Debb joined YSS in 2003 after relocating to Shropshire with her family following her husband’s 22 years of service in the British Army. She began her journey as a practitioner, supporting people to overcome challenges and build more positive futures, before progressing through a variety of leadership roles to become Chief Executive Officer.
As CEO, Debb provides strategic leadership for YSS, ensuring the organisation delivers high-quality services, supports its people, and continues to create lasting social impact across the communities it serves.
We asked Debb what she enjoys most about her role:
“After more than two decades at YSS, I’m still inspired by the dedication of our staff and the resilience of the people we support – it’s a privilege to play a part in both.”
Stuart McCulloch
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Stuart joined YSS in June 2022, bringing extensive experience from the charity sector and more than 30 years of leadership across finance, operations and organisational development. Having joined as Head of Resources, he now serves as YSS’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), playing a key role in the organisation’s strategic leadership.
As COO, Stuart oversees Finance, HR, IT and operational services, with a focus on strengthening organisational resilience, improving efficiency, managing risk and ensuring YSS has the resources needed to deliver high-quality services and create lasting impact across the communities it serves.
We asked Stuart what he enjoys most about his role:
“I enjoy working with such a dedicated team to ensure YSS remains strong, sustainable and able to continue making a positive difference to people’s lives.”
Lia Palios-Hayden
Director of Services and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Lia began her journey with YSS as a volunteer in 2016, supporting children and young people through the Appropriate Adult service. She joined the organisation as an employee in 2019, recruiting and training volunteers before moving into a Children and Young People’s Practitioner role with Every Step Together, where she helped establish the service.
Since becoming Director of Services and Designated Safeguarding Lead in 2025, Lia has overseen YSS’s services, supporting teams to deliver the best possible outcomes for the people they work with while leading safeguarding, service development and strategic partnerships across the organisation.
We asked Lia what she enjoys most about her role:
“No two days at YSS are ever the same, and I’m incredibly passionate about the work we do and the people we support. It’s rewarding to know that every day we’re helping people rebuild their confidence, purpose and independence, and I’m proud to be part of such an amazing team.”
Denise Kuan
HR & Resources Coordinator
After discovering YSS through the University of Worcester’s job board, Denise joined the organisation as an HR Intern in 2023. She progressed to the role of HR & Resources Coordinator in 2024, where she now plays a key role in supporting colleagues across the organisation.
As HR & Resources Coordinator, Denise is responsible for all aspects of HR, including recruitment, administration, employee relations and wellbeing, HR systems, and policy development. She also provides support with finance administration.
We asked Denise what she enjoys most about her role:
“What I love most about working at YSS is that it’s a truly people-centred and flexible organisation and the management team is always approachable.”
Lisa Bartlett
Administration & Business Support Coordinator
After working for another charity delivering equestrian activities, Lisa joined YSS as Administration and Business Support Coordinator, looking for a new direction while continuing to make a meaningful difference in the charity sector. Since joining, she has enjoyed getting to know the organisation, her colleagues and the many ways she can support the work of YSS.
In her role, Lisa provides business and administrative support to managers across the organisation, helping to coordinate projects, organise workloads and turn ideas into effective outcomes that support the wider work of YSS.
We asked Lisa what she enjoys most about her role:
“What I enjoy most about working at YSS is being part of such a supportive and diverse team. We genuinely value and support one another, and it’s rewarding to know that the work we do has a positive impact on so many people’s lives.”
Fabienne Gengnagel
Digital Communications Lead
While completing a one-year accelerated Business Management degree at the University of Worcester, Fabienne joined YSS in a part-time Social Media role and, after graduating with a First Class Honours degree, became the organisation’s full-time Digital Communications Lead.
As Digital Communications Lead, Fabienne is responsible for planning and creating content across YSS’s social media channels, developing and maintaining the organisation’s website, and supporting event planning and digital communications across the organisation.
We asked Fabienne what she enjoys most about her role:
“What I enjoy most about working at YSS is the kindness and support of my colleagues. Everyone is always willing to help, and the flexibility to work from home allows me to do my best work while contributing to an organisation that makes a real difference in our local communities.”
