Meet the team

Reading Family Aid goes back a long way...
The original idea came from a group of people helping young mothers at Katesgrove House in Reading in the 1970s and 1980s. Click here to learn more about our early days. We became a registered charity in 1993.

RFA is staffed entirely by volunteers and run by a small committee. We don't employ any staff or maintain any premises, so we're able to keep our overheads to a minimum. We spend all the money that we raise on our programme of activities for the children and families we support.

The Reading Family Aid Management Committee

Sravanthi Yellapragada,  Chair, Toy Project & Trustee
I live in Reading and joined Reading Family Aid to help out with the technology side of Toy project.

​The committee members, volunteers, the work we do and the effect it has on the community inspired me to get more involved with Reading Family Aid.
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Wendy Howell,  Vice-Chair, Fundraiser & Trustee

I was born in Yorkshire and worked in local government and later in Liverpool as computer programmer. 
I married and eventually moved to Reading in 1996.
I always enjoyed fundraising and supporting charities through my church.
First  helped RFA in 1997 and haven't looked back. I have been vice and chair in the past. Currently vice chair again.
I love hands-on fundraising such as raffles and tombolas. I also enjoy reading, crafts, singing and family.​
Laura Windisch, Secretary, Toy Project Manager & Trustee

I’ve lived in Reading for pretty much all of my adult life, since I became a student here in 1980. When I was about to retire from my 30+ year career in University admissions in 2019, I looked for a volunteering opportunity.  Having volunteered for the Toys and Teens appeal in the past, I was very happy to see that the post of Toys and Teens Appeal Project Manager was available.  The Appeal encompasses all that I love about living in Reading – people are so enthusiastic, generous and compassionate. I then became Secretary of Reading Family Aid in July 2020 and now fulfil both roles on the Committee.
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Sue Marson, Treasurer & Trustee
I have lived in Emmer Green for over 30 years . I have worked in NHS finance, and for many years as a school bursar. After retirement, I enjoyed part time employment in a local auction house.
I became interested in Reading Family Aid through a neighbour and I was pleased to be able to volunteer as Treasurer. I enjoyed seeing some of the activities and benefits provided for local families this summer and look forward to being involved in  the Tots and Teens Toy Project.
  

The remainder of the Trustees and Committee

Just hover over the photo to find out who we are and what we do ....

Vera Box 
Tracy Collins 
Paul Cooper - Marketing 
Charlie McLean - Publicity Manager
​Harini Parvateneni - Fundraising Mgr
Maria Simpson - Publicity
May Smith
Anna Waite - Publicity 
Sheila Wright - In-coming Emails