Our Team
Mark S. Smith
I am the co-founder/co-chair of the Joshi Project, and Joshi’s dad. Professionally, I have spent most of my life as an international writer and journalist, and my work has appeared in many of the world’s major publications. I am the former deputy business editor of The Herald newspaper in Glasgow, and the author of the bestselling Holocaust biography, “Treblinka Survivor: The Life and Death of Hershl Sperling.” I also define myself as a long-time advocate for human decency and compassion, a husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and father of Ethan.
Catherine Smith
I am the co-founder/co-chair of the Joshi Project, and Joshi’s mum. My working life has included teaching, marketing/business development and a multitude of part-time occupations when the kids were little. Since we lost Joshi, my focus has been on making her life count for something wonderful, and from this has grown the Joshi Project. Together with my husband Mark and my son, Ethan, we hope to make this world a better place for those who suffer from mental health issues.
Ethan S. Smith
I am a trustee of the Joshi Project and Joshi’s brother.
I am also an artist and currently a final-year honours student at Glasgow Caledonian University, studying Digital Design. I have watched the devasting effects of mental illness throughout my entire life and have felt powerless to do anything about it. The tragedy of my sister’s life and death is a sad reminder that as a nation of Scots, we have to do better.
Nick Naddell
I am a trustee of the Joshi Project. I am a Glasgow-based commercial lawyer – Glasgow born and bred, apart from time spent living and working abroad in the late 1980s. My client base is international and my primary focus is investment and finance, as well as a number of international and national retailers. Like people everywhere, I have been touched first-hand by the effects of mental illness among close family and friends. I believe it’s past time for change. We must improve care and support for as many people as possible and for those who need it most. I am excited to be part of the push for change.
Prof. Scott McMeekin
I am a trustee of the Joshi Project. I have worked for more than 30 years in higher education. During this time, I have seen the increasing struggles and challenges young adults face with their mental health. As Vice-Dean of the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment at Glasgow Caledonian University, I have responsibility for more than 4,000 students. Addressing these challenges and ensuring the wellbeing of students is both a personal passion and a priority. I am acutely aware of the need for a mental health care system, like the Trieste model, that listens and provides support within the community.
Dr. Roberto Mezzina
I am an advisor to the Joshi Project. I have worked as a psychiatrist for 42 years in Trieste, where I developed the 24-hour CMHC model. I was also the Director of the Department of Mental Health in Trieste between 2012 and 2019, and Head of the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre for Research. I am currently Chair of the International Mental Health Collaborating Network, and Vice President of the World Federation for Mental Health, with responsibility for the European Region. I am also a member of the WHO Advisory Group for the new World Health Report. I am a recipient of several awards, including in 2017 the European Personality of the Year Award from GAMIAN Europe.
Dr. S.P. Sashidharan
I am an advisor to the Joshi Project. I am a Glasgow-based psychiatrist and an Hon. Professor at the Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow. I completed my psychiatric training at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, and over the years have worked multiple roles with the psychiatric profession, beginning at the MRC Unit for Epidemiological Studies at Edinburgh University. I was a member of the National Taskforce for Mental Health in England, and was instrumental in developing and implementing the first fully functionalised model of community mental health services, later adopted as national policy in England. My work has also included consultant psychiatrist with the Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment Service in NHS Lanarkshire, board member of the Mental Welfare Commission Scotland, and mental health consultant to the WHO. I am actively involved in fostering progressive, community mental health care in several countries
Joanna Kerr
I am a board member of The Joshi Project, and the only member with lived experience. I was born in Edinburgh, but have lived most of my life in In verness and I consider myself as a proud Highlander. I hold an honours degree in French and Italian from the University of Glasgow, as well as a postgraduate M.Phil in Psychology. I am currently working to realise my dream of researching the impact of Emotional Intelligence in mental health, with the positive impacts that the Trieste model can make included in my study. I have struggled for many years with mental health, but I have also discovered the enormous therapeutic benefits of art, music, creative writing and walking.
How To Contact Us
We would love to hear from you. Please reach out with any questions, comments, ideas or even your own stories. Click here for details