OUR TEAM
Paul Devlin
Interim CEO
Paul joined The Island initially as a volunteer in 2022, then became Treasurer and Trustee in December 2023, before being appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer in May 2025.
Paul is a keen advocate for young people, having previously mentored young people in a voluntary capacity and has broad experience of managing organisations in different stages of their evolution, including large scale construction projects.
Paul is the father of two adult children, having been married for 34 years, a keen cook and a dog lover, with a scatty Lurcher called Bear, who loves walks across the fields.
David Shepherd
Finance & HR Officer
David was recruited to the new position of Finance & HR Officer for the Island, in late 2020.
He brings a wealth of experience, from the commercial world, in financial and management based roles. Of specific relevance, he entered the charity sector in 2012 and now brings that knowledge to help guide The Island’s finances.
His remit is to deliver a professional, effective and efficient accounting service for all financial matters relating to The Island; working closely with the CEO as part of the Senior Management team. He brings all of that – plus a keen sense of humour.
Lyndsay Fleming
Mentor Supervisor
Lyndsay joined The Island as Mentor Supervisor in July 2024 after completing a BA (Hons) degree in Criminology, bringing with her a passion for supporting young people. Lyndsay's role as Mentor Supervisor is to support the mentors throughout the whole of their mentoring journey here at The Island. Lyndsay has 2 years' experience as a mentor herself and understands the transformative impact of guidance and support in young lives.
Alongside her professional role, Lyndsay is a mum to two grown up children which has enriched her perspective on the importance of community and positive role models for children. Outside of The Island Lyndsay also enjoys dog walks and travelling.
Shantelle Bonner
Core Team Leader
Originally, The Island's Mentor Supervisor, Shantelle became our Mentee Liaison Officer in early 2023. Shantelle now coordinates the core team and service but still carries out some Mentee Liaison duties - as that is her passion! She is also The Island's designated safeguarding lead.
As the mother of two children, she recognises the importance of supporting the whole family and endeavours to achieve this with every family throughout their time at The Island. In her spare time she enjoys being with her family, socialising and travelling.
Louise Alford
Head of Fundraising
Louise joined the team in January 2025, bringing with her over 20 years of fundraising experience in the charitable youth sector. She plays a key role in building and nurturing partnerships with the local community to support our work with young people. Louise is passionate about creating meaningful collaborations that truly make a difference and thrives when working alongside people who share a desire to help others succeed.
She believes strongly in the power of early intervention, and the importance of giving young people the space, time and support to be themselves.
Outside of work, Louise enjoys travelling with her daughter and is a self-confessed trier, not a joiner. While she hasn’t quite found her 'thing' yet, her 'can do' attitude means she’s always up for experiencing something new — whether that’s waltzing, whittling or white-water rafting.
Michelle Fielding
Core Service Admin Lead
Michelle joined The Island in 2021 as our Administrative Assistant and has recently become our Core Service Admin Lead. Michelle’s role is very varied which she loves and includes managing volunteer applications and recruitment, processing referrals, organising training and providing general administrative support to the team and managing internal communications within the staff and volunteer team. Michelle provides support to other team members and ensures the smooth day-to-day running of the clerical side of our mentoring programmes.
Michelle is a mother of two and a dog mum to her goldendoodle Jessie. Michelle likes listening to music, going to festivals and theme parks.
Bethan Gibb-Reid
Grants Officer
Bethan is one of the newest members of the team, joining in November 2024. She is The Island’s Grants Officer, and has a background in charity management in the arts, heritage and culture sector, including in supporting young people to access creative and cultural experiences in York. Bethan has volunteered with young people in youth group and mentoring settings and is passionate about ensuring every young person is given opportunities to help them flourish.
Outside of work, Bethan is a culture vulture, regularly found at the cinema, gigs, or the theatre. She likes to swim, read, craft, and cook – and is the happy cat parent of a rather playful black cat called Babs.
Bethany Slater
Research Officer
Bethany has been a member of The Island since 2022. Bethany began as a volunteer for our youth group provisions, before becoming one of our casual youth support workers in 2023.
Outside of The Island, Bethany is completing her MSc in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. She has a keen interest in developmental disorders and education-based interventions. Bethany’s hobbies include baking, embroidery and pilates.
The Island Patrons
Professor Karen Stanton
Anne Wafula Strike, MBE
Stephen Cottrell
Archbishop of York
Stephen Cottrell is the 98thArchbishop of York. He has previously served as the Bishop of Chelmsford, Bishop of Reading, Canon Pastor at Peterborough Cathedral and Diocesan Missioner for the Diocese of Wakefield. He served in parishes in South London and Chichester.
He is a member of the Church of England’s Committee for Minority Ethnic Concerns, and Chair of Church Army, an Anglican society for evangelism and social outreach. He is a member of the House of Lords.
He is a well-known writer and speaker on evangelism, spirituality and catechesis. His latest book, Dear England, addresses issues about how the Christian faith can shape the life of our nation. He is married to Rebecca who is a potter, and they have three sons and one grandson.
