A little bit about us
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Arman Javanmardy
Finance AssistantArman Javanmardy
Finance AssistantA part-qualified ACCA aiming for chartership at SweetTree. With experience ranging from banking in KYC and credit (commercial real estate, BTL, corporate) as well as hospitality, having previously been a Head bartender at an Italian restaurant. Arman thrives finding solutions to any challenges presented to him. His Swiss upbringing and fluency in German enrich his perspective, alongside his passion for agriculture, demonstrated through his involvement with SweetTree Fields Farm. He’s deeply invested in SweetTree’s growth and is driven to contribute to the long-term success of our HealthTech startup. -
Anmohl Singh
Assistant Support Manager – BIAnmohl Singh
Assistant Support Manager – BIAnmohl has been in the health and social care sector for over 10 years, starting when she was only 16. She began as a Support worker, working her way up to Team leader across care homes agencies, a mental health agency, a learning disability home, an EBD children’s home, and then the brain injury sector. The brain injury sector resonated with her strongly—she felt she could make the most impact, and it connected with a brain injury module she studied at Durham.The ASM role at SweetTree appealed to her as a way to grow and develop new skills. She likes the mix of office, work from home, and working in the community —keeps things interesting and balanced. Plus, she says everyone she’s met at SweetTree has been genuinely caring, which can be rare.In her spare time, she likes going to the gym/climbing or hiking, volunteering, and reading. Sometimes some cat-sitting and babysitting – when she’s bored. Her highlight, though, is probably spending time with family/friends over board games or a hearty meal. When she gets a chance, she loves travelling and exploring new places, trying different foods, and nature. And did we mention how much she loves food? -
Karleen Andall
Support Manager – Learning Disabilities & Complex CareKarleen Andall
Support Manager – Learning Disabilities & Complex CareWith over 17 years of experience in Health and Social Care across both the UK and NYC, Karleen brings a strong foundation in advocacy, safeguarding, and frontline support. Her journey began as a part-time support worker during university, inspired by grassroots activism and a deep desire to empower others. Since then, she has worked across mental health, learning disabilities, domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, and modern slavery sectors, holding roles such as Advocate, Exploitation Interventionist, Team Manager and Service Manager.
Beyond Karleen‘s professional life, she is an artist, social media content creator for multiple brands, a proud Notting Hill Carnival band manager, and a cat mum to three. Karleen was drawn to organisations like Sweet Tree for their commitment to values-driven, person-centred care and creative approaches to support.
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Ricardo Pereira
Compliance OfficerRicardo Pereira
Compliance OfficerRicardo moved to London from Portugal in 2016 and has dedicated the past eight years to the social work industry, specialising in mental health. He has extensive experience supporting individuals and navigating complex care systems and brings a strong foundation of knowledge and dedication to his work. Ricardo is eager to apply his expertise, focusing on auditing and reporting to help maintain high standards and ensure the company delivers excellent service to clients.
Outside of work, he enjoys watching series and movies, especially those featuring witches. He also loves attempting DIY projects in his free time.
ricardo.pereira@sweettree.co.uk -
Tabitha Hamblin
Care Manager – Dementia ServiceTabitha Hamblin
Care Manager – Dementia ServiceBio goes here -
Rebekah Dawson
Assistant Support Manager – BIRebekah Dawson
Assistant Support Manager – BIRebekah has worked with SweetTree for the past two years as a support worker in the Learning Disabilities and Brain Injury services. Before joining SweetTree, she worked in schools and as a nanny, predominantly supporting children with special educational needs. She also completed a BSc in Psychology. Passionate about improving people’s lives through a holistic and person-centred approach, she believes SweetTree is the perfect place to do this.
She is currently studying an MSc in the Psychodynamics of Human Development in the hopes of becoming a psychotherapist, and her experience working with SweetTree has inspired her to continue progressing within this field.
In her spare time, she loves spending time with friends, travelling, trying new things, and staying active through activities such as swimming and yoga, singing, and anything music-related!
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Christopher Ritchie
Assistant Support Manager – Learning DisabilitiesChristopher Ritchie
Assistant Support Manager – Learning DisabilitiesChristopher is a dedicated care professional with three years of active experience and a strong academic background in the field. Specialising in Learning Disabilities and Mental Health, Christopher has worked across various services, from community outreach support to residential complex care services. He prides himself on supporting individuals holistically, leveraging his skills in personal development, positive learning, mental health support, and community integration.
Christopher is passionate about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be part of their community and build meaningful social support networks. He believes in the power of community involvement and strives to enhance the quality of life for those he supports.
Outside of work, he loves photography and videography and is passionate about psychology and the human mind. Though he considers himself an introvert, Christopher likes engaging with people intellectually and expressively, traveling, and discovering new places.
christopher.ritchie@sweettree.co.uk -
Anna Adeleye
Quality Assurance & On Call Support ManagerAnna Adeleye
Quality Assurance & On Call Support Manageranna.adeleye@sweettree.com -
Chloe McTeare
Schools Coordinator & Project LeaderChloe McTeare
Schools Coordinator & Project LeaderChloe has 5 years experience working in the care and farm industry. Since as far back as she can remember, Chloe has always had a passion for working with people, especially children and animals. She likes seeing growth in the people she has been able to support and work with as well as seeing younger people take in new information about the world around them.
What brought her to SweetTree was because it was within the field of her “dream job” and because of a feeling she had that working for us would be an incredible place to work. The things that she finds the most enjoyable within her role is helping guide people from all walks of life and introducing them to experiences they may have never had elsewhere.
In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors as well as having nights in.
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Connor Harrison
Farm WorkerConnor Harrison
Farm WorkerBefore Connor started at SweetTree Fields Farm, he had limited experience working with people living with learning difficulties outside of volunteers when he worked at a County Council. Connor has extensive knowledge and experience in farming and conservation with a focus on livestock farming.
Connor came to SweetTree Fields Farm when he was looking for a break from intensive shepherding and wanted a change of pace as well as a broader range of work. Since joining he enjoys his role working in the natural environment on the farm with the varied tasks that are seasonal and involve problem solving as well as working alongside his colleagues and clients on a daily basis.
In his spare time, he and his partner have a flock of sheep which they manage throughout the year. He also likes doing woodworking and enjoys the outdoors.
connor.harrison@sweettree.co.uk -
Brennan Neiding
Assistant Support Manager – BIBrennan Neiding
Assistant Support Manager – BIBrennan started working in care 4 years ago with another agency after moving to the UK from Ohio. It was a new industry for Brennan, however, he had an interest in psychology and fell in love with working in a position that allowed him to work passionately with others. In his free time, he enjoys gaming, film, music as well as spending time with his puppy.brennan.neiding@sweettree.co.uk -
Olivia Andrews
Head of Service – Learning Disabilities & Complex CareOlivia Andrews
Head of Service – Learning Disabilities & Complex CareOlivia previously worked for SweetTree for 3 years; before spending time as an Assistant Psychologist with the NHS. She has a background in Psychology with a Masters in Development Disorders and Clinical Practice. Having worked in the healthcare sector for over 10 years, she has experienced a range of settings covering a spectrum of client’s needs and has built up experience from support worker to support manager.
In her spare time, she loves spending time with friends, watching rugby and has been known to dabble with karaoke.
olivia.andrews@sweettree.co.uk -
Anthony Lionakis
Finance DirectorAnthony Lionakis
Finance DirectorAnthony joins SweetTree with over 15 years of accountant experience in professional services, investment banking, and most recently domiciliary care.
He was drawn to the care industry in search of a more fulfilling role, and with the intention of having a meaningful impact in this sector. When he came across SweetTree, he was hugely impressed with the team, the vision and the high standards being accomplished.
Anthony is an Arsenal fan and has recently taken up golf, although he has 2 boys under the age of 6, which means he doesn’t get to watch much football or play much golf!
anthony.lionakis@sweettree.co.uk -
Laura Vaquero
Marketing ManagerLaura Vaquero
Marketing ManagerBefore joining SweetTree in 2023, Laura worked in marketing for an e-commerce company for many years across social media, email marketing, and paid digital channels. She moved to the care sector to be involved in something that felt more meaningful to her.
She loves everything creative, from watercolour painting to pottery making, as well as travelling and meeting new people.
laura.vaquero@sweettree.co.uk -
Carolina Centeio
Talent Acquisition Manager • Human ResourcesCarolina Centeio
Talent Acquisition Manager • Human ResourcesCarolina is now coming up to a year of experience in recruitment, as well as 6 months of experience in dementia and learning disability care. She has also worked in an environment that supports and ensures the safeguarding of vulnerable families. She just recently finished a MSc in Psychology which gave her insight on mental health, cognitive functions, organisational psychology, and how all of these can impact individuals on a personal level as well as employee’s wellbeing in a work environment; which is something of great interest to her.
SweetTree is a family that genuinely cares for one another and goes the extra mile for both clients and employees. Having a younger brother with autism has always made her feel quite strongly about providing the best support for each individual without stripping them of their dignity. For Carolina, this is exactly what SweetTree also stands for.
In her spare time Carolina likes travelling, watching horror films, exercising and baking sweet things.
carolina.centeio@sweettree.co.uk -
Federica Tullio
HR & Compliance OfficerFederica Tullio
HR & Compliance OfficerFederica started her journey in Recruitment/ HR as a volunteer for a company who provided support for children living with disabilities. Here she focused on selecting volunteers profiles and improving company policies. She is now CIPD qualified.
Before working in Sweet Tree, she was a Recruitment Coordinator in a security company; this experience gave her the opportunity to grow and develop her knowledge of the recruitment and onboarding process. She always had a passion for healthcare due to a personal family history in care. She really enjoys seeing and encouraging empathetic and altruistic skills in candidates.
federica.tullio@sweettree.co.uk -
Ella Barlow
Support Manager – South EastElla Barlow
Support Manager – South EastElla has been working in the care industry for 23 years. As soon as she started in care, she knew this was what she wanted to do. She started as a support worker in domiciliary care and then moved onto working with a client with a brain injury. She then worked in a brain injury unit which she found rewarding and fascinating! She moved into working with clients with spinal injuries in 2015 as a support worker and team leader before taking the role as a care manager. She is currently working toward her level Five in Health and Social care.
Ell has chosen to work with SweetTree due to our passion surrounding good quality care which she feels matches her own ethos.
Travel is Ella’s main passion outside of work and there are still many places on her bucket list! She enjoys socialising with friends and family in her spare time.
ella.barlow@sweettree.co.uk -
Rebekah Kirkwood
On Call Assistant Support ManagerRebekah Kirkwood
On Call Assistant Support ManagerRebekah has worked as a Learning Disabilities & Brain Injury and Neurological Conditions Support Worker for almost 3 years, including one year with SweetTree. Previous to that, she had worked in an adult community mental health service, as a research assistant and as a laboratory assistant. When Rebekah completed her Psychology BSc in 2021 she was fascinated by the neuropsychology modules. She matched this with her love for caring for people and decided to continue this with SweetTree.
In her spare time, she loves spending time with her friends and family, travelling and watching live music.
rebekah.kirwood@sweettree.co.uk -
Chiara Bernardi
Support Manager – North WestChiara Bernardi
Support Manager – North WestChiara started working for SweetTree in 2019 as a Brain Injury support worker. In 2022, she became a Field Supervisor, then Assistant Support Manager, and currently Support Manager for the Brain Injury service (North West). She has a BSc in Psychological Sciences and Techniques (Italy) and a MSc in Neuroscience and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation (Italy). She volunteered at the local children’s hospital Burlo Garofolo and worked for a charity which supports people with Ms before moving to London in 2016.
Originally from Trieste, Chiara likes to meet new challenges and new people. She loves baking, reading, and going to the theatre.
chiara.bernardi@sweettree.co.uk -
Sandra Amina
Support Manager – North EastSandra Amina
Support Manager – North EastSandra has worked in the care industry since 2002, after she came to London from Latvia with a nursing diploma. She has worked both in hospitals and the community, and loves making a difference to people’s lives, no matter how small that difference may be.
Soon after joining SweetTree as a BI support worker Sandra was offered a team leader role on one of the Brain Injury team’s most complex packages. She now works with the team in her current role as a Support Manager.
Sandra says her passion is travelling and learning about our amazing planet. Fun facts: Sandra has reached the summit of Kilimanjaro and has completed a half marathon in under 2hrs! Sandra describes the people at SweetTree as “one big family”.
sandra.amina@sweettree.co.uk -
Migen Cocelli
Specialist Services Coordinator – North WestMigen Cocelli
Specialist Services Coordinator – North WestMigen joined SweetTree in September 2021 but has previously worked as a mental health support worker to care for individuals with underlying mental health conditions. Throughout her time, she has developed a greater compassion for caring for people with different needs by delivering the highest quality of care to allow them to lead more independent lives.
Before joining Sweettree, Migen has gained a undergraduate degree in Psychology with Counselling Skills as she is passionate about improving the lives of people through the use of therapy. She brings a positive attitude and is helpful and friendly towards any encountered situation. Migen looks forward to gain more valuable experience from SweetTree and use all skills to progress in her position!
migen.cocelli@sweettree.co.uk -
Elizabeth Aldazabal
Care Coordinator – North WestElizabeth Aldazabal
Care Coordinator – North WestBio coming soon! -
Yasmin Quinn
Specialist Services Coordinator – North WestYasmin Quinn
Specialist Services Coordinator – North WestYasmin has had over 30 years within Health and Social care predominately Complex Care and Learning Disabilities. Her mother worked as a domestic in a long stay institution in Dartford where they had a day centre for individuals who exhibited behaviours that challenged their service within the hospital setting where Yasmin got a job in the Special care unit.
The outstanding CQC reports impressed her, and she knew that this would be a good service to be joining. Yasmin enjoys matching support staff with potential clients and working in a company that puts the person at the centre of it all with both the support staff and clients.
In her spare time she likes to cycle and spend time with her family.
yasmin.quinn@sweettree.co.uk -
Michelle Palmer
Director of People & ValuesMichelle Palmer
Director of People & ValuesMichelle has been Director of People & Values here at SweetTree for 2.5 years now.
Michelle started her career as a midwife and later transitioned into the HR sector which furthered her desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. This only progressed with her caring for some of her family members over the years which has deepened her understanding and passion for the sector we work in today.
During her free time, Michelle enjoys travelling and being outdoors for long walks in the country as often as she can. She also enjoys cooking and baking when she has the time, as she considers herself to be a foodie and is always eager to try new foods from all corners of the world.
michelle.palmer@sweettree.co.uk -
Gail Edwards
ReceptionistGail Edwards
ReceptionistGail joined Sweettree in 2019 after a 19 year admin position in retail and was looking for job with more meaning and trained to become a support worker in GHC meeting the clients and being able to assist them in staying as independent as possible in their own home – it was worth every minute as it was rewarding in so many ways.
Gail has now transitioned into the receptionist role at the office and enjoys this immensely working alongside such a great team of people so much so that she has delayed her retirement!
gail.edwards@sweettree.co.uk -
Charles Ewusie
Contracts & Credit ControllerCharles Ewusie
Contracts & Credit ControllerBio coming soon!charles.ewusie@sweettree.co.uk -
Isabel Aguiar
Support Manager – South WestIsabel Aguiar
Support Manager – South WestIsabel started working for SweetTree as a Brain Injury and Neurological Conditions as a Support Manager in September 2021.
She has BSc in Psychology (Spain) and a MSc in Neurosciences and Neuropsychology (United Kingdom). Following her studies she completed an internship in Neuropsychological Unit in Spain, and moved to London in 2015 to pursue her career. Joined the Care Sector in 2017 as a support worker, and then progressed into Field Supervisor, Coordinator and finally into Support Manager; having experience of working with people with dementia, learning disabilities, complex needs, neurological conditions and brain injury.
Originally from Porto, Isabel loves to spend time in nature, with animals and practising yoga. She also has a passion for photography and anything related to Harry Potter – muggles wouldn’t understand this.
isabel.aguiar@sweettree.co.uk -
Livia Axinoiu
Assistant Live-In ManagerLivia Axinoiu
Assistant Live-In ManagerLivia began her career in Health and Social Car after working for a proud family domiciliary care business as a care coordinator. As her interest grew, she started studying further to gain a greater depth of understanding in the importance of legislature and a person-centred care approach, the practicability of certain theories and the quality of care. Livia developed a great passion for research, identifying gaps and having the chance to improve the quality of care. With her vast knowledge and experience, she understands the needs of service users and their families and the support workers’ daily experience.
In her spare time she likes writing, enjoying time outside with family and friends, painting, drawing, cooking and baking.
livia.axinoiu@sweettree.co.uk -
Darren Richards
Head of Training & DevelopmentDarren Richards
Head of Training & DevelopmentDarren started working for SweetTree in July 2021 as Training and Development Manager with an absolute passion for the growth of people! He started his career in Learning and Health Care with the Ambulance Service, having spent 13 years as trainer, progressing to the role of Academy Supervisor. After spending so long with the Ambulance Service, Darren was on the hunt for new ventures and had a spell as Regional Trainer/IC Training Manager within the finance sector learning a new industry and new models, before returning to Health Care with SweetTree. The experience Darren got from both companies has helped him design and deliver different types of training that are not only developing our team as employees but as people too!
In his spare time, Darren coaches grassroots football and currently manages his son’s Chigwell team. Not a stranger to the pitch he also likes to still play when he can!
darren.richards@sweettree.co.uk -
Zoe Sparkes
Live-in Care SupervisorZoe Sparkes
Live-in Care SupervisorZoe joined the care industry in 2004 when she was looking for a job that would challenge and motivate her, as well as no two days being the same. Her job is to look after the live in packages and the live in support workers Whilst visiting her grandmother, who lived in a care home due to her advanced dementia, she saw the way the carers were looking after her and felt that she would like to do something as rewarding as well. Reflecting on her decision, Zoe says, “It was without a shadow of a doubt the best decision I have ever made and I have never looked back.”
Zoe’s role in the office is fast paced; fortunately, she enjoys being busy! Due to her training and previous role as a support worker, Zoe is able to go out and meet clients and help them live their lives independently, which she finds to be the biggest reward. Zoe explain, “Helping people maintain their independence and seeing them smile and be happy is the best feeling in the world. I go home every night feeling fulfilled.”
zoe.sparkes@sweettree.co.uk -
Tali Highet
Operations ManagerTali Highet
Operations ManagerTali has previously worked as a coordinator within aged care and disability services for the past 7 years. This has equipped her with excellent customer care solutions for all team members and service users. Tali joined SweetTree as a care coordinator before becoming Care Coordinator Manager in 2021, and Operations Manager in 2025.tali.highet@sweettree.co.uk -
Shaki Akinsanya
Senior Care CoordinatorShaki Akinsanya
Senior Care CoordinatorShaki’s earlier career experience was predominantly youth work. Joining the SweetTree team and working with older clients, she feels that she has learnt a great deal about the older community as well as those living with dementia.
Shaki is passionate about travelling and seeing as much of the world as possible. She also has a keen interest in psychology and forensic science.
shakirat.akinsanya@sweettree.co.uk -
Polly Landsberg
Palliative Care Manager – North WestPolly Landsberg
Palliative Care Manager – North WestWith over 35 years of care experience, end of life care manager, Polly brings to SweetTree the gifts of experience in senior health visiting practitioner management and NHS community nurse leadership. With a degree in nursing and a diploma in health visiting, Polly oversees a large team of carers and ensures the consistent delivery of high quality, person-centred care.polly.landsberg@sweettree.co.uk -
Phil Bones
IT/Facilities ManagerPhil Bones
IT/Facilities ManagerPhil’s diverse role at SweetTree includes IT support and facilities management. He is responsible for installing and maintaining SweetTree’s IT Systems and Telecare support.
phil.bones@sweettree.co.uk -
Matthew Mills
Operations DirectorMatthew Mills
Operations DirectorMatt joined the care profession as a support worker, working across a number of different services including residential and dementia care, supporting day centre clients, and providing supported living for adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs and autism. He worked his way up, gaining Health and Social Care qualifications, to subsequently achieving a Level 5 Diploma in leadership and management in Health and Social Care.
Matt is passionate about supporting people to live independently within the community, and being involved in their lives in a positive way. He said: “I was impressed by the way SweetTree focus on working with people rather than for people, and the way they go about their care, putting the client at the centre of everything they do.
Fun fact: Matt has an allotment where he grows lots of fruit and vegetables. Courgettes are his specialty, which he often brings in for the office staff.
matthew.mills@sweettree.co.uk -
Maggie Roch
Monitoring CoordinatorMaggie Roch
Monitoring CoordinatorAs the general home care monitoring coordinator Maggie ensures all care team members and clients are regularly communicated with for monitoring purposes. Maggie has worked for SweetTree for many years and keeps us all smiling with her endless positively.maggie.roch@sweettree.co.uk -
Jo Wyatt
Health & Social Care Skills CoachJo Wyatt
Health & Social Care Skills CoachJo started her career within the domiciliary Health and Social Care industry almost 10 years ago, and has not looked back since! Jo worked her way up, gaining many Health and Social Care qualifications until reaching her previous role of Apprenticeship Ambassador, Assessor & Trainer, and achieving her Level 3 Award in Education and Training in 2016.
Jo’s SweetTree career took off in 2019 where she joined the Training Academy as the Skills Coach, bringing her love for training, teaching and learning to the SweetTree family.
Her passion extends outside of the workplace, where you will find her teaching beginner piano and other instruments to both children and adults.
jo.wyatt@sweettree.co.uk -
Francis Boyce
Head of Brain Injury and Neurological Conditions ServiceFrancis Boyce
Head of Brain Injury and Neurological Conditions ServiceFrancis has worked his way up through the company as a Support Worker, Coordinator, Senior Coordinator, Support Manager and now as Deputy Service Manager for SweetTree in the past 5 years. Whilst working full time he simultaneously completed a full time MSc in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience achieving distinction, worked as an Assistant Psychologist for complex brain injuries and continues to learn and develop his skills with a goal to begin his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in the near future.
Francis once decided to record how fast he skis and managed to clock 88mph on a blue slope. So it might seem surprising that he has also managed to fall over more times standing still on a pair of skis than he has while in motion.
francis.boyce@sweettree.co.uk -
Cid Silva
Finance Business Partner – Payroll & Financial ManagementCid Silva
Finance Business Partner – Payroll & Financial ManagementBio coming soon!
cid.silva@sweettree.co.uk -
Barry Sweetbaum (MBE)
Founder and Managing DirectorBarry Sweetbaum (MBE)
Founder and Managing DirectorBarry is the founder of SweetTree and is responsible for the company’s business development and corporate affairs. Barry has a wealth of experience both in the UK and in the USA. It was Barry’s founding vision to provide the highest quality care and support possible to people in their homes. When Barry is not at SweetTree he enjoys being at home with his three children, cycling and working on SweetTree Fields Farm in Mill Hill. In 2023, Barry was recognised as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), one of the most prestigious titles in the UK, for his public service to the country.
To contact Barry:
Phone – 07741 294041
Barry.Sweetbaum@sweettree.co.uk -
Amrita Patel
Assistant Care and Quality Assurance ManagerAmrita Patel
Assistant Care and Quality Assurance ManagerAmrita initially worked in the substance misuse field yet having been a carer for her father and family members, her passion was to have a positive impact on people’s lives and be able to support them in their own homes. She joined SweetTree in 2017 as a support worker and then transitioned into the office as a care coordinator. In 2019, Amrita joined the Dementia and General Home Care department in her current role as an Assistant care and Quality Assurance Manager, presently working towards the Level 5 in Management and Leadership.
Her personal and professional experience working with people with brain injuries makes her an incredibly knowledgeable member of the SweetTree team.
amrita.patel@sweettree.co.uk -
Alicia François
Specialist Services DirectorAlicia François
Specialist Services DirectorAlicia has 17 years of dedicated experience in the care industry, serving diverse client demographics. Her steady commitment revolves around enhancing the quality of life for those she cares for. With an extensive background spanning community, supported living, and care homes, Alicia has wholeheartedly embraced the principles of person-centered care.
Beginning her journey as an activities coordinator, she witnessed the transformative power of meaningful engagement. This drove her to expand her impact, fostering independence and overall well-being. Advancing through various roles, from manager to service director, Alicia champions transparency and openness within her teams, safeguarding clients’ safety, engagement, and welfare.
alicia.francois@sweettree.co.uk