Meet our Trustees
At Forest of Hearts, our trustees bring a rich tapestry of experience, passion, and purpose to guide our mission. United by a shared commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, and community, they provide strategic oversight, champion our values, and help us grow with integrity. Each trustee offers a unique perspective shaped by diverse backgrounds in research, education, finance, and environmental leadership and together, they help ensure our work continues to flourish and inspire.
Linda Baines - Chair of The Trustees
With a distinguished background in senior public sector management and a current role as an independent researcher, our Chair, Linda, brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, governance, and contract negotiation. Her sharp analytical mind and curiosity-driven approach make her a natural leader and thoughtful guide for Forest of Hearts. Passionate about the power of nature to support mental wellbeing, she was drawn to our charity’s mission and is proud to champion our work. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading, walking, and unwinding with a good laugh.
Fun fact: As a child, Linda had bright ginger hair and she’s left-handed.
Daniel Gate – Finance Trustee
Daniel is a seasoned financial professional with over a decade of experience across both UK and international organisations. Currently serving as Financial Controller at Viridian Solar, he brings strategic insight and precision to Forest of Hearts’ financial planning and long-term sustainability. His qualifications include full chartered status with CIMA, alongside certifications in HR fundamentals and bookkeeping, making him a well-rounded advisor on both numbers and people.
As Finance Trustee, Daniel supports the charity’s growth by translating complex financial data into clear, actionable strategies. He was drawn to Forest of Hearts by a desire to use his skills for a cause he truly believes in.
Outside of work, Daniel stays active at the gym, on the football pitch or golf course, and loves exploring the world with Costa Rica topping his list of favourite destinations.
Fun fact: He can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under two minutes.
Tra My Insua Luu – Trustee
Born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam, Tra My brings a global outlook and a deep-rooted passion for environmental stewardship to Forest of Hearts. With a background in Law, Sociology, and a Master’s in Global Sustainable Development from Warwick University, she blends academic insight with hands-on experience. Her professional journey began with a formative placement at Forest of Hearts, and she now works as a sustainability data analyst at Chiswick Park, leading projects in biodiversity, waste and energy reporting, and community engagement.
As a trustee, Tra My helps ensure the charity’s decisions align with its mission to protect green spaces and promote wellbeing. She’s especially passionate about embedding sustainability and ESG principles into everyday practice.
Outside of work, you’ll find her cooking Vietnamese, Thai, or Chinese dishes, caring for her growing collection of houseplants, or competing in ultimate frisbee tournaments across the UK.
Fun fact: Though her legal name is Teresa (a nod to her Galician heritage), she proudly goes by her Vietnamese name, Tra My.
Alex Drozd - Trustee
Alex brings decades of experience in education, having taught and managed Art & Design, Media, and Multimedia in the Further Education sector. He’s also worked in community arts and adult education, both in the UK and internationally. Since retiring in 2015, Alex has focused on his own creative practice of exhibiting artwork and winning international awards, all while continuing part-time as an external examiner.
A long-time volunteer, Alex has supported Forest of Hearts through photography and gardening, and now contributes his project experience and systems thinking as a trustee.
Fun fact: Alex has been an allotment gardener for over 10 years, combining creativity with a love of nature.
