Our team
We have a small, dedicated, remotely-based team. Find out more about us!
The Roots team is responsible for:
- implementing the vision and direction of the Roots resources
- the day-to-day work on planning, commissioning and producing the resources.
In so doing, we work closely with:
- our contributors – experienced ordained and lay practitioners from across the denominations and traditions
- our Trustees – our ecumenical partners, with whom we meet regularly to discuss the overall direction of the resources.
Melanie joined Roots from Sweet Cherry Publishing in 2022, bringing a breadth of experience in publishing, business development and reaching new markets, as well as operations, working with internal and external stakeholders, team building and support. In her role, Melanie is able to draw on her experience as a leader in her local church, where she has variously served leading a congregation, and as Worship & Pastoral Lead and Children & Families Lead.
Managing Director
Helen joined Roots as Senior Editor of Worship Together in 2025. She comes from a background in Christian leadership book publishing and has worked with a wide range of text formats as an editorial contractor. Helen also brings her ministry experience having worked in several denominational settings coaching church leaders, overseeing missional communities, leading various small group expressions and working with children and youth.
Helen is passionate about helping people to find God in their everyday lives. She lives in Derby and enjoys swimming, word puzzles and a good novel.
Senior Editor
Pam joined us as Children and Youth Editor in September 2021. She previously managed the Education Department at Manchester Cathedral for 14 years, providing creative learning and worship activities for children, young people and families. Prior to that Pam was Head of Religious Studies and led collective worship at a secondary school in Hertfordshire. Pam lives in the Peak District where she has enjoyed using the Roots materials with her Anglican church community.
Senior Editor
Kate became Production Editor of Roots in June 2010. She previously worked for 18 years in non-fiction book publishing, editing reference books and Early Years Foundation Stage teaching resources. She manages freelance contributors and co-ordinates the workflow of Roots’ magazines, from manuscript to printed product.
Production Editor
Tom joined Roots in June 2025. He is a recent graduate of the University of St Andrews (English and French MA) and has experience running community publications in a voluntary capacity. He also writes as a freelancer for the Centre for Cultural Witness, where he is a volunteer sub-editor. Tom is passionate about ecumenism, interfaith relations and the rural church. He lives in Northumberland where he plays an active and varied role in his local Anglican parishes.
Assistant Editor
Ailsa joined Roots in January 2013 having previously worked in STM (science, technical and medical) publishing for many years. She is a member of a Baptist church in Bristol where she is involved in sung worship, youth outreach and children’s work. She is also passionate about sustainablity in the workplace, church and home.
Website Editor
Tracy has worked as a freelancer with Roots since 2011, joining the staff team in 2021. Prior to working in publishing that serves churches, she spent 10 years with a leading schools publisher. She attends an Anglican church in London where she wears many hats, including Safeguarding Officer, Sunday School leader, toddler group volunteer and midweek Bible study leader.
Marketing Officer
Karen joined Roots as Operations Coordinator in October 2025. With a background in finance and operations management, she brings with her many years of experience from a varied career, including six years working as an ecologist. She has a passion for inclusivity, compassion, and environmental sustainability, and brings these to all aspects of her life and work.
Outside of work, she is a dedicated mum and enjoys nothing more than spending time with family or walking her rescue dog. She is a very keen crafter, amateur linguist and baker, and is rarely found far from a good book.
Operations Coordinator