Exeter Wellbeing Network (EWN)

Dave Newport

Committee role:
Co-Chair

University role:
Education Support Administrator

Having faced long-term challenges with mental health, Dave was keen to be part of a community where people can openly share how they’re really feeling; he co-founded the Network in 2022 with this vision in mind. He believes that meaningful connection is vital for wellbeing and hopes the Network will be a space where people can come together and feel supported.

Dr Caitlin Kight

Committee role:
Co-Chair

University role:
Lecturer in Education Studies

Dr Caitlin Kight's research topics include self-study, reflective practice, and social justice, all of which are integrally linked to wellbeing. She is interested in promoting compassion and kindness in the workplace and in society more generally.

Tasha Hammond

Committee role:
Co-Chair and Events Officer (Cornwall)

University role:
PhD student within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

Tasha joined the Wellbeing Network Committee as a representative for PGRs, after experiencing mental health difficulties during her own postgraduate journey. She wants to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health by promoting open conversations about anxiety and depression, and to provide support to other PGRs through shared experiences and signposting to support services.

Jen Keywood

Committee role:
Comms Officer (Cornwall)

University role:

Internal Communications Officer at FX Plus

Jen is based in Cornwall at our Penryn campus, the campus shared by the University of Exeter and Falmouth University. Working at FX Plus, and on behalf of both universities, Jen joined the committee to support the network’s presence in Cornwall and to help provide all staff with opportunities to connect with colleagues and engage in activities which have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. She is passionate about the development of our shared communities and networks and believes that creating a sense of place for everyone is important. Jen is also a Network Representative for the Parent and Carers Network in Cornwall and, as a mother of two young children, has a particular interest in initiatives supporting parents and promoting good mental health and wellbeing practices within the workplace.

Terri Watkins

Committee role:
Co-Chair

University role:
University Mental Health Charter Programme Manager

Having been on her own wellbeing journey over the past few years Terri wanted to join a like-minded community and share experiences with others. As her work at the University is focused on developing work on mental health she also wanted to connect with colleagues about this topic and give something back. 

Ramona Nash

Committee role:
Co-Chair

University role:
Multifaith Chaplaincy Coordinator

Ramona joined the Committee in 2024, having discovered that her role in the University Chaplaincy had many aims in common with the Wellbeing Network: non-judgmental listening, care for the Uni community, and creating spaces of belonging and connection for staff as well as students on campus. Ramona believes that empathy and compassion are crucial for life at University, both for individuals and for the community as a whole. She’s also keen on fika!

Brendan Johnson

Committee role:
Admin Officer

University role:
Brendan is currently providing administration support to Tom Begbie, Director of Faculty Operations and Jo Shuttleworth, his deputy, as well as Professors Ian Francis and John Love, jointly Associate PVCs for Business Engagement and Innovation

He is the Travel Champion and one of the Mental Health Champions for the HLS Faculty.

When not providing quality admin, he raises money for charities by competing in Beard Competitions, some of which he wins! (hence the photo). At the World Beard Championships in Antwerp in 2019 he came 7th in his category and has come 3rd at the British Championships in both 2016 and 2018. He came 3rd (AGAIN!) at the British Championships held in Rugby in August 2022. (2020 didn't happen because of 'reasons'). he also was one of the team that organised the British Beard and Moustache Championships held in October 2024.

He's often seen around Tavistock dressed as wizard or a Unicorn. Perfectly normal behaviour for a 60-year-old man.

Kelyn Luther

Committee Role:

Comms Officer

University Role:

Researcher Development and Research Culture Administrator

Kelyn recently joined the committee as a Comms Officer. She strongly believes that community is very beneficial for wellbeing and in the importance of connecting with others (virtually or in-person) when hybrid/remote working can feel isolating.

Sue Whiffin

Committee role:

Events Officer (St. Luke's)

University role:

Research Centre Manager

Sue is passionate about wellbeing and crafting – and even more so if the two are combined!  Having organised several sessions within the Medical School as part of away days, charity events and the pre-Covid crafting group at St Luke’s, she was only too happy to join up with the Wellbeing Network Committee to help facilitate a regular craft session on St Luke’s Campus to provide a welcome and enjoyable session away from the challenges of daily working life.  Sue also supports the St Luke’s Volunteer Garden, which was set up to enhance and foster wellbeing by providing a quiet space for staff to interact with green spaces. 

Dr Lance Peng

Committee role
Events Officer (Cornwall and Remote)

University role
Research Affiliate (Exeter)

Research Associate (Falmouth)

After a wellbeing-light doctoral experience Lance joined the committee to support researchers coming from all sorts of backgrounds. He’s still early in his research career himself and is always happy to chat about wellbeing, cultures or sexualities. Living and working in Cornwall, he splits his time between academic and admin roles and knows the challenge of switching gears, and he’s here for it!

Meg Haslam

Committee role:

Digital Officer

University role:
Sustainable Living Assistant

Having joined the Network in 2025, Meg was keen to connect with like-minded people who care about wellbeing, mindfulness and building a supportive campus culture. With a busy schedule, she’s found yoga and time in nature helpful ways to slow down and recharge. As a Sustainable Living Assistant, Meg’s also interested in how sustainability and wellbeing overlap, especially how being more mindful and connected to the natural world can support both people and planet. She brings digital and design skills to the committee and is looking forward to helping the network grow and reach more people across the University.

Katie Briggs

Committee role:
Events Officer (St. Luke’s)

University role:
Administrator

Katie works as an administrator providing support to various academic colleagues within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

Katie joined the University in 2021 and has always really enjoyed taking part in extra social activities, clubs and workshops within the University setting. She wanted to join the Wellbeing Network to give something back and to help spread the word about the importance of wellbeing in the workplace.

Arts and crafts are a real passion for her, and she has run a few jewellery making workshops for the department at away days and other events.

Jeanne Volschenk

Committee role:
Comms Officer

University role:
Academic Mentor: Degree Apprenticeships

Jeanne is all about making life feel a little lighter and more balanced. Joining the Wellbeing Network felt like a natural step, because who doesn’t want happier, healthier days at work?! Jeanne believes that when we look after ourselves, we show up better for everything else, and that finding harmony (not just balance!) is the secret to running on all gears, without burning any out. 

Fintan May

Committee role:
Admin Officer

University role:

Global Opportunities Administrator

As someone who has struggled with mental health for most of his life, Fin joined the wellbeing network to connect with and support others. When not attending fika sessions or providing admin support for the network and the Global Opportunities team you can usually find Fin performing with his band in and around Exeter - including at the University!