Our Trustees

Our Trustees bring their invaluable skills, knowledge and lived experience to Treasures Foundation and actively participate with the governance, strategic direction and management of the charity.

Verna Wilks (Chair)
Verna is an HR professional, currently working as a People Business Partner, and has worked in a range of different organisations in the private, public and not for profit/ charity sectors. She is a qualified trainer, coach and mentor. Verna worked for the Fire Service during a period of great change, involved in the strategic changes to the service and the work done to encourage people from underrepresented groups. Verna has a degree in Law & Politics, is CIPD qualified and has various management and other professional qualifications. She is an active member of her church, where she teaches in Sunday School and is a part of the music and creative arts department. She loves travelling, cooking and reading.

Sarah Osunsanya LLB (Hons), LLM, MSc
Sarah has worked in charities within the health and social care sector for over 10 years, starting as a support worker in Deaf and Mental Health Services; eventually becoming the Care Homes Manager. She then worked in Substance Misuse services with Phoenix Futures, managing the Psychosocial Interventions Substance Misuse Service at HMP Holloway until its closure in Summer 2016. Moving on to community services, Sarah worked in the learning disabilities charity Generate, as Head of Operations. Sarah decided to pursue a career as a Psychologist and is currently based at an inpatient forensic unit under the East London Foundation Trust. She works as an Assistant Psychologist in the Substance Use Support Service.

Tari Otobo

Tari Otobo is a passionate trustee of the Treasures Foundation, dedicated to empowering vulnerable women. Although new to the role, Tari is committed to the cause, driven by a strong alignment with the charity’s mission. Having previously volunteered with similar charities, Tari brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable women and is devoted to creating a safe and empowering environment for all women, believing in the transformative power of support and education.

Mechelle Jones 

Mechelle worked in community voluntary youth work before getting involved in fundraising. She was a key part in fundraising for the building of the African Caribbean Centre in Bolton. She worked in housing for a number of years before joining the probation service in 1989 where she remained until 2021. Mechelle is a mother and grandmother and enjoys spending time with her family. She spends her spare time doing puzzles and reading as well as continuing to volunteer – both at Glastonbury for Shelter, and the local food kitchen.

Mikela Shields

A strong advocate for recovery from addiction and the criminal justice system, driven by lived experience and in turn a professional background of addictions counselling, Mikela is an asset to the board of Trustees. Her background contributes to ensuring we operate a trauma informed approach from board level.