Our people

Martina Montecchiarini

Head of Operations

Martina Montecchiarini is Head of Operations at United Communities, where she leads with a commitment to building strong, resilient communities.

With a background in programme design and strategic delivery across education and social impact sectors, Martina works closely with schools and partners to help them grow into vibrant, inclusive hubs. She oversees fundraising, training, and evaluation to ensure every initiative drives meaningful, lasting change.

Sally Hodgson

Senior Development Lead

Previously Principal at Beacon View Primary Academy in Paulsgrove, Sally began her community development journey by establishing the United Learning Paulsgrove Cluster Community Hub. A highly successful hub, recognised for its "extensive engagement with the community" by OFSTED. She passionately believes that it takes a village to raise a child and that schools have a key role to play within their communities as anchor institutions.

Sally works closely with schools on our Cradle to Career course (in partnership with The Reach Foundation) supporting them to develop on their skills and assets for the wider benefit of our children and families.  Sally also oversees our partnership development and is always keen to hear from organisations who are keen to work with our hubs and schools.

Ellie Drainey

Fundraising and Development Lead

Ellie brings diverse project experience and a strong commitment to creating opportunities for young people. Ellie supports hubs with fundraising, impact evaluation, and network development, helping schools and communities work together. 

Dr Rania Marandos

Chair of Trustees

Dr Rania Marandos brings experience in strategy, partnership-building, impact measurement and youth-led change, alongside a deep commitment to tackling inequity. She has always been energised by the power of diverse communities coming together and especially by what’s possible when we partner with young people. Throughout her career, from her early public and voluntary sector roles to her time at McKinsey, Teach First and leading the national #iwill campaign, she’s witnessed how genuine collaboration across sectors can transform systems and expand opportunities. Rania’s work with foundations and charities continues to remind her that communities thrive when everyone is supported to contribute, lead and shape the future together.

Dr Rosalind Given-Wilson

Trustee

Dr Rosalind Given-Wilson’s career as an NHS doctor, interacting with patients from every walk of life, made her very aware of the inequities that some are dealing with in their home life and communities. In addition to this, her involvement with schools as a Trustee of United Learning also underlined the importance of education and community. She believes the work that United Communities is doing by supporting the building of local community networks around schools is an exciting way of improving wellbeing, education and health and is keen to contribute her support and be part of this journey as a Trustee.

Michael Litchfield

Trustee

After a successful career as an Architect and Project Manager, Michael Litchfield chose to volunteer as a Trustee of United Communities because he believes in the power of collective and individual determination to create better futures. Growing up where aspiration was undervalued, he was fortunate to have parents who instilled self-belief—something he wants others to experience. Michael brings over 30 years of professional expertise in design, property, procurement, and community engagement, alongside experience founding and running a national practice. Now retired, he actively supports charities and community groups, offering practical, financial, and educational guidance to help them thrive.

Richard Greenhalgh

Trustee

Following his retirement from Unilever, Richard has focused primarily on public service and charity work. He was knighted for services to education in 2004. He served for nine years as Chair of United Learning and is now Chair of the Surbiton High School Governing Body. As a Trustee of United Communities, he is deeply committed to helping communities around schools thrive together.

Christian Brodie

Trustee

Following a 36 year executive career in the law and international finance, Christian Brodie took the decision to focus exclusively on public service and charity work. His roles in education demonstrated to him the power of education to change lives and create lifelong opportunities. He wanted to be involved in United Communities because of the work taking place to improve lives and address inequities in the community. United Communities works closely with United Learning, where he is the Group Chair. He expects his role with United Communities will draw on his experience with other charities, such as the Wates Foundation.