

Dr Bashir has a real passion for working with patients with complex mental health conditions along with comorbidities, and finds it extremely rewarding to work with them to ensure continued recovery and meaningful improvements in their lives.

Dr Tobechukwu Odionye – Speciality Doctor

Dr Tobechukwu Odionye, fondly called Dr Tobe, obtained his medical degree from Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria in 2008. Dr Tobe has since medical school seen himself as a behavioural scientist. This he said lead to the interest he developed in mental health over time. Dr Tobe started his journey in psychiatry in 2014 working for the largest psychiatric services in South-Eastern Nigeria – Federal Neuropsychiatrist Hospital Enugu.

Dr Tobe joined Cygnet Sedgley House and Lodge in December of 2022 as a Speciality Doctor. He has found this role fulfilling, enjoying the team harmony at Sedgley. Dr Tobe is a researcher whose articles have been published in some high impact journals. Some of his works include the COVID-19 pandemic, the psychological response to quarantine, and knowledge of the disease among inmates in a Nigerian custodial center, and the attitude and preventive practices towards COVID-19 disease and the impact of awareness training on knowledge of the disease among correctional officers.

Dr Tobe is a lover of research and cutting edge innovations.

Hailey Roberts - Specialist Occupational Therapist

Hailey joined the team in January 2023 having previously worked for a local authority within their Adults Social Care Prevention Team. In addition to her previous role, Hailey has experience working within an secure inpatients unit for individuals with Eating Disorders. Hailey is passionate about supporting individuals within all stages of their rehabilitation journey, motivating them to achieve their personal goals.

Dr Nikki Saunders - Forensic Psychologist

Nikki joined Cygnet in 2017 as an Assistant Psychologist before starting her Forensic Psychology Doctorate at the University of Birmingham. She completed her placements within Cygnet, and qualified in 2024.

Nikki has worked at Cygnet Sedgley House & Lodge since January 2023 and finds working in mental health rehabilitation very rewarding. She is passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery and strives for excellent patient care.

Chloe Feltham – Assistant Psychologist

Chloe studied psychology at the University of Birmingham, before graduating in 2021. Since then, Chloe has worked as a support worker on a CAMHS eating disorder ward and as an Assistant Psychologist on a CAMHS GAU and PICU for 18 months.

Chloe moved to Cygnet Sedgley in April 2024, during her time here she has led a QI project which has been shortlisted for a national patient experience award. Chloe enjoys her role at Sedgley, where she has spent time building therapeutic rapport with our service users, empowering them to live a fulfilling life. Chloe’s future ambition is to become a Clinical Psychologist.

Declan Campbell – Assistant Psychologist

Declan graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2021 with an Undergraduate in Psychology and a Masters in Occupational Psychology. Declan has garnered a variety of experience since leaving university, including working as a carer during the COVID pandemic, and as a safe house advocate for survivors of modern slavery.

Declan joined the team at Cygnet Sedgley in July 2025 and is thoroughly enjoying getting to know both the staff and the service users. He feels empowered to ensure these service users receive the best care possible here at Sedgley, and works to advocate on their behalf. In the future, Declan is looking to apply for the Clinical Doctorate.

Cynthia Neta – Physical Health Nurse

Cynthia began her nursing journey at Coventry University in 2014, qualifying as a Registered General Nurse in 2017. Since then, she has gained a broad range of clinical experience working across different wards in the NHS, as well as in care homes supporting elderly patients. These roles have provided her with a strong foundation in delivering high-quality physical healthcare.

In September 2021, Cynthia joined Cygnet with the aim of expanding her skills and knowledge within the field of mental health, while continuing to champion the importance of physical health and wellbeing. She is passionate about ensuring that service users receive holistic, person-centred care that integrates both their physical and mental health needs.

In recognition of her dedication and contribution, Cynthia was awarded Cygnet Nurse of the Year in May 2023, a milestone in her career that she is deeply proud of. She also successfully completed her Non-Medical Prescriber course in October 2024, further enhancing her ability to support individuals with safe and effective care.

She remains committed to professional development and to supporting individuals to achieve the best possible health outcomes.