Will Anderson-White - Registered Manager

Will joined Cygnet in 2020 as a Clinical Team Lead at Cygnet Hospital Colchester – being promoted to Learning Disabilities (LD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) services manager in the same year – Will played a key role in the leadership team supporting the hospital to an improved rating with the CQC. Additionally, Will led the team to be shortlisted at the annual Royal College of Psychiatrists awards in the Psychiatric Team of the Year 2023: Intellectual Disability category where they came runners up.

In September 2023, Will moved into the Operational Improvement Lead role which provided intensive support to the clinical practices for the South region – receiving the Director of Nursing special recognition award - Outstanding contribution and achievement to service.

In July 2024, Will was successfully appointed as Hospital Manager of Cygnet Hospital Lewisham. He prides himself on being a highly motivated and compassionate leader with a keen focus on reducing restrictive practice and innovative ways of working to enhance patients recovery and experience.

Anthony Aigbe - Clinical Manager

Anthony is a Registered Mental Health Nurse with a first class degree from the University of Greenwich. He also has a B.sc in Biochemistry and an M.sc in Applied Environmental Science.

Anthony joined Cygnet Hospital Beckton in 2013 and has extensive experience working as a clinical practice lead in the Low Secure Forensic unit and the Psychiatry Intensive Unit. Anthony was the Acting Service Manager for the Low Secure Forensic unit in Beckton in 2017 before becoming Registered Manager at Cygnet Lodge Lewisham. He was appointed Clinical Manager of Cygnet Hospital Blackheath and Cygnet Lodge Lewisham in March 2023.

Anthony is passionate about staff empowerment, development and service user’s involvement in service improvement. He is service user focused and committed to quality and holistic care.

Emma Barnes-Rustem – Site Resources Manager

Emma joined Cygnet Hospital Blackheath in March 2012, initially in a Contracts and Compliance role. Shortly after, in May 2012, she transitioned to Cygnet Lodge Lewisham as a Mental Health Act Administrator. Over the years, Emma has demonstrated exceptional dedication and progression, becoming Office Manager in 2016 and, most recently, advancing to Site Resources Manager in May 2024.

With a strong foundation in business and finance, including a degree in Business, Emma sought a new challenge in the field of mental health in 2012. During her time at Cygnet, she has further expanded her expertise, achieving qualifications in Business Administration (Level 3) and completing World Class Manager training.

As Site Resources Manager, Emma oversees administration, catering, and housekeeping teams, ensuring the efficient operation of non-clinical areas within the unit. She remains the Mental Health Act lead and works closely with the Unit Manager and the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to maintain seamless service delivery. Emma's proactive and collaborative approach ensures that the unit functions effectively, and she is always ready to step in and support where needed.

Elif Ceyhan – Clinical Team Leader

Elif has been part of Cygnet since 2012, starting her journey as a Junior Nurse at Cygnet Hospital Blackheath's Meridian Ward, a low secure unit. After gaining valuable experience, Elif transitioned to Tyler Ward at Blackheath, where she worked as a Senior PICU Nurse. Since 2016, Elif has been proudly serving as a Clinical Team Leader at Cygnet Lodge Lewisham.

In addition to Elif's clinical role, she actively mentors junior staff, providing guidance to help them build confidence and develop essential skills for working in mental health care. Elif takes pride in fostering a supportive environment where team members feel empowered to excel and deliver compassionate care.

Outside of work, Elif actively organises community talks and workshops to promote mental wellbeing and challenge stigma, particularly within Turkish communities and among refugees. By fostering understanding and providing support, Elif strives to create safer spaces for open conversations about mental health.

Dr Ajay Bhatnagar - Medical Director

Dr Bhatnagar joined Cygnet in June 2009 as a Consultant Psychiatrist. He was appointed as the Medical Director for Cygnet Blackheath and Cygnet Lodge Lewisham in September 2016. Dr Bhatnagar's qualifications are MBBS; Diploma in Psychological Counselling; Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Mental Health.

He is a Fellow of Royal College of Psychiatrists and is a Senior Honorary Clinical Lecturer with King's College London. He is also the medical member of first tier mental health tribunal service. He has held the position of a Clinical Director and Head of Medical Profession within the Acute and Crisis Directorate at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Bhatnagar has also been the Teaching Lead in Oxleas NHS Trust and Firm Head for psychiatry teaching to medical students from Kings College London from 2008 until August 2020. He has extensive experience of working in both community and inpatient settings within the NHS. He also works for the Adult ADHD service.

Dr Aisha Balogun – Speciality Doctor

Dr. Aisha Balogun is the Speciality Doctor at Cygnet Lodge Lewisham.

She joined Cygnet Lodge Lewisham in 2022. As part of her role, she is responsible for overseeing the clinical needs of service users, including monitoring medication and physical health, as well as facilitating liaison with primary care colleagues and other external healthcare referrals.

Prior to joining Cygnet, she worked in Devon Partnership NHS Trust and worked as a Trust Grade Doctor in Psychiatry of Learning Disability, supporting community teams, inpatient teams, home treatment teams and crisis teams across North and South Devon since 2020.

Dr. Aisha obtained her primary medical degree in 2012. She also holds a Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Ibadan. The focus of her Master's thesis was family structure, family connectedness, adolescent mental health (including self-esteem and self-efficacy) and how all interact to affect adolescent sexual risk behaviour. She is an affiliate of The Royal College of Psychiatrists.

She brings to the fore her smile, bubbly personality and compassion in the care and support of our patients. Her special interest is in forensics and rehabilitative psychiatry.

When Dr. Aisha isn't working, she enjoys singing, cooking, trying out new recipes and dancing.

Dr Victoria Mee - Regional Lead for Psychology

Dr Victoria Mee is a HCPC registered Clinical and Forensic Psychologist and the Lead Psychologist for Cygnet Blackheath & Lewisham.

Victoria completed her studies in the United States, obtaining her Doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology in 2013 at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Since then, she has worked both in the US and the UK, and has held posts within both the clinical and forensic fields, in a wide range of inpatient and outpatient settings. She has experience working within the NHS, the Ministry of Justice, as well as other government funded organisations, private providers, and within private practice.

Victoria has strong clinical experience working with a broad range of therapeutic models, psychological assessment tools, and complex case presentations.

Victoria’s main clinical interests and experience have been in trauma, psychosis, personality disorder, as well as the assessment and management of violence and aggression, and sexual aggression.

Rakgadi Mokoena – Clinical Psychologist

Rakgadi is a licensed clinical psychologist and has extensive experience working in diverse mental health settings. She has worked in a military hospital, supporting veterans and their families with challenges such as PTSD and other mental health concerns. Rakgadi also worked within correctional services at an adult male prison, conducting risk assessments for parole considerations and life sentence reviews, while providing ongoing therapy, coping strategies, and rehabilitation support.

Rakgadi later founded her own private practice within a private hospital in 2016 in South Africa, where she became part of the medical expert team for the Road Accident Fund conducting medico-legal assessments for patients with traumatic brain injuries seeking compensation. Additionally, she collaborated with employee assistance program companies to support employees’ psychological well-being. She also provided therapy services for both inpatients and outpatients, offering individual therapy for adults and children, as well as family therapy.

In 2022, she joined Cygnet Hospital Colchester and Cygnet Lodge Lewisham in 2023. She has been a dedicated member of the team for over a year. Rakgadi has a special interest in neuropsychology and psychometric assessments, and she is deeply passionate about improving patients’ well-being. She finds fulfilment in empowering individuals to utilise tools provided, helping them achieve meaningful, successful, and enriched lives.

Stylianos Ntanto – Assistant Psychologist

Stylianos Ntanto is an experienced Assistant Psychologist with a strong background in forensic and clinical psychology. With a master's degree in Forensic Psychology, he specialises in risk assessment, psychological interventions, and group therapy; particularly for individuals with complex mental health needs, substance misuse histories, and forensic backgrounds.

Stylianos has worked across psychiatric, low-secure as well as neuro-rehabilitation settings, developing expertise in psychometric assessments, clinical formulation, and therapeutic group facilitation. His experience spans facilitating substance misuse groups, mindfulness sessions, coping skills groups, psycho-education, and relapse prevention planning, alongside to leading and contributing to structured risk assessments (HCR-20, START) and pre-discharge planning.

With a deep commitment to making the world a better place, Stylianos combines analytical skills with a person-centred approach, ensuring meaningful and sustainable recovery for the individuals he supports.

Marissa Inniss – Occupational Therapist

Marissa graduated from The University of Derby in 2018 and she is currently a member of The Royal College of Occupational Therapy. Prior to joining the Cygnet team, she spent over two years working in a medium secure unit in The Devon Partnership NHS Trust. During this time, she led various initiatives focused on promoting staff well-being and she was also instrumental in helping the hospital to implement The Vona du toit Model of Creative Ability.

In October 2021, Marissa joined the Cygnet Lodge Lewisham team and ever since then, she has been an integral part of the team. Marissa places patient care at the forefront of all she does and works diligently with patients to promote independence in all areas of life.

Marissa embraces her professional approach and bubbly personality; qualities that allow her to build therapeutic rapport with those in her care.

Lloyd Curtis - Occupational Therapy Assistant

Lloyd Curtis joined Cygnet Group in March 2012 and has since played a vital role in supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. He spent several years at Cygnet Hospital Blackheath, working across Tyler and Meridian wards as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. In this role, Lloyd embraced a person-centred approach, helping service users develop their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), facilitating access to community resources, and promoting essential life skills to enhance their independence and well-being.

In 2019, Lloyd transitioned to Cygnet Lodge Lewisham, where he contributed to the development of the Occupational Therapy service alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team. His work continues to reflect a commitment to fostering meaningful engagement and empowering service users to build confidence in their daily lives.

Beyond his work at Cygnet, Lloyd is actively involved in initiatives that support Black men’s mental health and well-being. Through his work with the Black Men’s Consortium (BMC) and Think Tenacity, he plays a key role in advocating for and facilitating safe spaces where men can openly discuss mental health challenges, develop coping strategies, and access vital support networks. His dedication extends to occupational therapy-led programs designed to uplift and empower Black men within the community.

Elizabeth Cuffie – Occupational Therapy Assistant

Elizabeth Cuffie joined Cygnet Lodge Lewisham in 2025 as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, having spent over 9 years working within the Health and Social Care setting. Elizabeth has worked in both community and residential care settings.

Elizabeth is holder of a BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care degree. Elizabeth's passion is in delivering high quality service to achieve positive outcomes for patients, and empower them to be able to live an independent life.

Olatayo (Tayo) Olabode - Physical Health Nurse

Olatayo is a Registered Adult Nurse with a first class degree Honours from University of Greenwich. He also has a first degree in Political Science and Masters in Marketing from Liverpool John Moore University.

He is an experienced nurse in Accident and Emergency, Intensive Care Unit and Acute Care in the Community, and specialises in respiratory care. Olatayo worked as a Lead for a Covid Service known as Covid Oximetry at Home (Ambulance Avoidance) for West Kent Area between 2021-2023, before joining Cygnet in November 2023 as the Physical Health Nurse for Cygnet Hospital Blackheath and Cygnet Lodge Lewisham.

He is passionate about patient care and believe in advocating for patient in his care. When not at work, Olatayo enjoy travelling and experiencing the world.

Jack King - Music Facilitator

Jack is a regional Music Facilitator, specialised in bringing music production, song writing, and creativity as therapeutic activity to mental health services. Jack has been with Cygnet since 2020, working across many of its London sites, working and training as part of the MDT within both the Psychology and Occupational Therapy departments.

Jack graduated with a 1st Class honours from University of West England in Audio Production in 2011 and spent a large part of his career working in broadcast and print media before making the change to pursue a career in healthcare, bringing his passion for music and creativity to people who otherwise cannot access the tools of music production.

Jack has built a “pop up music studio” which he brings to Lewisham each week to work with its service users, enabling them to express themselves through music, song, sound, and creativity.

Gabby Hawkins - Art Therapist

Gabby qualified from UWE Bristol in PgDip Art Therapy in 2001, before she then went on to Goldsmiths, London and studied PgDip Art Psychotherapy whilst also engaging in a Group Analysis course in Bath. Since this time she has worked in adult mental health and addiction services supporting clients to process trauma and improve their well-being and social skills. Gabby moved from Bristol in 2010 and after working in Addiction Treatment at The Priory, WDP Substance Misuse Project and a Pilot Y2A Wellbeing Scheme in Probation, she joined Cygnet Hospital Beckton specialising in EUPD in 2022. Two years later, she joined Cygnet Hospital Blackheath and Cygnet Hospital Lewisham Psychology Teams. Gabby now works across the 3 Cygnet sites providing both 1-1 and group sessions, where she is also a supervisor.

Gabby uses art materials within a psychodynamic approach to aid recovery, with the main objective to support clients to function better and where possible to help reintegrate them back in to the community. Gabby is down to earth and very creative, she is an artist herself, and when she is not painting portraits or etching she enjoys cooking, cycling and walking her two dogs, Bear and Ernie, who are well behaved Chihuahuas!

Samuel Pleszak - Personal Trainer

Samuel Pleszak joined the team in 2022 and has since become an integral part of Cygnet Lodge Lewisham as a qualified Personal Trainer. With a strong background in professional sport and a degree in Business Management (awarded with honours while on scholarship), Samuel brings both academic excellence and practical expertise to his role.

He leads both group and 1:1 fitness sessions, making effective use of hospital and community-based resources to promote physical wellbeing among service users. His approach is rooted in motivation, engagement, and structured goal-setting, supporting individuals to take proactive steps toward improving their physical health. Samuel also works collaboratively with service users to develop personalised health plans, with clear goals that are regularly reviewed and adapted to meet evolving needs.

Samuel has extensive experience delivering evidence-based, co-produced exercise programmes across a variety of clinical settings, including low and medium secure units, PICU, acute wards, and rehabilitation services. His sessions are grounded in current research and tailored to support both physical and mental recovery.

In addition to his role with Cygnet, Samuel manages a team of personal trainers operating across various mental health services in London, further demonstrating his leadership and commitment to improving health outcomes through fitness. He is deeply passionate about the role of physical activity in recovery and consistently inspires others to recognise its transformative potential.