Meet the Team
Mamas Matter III CIC was born from a simple belief: no mother should have to navigate the journey of pregnancy, birth and motherhood feeling alone, unheard or unsupported.
Our team is made up of women who understand the realities of motherhood — not just through our professional roles, but through our own personal experiences. We know that alongside the joy and love of becoming a parent can come uncertainty, overwhelm, isolation and moments where the right support can make all the difference.
We bring together our lived experiences, knowledge and passion to create a community where mothers and families feel truly seen, listened to and valued. Every conversation, workshop, event and act of support we provide is shaped by compassion, understanding and a commitment to making families feel less alone.
Our Journey and Purpose
At Mamas Matter, we believe that every mother’s story matters. We know that families thrive when they feel connected, empowered and supported by people who genuinely understand their experiences.
Our work is about creating spaces where mothers can ask questions without judgement, share their stories openly and access the support, guidance and encouragement they deserve. Whether through education, advocacy, community events or one-to-one support, we are here to walk alongside families during some of the most important moments of their lives.
We are mothers, educators, advocates and community leaders — but above all, we are people who care deeply about creating a kinder, more inclusive future for families.
Together, we are building a community where every mama feels valued, every voice is heard and every family has the opportunity to flourish.
We look forward to welcoming you into the Mamas Matter family.
Ilana Taylor
Founder | Maternal Advocate | Birth Work Coordinator
"I started Mamas Matter because I know what it feels like to need support and not know where to find it.
My own journey into motherhood changed my life in ways I never expected. Alongside the joy came moments of uncertainty, isolation and experiences that made me realise how many women navigate pregnancy and birth without feeling fully heard or supported.
Rather than allowing those experiences to define me, I chose to turn them into purpose. Mamas Matter III CIC was born from a desire to ensure that every mama feels valued, informed and empowered throughout her journey.
Today, I combine my experience as a maternal advocate, birth worker, educator and qualified primary teacher to create safe spaces where families can learn, grow and feel genuinely supported."
Dorcus Kabahenda
Director | SEND Advocate | Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Lead
"Everyone deserves to feel respected, included and empowered."
As a mother of two and someone living with a physical disability, I understand how important it is for every family to have access to inclusive, compassionate support. My own experiences have fuelled my passion for improving maternity care and ensuring every woman's voice is heard, regardless of disability or circumstance.
With a Master's degree in Social Policy, I am passionate about influencing positive change and creating more equitable opportunities for marginalised communities.
At Mamas Matter III CIC, I lead on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), helping to ensure our services are accessible, welcoming and representative of the diverse families we support. Through advocacy, education and community engagement, I am committed to empowering women with the knowledge, confidence and support they need to thrive."
Mabel Babasola
Director | Education Coordinator | Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Lead
Mabel Babasola is a highly experienced educator, administrator and community practitioner with over 25 years’ experience supporting children, young people, parents and families. She holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England, an MA in Youth and Community Work (Level 7, JNC qualified) from the University of East London, an NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce, and specialist qualifications in Montessori Education and infant/toddler development.
Mabel is the founder of Maria Breed Montessori School, which she developed from a crèche/preschool into an established school serving approximately 250 learners. Her leadership has received international recognition, including the British Council International School Award (2019–2023), and she is a Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary International for her contribution to humanitarian service.
As a Director and Early Years Department Manager at Mamas Matter III CIC, Mabel brings extensive EYFS, Montessori, safeguarding and educational leadership expertise. She is passionate about creating inclusive, nurturing opportunities that empower mamas, babies, families and EYFS learners, ensuring every child and family has the opportunity to learn, develop and thrive.
Rochana Kelly
Director | Bereavement Support Lead
I am a qualified Social Worker with a passion for supporting families through some of life’s most difficult and vulnerable moments. My professional experience has given me a strong foundation in compassionate communication, active listening, advocacy, safeguarding and providing trauma-informed support.
Alongside my professional experience, I also bring personal lived experience of late pregnancy loss. Having experienced the heartbreak of losing two babies, I understand that pregnancy and motherhood can carry emotions that are difficult to put into words. I know first-hand how important it can be to feel heard, supported and understood by someone who can hold space for your grief without judgement or expectation.
My own experiences have shaped the way I approach bereavement support; with empathy, sensitivity and genuine compassion. I am passionate about creating a safe space where mothers can be honest about how they are feeling, know that their experiences matter, and feel less alone in navigating grief and motherhood after loss.
As the Bereavement Support Lead, it is incredibly meaningful to be able to combine my professional knowledge with my lived experience to support other mothers with the care, understanding and compassion that every grieving parent deserves.
Dr Peter Ochieng
Director | Director of Finance | Project Management Lead
Dr Peter Ochieng is a Director of Mama’s Matters CIC, where he also serves as Director of Finance and Project Management Lead, supporting the organisation’s financial oversight, project planning, development and effective delivery of community initiatives.
Peter brings over 15 years of experience spanning project and organisational development, disability inclusion, research, financial management, partnership working and community development. His professional journey has included grassroots community and disability advocacy, project coordination and implementation, organisational capacity building, international development, research and higher education.
He holds a PhD in Law from the University of Leeds, specialising in disability rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), alongside a Master of Laws in International and European Human Rights Law. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microfinance and a Diploma in Development Leadership from the Coady International Institute, Canada, providing a multidisciplinary foundation across finance, development, leadership, research and human rights.
At Mama’s Matters CIC, Peter combines these areas of expertise to support sound financial stewardship, effective project management, evidence-informed programme development and strategic partnerships. He is particularly passionate about ensuring that community projects are not only inclusive and responsive to people’s needs, but also well planned, financially responsible and capable of delivering sustainable impact.
