Dental, Optometry and Pharmacy Mentors
DENTAL MENTORS
OPTOMETRY MENTORS
- Garrey Haase (HNY & WY Mentoring)
- Ateeq Rehman (WY Mentoring)
- Nizz Sabir (HNY Mentoring)
- Alexander Swystun (WY Mentoring)
DENTAL MENTORS
Zoe Burns (HNY & WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I qualified in 200 and have worked as an associate in both NHS and private practices. Since 2015 I have been Principal of my own mixed practice in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. I provide both Invisalign and Facial Aesthetics as part of my clinical work.
Mentoring Experience
After struggling with stress during lockdown I sought out some coaching and it made such a difference, helping me to see things from another perspective and helping me work out what was important to me. I certified as a coach in June 2021 and want to help other clinicians find balance and reduce stress in their lives.
About Me
Outside of work, my husband is a hospital consultant and we have 2 kids and a crazy labrador that keeps me very busy! I enjoy dog walks, cooking and eating good food, time with friends, boxset binges and holidays.
Ms Angela Daniel (HNY & WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I have been a dentist for 21 years spending most of that time as an associate in a number of mixed NHS and private practices. I have been an educational supervisor for a number of foundation dentists since 2008. I am currently in a clinical lead role which, in addition to treating patients, involves helping to develop the professional needs of dentists and therapists in the practices I look after and also providing them with pastoral support.
Mentoring Experience
I have always been interested in helping others to make positive changes to their lives. I developed this further in 2011 when I completed the FGDP (UK) Certificate in Mentoring and dentistry. Since then I have been involved in both formal and informal mentoring. I have also benefited myself from mentoring, helping me to gain a much better work/life balance.
About Me
Outside of dentistry I enjoy walking, gardening, music and spending time with my family, friends and 2 dogs.
Mr Jon Martin (HNY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I have been a General Dental Practitioner for the last twenty years. I have worked in both NHS and private practice; for 15 years as an associate dentist then more recently as a Practice Principal. I provide the full range of general dental treatment and have undertaken Postgraduate education in a variety of areas, including Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics and Medical Law.
Mentoring Experience
I have several years of mentoring experience, having been involved previously in both the Foundation Dentist scheme, and other dental support services. Having benefitted from both formal and informal mentoring arrangements throughout my career, I am very pleased to see the benefits recognised and made available to those who may not have that support already in place and hope to “pay forwards” the support given to me by colleagues over the years.
About Me
Outside of dentistry I am kept busy by my wife and two daughters. I enjoy outdoor activities, music in various forms, socialising with friends and following various sports teams.
Tej Mellachervu (WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I qualified from the university of Leeds in 2001. For the first few years I worked in mainly NHS general practices in and around West Yorkshire. In 2005 I purchased my own mainly NHS practice which I subsequently sold 8 years later. I now own a mixed practice in Wakefield. My clinical interests include implants and cosmetic dentistry.
Mentoring Experience
In 2011 I had some professional issues which I sought help for from a few kind individuals who mentored and coached me through this, helping me in managing the stress and ensuring I was keeping myself healthy through this period.
This led me into coaching and mentoring other dentists and I was briefly a mentor for the Yorkshire Deanery. I am currently also the PASS advisor ( Practitioner Advice & Support Service) for Wakefield.
About Me
Outside of work I enjoy running and keeping fit by going to the gym. I believe good physical health and mental health go together. I also have an interest in American Civil War history.
Sam Pawlyn (HNY & WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I recently retired after 26 years in general practice . During that time I worked as an FD, an associate and a clinical assistant in orthodontics. For 18 years I was a practice owner and partner in a 5 surgery practice in Whitby. During my career I experienced many of the challenges associated with juggling working within the NHS , running a business and bringing up a family.
Mentoring Experience
I have had mentoring experience as an FD trainer and my role as a practice owner in a practice with up to 15 staff members. During my career I have had first hand experience of the benefits of peer support. Since retirement I have completed my “freedom to speak up guardian “ and DPASS training.
About Me
I enjoy gardening cooking and spending time with my 2 teenage daughters. Since retirement I am building my own shepherds huts which is allowing me to indulge my creative side.
Ian Wilson (HNY & WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
- Qualified Dental Surgeon Edinburgh Uni 1987 and have been working in primary care since.
- Co-Founder/Clinical Director of Dental Training & Development Charity Bridge2Aid, living in Tanzania for 10 years developing oral health services alongside Tanzanian Primary Care system.
- Experienced HEE Educational Supervisor and currently Training programme Director within Primary care context.
- Regional Clinical Director for Dental Partners, providing Professional & Pastoral support for Primary care Clinical Teams
Mentoring Experience
- Training & Mentoring Clinical Teams developing oral health services alongside Tanzanian Primary Care system.
- Support HEE Dental Foundation Trainees & Peers as ILM accredited Coach/Mentor.
- Roche Martin Certified ECR Coach in Emotional Intelligence.
- Associate with Association of Coaching
About Me
- Married to Andie [25Years]
- Dad to; Jake [22], Imani [20] Neema [16] Maisha [13]……and Nala & Zuri the Dogs!
- Sunderland AFC supporter but too painful to talk about!
Helen Day (WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I have experience of patient facing roles within dentistry and more recently practice management, HR and training support and development. This has been in group practices and stand alone practices, NHS and private.
Mentoring Experience
Having worked alongside Foundation Dentists and Trainee nurses, I have mentored and supported peers for many years and have found a this a very rewarding and enjoyable part of my job.
About Me
I am married with two grown up boys and I enjoy spending my free time walking my two rescue greyhounds. I also love relaxing with my family and friends, especially if it includes a little food and drink. I have worked in dentistry for over 26 years, initially as a Dental Nurse, then progressed through training into management, where I am best suited to be able to interact with everyone in the practice.
I am married with two grown up boys and I enjoy spending my free time walking my two rescue greyhounds. I also love relaxing with my family and friends, especially if it includes a little food and drink. I have worked in dentistry for over 26 years, initially as a Dental Nurse, then progressed through training into management, where I am best suited to be able to interact with everyone in the practice.
PHARMACY MENTORS
Ehsin Amin (WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
Since qualifying as a pharmacist in 2017, I’ve embarked on an exciting journey and established a solid foundation in the field. Throughout my career, I have assumed various roles. I initially started with locum work, gaining valuable experience and exposure to different pharmacy settings. Eager to expand my horizons, I transitioned into pharmacy management roles, where I honed my leadership skills and contributed to the smooth operation of various pharmacies.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge, I pursued further professional development by completing a prescribing course and obtaining my prescribing qualification. This opened doors to new opportunities, and I found myself working in different Primary Care Network (PCN) roles as a prescribing pharmacist, leveraging my expertise in hypertension prescribing and collaborating closely with doctors’ surgeries, making a positive impact on patient care and contributing to positive health outcomes.
I enjoy embracing the flexibility of working as a locum pharmacist, which allows me to immerse myself in diverse community pharmacy settings and embrace the challenges of different settings with new opportunities. This allows me to continually grow and expand my skill set.
Mentoring Experience
I find great fulfilment in mentoring and guiding others in their pharmacy training and career progression. From assisting pre-reg pharmacists in navigating their journey to becoming qualified pharmacists, to supporting various pharmacy staff members, including dispensers, technicians, and ACTs, I take pride in empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Additionally I take pride in assisting new pharmacists and new managers in settling into their roles finding their footing with confidence and ease. I offer guidance on navigating the challenges of starting a new position, provide insights into effective management strategies, share tips of cultivating a positive work environment and achieving a happy work-life balance.
I’m passionate about motivating others to pursue their goals, offering pragmatic solutions to problems, and exploring different options to overcome challenges.
About Me
Beyond the realm of pharmacy, you’ll often find me at the gym, dedicating time to my own fitness journey. I am an ardent advocate for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, motivating and inspiring others to pursue their own personal wellness goals.
I also enjoy attending professional networking events. This allows the fantastic opportunity to build connections with other professionals in the field, exchange knowledge and share insights into our practice.
Laura Angus (HNY & WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I qualified as a Pharmacist in 2003. Since qualifying I’ve worked in in a wide variety of roles and settings. Some of these include: as a Community Pharmacy Pharmacist Manager, a Regional Professional Development Training Manager and as a GP Practice Pharmacist. More recently I’ve been working as Head of Medicines Management for Vale of York CCG and I’m currently the Interim Lead for Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation for Humber, Coast and Vale Integrated Care System. I’m also part of the NHS England and Improvement NExT Director programme, giving me an insight into being a Non-Executive Director on an NHS Board.
Mentoring Experience
After being the recipient of the benefits of an amazing coach I was inspired to qualify as a coach and mentor myself, completing the ILM5 Coaching and Mentoring qualification in 2019. I have coached/mentored several colleagues and have found the relationship always to be mutually beneficial for us. I am also registered as a Royal Pharmaceutical Society mentor.
About Me
In my spare time I enjoy being a mum to two young (ish) boys, running, cycling, dog walking and baking. I am also a Chair of Governors at my children’s primary school.
Alice Choma (WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
With 13 years of experience in the pharmacy industry, I am a dedicated Pharmacy Technician since 2017. My professional journey, began in community pharmacy, where I honed my skills and passion for patient care. Seeking new challenges, I ventured into secure environments, working in the prison pharmacy initially and once qualified I worked on the prison wings completing medicines administration. Recognising the evolving role of pharmacy technicians, I transitioned to a more clinical setting within community services. To further enhance my expertise and patient care, I pursued the Level 4 clinical diploma. Currently I hold a senior leadership position as Clinical Services Manger in a GP practice. In this role, I continue to thrive, combining my primary care experience and leadership skills to provide high quality patient care.
Mentoring Experience
Throughout my career I have always had a passion for
supporting others and sharing knowledge and best practice. I have 5 years’
experience of coaching and supporting others as a line manager. I have
provided mentorship to many colleagues, guiding their personal growth journeys,
support them in overcoming challenges and achieving their aspirations.
About Me
Outside of work I enjoy socialising with friends and family. Both my husband and son are keen football fans, so I find that I also get pulled along to watch matches.
Mr Ashley Cohen (HNY & WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I have been a pharmacist for nearly 30 years, and worked in all healthcare sectors including Primary Care, Health Authority, Secondary Care, Pharmaceutical Industry, and Healthcare Consultancy. I have been the owner of a small pharmacy group for 15 years and at its peak had 6 branches and over 100 staff. I am an active committee member in Community Pharmacy West and North Yorkshire. I have experience also within the adult social care sector and been a Trustee and non-executive director for a care home.
Mentoring Experience
I have an MBA from London City University and I really enjoy developing individuals and teams, and have been a supervisor for our trainee pharmacists and also our induction apprentices. I am passionate about the impact pharmacy teams can make in improving health outcomes, and the positive contributions they make within primary care.
About Me
I am married to Nikki who also works alongside me in the business and I have 3 fantastic children aged 14, 13, 6 who seem to keep me busy during every non-working hour!
Claire Kilburn (WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I qualified as a pharmacist in 2000, beginning my career in
hospital pharmacy and gaining experience in both the NHS and private sectors.
I have worked in primary care and commissioning since 2003, working
firstly for the PCT in GP practices across Airedale, followed by working for
the CCG in Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, and now working at strategic level
as Head of Medicines Optimisation for the ICB in Bradford District and Craven
and across West Yorkshire.
Mentoring Experience
I have line managed staff for most of my career which inevitably offers the opportunity for plenty of informal coaching and mentoring, especially as organisational change is always occurring in primary care. After undertaking some coaching sessions myself over the last few years I am keen to listen, support and guide people to make positive changes and manage personal and organisational change, so they may flourish at work.
About Me
Away from work I am a keen Girlguiding leader to a group of lively 4-7year old “Rainbows” and love to get involved with activities from camps to events for members from 4 right through to the adults. I am Mum to two teenagers and love a good walk in the outdoors (as long as it’s not too hilly!).
Joanne Lane (HNY & WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I qualified as a pharmacist in 1996 and spent my first five years working in community pharmacy, then taking on a role in primary care before moving into education. I have experience of working in clinical and managerial roles in a variety of different settings. I have acquired a clinical diploma, qualification as prescriber and had the opportunity to participate in advanced consultation skills training. In more recent years I have worked in education and training, I have been regional manager for the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) since 2016. I remain connected to community pharmacy in my role as vice-chair for Humber Local Pharmaceutical Committee. I am currently working towards achieving a master’s in healthcare leadership.
Mentoring Experience
I have years’ experience of coaching and supporting the development of others as a line manager. I have studied NLP coaching and achieved a diploma in 2016 after I had the opportunity to receive some coaching. I am a volunteer mentor for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. I am passionate about helping others to develop and achieve their goals.
About Me
Away from work I enjoy walking with the dog, swimming, spending time with family and friends and going out for something nice to eat. I am also the regular taxi for my 2 children aged 12 and 17!
Raymond Ngu (HNY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I have been registered as a pharmacist since 2015, spent half a year in Singapore hospital and then came back to the UK as a community pharmacist . I have worked as a pharmacist store manager for two years before stepping down to a store-based pharmacist to pursue a more clinical role for three years . I played an active role as the deputy of the PCN lead and have experience in cooperating and coordinating between various sector . Currently I am working toward my clinical diploma and my prescribing course.
Mentoring Experience
I have experience of coaching and supporting the development of others during my career. I am currently obtaining my ILM5. While my experience may not be as colourful as some, I do make it up with my dedication and passion in supporting others in their growth and development.
About Me
While not working , I enjoy various kind of hobbies, ranging from normal listening to music and photography, to the strange ones like fixing phones or laptops . I am currently trying to teach myself on how to write software. Anything that can further develop myself, I am interested in learning.
Sarah Woffinden (HNY & WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I have worked full time since I qualified 17 years ago, firstly in various hospitals, both in the UK and NZ, but since 2012 I have worked in GP surgeries. I have loved embedding the role in 3 surgeries, and am constantly looking for ways to extend the pharmacists role and team in General Practice. I have also locumed in community pharmacy previously.
Mentoring Experience
I am passionate about training and supporting others, and try to take every opportunity to do so. this has led me to being a pre-reg tutor, both in hospital and GP surgeries, training junior doctors and students of many professions. I have trained and supported many pharmacists who have made the transition into working in GP surgeries from a variety of backgrounds to become confident, resilient and fully utilised members of the team.
About Me
Away from work, my partner (also a pharmacist) and I try and be outside as much as possible. I have 3 horses, riding and caring for them is a lifelong passion. I am a keen runner of anything up to half marathons. I am interested in sports psychology, which has a lot of parallels to the workplace.
OPTOMETRY MENTORS
Garrey Haase (HNY & WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I qualified as an Optometrist through Bradford University in 2000. I have always worked or owned independent practices, apart from a short period of locuming. Since 2005 I have owned our own practices with my wife Karen. We are a family run local practice which like to focus on the patients and our staff.
Mentoring Experience
I have had experience of coaching mentoring and training through the practice as well as through SightCare. I was also part of the Optometry Mentors who ten years ago were trained and coached to help mentor Optometrists in East Yorkshire.
About Me
When not a work I enjoy playing football, as well as coaching our local under 18 team and spending time with our family, walking the dogs or going out to eat. I am a keen sportsman and enjoy playing (very occasionally now) and watching most sports.
Ateeq Rehman (WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I qualified as an Optometrist in 2005. I have worked as a resident and locum in primary care at various practices (multiples and independent sector) for about 8 years. For the past 10 years I have been a contractor/owned my opticians and more recently I have been working in clinical advisory role capacity for NHSBSA.
Mentoring Experience
I have experience of leadership, coaching and mentoring training through my time with NHSBSA and as a practice owner. I have always been interested in helping others and I feel mentoring is an opportunity to gain experience that’ll enable growth, learning, and professional development in one’s career and general life.
About Me
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking and travelling.
Alexander Swystun (WY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I have been a qualified optometrist since 2015. Currently, my work time is split between running my own independent optometry practice in Batley, locuming in a multiple and as an advanced practitioner at a local Hospital (complex glaucoma + laser). In addition, I have further training and qualifications in prescribing, glaucoma, laser, research and I’m currently working on medical retina. I am also chairman of a local optical committee.
Mentoring Experience
I have informally mentored over the years: to my colleagues in my own practice, to students at university, junior members of the local optical committee and many others in various optometry practices.
About Me
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, paying for an unused gym membership and trying to play badminton.
Nizz Sabir (HNY Mentees)
Primary Care Experience
I qualified as an Optometrist in 2004. I have worked as a resident and locum in primary care at various practices for over 10 years. For the last 7 years I have been involved in independent practice and more recently work sessionally as a Specialist Optometrist at a local Trust. I have worked as a clinical Governance and Performance lead and I am currently an Optical lead for the region.
Mentoring Experience
I am also one of elected councillors for our region for the Association of Optometrists. These roles alongside my work at the local optical committee have given me the ability to develop and coach individuals in primary healthcare. I have really enjoyed seeing individuals and teams flourish.
About Me
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, outdoor pursuits and badminton. I am also a rugby coach and involved in a local scouts group.