Our Staff & Trustees

Princess Maria of Romania, born into exile in Copenhagen, is the youngest among the royal sisters of Romania. She received her baptism in the Orthodox faith with Her Majesty Margareta, her sister, standing as her godmother. Embarking on a journey of education and exploration, Princess Maria found herself in Switzerland before making the United States her primary residence. It was there that she delved into the study of childcare, contributing significantly to the field. Her endeavours extended into the realm of public relations, where she lent her expertise to private enterprises in New York.

Transitioning her life to the enchanting landscapes of the State of New Mexico, Princess Maria engaged in private consulting, leaving her mark on various ventures. Over the years, she made poignant visits to her homeland and the heart of Bucharest, with one notable occasion being the Royal Family's collective presence in Romania during the Christmas of 1997—a historic moment marking their first reunion on Romanian soil.

Turning fifty in 2014, Princess Maria's milestone birthday prompted a grand celebration in Bucharest, graciously arranged by King Michael. On this significant occasion, she was bestowed with the Order of the Roman Crown and the Grand Cross by the Custodian of the Crown Margareta on behalf of King Michael I.

Following a heartfelt request from Her Majesty Margareta, Princess Maria made the decision to permanently relocate to Romania. Thus, in January 2015, she embarked on a new chapter of her life in Bucharest, immersing herself in a myriad of social, medical, educational, and civic initiatives. Princess Maria remains dedicated to contributing her efforts to projects aimed at enhancing the welfare and well-being of her beloved homeland and its people.

Simon Errington serves as the Director of Gundog HR & Development, dedicated to addressing the human resource challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises. His primary objective is to alleviate these burdens, enabling business owners to concentrate on their core entrepreneurial endeavours.

Beyond his role at Gundog HR & Development, Simon holds the position of co-Director at a Community Interest Company, committed to aiding individuals over 50 years old in their transition back into employment, training or volunteering roles.

With a distinguished career marked by expertise and commitment, Simon, a Chartered member of the Institute of Personnel and Development, has held numerous influential positions within the realms of HR and Training. His professional journey includes stints with the Fire & Rescue Service, the Science Museum Group, and a prestigious University in York. Moreover, Simon has actively contributed to the development and execution of Apprenticeship programs focusing on leadership & HR.

Complementing his professional ventures, Simon generously dedicates his time and expertise as a volunteer with the Scout Association. Here, he serves as a trustee for a Scout Outdoor Activity Centre and assumes the role of unit leader, imparting invaluable life and leadership skills to young individuals aged 14 to 18. Through his multifaceted contributions, Simon Errington exemplifies a profound commitment to empowering individuals and fostering growth within communities.

Lesleyann brings a wealth of experience to the realm of childcare, including years of dedicated service and a comprehensive understanding of the UK's rigorous standards in child protection and education. Her unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of children has been a driving force throughout her career.

In addition to her expertise in childcare, Lesleyann has cultivated a passion for fundraising, leveraging her extensive network within the local community to champion causes close to her heart. With her innate ability to forge connections and inspire action, she has rallied support from friends, family and contacts, galvanising them to stand in solidarity with Children in Distress. Through her tireless efforts and unwavering advocacy, Lesleyann continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

Tracy became a valued member of the Children in Distress family in April 2022, stepping into the role of manager at our Kirkbymoorside shop. With deep roots in the local community, Tracy feels a sense of homecoming as she returns to her familiar surroundings. Her journey to this role was preceded by a decade-long dedication to healthcare, where she served as a volunteer carer for 10 years before transitioning into a formal caregiving role for an additional 6 years.

Prior to her tenure in healthcare, Tracy gained valuable experience as an assistant manager in two separate charity shops. Now back where she feels she belongs, Tracy is delighted to reconnect with her passion for retail and community engagement. She thrives on the bustling atmosphere of the shop, relishing the opportunity to welcome visitors in search of treasures, conversation and connection. Tracy's warmth and enthusiasm make her an invaluable asset to the Children in Distress team, and she looks forward to continuing to serve and support the local community in her new role.

Daniella Findlay joined Children in Distress in March 2024, bringing with her a diverse background in retail, hospitality, and science, as well as extensive experience in management and administration. Previously, she worked as an assistant shop manager for PDSA and has dedicated many years to volunteering within her local community. Daniella holds a degree in Business Management & Finance from York St. John University and is trained in Data Protection and GDPR compliance. She is driven by the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and improve the lives of vulnerable children.

Maria Cristina Mitu serves as the Head of the UK and EU practice at McAllister Olivarius, a leading law firm known for its expertise in various legal matters. With a rich background in both Romanian and English law, Maria holds qualifications in both jurisdictions bringing a unique and valuable perspective to her practice.

At McAllister Olivarius, Maria dedicates her efforts to serving business and corporate clients, leveraging her expertise to provide comprehensive legal solutions tailored to their needs.

In addition to her role at McAllister Olivarius, Maria also holds the position of Managing Partner at Mitu & Asociatii, a prominent Romanian law firm based in Bucharest. Specialising in commercial advice, litigation, corporate law and corporate immigration, Maria and her team offer strategic legal counsel to a diverse clientele.

Maria's extensive experience includes facilitating business transactions between Romanian and English companies, showcasing her proficiency in cross-border legal matters. Through her dedication and expertise, Maria Cristina Mitu continues to make significant contributions to the legal profession, earning recognition for her unwavering commitment to client success.

Ian Catley currently serves as the Vendor Manager at the European Patent Office, leveraging his engineering background to excel in his role as an IT Service Management specialist. Commuting to the Netherlands for his work, Ian's professional journey is marked by dedication and expertise in his field.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Ian has harboured a longstanding passion for children's and youth work, a commitment that has spanned decades. Even during his teenage years, he took on the responsibility of organising the Saturday morning events programme for the Methodist Association of Youth Groups' annual London Weekend, catering to over 12,000 young individuals. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Rachel, whom he later married in 1996. Together, they have established and led various youth groups and activities, while also assuming leadership roles within Christian communities both in Munich, where they resided for over two decades, and in their native UK.

Ian and Rachel share a mutual love for travel and find solace in tending to their garden just outside Newcastle. Their philanthropic ventures led them to embark on a mission trip to CID in Romania in 2015, igniting a deep-seated commitment to supporting the charity's mission. Eager to cultivate a new generation of supporters for CID, Ian and Rachel remain dedicated to empowering others to contribute to the organization's vital work, ensuring its sustainability for years to come.

Valentina, a graduate in social work from the esteemed Theological Faculty of the University of Bucharest, embarked on her journey with Children in Distress in 1998. Her dedication and passion led her to spearhead the Charity's transformative 'Street Children' project, where she made a profound impact on the lives of vulnerable youth.

Continuing her pursuit of excellence, Valentina pursued a master’s degree in Third Sector Management from Sheffield University, enhancing her skills and expertise in the field. As a pivotal figure within CID, Valentina serves as the driving force behind many of the organisation's projects and programmes, orchestrating their delivery with unwavering commitment and vision.

Valentina's leadership extends to the strategic evolution of CID, including the establishment of St Margaret's Centre for Children's Care Services and the inception of Casa Maria, a new family house emblematic of the charity's future aspirations.

In her capacity as Executive Director of CID Romania, Valentina played a vital role in securing full registration from the National Authority for Child Protection for all of Copii in Dificultate's initiatives. She also curated the highly acclaimed International Autism Conference, a testament to her dedication to advancing the field of child welfare and advocacy.

Valentina's unwavering dedication, coupled with her profound impact on the lives of countless individuals, solidifies her position as a beacon of hope and inspiration within the CID community and beyond.