Meet the CIC
Sam Griffin
Sam Griffin is an award-winning community business champion, and a passionate advocate for people, empowerment, and holistic health. Driven by a deep commitment to supporting her local community, Sam plays a pivotal role in leading initiatives that foster connection, resilience, and personal growth across Ashford and the broader Kent area. Recognised for her dedication to social impact, Sam has consistently championed local, community-focused enterprises. As a director at Lake House Kent Wellbeing CIC, she works tirelessly to build inclusive spaces where local practitioners, local businesses, and residents can collaborate, thrive, and support one another. Her leadership helps ensure the organisation serves as a welcoming hub for holistic wellness, corporate events, and community-led initiatives. At the heart of everything Sam does is a genuine passion for people. Whether host-coordinating wellbeing workshops with Jo Adams, facilitating her Reiki practice or serving up a storm in the venue coffee shop Sam ensures everyone who walks through the doors feels seen, heard, and supported. She believes in the transformative power of a strong community and works continuously to break down barriers to mental and physical wellness for all.
Steve Pullen
Steve Pullen's mission is to foster community connection, healing, and personal support in Ashford, Kent. Passionate about creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can heal and thrive. Steve is deeply committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. He advocates for dedicated spaces—such as the Breaking the Silence talk group—where men can gather, share lived experiences, and gain practical tools for mental wellness. Steve believes that providing honest, judgment-free environments for open conversation is essential to helping men navigate life’s difficult times. Central to Steve’s vision is the therapeutic power of nature. Set across 2.5 acres of serene countryside, the grounds of Lake House feature a calm lake, historic trees, and a thriving wildlife and along with a team of volunteers, Steve takes care the eco-friendly, alcohol-free grounds for visitors to ground themselves and reconnect.
Jo Adams
I’m Jo, a Midlife Strength and Menopause Coach and one of the directors of Lake House Wellbeing CIC. I support women through perimenopause, menopause and beyond, helping them better understand their changing bodies and feel stronger, healthier and more confident through movement, nutrition, education and community. I’m incredibly proud to support Lake House because I wholeheartedly believe in its vision. It is so much more than a beautiful venue—it is a welcoming, inclusive space where people can connect, learn, feel supported and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing. The peaceful surroundings make it somewhere people can step away from the pressures of everyday life, take a breath and feel part of something. Alongside my work as a director, I run women’s wellness events, menopause workshops and day retreats at Lake House. These bring women together to learn from trusted practitioners, take part in activities, have honest conversations and enjoy time dedicated entirely to themselves. I am also passionate about developing the work of Lake House Wellbeing CIC and creating accessible events and opportunities that support the health and wellbeing of our wider community. For me, Lake House represents everything I care about: connection, education, movement, wellbeing and ensuring that nobody feels they have to navigate the challenges of midlife alone.
Andy Zerfahs
Back in 2024, I became a Reiki Master and I was looking for a space to offer Reiki treatments. A friend pointed me towards the Lake House. When I first visited, I immediately fell in love with the place and the people who worked there. It has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a great energy that makes people feel comfortable and at ease. What began as a search for a treatment space soon turned into something much more and I found myself returning regularly simply because I enjoyed being there, meeting with newly made friends and valued what it offers to the community. I waas thrilled to be asked to become a Director because I believe passionately in the importance of wellbeing and community support. I want to help ensure that The Lake House continues to thrive as a valuable wellbeing resource for local people, while encouraging even more people to come along, get involved and benefit from the wide range of services, activities and support available. I'm proud to be part of an organisation that makes such a positive difference and look forward to helping it continue to grow and support the community for years to come.