Senior Leadership Team

Arianna Walker
Chief Executive

With over 25 years of leadership experience in secular, ministry and church settings, Arianna Walker (B.Ed Hons, MA) has been intricately involved in the pioneering of Mercy UK from its earliest beginnings in 1999, becoming CEO in 2007.

Arianna is an international conference speaker, author of three Mercy books and the primary author of Mercy UK’s Keys to Freedom material. As CEO, Arianna also oversees the charity’s continued development across the UK and Europe and sits on several Boards.

Arianna is a member of the British Psychological Society and holds a MSc in Psychology of Mental Health and Well-being.

Arianna has been married to her husband Matthew for over 30 years and has two grown-up sons.

Debbie Harvie
Chief Operating Officer

Debbie Harvie (Cllr., BSc Hons, MTh) holds over 20 years of experience in delivering pastoral care management and trauma-informed practice. Debbie is a founding member of Mercy UK, having first experienced Mercy’s support as a resident in one of the US Mercy Homes in 2001 and soon after, joined the team to establish the work of the charity in the UK.

Debbie originally trained as a counsellor and holds a BSc Hons in behavioural sciences and management and a Master’s degree in Theology from Durham University. As a member of the Chartered Governance Institute, Debbie also acts as secretary to the Board and is qualified in charity law, and data protection and information governance.

As the primary author of Mercy UK’s Freedom Journey curriculum, Debbie is confident in teaching, training and coaching others and oversees the theological integrity of Mercy UK.

Debbie and her husband Rob have been married for over 20 years and have a son and daughter.

Catrina Barlow
Director of People & Culture

Catrina Barlow (BSc, CIPD) began her journey with Mercy UK in 2006 as a volunteer, and brought with her a passion for working with young women and the experience of working in secular residential settings.

With nearly 20 years of employed experience with Mercy UK, Catrina oversees our people strategies and our regulatory compliance with care standards. She has a specialist interest in developing multi-agency liaisons, promoting mental health awareness and ensuring the safeguarding of others.

Catrina is a trained Clinical and Coaching Supervisor and is a registered Chartered Member of CIPD and member of the British Psychological Society with a First Class honours in Psychology.

Bryn Abbott
Director of Development

Bryn Abbott’s (BA Hons, MA.) professional life has been built upon equipping Christian organisations and charities to use design and communications to grow, develop and bring about the change they wish to see in the communities they serve.

With a Master’s degree in design for social change, a Bachelor’s degree in English and Theology, and a personal interest in mental health and wellbeing, Bryn is well-equipped and passionate to see the Church and its people, equipped to live free and stay free.