ABOUT US

OUR PEOPLE

Joseph Jeffers

CEO

With over 20 years of management experience in the charity sector, Joseph brings a broad range of expertise in staff and volunteer training, governance, monitoring and evaluation, and community consultation. He has successfully delivered large-scale projects with budgets of up to £725,000.

Joseph is a Board Member at Crystal Palace Football Club, where he leads on equality and diversity, and also serves as a board member for the King’s Fund Leadership Programme.

He brings his passion for dance and the arts into his work at ASKI, helping to sustain creativity and vibrancy across the organisation. Having overcome significant health challenges, Joseph is deeply committed to promoting the wellbeing of staff, volunteers, and service users.

AFIONG Effiom

Operations Manager

With over 25 years of experience in retail management, Afiong Effiom brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Operational Manager at ASKI. Passionate about making a meaningful impact within the community, she ensures the organisation operates effectively, delivering essential support and resources to those in need.

Afiong’s background in retail has shaped her strong commitment to service excellence, empathy, and active listening. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, empowering individuals through access to knowledge and information.

Outside of work, Afiong actively volunteers within her local community, further demonstrating her commitment to social responsibility and her desire to inspire others to make a difference.

Agnieszka Cybula

Administrator

Agnieszka Cybula joined ASKI in 2022 as an Administrator, bringing over 20 years of experience working with people from diverse communities. She provides essential clerical and organisational support, ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation.

Highly organised and self-motivated, Agnieszka manages the internal membership database, coordinates bookings for events and trips, maintains office systems, and prepares documents, spreadsheets, and presentations as required. She is also committed to delivering excellent customer service to members and external partners.

Agnieszka enjoys engaging with people and takes pride in creating an efficient and welcoming environment. Outside of work, she is a dedicated mother of two.

Maria Ako

Dance Tutor

Maria Ako is passionate about connecting with people through movement and expression. With over 12 years of experience, beginning her journey with the International Dance Teachers Association, she brings energy and enthusiasm to every session.

At ASKI, Maria leads Zumba and Line Dancing classes, encouraging participants to embrace dance as both a form of self-care and a powerful expression of resilience.

She is committed to creating an inclusive and uplifting environment where everyone feels confident to “move it like they mean it.”

Amanda Nilmadhub

Sewing Workshop Facilitator/Head of Garment Construction

Amanda Nilmadhub brings a lifelong passion for sewing, inspired by a family tradition of dressmaking spanning generations in South Africa. Having developed her skills from the age of eight, she is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and inspiring others.

At ASKI, Amanda leads sewing workshops that promote creativity, mindfulness, and social connection. She takes great pride in supporting participants as they develop new skills, build confidence, and form meaningful friendships.

Outside of her work with ASKI, Amanda runs a home studio where she teaches and creates garments. She is also a mother of four and enjoys balancing family life with her creative pursuits.

David Ross

Creativity and Mindful Art

David Ross is a fashion designer and illustrator with expertise in curriculum design and review. He brings this diverse skill set to his role facilitating creativity and mindful art workshops at ASKI.

David is passionate about helping individuals transform life experiences and emotions into artistic expression. He values the shared learning environment and the rich exchange of ideas within his sessions.

Through his work, he fosters a positive and supportive space where participants can grow creatively and personally.

Michelle Inniss

Creative Writing
Workshop Facilitator

Michelle Inniss is a writer of prose and plays, born in Liverpool to Trinidadian parents, and holds an MA in Creative Writing. She is dedicated to facilitating the telling of untold stories, creating platforms for voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Through her workshops, she supports community cohesion and understanding, and is passionate about helping participants grow in confidence as they explore, recognise, and share the value of their own stories.

Sreekrishnan Karuppiah

Dance Tutor

Sreekrishnan Karuppiah is passionate about making fitness enjoyable and accessible for everyone. Through dance, he creates high-energy sessions that combine fun, movement, and wellbeing.

His approach focuses on motivating participants to stay active while building confidence and positivity.

Sreekrishnan is proud to support individuals on their journey towards feeling energised, empowered, and engaged through dance.

Radka Narozna

Yoga Teacher

Radka Narozna is dedicated to promoting wellbeing through movement, mindfulness, and accessible fitness practices. As a yoga teacher at ASKI, she creates a calm and supportive environment where participants can improve both physical and mental wellbeing.

Her sessions focus on balance, relaxation, and strength, helping individuals feel more connected, energised, and resilient in their daily lives.

Farrah Khan

Community Support

Farrah Khan joined ASKI in 2023, initially supporting the Community Café before progressing into a wider community-focused role.

With experience working with vulnerable adults across Croydon, including individuals with mental health needs and learning disabilities, Farrah is passionate about helping people feel valued, connected, and supported.

She now manages ASKI’s Sutton branch and contributes to events across multiple boroughs, including Lewisham. Her dedication to community engagement and bringing people together makes her a valued member of the ASKI team.

Marisa Zanotti

Filmmaker

Marisa Zanotti is a filmmaker whose collaborations have been recognised with BAFTA and BIFA nominations. She is proud to collaborate with Joseph Jeffers, ASKI and Place at My Table  on documentaries, video reports and documentation.  She created Daisy Street Films,  a video production company specialising in projects telling stories about communities. www.daisystreetfilms.com