The Opora Team
Our Board of Trustees
Yegor Lanovenko
Founder and Chair of Opora; Born in Odessa, Yegor’s background includes senior strategy and product development roles in banking and financial services as well as advisory roles to student-led start-ups.
Anja Kachetzhiyiva
Born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, based in London - Corporate finance and business analysis professional in consumer goods industry.
Sir Paul Silk
Paul is a former clerk in the British House of Commons. He was the Director of Strategic Projects in the House of Commons from 2007 to 2010, and from 2011 to 2014 he chaired the Commission on Devolution in Wales. He has a breadth of experience in charity governance.
Damon Shipe
Originally from the Chicago area in the United States, Damon has lived in the UK since 2006. His career in banking has centred on finance and risk management.
Our Team and Community Volunteers
Anna Khyzha
Head of Operations and Community Engagement
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Julia Khanova
Content and Engagement Executive
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Galina Ryzhenko
volunteer
Alyona Lystopad
volunteer
Katya Gregory
volunteer
Kay Henderson
volunteer
Ksenia Nelipa
volunteer
Our Mental Health Team
Our Mental Health Team at OPORA brings together professionals who help Ukrainians in the United Kingdom maintain emotional balance, cope with stress, and restore their inner strength. We work to make psychological support accessible to everyone — through consultations, webinars, self-help groups, and educational materials.
Yulia Huba
Project Coordinator, Mental Health Support
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Mariana Petryk
Volunteer psychologist
Practical Psychologist, MA in Psychology, Gestalt Psychotherapist in Training, Member of the Ukrainian Union of Psychotherapists
Works with adaptation, self-acceptance, and emotional wellbeing. Supports people in finding their inner strength and balance during times of change.
Zinaida Slobodianiuk
Volunteer psychologist
MA in Psychology, Gestalt Therapist and Gestalt Trainer (EAGT PRO)
Works with personal growth, inner resources, and interpersonal relationships. Combines professional depth with warmth and genuine support in her practice.
Iryna Sachenko
Volunteer psychologist
Accredited Gestalt Therapist and Supervisor
Has over 10 years of experience in individual and group therapy. Accredited in both Ukraine and the United Kingdom, and a member of associations. Works with adults, supporting their personal growth, self-acceptance, and restoration of inner resources.
Tetyana Malko
Volunteer psychologist
MA in Psychology, Existential Psychologist and Art Therapist
Combines the existential approach with art therapy methods, creating a space for deep self-exploration and inner healing.Works with people of all ages, helping them find authenticity, personal meaning, and strength to live through change. Her practice is grounded in trust, acceptance, and respect for each person’s unique experience.
Olha Voichuk
Volunteer psychologist
Practicing Psychologist and Lecturer in Psychology
Works in the fields of body-oriented therapy, somatic experiencing, Jungian counselling, and positive psychotherapy.Combines academic expertise with a deep, human-centred approach, helping clients restore connection with their body, emotions, and inner balance. An associate member of the Ukrainian Association for Symbol Drama and Depth Psychology.
Anna Nohol
Volunteer psychologist
A clinical psychologist, PhD in Social Sciences, and a gestalt therapist in training (NAGTU), as well as an organisational consultant.
She specialises in family and personal crises and has conducted in-depth research on the impact of childhood traumatic experiences on adult life.
She also has experience working with clinical cases, including eating disorders, panic attacks, apathy, depression, and self-harm.