Norfolk and Waveney Mind ELT, led by CEO Sonja Chilvers, is central to Norfolk & Waveney Mind’s mission. Through strategic leadership, operational resilience, and board alignment, they ensure the charity effectively supports individuals across the region.
Meet the Team
Sonja Chilvers- Executive Chief Officer
Sonja brings 22 years of experience with Norfolk and Waveney Mind, having started her journey on the frontline and progressing to lead operational delivery across the region. Prior to the merger of three local Minds, she led operations for Norwich Mind and has since played a vital role in shaping services from design to execution.
Over the past 15 years, Sonja has headed up key service areas and, more recently, served as Chief Operating Officer. Her leadership has been defined by a deep commitment to people and a passion for innovation and inclusion in mental health support.
In April this year, Sonja was appointed CEO of Norfolk and Waveney Mind. She is excited to continue this journey deepening our impact, amplifying the voices of those we support, and leading the organisation into its next chapter with clarity, purpose, and heart.
“I will lead with integrity, stay true to our values, and work in close partnership with all of you to make Norfolk and Waveney Mind the strongest, most compassionate charity. Thank you for your continued belief in our mission and in me. Together, we will keep moving forward because mental health matters, and so does every person we support.”
Emma Robinson-Hodges- Director of Strategy and Charity Development
Emma is a passionate and results-driven leader with years of experience in building strong partnerships and driving meaningful change. She’s worked in a variety of roles across organisations like the National Housing Federation, Cancer Research UK and Breast Cancer Now, where she’s led successful projects, partnerships, and campaigns that have had a real impact.
In her current role at Norfolk and Waveney Mind, Emma is focused on diversifying the charity’s income streams and supporting the Charity Development team, to raise both funds and the profile of the charity’s work in the local community. With her own lived experience of mental health and wellbeing, Emma brings a deep personal understanding of the challenges many face, which fuels her passion for creating positive change. She’s dedicated to helping the charity grow, connect with new supporters, and have an even greater impact on mental health across Norfolk and Waveney.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time with her young family and finds peace in the Norfolk countryside. When she gets the chance, she loves to unwind in her garden, enjoying the simple pleasures of nature.
Alex Michael- Director of Operations
After studying English Literature and History, and obtaining a Masters degree at the University of East Anglia, Alex decided to pursue her personal passion for supporting individuals in the community in their mental and physical health journey and joined the NHS CCG commissioning team. Following this, she discovered a path into care provider leadership in both social care and mental health domiciliary services, leading on creating one of the first Mental health trained domiciliary providers in the county. Alex joined Norfolk and Waveney Mind in 2022 to manage the N&WM mental health residential home and to pursue her ultimate goal of working for a mental health charity like N&WM.
Since then, Alex progressed into the role of Operations Lead, leading on and growing the organisation’s REST offer across the county and now, taking on the Interim Director of Operations role to support the incredible work being done in all services across Norfolk and Waveney.
In her spare time, Alex is a keen Latin American dancer, plays the Cello in an orchestra and loves reading, Kayaking and being active.
Robin Derrett- Director of People and Partner Development
Further to a really diverse career - including manufacturing, financial services, publishing, high street retail, hospitality and the Civil Service - Robin joined Norfolk and Waveney Mind in 2021 to help build the Charity and provide the best possible support for our staff. Robin has eight children, lives in Norwich, and tries to be a committed allotmenteer.
John Ingham-Director of Finance & Corporate Resources
Most of John's working life has been within the NHS in Norfolk & Waveney. Having qualified as a chartered public finance accountant, he worked at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital for 10 years before moving into commissioning finance, culminating in roles as Chief Finance Officer for West Norfolk CCG, then Norwich CCG, and then Norfolk & Waveney CCG.
On leaving the NHS in 2022, he joined Norfolk & Waveney Mind and has greatly enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with service provision.
Outside of work, he is a long-serving member of Wymondham Symphony Orchestra where he plays the violin. He also enjoys following most sports, especially rugby where he is a life-long supporter of Bristol Bears.