Meet the team

Robert Spread joined as CEO of CiC Wellbeing in July 2021. Prior to that, Robert spent 20 years delivering outsourced employment programmes and public services, including health, training, education and digital initiatives. He has held roles in operational management, supply chain, business development, compliance and financial management across the UK, Canada and Australia. Robert's extensive experience and diverse skill set has supported CiC Wellbeing to enhance its service offering, efficiency and further develop customer relationships. 

Arva Valka is the Director of Operations at CiC Wellbeing and is responsible for all frontline and direct delivery of clinical services across the UK. A seasoned mental health professional with a strong background in financial and business management, she brings 25 years of experience spanning both the UK and Pakistan. Arva holds double Masters degrees in Industrial Psychology and Multicultural Counselling, as well as a postgraduate diploma in Family Therapy from King’s College London.

Her clinical expertise covers a wide range of areas, including gender and identity, cultural dynamics, workplace, personal abuse, self-esteem, bullying, self-harm and the management of stress and anxiety.

Birgit joined CiC Wellbeing in 2022 and oversees the organisation’s clinical standards, ensuring safe, high‑quality service delivery. She leads CiC Wellbeing's clinical governance framework, including clinical procedures, quality reviews, risk mitigation, safeguarding and the professional development of clinical staff. 

Trained as a Psychologist in Denmark, Birgit began her career in the Danish Military working with UN personnel and later held roles in major organisations such as Ørsted and the National Hospital, Rigshospitalet. After moving to the UK in 2003, she completed a Masters at the Tavistock and Portman, and trained as a clinical supervisor. Before CiC Wellbeing, she spent ten years in the Employee Assistance Programme sector specialising in clinical standards, audits and staff development. 

She is a member of DP, BPS and BACP. 

Ciarán Brennan is an experienced business leader with a 20‑year background in the human services sector, spanning health, employment, education and justice. With over 15 years in performance improvement and business transformation, he has held senior roles including Director of Business Development at Corndel College London and Head of Employer Services at Ingeus. As Commercial Director at CiC, Ciarán brings a strong track record in strategic sales, stakeholder engagement and driving impactful, purpose‑led growth. 

Rachael is a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Supervisor with 20 years experience and has been part of CiC Wellbeing for over a decade. She is responsible for the clinical delivery, oversight and governance of both group and individual counselling referrals across the global team. 

Rachael has a particular interest in organisational dynamics and in supporting staff who are affected by the nature of their work. She also collaborates closely with the Affiliate Network team to identify, recruit and maintain a high‑quality global network of affiliates, ensuring excellence in clinical standards. 

Harry Key is a UKCP‑accredited existential psychotherapist with a Masters in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling, alongside an Advanced Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy from Regent’s University London. 

At CiC Wellbeing, Harry leads the Global Specialist Services team, where he designs psychological wellbeing programmes and provides international consultancy on psychological risk, crisis management and trauma exposure. He also serves as President Elect of the Employee Assistance European Forum and sits on the Employee Assistance Professionals Association UK committee. 

Harry has extensive experience delivering both short and long‑term therapy, supporting clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma and stress‑related challenges. 

Clara Pappalettera is a multicultural Consultant Organisational Psychologist and Coach specialising in workplace mental health, trauma‑informed practice and the development of psychologically safe organisational cultures. She has extensive experience delivering training to a range of industries and high‑pressure organisations, working with managers, leaders and staff on areas such as vicarious trauma, stress and burnout and psychologically safe leadership. Clara blends clear, accessible psychoeducation with evidence‑based strategies to strengthen wellbeing, resilience and healthy performance at work. 

Harry is an experienced Business Psychologist, Coach and Consultant, holding degrees in BSc Psychology and MSc Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. He began his career in one-on-one workplace coaching, focusing on mental wellbeing and neurodiversity. Subsequently, Harry transitioned into workplace training and consulting, where he assists organisations in cultivating inclusive and resilient environments, driving proactive and positive organisational change.