Meet the team

Founding Director & Podcast Host

Katharine comes alive when Jesus, community, words and creativity get thrown into the mix. A family girl at heart: she's married to Paul, mum to their lovely daughter and step-mum to his older two children. Mondays to Fridays see her juggling the school run, wading through puddles with an overenthusiastic retriever, offering freelance editing services, spontaneously texting a friend, or just curling up with a good book. And that’s in addition to the endless fun of recruiting guests for Cowrie Shells. She is passionate about the worldwide church, and grabbing every opportunity to encourage or empower others in pursuing Jesus.

Chair of Trustees

Dr Faith Mwangi-Powell is a beautiful powerhouse of a woman who loves Jesus. She is Kenyan-born and a UK Citizen who lives in London with her husband, her son Jake, and 10-year-old golden retriever Tem. She blends character, competence and courage and has served extensively in many spheres in a leadership capacity. She has worked as a public health expert, in international development spheres and, most recently, as CEO to Girls Not Brides who are single-mindedly working to secure a world where child marriage is extinct. 

She's always on the look out for a fresh adventure.

Trustee

Charlotte is married to Mike and has two energetic under-five-year-olds. She has worked extensively in the charity and private sector in a fundraising capacity, and loves maxing out on time spent with her kids. Now that school is on the horizon for them, she’s jumped into a new role with Christians Against Poverty, launching a support hub for the Reigate and Redhill community in Surrey, partnering with Reigate Baptist Church. She is passionate about people, Jesus and cream teas – and dreams one day of adding a labrador retriever (specifically a black one) to the household. 

Trustee 

Originally from South Africa, Michelle grew up with the Indian Ocean on her doorstep – an untamed upbringing that ignited her lifelong wonder for the natural world. A seasoned communications and engagement professional, Michelle delights in creatively bringing the written word to life and crafting stories that inspire and connect people. An avid traveller and explorer, Michelle finds joy in experiencing God’s creation wherever the journey takes her. She is mum to two beautiful daughters who continually teach her, stretch her and inspire her in ways she never expected. Above all, her deepest joy and greatest adventure is following Jesus. Her faith steadies her steps and colours every journey and chapter of her life.

Sound Production & Editor

  Founder and director of Open Sky Media, David previously enjoyed a successful career for almost twenty years in both the broadcast and film industries in South Africa. His love for sound, not just visual, derived from being sound technician for sports and co-producing one of mountain cycling's biggest events in South Africa.

At OSM, David is passionate about telling unique stories in a visually compelling way – something which comes into play in his role as sound producer for the Cowrie Shells podcast. Combining his skilled creativity with his own love for God, he makes every episode come to life and is a valued member of the team at Cowrie Shells Media.

David is married to Jemma and has two amazing sons, who never fail to keep him on his toes.