Meet The Team
Dr Jeannine Goh - Founding Director
Dr Jeannine Goh is a psychologist, educator, author and the Founding Director of The Sanctuary of Peace and Healing. With an MPhil and PhD in Psychology, Jeannine was previously a lecturer and honorary research fellow at The University of Manchester and is presently an associate psychology lecturer at The Open University. Her work brings together psychology, contemplative wisdom, self-awareness and the transformative power of deep listening.
Jeannine is passionate about how listening, reflection and meaningful connection can help people reconnect with their authentic selves and then thrive. Through The Sanctuary, she has gained funding and directed the listening service which as offered nearly 1500 free listening and counselling appointments to those suffering and in need.
Her work is rooted in a simple vision: to create a kinder, more connected world where people have the space to feel fully seen, heard and valued.
Gemma Jones - Co-Director
Gemma Jones is an Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 3 Practitioner, trainer, listener and Co-Director of The Sanctuary of Peace and Healing. She has been at the heart of the Sanctuary’s listening work since its earliest days, offering hundreds of hours of compassionate support and helping others develop the art of deep listening.
Alongside her therapeutic practice, Gemma teaches Sanctuary courses, workshops and masterclasses, bringing warmth and clarity to her work. With a background in education and a strong commitment to accessibility and the Deaf community, she creates inclusive spaces where people can feel heard, understood and able to grow.
Her approach is grounded in IFS and a simple belief: that curiosity, acceptance and genuine human connection can create the conditions for meaningful healing and change.
Rev. Cheryl O'Meara
Rev. Cheryl O’Meara is an independant minister, spiritual practitioner, creative and community facilitator at The Sanctuary of Peace and Healing. Her work brings together spirituality, creativity, ceremony and deep listening to create spaces where people can slow down, reconnect and find meaning.
Cheryl facilitates the Sanctuary Fire Circles, using storytelling, reflection, nature and simple ritual to nurture connection and belonging. With a professional creative practice and community building, she brings warmth and imagination to the Sanctuary’s gatherings and wider vision.
Her work is rooted in a reverence for everyday life and a belief in the power of creativity, community and sacred space to bring us back to what matters.
Rev. Malaika Fujo
Reverend Malaika is an award-winning Interfaith Minister, community activist and listener whose work is rooted in compassion, dignity and service. A trusted presence within Manchester’s African Caribbean community and wider spiritual communities, she has spent many years supporting people through life’s joys, challenges, losses and transitions.
Through her work with the Sanctuary, and training in Radical and Transformative Listening and The Way of Council, Malaika has become passionate about the power of gathering in circles where people can speak openly, be heard without judgement and discover the strength of shared experience.
She is now developing community-led listening circles, creating spaces where grief, hope, faith and human experience can be held with honesty, warmth and care. The Sanctuary is also delighted to be supporting Malaika in developing a podcast, creating another space for her powerful and compassionate voice to be heard.
Malaika believes that when people are truly listened to, connection deepens, burdens become lighter and new possibilities emerge.