Staff & Trustees

Lisa Pike

CEO and Designated Safeguarding Lead

I feel incredibly privileged to be the CEO of Open Door Exmouth. My journey here has been anything but straightforward! I spent ten years working in senior retail roles before having children—and life got very busy, very quickly. When my son was just 18 months old, I had twins, and navigating those early years was tough. I struggled with severe post-natal depression and needed support from a local charity, which changed the course of my life.

That experience inspired me to set up my own multiple birth support group in Cambridgeshire, and when we moved to Devon, I took over the leadership of the Exmouth group. I’ve now been working in leadership roles in the voluntary sector for over 20 years. I’m so passionate about helping people find places where they belong and can access the support they need.

I joined Open Door in 2017 to lead the ICE project and oversee family and youth work. In 2021, I stepped into the role of CEO, and I haven’t looked back! Every day is different, the challenges are varied, and I get to work alongside the most incredible staff and volunteers who inspire me and teach me something new every single day. I also love working with all the other fantastic organisations and agencies in Exmouth—collaboration is key, and I truly believe we’re better together.

When I’m not at work, you’ll most likely find me walking along the beach with my dogs, Freddie and Daisy. I’m a sucker for a good cup of decaf coffee and a pastry, especially if it’s after a beach stroll! I also love catching up with friends, spending time with my family, and losing myself in a good book. If I could change one thing about myself, it would be to stop being such a last-minute person—but hey, we’re all a work in progress, right? 😊

Tim Chappell

Head of Operations and Men's Shed Lead

After dropping out of Art College I got into sales, working for an independent builder’s merchant. After successfully running a very busy sales department I decided to specialise in Kitchen and Bathroom design and sales, developing and dedicated showroom to the trade.

Alongside this I began volunteering for a charity working with most disadvantaged in Northampton. This became my passion, and I took up a full-time post managing the income stream and staff team, who were leading the services provided.

My passion to help the most vulnerable has also led to me to become a Street Pastor & Response Pastor being on the ground late at night keeping people safe and being present in the aftermath of tragedies like Grenfell Tower & London Bombings.

I joined Open Door in August 2020 after moving back home to beautiful Exmouth with my wonderful wife, four children, a crazy cockapoo & tortoise. It is such a privilege to serve the people of this town which I grew up in; if Open Door had been there when I was younger, I would have certainly needed its services.

Outside of work I love to do all things outdoors with my family, running, swimming, hiking and mushroom spotting!

Mike Atkinson

Volunteer Coordinator

Hayley Coughtrey

Community Café Cook

I started as a volunteer at Open Door in 2015 helping on the coffee bar and in the kitchen. I had never worked in a kitchen before but the lovely Kit (my predecessor) taught me lots of skills and encouraged me along the way. I took on a staff role as Kitchen Assistant 5 years ago and I haven’t looked back! I love to chat with our customers and find out how they are getting on. My favourite thing about working at Open Door is being able to have a laugh – it is such a happy place. I enjoy being part of the team and meeting lots of people. I am mum to three children including twins who are now 20. I love going to live music concerts and if anyone has a spare Oasis ticket, let me know!!

Secgul Dilek

Kitchen Assistant

I am originally from Turkey and now happily settled here for two years, I’m someone who loves baking, cooking, hosting friends, and exploring nature. I’ve been at Open for a year and couldn’t be happier to be part of the team.

Rose Doyle

Youth Services Lead

I joined Open Door part-time in 2019 as the ICE Project’s school’s worker but began my current full-time role as Youth Services Lead in 2023, having instigated the development of our Toast Youth Café. I continue to work in Exmouth Community College leading our Haven project (previously ICE). I have over 10 years of youth work experience, particularly in mentoring, project development and the support of young people with mental health concerns. I bring not only my experience, but also a passion for seeing young people flourish no matter their circumstances. I love thinking creatively and being a part of the wider Open Door team. When I’m not at work, you will find me either out in nature, at the cinema, or trying out my latest hobby – currently it’s beginners ballet!

Steven England

Executive Team Assistant

I was a teacher for nearly 40 years; chemistry and statistics with a bit of cooking “mixed in”.  I was a Head of Year, Deputy Head and Examinations’ Officer and, since retiring, have been an invigilator and a GCSE chemistry marker.

I first started volunteering at Open Door at the start of 2019, when I assisted the administrator with her duties.  During the pandemic, my wife and I helped with food collections from the local supermarkets and have continued with this important task.  Once restrictions were lifted we began to volunteer in the café and it has been amazing to see first-hand the support which Open Door offers to local people.  I have continued to assist with admin, covering for the administrator whilst she’s on leave and running the office on Fridays.

Since February 2024 I have been a paid member of staff for one day per week, My role as Executive Team Assistant supports the CEO, Head of Operations and Trustees.  If you were to come into Open Door, you would probably find me knee-deep in spreadsheets (“someone has to like them!”) or proof-reading our letters and documents (“the King of the comma and apostrophe” or “Mr Picky”, depending upon your point-of-view!).

Outside of Open Door I run a successful Sequence Dancing Club, enjoy gardening, baking, cake decorating and paper crafting.  Not forgetting, of course, my important Grandad duties with my 3-year-old granddaughter, Hannah, who brings us so much joy.

Donna Evans

Community Café Manager

I qualified as a Chef 30+ years ago ( showing my age now)

I have been very fortunate to have worked in a variety of catering arenas and have loved every minute of it!

Alongside my catering I also worked at Withycombe Raleigh Primary school as a TA for 19 years, supporting children in Years 1& 2. Whilst there I ran an after-school club called ” Lets Get Cooking” which was funded by The National Lottery for 3 years, we sustained the club for many more years through fundraising; over 200 pupils and parents attended the 4-week course!!! My hobbies include walking, swimming, cycling and of course cooking!!

Rachel Gardner

Administrator

I am the administrator at Open Door Exmouth, having previously volunteered in the café for 2 ½ years. Before this, I worked for a church as a Children and Families Worker, and spent over two decades, prior to that, as a primary school teacher . I am married and mum to twin boys. I love being part of the Open Door team, using my skills to support the day to day running of the charity so that others can directly help the people who need it most in Exmouth. On a day off, I enjoy running and baking (though not at the same time!).

Maureen Jackman

Support Services Lead

I have worked for Open Door for 9 years and up until March 2024, I ran the Café and led the support team. I have lots of experience working with vulnerable adults; my previous experience included working for Devon and Cornwall Police, NHS and Guinness Care. Previous jobs have included modelling, teaching, medical secretary, call handler and marketing officer.

My hobbies include gardening and reading and my. My claim to fame would be meeting Darth Vada, R2D2, Geremy Bullock and Michael Sheard from Star Wars as well as Pearl Carl & Teddy Johnson!

Liz Biggs

Family Support Services Lead

I have worked at Open Door as Family Support Service Lead since December 2023 and am project leader for Parent Hub. Previously, I have been involved in Open Door as a volunteer in a variety of roles: ICE project committee, Nightshift volunteer, Kitchen Helper and Coffee Bar volunteer during the Saturday morning pilot.

I have worked as a community pharmacist in Exmouth for the last 27 years so this has given me lots of experience at dealing with all sorts of people, often when they are very definitely not at their best. It also means that I am often recognised in random places. Since I have also seen my boys through primary and secondary education in Exmouth, attended 3 different churches regularly and was a part of Exmouth Operatic Society (now EMCO) for several years, I know a lot of people in the town. My greatest challenge in life so far has definitely been raising my boys but it has also been one of my greatest joys.

Things about me that surprise people are that I have run the London marathon, spent 7 months working abroad in the Himalayas and I have a tattoo on my left forearm!

When not at Open Door, I am often seen behind a pharmacy counter (it could be any, I now locum) or walking on the seafront, trying to avoid doing housework!

Helen Plant

Craft Services Lead

I am primarily a printmaker and textiles artist but cover loads of different creative skills in my role with Open Door and in local Primary Schools. I studied textiles and fine art many years ago and have always used my creativity in the community. Seven years living in South Africa and working in the townships shaped my creative practice and outlook on life enormously. I love to bring colour, vibrancy and encouragement to life with all my making, and seeing the positive impact of this in the lives of people who come to our sessions is a delight.

On my days off you will find me in the garden, busy with a current building project or digging trenches. Other than a paint brush, having a shovel in my hand is my happy place!

Yvonne Tolhurst

Finance Manager

I was thrilled to join the Open Door team as the Charity’s Finance Manager in June 2025.

I am a qualified accountant with 20 years’ experience working in practice, the not-for-profit and private sectors.

I am also a wife, and a mum to 4 children ranging in age from 4 to 15 years old.

When I’m not busy with my family, I enjoy trying to play the tenor horn in a local brass band, attempting the odd park run and swimming in the sea off the East Devon Coast.

Amanda Rider

Community Café Assistant

I am the Café Assistant here at Open Door. You’ll usually find me behind the counter with a smile, chatting with customers and helping to make everyone feel welcome. I love how our café brings people together — whether it’s friends catching up, someone popping in for a bit of company, or volunteers sharing a laugh while we work.

Before I joined the staff team here I volunteered at the Craft Room for 5 years which I absolutely loved. I really enjoy getting to know the people who come through our doors and seeing how small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day. Outside of work, I love walking my dog, getting creative with crafts, spending time with my family and one of my favorite things is a cup of tea with a piece of cake. I believe life’s better with laughter, connection, and a bit of fun — and that’s what I like about our community cafe.

Claire Balmer

Support assistant

I’ve very recently started working at Open Door in a new role as a part time Support Assistant – but I may be a familiar face as I’ve been a volunteer at the Tuesday morning Craft Cafe and a regular attendee at the Wednesday Craft Room for more than 2 years. I’m really looking forward to working with Maureen and the many support volunteers who reach out a hand to anyone who needs one and ensure the support services stay relevant and helpful to everyone who uses them.

In a previous life I worked as a nurse and a medical researcher. My research work mostly involved the people end of research, for instance asking questions such as how do people, their families and society adapt to living with ill health.

I live in Exmouth with my husband John and two crazy rescue cats. We have a busy sociable life, often involving family, live music, etc. When things are quieter, I love enjoying our beautiful coastline, painting, printing and making mosaics.

Dianne Conduit

Chair

I am a registered nurse with over 45 years’ experience working in and with the NHS in clinical practice, general management and senior leadership roles. I obtained an MBA through the Open University. Latterly, I have worked as a consultant, leading health and social care improvement and transformation, clinical and organisational governance and knowledge management. Knowledge and experience of the charity sector has been gained as a trustee for nine years with Young Devon, including three years as Chair. I also volunteer my time as a Support Worker with Open Door, as well as a trustee. During Covid I was a volunteer vaccinator.  
I enjoy gardening, live music, walking and love spending time with my family particularly my two young grandchildren.

Nick Jackson

Treasurer

I am a chartered accountant who has worked in senior finance posts in the charity and social housing sector including spells in the regulatory bodies for both.  I am currently Executive Director of Business Services and Development for Plymouth Community Homes where I have been for the last 15 years.   

Outside of work I enjoys Parkruns, 5 aside football, walking, playing guitar, watching live football (especially Notts County) the theatre and cinema.  With my family spread around the country, my wife and I spend quite a lot of weekends with one or other of them. 

Rob Ferns

I was in GP partnership for 25 years and for 20 years was the managing partner. For 10 years I also worked part-time in outside medical management: Fundholding, Chair of Primary Care Group and then Chair of the professional exec of the Primary Care Trust.  This all gave me good understanding of managing people and complex processes, especially from a financial perspective. 

The final 10 years of my career were spent 50/50 doing locum work in the UK and volunteer medical work in Southern Africa. A major element of this work was around HIV and AIDS care in poor rural areas. 

In my spare time you will find me in my small, elderly sailing boat.  In the summer, enjoying the local estuary and sea, and in winter carrying out basic maintenance. 

Fiona Bolt

I am a Chartered Financial Planner, with twenty years’ experience in Financial Services; I established my company in Exmouth in 2017.  I previously worked as an Events, Market Research & Business Development Manager for BT’s SME channel for over 13 years.  My four children were actively involved in Exe Sailing Club and I served as Treasurer for 5 years.  I became aware of Open Door through church contacts and am delighted to be a Trustee for the charity. I am hoping my marketing skills and wide network of contacts across East Devon can be used fruitfully to building up legacies and donors to support Open Door. I love to crochet, having recently become a Granny – I’m known as Granny Fi-der! 

Peter Stiff

Married to Alison, father to two sons and grandad to four.  

After university, including full-time research, I had a career in secondary education, mainly teaching geography. I had responsibilities at various times for both academic and pastoral matters. These included A level examining, writing textbooks, RSHE, staff recruitment and appraisal and co-ordination of the calendar. These roles have given me skills transferable to Open Door such as administration and staff advocacy.   

My wife and I are regular volunteers in the Community Café which allows us to engage first-hand with the community we serve and to represent the café at Board meetings. I am a member of a local PCC offering opportunities to promote the support of Open Door.  

I am keen on most sports, now as a spectator, gardening and have an extensive collection of vintage toy trains.  

Anne Wynne

Volunteer Advocate

I have 45 years’ experience as a nurse working in different areas. The last 20 years of this has been as a practice nurse specialising in chronic illnesses helping people with their physical and mental wellbeing. These transferable skills I am using as a support worker at Open Door and as the trustee volunteer advocate, ensuring our volunteers feel valued and supported.  

I can be found walking my dog (usually with a coffee shop at the end!) cooking for family and friends and enjoying the natural beauty of Devon.