Meet our trustees

Caroline is a mum of three primary aged children who keep her very busy. Since becoming a mum herself, she has embraced supporting other parents through various voluntary roles with organisations including NCT and the local Maternity Voices Partnership. She qualified as a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter whilst volunteering with NCT.

She has worked for over 20 years in financial services, working predominantly in large banks and insurance companies as a Financial Adviser. Currently she leads a team of Financial Advisers for a wealth management firm. She is a passionate champion for women in financial advice, playing an active role in her company's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team.

She is active in her local community and is a Parish Councillor for Tilehurst Parish Council.

When she does have a spare minute or two you'll find her reading a good book!

Nicola Abram joined Becoming Mums as a trustee in 2024. You might meet her at one of Becoming Mums' monthly sessions, very much enjoying a cup of tea (hot!) and a chat (in complete sentences!) while Beth or Fi kindly tend to the smallest of her two young children. Nicola loves the way Becoming Mums draws on creative practices to support people in knowing and valuing themselves amidst the demands of pregnancy and parenthood. In summer 2024 she partnered with Becoming Mums to deliver a series of writing for wellbeing workshops and produce a printed anthology of participants' work. As a trustee, Nicola is committed to ensuring Becoming Mums continues to cultivate communities of care for the perinatal period, and is sustainable for many years to come.

Nicola is an academic in the Department of English Literature at the University of Reading. Her teaching and research focus on contemporary writing, investigating how literature can imagine and enact a more just society. She has written and published a book on Black British women's theatre.

Nicola has previously held voluntary roles supporting street sex workers (The Rahab Project, Reading) and survivors of sexual violence (Trust House Reading), and facilitating reading groups in prisons. 

As a trustee and secretary of Becoming Mums, I play a dual role in overseeing the charity’s governance and ensuring administrative compliance. With over 10 years of experience in Finance and Project Management, I bring a keen eye for detail, a strong ability to follow regulations and expertise in planning and organisation. I am responsible for maintaining accurate records, ensuring adherence to regulations, and supporting the board in strategic decision-making.

I first discovered Becoming Mums during my maternity leave with my now three-year-old son. After struggling as a first-time mother with my daughter, I longed for a space where I could openly share the mixed emotions that come with motherhood. I still remember the advert that struck me: "There will be no judgment, you're welcome to join, whatever your child needs during the session." It resonated so deeply that I knew I had to go.

Beth and Fi created a safe, welcoming space for mothers, and their passion for maternal mental health was truly inspiring. I volunteered with Becoming Mums for a year, becoming part of a wonderful, supportive community of women. When I returned to work and could no longer volunteer regularly, stepping into a trustee role felt like a natural way to continue supporting the charity.

As a trustee, I am committed to expanding Becoming Mums's reach, ensuring that more mothers receive the support they need and benefit from the charity's invaluable services.

Jen Robinson is a finance professional with a background in bookkeeping, account management, and charity compliance. With experience spanning the NHS, private healthcare, and the non-profit sector, she thrives in organized environments and is known for her analytical mindset, problem-solving skills, and dedication to continuous improvement.

Passionate about making a difference and connecting with people, Jen serves as a trustee for two charities. She is always striving to find innovative solutions and ensure financial stability in the organizations she supports.

Beyond her professional life, Jen is a lifelong learner and enjoys taking on new challenges. She balances her career with a busy family life, spending time outdoors with her husband, four children, and their dog. Whether swimming, walking, cooking or exploring new places.

Kimberley Steed German became a trustee of Becoming Mums in 2023. She was drawn to the charity by the belief that, in a world where so many parents are raising their children without the support of a “village,” building connection and community is more important than ever for the wellbeing of mothers.

Kimberley’s background is in strategic planning, business development, and partnership building, and she has experience developing funding proposals to support growth. She contributed to Becoming Mums’ journey to becoming a registered charity by helping to develop policies and prepare for future funding opportunities. She’s excited to continue supporting the charity as it grows and reaches more families.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Kimberley enjoys spending time with her husband and their three young children, getting outdoors, and unwinding with her knitting or crochet projects.

Gemma found Becoming Mums shortly after having her eldest child. "Becoming Mums have always been a firm fixture in my parenting journey of 3 children, the ups, downs, cakes and the giggles. During the pandemic, when my second child was a newborn, I was suddenly isolated from my usual support network, the Parenting in a pandemic podcast was a balm to me in that unsettling time.'

Throughout her career, Gemma has helped employees and their families navigate complex global relocations and helped clients with transformation of their programmes and organisations, not too dissimilar to the transformation we undergo when becoming parents.

"I am thrilled to join the Becoming Mums team as a Trustee and excited to see what the future brings for this vibrant community."