Meet the Recovery Lighthouse Addiction Treatment Team

Johnny Beggache
Johnny Beggache
Operations Manager
Johnny joined UKAT as a support worker at Primrose Lodge in the summer of 2015. He has a passion for helping those with alcohol and substance misuse and has experience working with several other organisations such as local councils, churches and support agencies.

Johnny’s a university graduate from the Organisation and Management course at the Institut National of Commerce, Algiers University and has a First Class Honours Degree in Mathematics (BSC in Mathematics from the London Metropolitan University) which he achieved whilst in recovery. His NVQ 3 and his NVQ 5 (QCF Management in Adult Social Care) are from City and Guilds.

His work experience includes years in the Catering and Hospitality field, leadership positions in the Landscaping and Gardening field, as well as volunteer positions in Homeless Action in Barnet. His journey changed because Johnny suffered from addiction. He’s been sober for over 12 years and is now working to help those who are just starting their journey discover the right path to long-term recovery.

More…
Ola Walsh
Administrator
Ola brings a wealth of experience to her role as an administrator at Recovery Lighthouse. With over 15 years of expertise in Marketing and Communications, she has supported individuals, businesses and charities worldwide.
Inspired by her personal health journey and driven by a passion for holistic well-being, Ola made a career transition into the health and social care sector. Ola holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently pursuing her practitioner-level diplomas in Sound Therapy and Reiki.
More…
Pedro Carolo - Counsellor
Pedro Carolo
Lead Therapist
Pedro is an integrative counsellor with a professional background in cognitive behavioural therapies. He is from Portugal where he was born and raised, a pioneer country in its social, political, individual and collective approach to drug addiction. After studying Psychology and doing an internship in a hospital in Portugal he decided to follow his dream of studying abroad and taking a master’s degree in the UK.
Pedro quickly realized that he had to work with people and that he could use his transferable skills to help others therefore he started working as a support worker in the field of mental health in London while he was enrolling in counselling courses and quickly progressed to becoming a counsellor. Pedro has personal experience with addiction and mental health and firmly believes in the power of recovery and in the potential within people to achieve a more fulfilling life. His interests are varied, such as cinema, series, music, art, gaming, chess, literature, volleyball, animals, nature and Buddhism.
More…
Erica Burtenshaw
Therapist
Erica is an experienced person-centred therapist specialising in supporting adults and young people with mental health challenges. With a background in working at a homeless charity and assisting individuals with addiction and substance misuse, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge and experience to her practice.
Erica's approach is intuitive and empathetic, allowing her to establish a strong rapport with her clients. She incorporates various techniques, including sound therapy, to support emotional healing in her therapeutic sessions. She is skilled at creating a comfortable and supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions and experiences. Outside of her professional life, Erica is a passionate advocate for self-care and holistic wellbeing. She also practises Reiki, which focuses on releasing stored emotions within the body.
More…
Ashleigh Minter
Therapist
Ashleigh is an integrative counsellor with a background in education and mental health. Her passion for mental health emerged during her Psychology studies at university, where she focused on addiction and dedicated her time to volunteering on crisis lines. Ashleigh strongly believes that, given the right conditions, people can change their lives and find recovery.
Ashleigh later pursued her counselling diploma and worked in schools, colleges, and counselling agencies. She worked with a wide range of ages and presenting problems, always aiming to provide an empathetic and safe place to explore any issue without fear of judgement. Ashleigh enjoys working creatively during her therapy sessions to engage clients in their healing journey. She is a big believer in holistic well-being, focusing on the individual as a whole and helping people to live fulfilling lives.
More…
Michelle Francis
Senior Support Worker
Michelle is the senior support worker at Recovery Lighthouse, with nearly three decades of experience in orthopaedics and mental health. As a former manager in recovery-focused accommodation, she successfully facilitated clients' transitions to supported living, gaining valuable insights into addiction and the complex needs of marginalised individuals.
Michelle is committed to further expanding her expertise and providing support to clients throughout their journey to recovery. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys playing badminton, reading and travelling and is passionate about geography and culture.
More…
Hannah Wallace - Support Worker
Hannah Wallace
Support Worker
Hannah is a Support Worker at Recovery Lighthouse with 11 years of experience in the Health Care sector. She is passionate about supporting individuals in their journey to recovery, and she is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care.
Hannah holds a NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care and with this has gained a lot of knowledge to guide clients in their recovery. Hannah has worked in a variety of settings including nursing homes that specialise in end-of-life care and dementia care; to working with adults with mental health conditions. Outside of work Hannah enjoys spending time with her family, going to the cinema, Bowling, Camping and lots more.
More…
Gabriele Petrauske
Support Worker
Gabriele is a dedicated Support Worker at Recovery Lighthouse, bringing over four years of experience in the care sector and a bachelor's degree in communication.
During her time in care homes, Gabriele excelled as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) and Activities Coordinator, organising diverse social events to enhance residents' quality of life. Gabriele is passionate about creating memorable experiences that promote social interaction and overall well-being in stimulating, entertaining and therapeutic environments. She enjoys supporting individuals in their journey to recovery and approaches her work with empathy, dedication and compassion.
More…
Sian Lewis - Support Worker
Sian Lewis
Support Worker
Sian joined UKAT in May 2023. Sian has worked in the health and social care sector for 7 years, ranging from dementia, nursing, mental health and learning disabilities. Sian has a passion for helping and caring for people and a passion to assist people in their journey to recovery. Working in mental health Sian has past experience in Addiction, and came to UKAT to further her experience in helping those to recover and live a fulfilling life.
More…
Chris Rudrum - Reovery Lighthouse - Chef
Chris Rudrum
Chef

Chris has over 35 years experience in catering. He started his career with a passion for cooking and travelling which took him to the National Sea Training College, after acquiring the relevant qualifications he went into the British Merchant Navy at Sea with BP Shipping and several cruise line companies such as Princess Cruises. He also has much experience working in hotels and restaurants across London and Brighton as well as in the care sector.

Chris is a fellow member of the Cookery and Food Associations and the Craft Guild of Chefs, he has City and Guilds professional cookery qualifications, Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene for Supervisor, HACCP training, food allergy awareness and an introduction to emotional intelligence. Chris understands that food is a personal thing to each individual and a keenness for creating well presented, nutritional and tasty food that satisfies each client.

Chris has learnt through life experience, training and meeting people from different walks of life that everyone is unique and individual, and needs to be treated with respect and kindness which is reflected by working at Recovery Lighthouse.

More…