Our Trustees
Our trustees play a vital role in our organisation. They set the strategic direction of the charity and ensure it delivers on its responsibilities. This requires a group of committed people from many walks of life with a mix of skills and experience; they all share an interest in domestic abuse, a desire to help the charity and an enquiring mind.
Our board of trustees are extremely committed and take an active role in the organisation, and we are extremely grateful for their time and dedication to the cause.
Elaine McDonald
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Elaine is now retired but has a background of over 25 years working in Careers, Connexions and most recently Children’s Services. She has a wealth of experience in dealing with young people’s issues and multiple agency work. She also has extensive experience of delivering Training & Development and managing a satellite Assessment Centre.
Elaine combines being a Trustee with her other interest of Soroptimism.
Karen Mitchell
Vice Chair
Karen has always worked in social housing in both operational and strategic roles for local councils and housing associations. Currently she works for a housing association in Manchester which provides affordable homes for rent and a range of community and support services across the south of the city. She has a strong belief in the right of everyone to a safe and secure home.
Karen has lived in the Glossop area for over 25 years and became a of Trustee of High Peak Women’s Aid, now known as Crossroads, in 2012. She is proud to be involved with this local charity which provides essential services across the High Peak.
Michelle Simpson
Michelle is a Family Law specialist with over 25 years’ experience in dealing with a wide range of Family Law issues. She is an Associate with Chafes Hague Lambert Solicitors and is based in New Mills. Michelle is a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel and a Resolution accredited specialist in Children Law and Domestic Abuse.
She has lived in the High Peak for over 25 years.
Abbie Kirkham
Abbie has over 20 years’ experience in recruitment, L+D and HR. She also is lucky enough to be able to teach HR and business at graduate level which she enjoys immensely.
She is originally from Liverpool but now lives in Wilmslow with her husband, 2 daughters, 2 schnauzers and her cat.
She became a trustee of Crossroads as she is passionate about ending domestic violence and believes everyone should have the opportunity to live in a safe environment.
She is currently the minutes secretary for the board.
Abeer Omer
Abeer is a certified accountant with experience working in multicultural environments spanning more than nine years.
Gaining her ACCA membership along with a Master’s degree in Finance and Accounting whilst taking care of her children are her most memorable and poignant successes.
She loves playing chess and walking through nature.
"I believe serving the community to maintain a safe and peaceful place to live is a most vital role to play. I am so proud of being part of Crossroads Derbyshire which gives the hope of a new start for those in most need."
