Committed to Accessible Emotional Wellbeing
Our Story and Mission
Our Story
AINT Foundation CIC was created from a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves to be met with dignity, understanding, and compassion. Born from years of therapeutic practice, research, and lived experience, the AINT Model emerged as a response to the gaps people felt in traditional mental health support: the judgement, the pressure, and the sense of not being truly seen.
What began as a personal commitment to humane, accessible care has grown into a community movement. Today, AINT Foundation CIC supports adults, families, and practitioners across the UK, offering spaces where people feel safe, respected, and genuinely understood.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make mental health support human again. We aim to provide safe, inclusive, non-judgemental spaces where people can explore their experiences with dignity and confidence. Through the AINT Model, we empower individuals, families, and practitioners to build emotional safety, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful change.
We are committed to transforming the culture of mental health care one conversation, one family, one practitioner at a time.
Our FOUNDER
Experienced Professionals with Heart
AINT Foundation CIC was founded by Dr Trish Avery, a therapist, researcher, and author dedicated to making mental health support truly human. Through years of practice, study, and lived experience, she recognised how often people felt judged, misunderstood, or pressured in traditional therapeutic settings.
In response, she created the AINT Model a compassionate, non‑judgmental approach that places dignity, emotional safety, and real‑world understanding at the centre of care. Her work now guides practitioners, supports families, and shapes community programmes across the UK.
Our team
Our team consists of highly qualified and motivated professionals, who are all experts in their field. With many years of experience in the industry, they have the expertise to provide comprehensive, first-rate services to our clients.
Dr Trish Avery
Founder & CEO – Clinical Lead and Trauma‑Informed Therapist
Dr Trish Avery is a trauma‑informed therapist, researcher, and the creator of the award‑winning AINT Model. She began practising as a therapist in 2019 and has since worked in partnership with global organisations, including the Mind Care Professional Institute, to advance accessible, ethical, and research‑driven emotional wellbeing support.
Holding two PhDs in Psychology and Science, Dr Avery brings a unique blend of academic depth and clinical expertise to her role as Founder and CEO of AINT Foundation CIC. Her leadership has earned national recognition, including the Global Recognition Award and the Business UK Award (2026). She oversees the organisation’s clinical direction, practitioner development, and the national rollout of AINT Model training.
Mr Gareth Avery
Director — HR & Administration Lead
Mr Gareth Avery serves as Director and HR & Administration Lead at AINT Foundation CIC. He is responsible for staff support, internal systems, organisational compliance, and the smooth running of day‑to‑day operations. With a strong background in management and extensive experience delivering major projects across the country, he brings structure, reliability, and strategic oversight to the organisation’s internal functions.
His people‑centred approach and operational expertise strengthen the CIC’s governance and ensure a supportive, well‑coordinated environment for both staff and practitioners.
Mr Fernando Pina
Person with Significant Control (PSC)
Mr Fernando Pina provides legal and financial oversight for AINT Foundation CIC, ensuring accountability, transparency, and full regulatory compliance. With a strong background in customer service and management, he brings a people‑centred approach to governance, emphasising dignity, fairness, and ethical organisational practice. His leadership supports the CIC’s commitment to safe, responsible, and community‑focused service delivery.
Mrs Gillian Teoli
Committee Member — Safeguarding Lead & Spokesperson
Miss Gillian Teoli is an experienced NHS safeguarding nurse and midwife with over 30 years in public health, child protection, and trauma‑informed practice. She has held senior safeguarding roles across Yorkshire and brings strong clinical governance expertise to AINT Foundation CIC.
As Health & Clinical Advisor, she supports the safe delivery of our services and the integration of the AINT Model across training and practice.
Our team
Our team consists of highly qualified and motivated professionals, who are all experts in their field. With many years of experience in the industry, they have the expertise to provide comprehensive, first-rate services to our clients.
Mr Mamadu Djalo
PSC — Policy & Media Lead
Mr Mamadu Djalo brings extensive experience in management, policy communication, and public‑facing representation. As Policy & Media Lead, he supports AINT Foundation CIC with strategic communication, spokesperson duties, and the development of clear, accessible policy messaging.
Ms Amelia Grant
Therapist
Ms Amelia Grant is a compassionate therapist with experience supporting adults through trauma, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. She brings a calm, grounded presence to her work and contributes to the organisation’s commitment to safe, ethical, and person‑centred practice.
Mrs Lisa Rose
Committee Member & Therapist
Mrs Lisa Rose is a valued therapist and committee member at AINT Foundation CIC. She provides therapeutic support within the organisation and contributes to governance discussions, community insight, and policy review. Her balanced perspective strengthens both our clinical practice and our wider organisational development.
Miss Claire Smith
Admin
Claire manages AINT’s admin with warmth, efficiency, and care, keeping everything running smoothly for clients and the team.