Our Team

Career coaching and wellbeing advocate Laura Capell-Abra founded Stress Matters in 2017. She also runs a coaching and development company called No More Ifs Or Buts, and is a visiting lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire. Laura previously ran an international marketing agency called Sledge. She’s known for her ability to translate complex subjects into accessible and fun content. Laura has won a number of awards during her career, including the Top 35 Under 35 list, being voted number 36 in the Event Top 100 and being commissioned to write a For Dummies guide.

1. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
   Go big or go home!  I naturally play it safe and so I have to remind myself to be bolder on a daily basis (and it’s one of Stress Matters‘ values) If we want to make a big impact, we have to make big moves.
2. What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
   Seeing the ‘penny drop’ for someone in a workshop, where they reason they can make a simple change that will have a big impact on their life.  Our mission is to make workplace wellbeing easy. So, when we inspire someone to make simple changes we know are going to have a huge positive impact on their whole team, it’s pretty special!
3. If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?
   No idea!  I love tagliatelle so I guess embody what I love?!
4. If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my…
   Appetite to try anything at least once!
5. Favourite quote?
   What will be will be – so much is out of our control so influence what you can and enjoy the ride.
6. What is one thing on your bucket list?
   Going to Japan and experiencing Japanese culture.  Ever since I worked at Toyota I’ve wanted to learn more about Japan.

James is the lead Mental Health First Aid Instructor at Stress Matters. His own personal experience with depression and anxiety drew him into the world of personal development, wellbeing and mental health, inspiring him to become a MHFA instructor. Before working with Stress Matters, James ran his own surface manufacturing business working primarily in the construction and shop fitting industries.

1. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
   Start each morning journaling on your intentions for the day. Where attention goes, energy flows and results show.
2. What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
   Hearing people’s stories of how they’ve used what they’ve learnt either to improve their own wellbeing or help someone else. That is always inspiring.
3. If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why? Ravioli. Because one of my values is curiosity, and I think you’re always left curious of what’s inside ravioli.
4. If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my…
   Coffee-making skills. I got crowned ‘Barista King’ at my old job.
5. Favourite quote?
   “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.
6. What is one thing on your bucket list?
   To build my own house.

Francisca is the Client Success Coordinator at Stress Matters, bringing over five years of experience in Learning and Development. Before joining Stress Matters, she supported operations, client onboarding, and customer engagement within the financial services sector. Her background has given her a strong understanding of client needs, relationship management, and the importance of delivering a seamless customer experience.

1. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
   “Always look at the glass as half full rather than half empty.”
   This advice has helped me stay positive, adaptable, and focused on solutions, even when faced with challenges.
2. What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
   Working alongside a supportive and dedicated team. I enjoy collaborating with colleagues, sharing ideas, and knowing that our collective efforts make a meaningful difference for our clients. Seeing the positive impact of our work and contributing to the team’s success is incredibly rewarding.
3. If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why? Farfalle. It’s versatile, adaptable, and brings a little personality to every dish. I like to think I approach my work in the same way—flexible, dependable, and always bringing positive energy to the team.
4. If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my…
   Hand-sewing skills. I love creating and customising outfits for special occasions and events. There’s something very satisfying about turning a creative idea into something unique and wearable.
5. Favourite quote?
   “Success isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about showing up consistently, learning along the way, and making a positive difference wherever you can.”
6. What is one thing on your bucket list?
   Visiting Japan has always been at the top of my bucket list. I’d love to experience its rich culture, stunning scenery, incredible food, and unique blend of tradition and innovation. It’s the first destination I’ve dreamed of visiting outside my home country.

Angela joined Stress Matters in 2024 as Content Creator/Graphic Designer, where she supports the team by refining visuals across digital and print materials. She creates marketing collaterals, presentation decks, lead magnets, and event collaterals, and designs e-learning visuals for workshops while helping maintain brand consistency across channels.

Outside of work, she enjoys running, pickleball, gardening, and creating farm-to-table content for her passion project.

1. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
   Consistency matters more than intensity.
2. What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
   Helping turn ideas into visuals that tell a story.
3. If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?
   Penne — simple, practical, and good at carrying whatever comes its way.
4. If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my…
   Ability to rap Alphabet Aerobics by Blackalicious, inspired by Daniel Radcliffe’s legendary attempt. No guarantees on accuracy, but confidence will be high.
5. Favourite quote?
   “You should enjoy the little detours to the fullest. Because that’s where you’ll find the things more important than what you want”.―Ging Freecss
6. What is one thing on your bucket list?
   Running a marathon and exploring more ocean spots through freediving.

Rosanna had worked in events and communications for 20 years and she’s passionate about people development. She’s a Group Coach and Lecturer at the Event Academy and is also studying for her diploma in Executive Coaching. Her hobbies are somewhat eclectic, from open water swimming to playing darts to a love of the London Underground…as long as she’s always learning something new! If Rosanna had a superpower, she’d love to be able to make people laugh involuntarily! (She does try, but it doesn’t always work!)

Natalie has been an MHFA England Instructor for 16 years. She began this work when she was Training and Development Manger for a mental health charity in London, training staff and volunteers to work in co-produced services with people living with mental health conditions and other socially excluded groups. She is a qualified coach, adult education teacher and stress management trainer and a professional member of ISMA UK and the RSPH. Prior to working as a freelance mental health trainer Natalie worked in various roles of project social support and community development projects, usually with people experiencing mental health difficulties.

1. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
   Explore and lean into your strengths – don’t obsess over or beat yourself up for your weaknesses
2. What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
   Discovering how much people care for others – in a world that would tell us otherwise – I am often afforded a peek into workplace dynamics and cultures that are cut-through with real love and care.
3. If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?
   A fusilli shape, I think. They’re made like that to catch the sauce … and that is what trainers and coaches do … hold a frame to capture the good stuff!
4. If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my…
   Singing- it’s a bit of a dull answer- but, since being a child I’ve sung, and now as an adult I will still generally take the opportunity to take the mic!
5. What is one thing on your bucket list?
   I’d like to do some higher academic study, maybe a PhD.

Claire is a BACP accredited integrative counsellor specializing in humanistic psychotherapeutic change, bringing a wealth of experience from 20 years in broadcast media. She expertly facilitates cultural change workshops and private therapy, grounded in empathy, congruence, and positive regard to empower authentic connection.

Bonnie is our Head of Rest and Play and is a very vocal member on our team calls. Her personal best at destroying a toy is 27 seconds, though she looks like butter wouldn’t melt most of the time. Her favourite thing is a cuddle on your lap, nudging away at laptops to encourage the team to take breaks. Superpower – making strangers stop and take photos on a walk!

Penny – AKA Princess Penny, rules the roost. She’s super intelligent and acts like a mini human, with everyone in the house wrapped around her little paws! She can often be found hidden under a blanket on the sofa(of course), or hanging out in the kitchen – lapping up any accidentally dropped scraps. Copper – AKA ‘Top Tops’ likes to think he’s ‘top dog’, but actually he’s ruled by Princess Penny – of course! He likes to think he’s a ‘BIG’ dog, defending his owners and our property with his booming bark. But his wagging tail always gives his kind, happy nature away! He’s the soppy sausage of the house and loves a belly rub at any given opportunity.