Professor Helen Brough
Founder – Consultant in Paediatric Allergy & Immunology
I am Helen, a Consultant in Paediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, a Professor at King’s College London, the Medical Advisor for the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (NARF), and the Founder of Children’s Allergy Doctors, paediatric allergy clinic.
I have over 20 years of experience in managing children with allergies and have been a Consultant in Paediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology Evelina Children’s Hospital, St. Thomas’ Hospital since 2013.
From 2015 to 2023, I served as Head of Service at the Evelina London Children’s Allergy Service, home to the largest children’s allergy service in the UK and a recognised Centre of Excellence.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to enhancing the well-being of children, young people, and their families affected by a range of allergic conditions, including hay fever, allergic rhinitis, drug allergies, eczema, and more. I provide compassionate, evidence-based care, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to meet the unique needs of every child.
My journey into paediatric allergy was deeply influenced by personal experiences within my own family. My husband has long standing severe hay-fever and asthma, and when my daughter was diagnosed with eczema as a baby, I saw first-hand the challenges these conditions bring—the discomfort, sleepless nights, and emotional toll.
Determined to make a difference, I took an evidence-based approach to manage her eczema effectively and introduce allergenic foods early, successfully preventing food allergy in my daughter. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of prevention and the importance of equipping families with the tools and knowledge to navigate these conditions confidently.
I am honoured to have received awards such as Health Professional of the Year Award from Coeliac UK, the Barry Kay Award for Excellence in Paediatric Allergy Research from the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and the Distinguished Clinician Award from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
However, my greatest reward remains seeing families in the paediatric allergy clinic reassured, informed, and empowered to embrace brighter, healthier futures. The team of paediatric allergists and I are here to offer specialist care and innovative solutions, ensuring every child receives the best possible treatment for their allergies.
What parents say: “I have no words other than Dr Brough is amazing. Her knowledge is unmatched and without her guidance I would still be going around in circles with my toddlers skin! I highly recommend her and her team! All staff were so helping, efficient and caring! Thank you so much!”
Dr Erika Harnik
Consultant in Paediatric Allergy & Immunology
Erika is a Consultant in Paediatric Allergy & Immunology at Imperial College London and Deputy Head of Service. As a mother herself, Erika deeply understands the concerns you may have as a parent navigating the challenges of managing your child’s allergy or immune condition. She takes great care in listening to you, building trust, and creating tailored treatment plans to ensure your child receives the best possible care.
Erika trained in Paediatric Allergy at some of the UK’s most renowned centres, including Evelina Children’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, Royal Free Hospital, and Great Ormond Street Hospital. She also earned a distinction in her Master of Sciences degree in Paediatric Allergy from the University of Southampton, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and improving care for children.
Known for her thoroughness, dedication, and ability to connect with you and your child, Erika ensures that every family she works with feels heard, supported, and reassured. Her wealth of experience and compassionate approach make her an invaluable advocate for you, your child, and families coping with allergies and immunological conditions.
What parents say: “Dr Harnik has always been extremely compassionate, understanding and clear in all of our appointments. She has helped us feel much more confident in managing our son’s allergies.”
Dr Rosy Wells
Paediatric Allergy Consultant
Rosy has been a Paediatric Allergy Consultant at St George’s Hospital since 2018 and is the Clinical Lead for the service. As both a dedicated clinician and a mother of children with food allergies, asthma, eczema, hay fever, and eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), Rosy deeply understands the profound impact allergies can have on your family. This personal experience strengthens her compassionate, patient-centred approach, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and confident in managing your child’s allergy journey.
Rosy trained in General Paediatrics and developed a special interest in Allergy, completing a specialist interest module (SPIN) in Allergy through the RCPCH. She also holds a Master’s degree in Advanced Paediatrics and a Postgraduate Certificate in Allergy, showcasing her commitment to delivering the highest standard of care for your child.
Under Rosy’s leadership, the team at St George’s was honoured with the ‘Free From Hero’ award in 2023 for their exceptional work in providing Allergy Emergency Bags and training to all local schools. This initiative reflects her dedication to empowering you, your child, and the wider community to ensure children with allergies are safe and thriving in their daily lives.
What parents say: “Dr Wells was lovely and had the most calm, reassuring approach. It felt like a confusing space to navigate my daughter’s allergies but she gave us a clear and simple plan. She immediately put us at ease and I would highly recommend her.”
Dr Andreina Marques Mejias
Specialist Doctor in Paediatric Allergy
Andreina is an Allergist trained at Hospital Universitario La Paz in Madrid and holds a PhD from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. After completing her training, she moved to London, where she has been working in the Paediatric Allergy Department at Evelina Children’s Hospital. As a mother herself, Andreina understands the challenges you may face in managing your child’s allergies and is dedicated to providing expert care that is both compassionate and tailored to your family’s needs.
With a special focus on paediatric allergy research, she is a co-investigator on trials aimed at advancing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of food allergies. Her work reflects her passion for improving the lives of children and their families through innovative care and support.
Fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, Andreina is committed to ensuring you feel understood and supported, no matter your background. Her approachable and caring manner makes her a trusted partner in your journey to manage your child’s allergies with confidence.
Rosalind Capelin-Jones
Senior Paediatric Allergy Registrar
Rosalind is a Senior Paediatric Allergy Registrar who has trained at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, and Evelina Children’s Hospital. She earned her MSc in Allergy from Imperial College London, graduating with Distinction and receiving the Dean’s Prize. Rosalind’s passion for allergy care stems from her own experience as a mother of a food-allergic child. This personal insight gives her a deep understanding of the daily challenges you may face as a parent.
Her empathy and dedication shine through in her work, as she takes the time to listen to your concerns and provide tailored, patient-centred care for your child. Rosalind’s unique combination of personal and professional experience ensures that she not only delivers expert care but also supports you and your family with understanding and compassion throughout your allergy journey.
Anjali Rampersad
Senior Paediatric Allergy Registrar
Anjali is a Senior Paediatric Allergy Registrar, soon to take up a Consultant position at University College London Hospital. She trained at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, King’s College Hospital, Royal London Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital within the Dermatology department, equipping her with a wealth of experience in managing the full spectrum of allergic diseases. Having a personal history of allergies herself, Anjali understands the daily challenges and worries you and your child may face. This first-hand experience shapes her empathetic and patient-centred approach to care, ensuring your family feels supported, understood and cared for every step of the way.
As the Secretary of the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Paediatric Allergy Committee, Anjali has contributed to creating national guidance on Palforzia for peanut oral immunotherapy and has a special interest in food immunotherapy. She is trainee representative on the Royal Society of Medicine Clinical Allergy and Immunology section and is a member of the National Allergy Strategy Group, helping to improve education and awareness of allergies on a national level. Her dedication to advancing care for children with allergies means your child will benefit from the most up-to-date and evidence-based treatments available. With her personal insights and professional expertise, Anjali is committed to working closely with you to help your child thrive and overcome the challenges of living with allergies.
Hannah Marshall
Senior Paediatric Allergy Registrar
Hannah is a Paediatric Allergy Registrar with many years’ experience looking after children and their families in a variety of settings. She is a kind and enthusiastic member of the team and takes pride in her communication skills with children. As a parent herself, Hannah understands the importance of ensuring children and their care givers feel heard and understood in consultations. She enjoys empowering young people and their families through explaining diagnoses, investigations and treatments, and ensuring management decisions are made jointly.
Hannah has trained in allergy with Professor Brough at Evelina London Children’s hospital and also at the Royal London Hospital, and is completing her Masters in Allergy at Imperial College, London. She works in research on studies examining allergy prevention, diagnosis and immunotherapy and clinically, caring for children that present with the full range of allergic diseases. Hannah sits on the Standards of Care Committee at the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology which looks to ensure excellence in allergy care for all patients in the UK.
Karen Wright
Lead Specialist Paediatric Allergy Dietitian (RD) MSc Allergy
Karen is the Lead Paediatric Allergy Specialist Dietitian for the Food Oral Immunotherapy Service at Children’s Allergy Doctors. Combining her professional expertise with her experience as a mother, Karen provides compassionate, patient-centred care that resonates deeply with the families she supports. Her unique understanding of life with allergies allows her to connect with patients on a meaningful and empathetic level.
Karen’s children all have allergies, and she lived in Asia for 20 years, gaining firsthand experience of the challenges involved in managing allergies while living far from extended family. During her time in Asia, she worked at a major women and children’s hospital and collaborated with international schools to increase awareness, create safe environments, and provide support for pupils with food allergies. She also helped families navigate oral immunotherapy (OIT) and food allergy management, deepening her understanding of global best practices in allergy care.
Karen holds a distinction in her MSc in Allergy and has been recognised with multiple accolades, including the AAIR Holgate Award for Excellence in Allergy from the University of Southampton. She is currently pursuing a PhD in food allergy, continuing her commitment to advancing knowledge in the field. In 2021, Karen was awarded the prestigious Anthony Frew Award for Excellence in Allergy Education by the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Additionally, she serves as the joint chair of the British Dietetic Association Food Allergy Specialist Group, reflecting her leadership and dedication to improving standards of care.
As the Lead Dietitian for the Food Oral Immunotherapy Service, Karen works closely with families to guide them through innovative, evidence-based treatments designed to help children overcome food allergies. Her dual perspective as both a highly skilled dietitian and a parent shapes her approach, making her uniquely equipped to support and empower families through their allergy journey.
Karen is passionate about ensuring children with allergies can thrive and live full, healthy lives. She is committed to providing families with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to navigate the challenges of food allergy management with resilience and hope.
Samantha Blamires
Specialist Paediatric Allergy Dietitian
Samantha BlamiresSam is a Specialist Paediatric Allergy Dietitian at Children’s Allergy Doctors and the acting Clinical Lead Dietitian for Paediatric Allergy at St Mary’s Hospital in London.
Her interest in paediatric allergies is not solely professional—it is personal too. As a mother of two, she understands firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate food allergies, particularly after her own son was diagnosed with a milk allergy as an infant. That experience motivated her to learn more so that she could better support other families facing similar challenges. Always seeking ways to expand her knowledge and provide tailored, evidence-based care, she is currently working towards an MSc in Allergy.
Sam is truly dedicated to making a difference, and she was honoured to receive the Anthony Frew Award for Excellence in Allergy Education from the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Whether through research, patient care, or education, her goal is always to help families feel confident and supported in managing food allergies.
Misbah Primett
Specialist Paediatric Allergy Dietitian
Misbah PrimettMisbah Primett is a Specialist Paediatric Allergy Dietitian at Children’s Allergy Doctors and currently works as the lead allergy dietitian at St Georges Hospital with expertise in managing paediatric allergy cases. Misbah is part of the dietetic team at Children’s Allergy Doctors and provides guidance and support for families with allergies and those undergoing oral food immunotherapy. Misbah is also studying for a Master’s in Allergy and is a committee member of the British Dietetic Association Food Allergy Specialist Group.
Sarah Bidgood
Clinical Nurse Specialist & Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Sarah BidgoodSarah is a Clinical Nurse Specialist & Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Allergy Doctors and the lead nurse for safeguarding. She works as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in allergy and acute paediatrics at Kingston Hospital and was previously an allergy nurse specialist at St George’s. She has an MSc in advanced clinical practice, is a prescriber, and is currently completing the MSc in allergy at Imperial College London which focuses of food oral immunotherapy experience in our clinic. Sarah has experience of allergy from a parent’s perspective, with her son having food and inhalant allergies. She is passionate about providing compassionate, individualised care for her patients and their families.
Parent testimonial: “Helen Brough and her nurse, Sarah are amazing. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. Sarah went above & beyond in allergy testing my son, discovering a heart murmur and referring us to a cardiologist, resulting in open-heart surgery! Amazing work!”
Louise Cameron
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Louise is an experienced clinical nurse specialist at Children’s Allergy Doctors with a decade of expertise in allergy care. Before joining the team, Louise was the CNS for allergy at The Portland hospital where she managed oral and drug challenges. She trained at Great Ormond Street hospital in partnership with South Bank University, earning BSc hons in Children’s Nursing. Prior to moving into the speciality of allergy, she worked on a variety of wards including Accident & Emergency. Known for her kind and compassionate approach, Louise takes the time to listen to patients and their families, providing reassurance and guidance. She is the lead nurse for patient information leaflets for the clinic. Louise covers the free nurse led clinical advice line from 9-3pm Monday to Friday. As a founding member of Children’s allergy doctors her dedication to improving the lives of children with allergies makes her a valued and trusted member of the team.
Hannah Smyth
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Hannah is a clinical nurse specialist at Children’s Allergy Doctors and the lead nurse for our sublingual immunotherapy service for inhalant allergens. Hannah graduated from King’s College London with a BSc in Children’s Nursing in 2017 and has spent much of this time gaining valuable experience caring for atopic patients as an Allergy CNS at various NHS trusts across London. She has dedicated her career to supporting families and ensuring that young patients receive the best possible care, education, and treatment. Hannah also covers the free nurse led clinical advice line from 9-3pm Monday to Friday.
Hannah’s journey into allergy care is personal. Whilst studying, she was involved in the care of her cousin who had significant allergies and asthma. It was during this time that Hannah began to understand the life-altering nature of allergies. Watching a family member face these challenges from such a young age sparked her passion to make a difference for children facing similar experiences. This early experience inspired her to pursue a career in paediatric allergy nursing, where she could combine her passion for healthcare with her personal connection to atopic conditions. As a specialist, she works closely with families, offering guidance, support, and education on allergy management and prevention. With being a mother herself, she understands first hand the emotional and physical challenges that allergies and asthma can cause, and it drives her to be the compassionate, knowledgeable nurse that her patients require.
Melanie Davies
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Melanie DaviesMelanie is a clinical nurse specialist at Children’s Allergy Doctors and at the Portland Hospital where she runs the day unit service for oral food, drug and latex challenges. After graduating from the University of Hertfordshire in 2009, Melanie commenced her nursing career at King’s College Hospital. Having worked in Accident & Emergency, paediatric neurosurgical and the children’s’ day unit, she started working in Paediatric Allergy in 2014. She is a very experienced nurse who knows how to put parents and their families at ease. She has personal experience of allergies, and of eczema and cow’s milk protein allergy in her child. She was honoured with the prestigious DAISY award, which recognises exceptional healthcare professionals who have made a profound difference through their compassionate and outstanding care. This award is based on nominations from patients and their families, reflecting the deep impact of her dedication and empathy.
Parent testimonial of experience during oral food challenge: “Mel provided the highest standard of care for my son. She is professional and communicative; I appreciated that she checked on us regularly. Her interactions with my son were personable, warm and fun- nothing was a problem- and she made a difficult process easier.”
Magdalena Marcell
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Magda is a clinical nurse specialist at Children’s Allergy Doctors and a paediatric allergy research nurse at Imperial College NHS Trust and works on a range of food immunotherapy studies. Magda has got a background in children’s nursing and public health and has worked in different healthcare systems. She received a distinction in her MSc Global Health and Development from UCL in 2021 and a recent counselling certificate. Magda is passionate about enhancing patient care through evaluating new treatment methods and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care, health and well-being.
Muhsinah Adam
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Muhsinah is a clinical nurse specialist at Children’s Allergy Doctors. After qualifying in 2007 she began her training on a general children’s ward. She then joined the allergy research team at Evelina Children’s Hospital, where she developed a passion and gained extensive experience in the field. Muhsinah also has experience in school nursing and community nursing, leading allergy care in both roles. Her ongoing passion for children’s allergies drives her to stay informed about the latest research-based treatment methods and she is the lead nurse for our oral food immunotherapy service. She is dedicated to caring for children and their families, always ensuring their needs are prioritised. Muhsinah covers the free nurse led clinical advice line from 9-3pm Monday to Friday.
Philippa Moss
Specialist Clinical Psychologist
Philippa is a Specialist Clinical Psychologist and the lead psychologist in the Paediatric Allergy and Immunology Team at Imperial College London. Since joining the team at St Mary’s Hospital in 2019, she has established the psychology provision for this service and works as part of the wider multidisciplinary team. Through this work, she has become acutely aware of the impact that allergies can have on families as a whole and is passionate about supporting them to navigate this is all aspects of life.
After completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Birmingham University, Philippa completed a Ph.D. at the Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, followed by a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College London. Philippa has spent the last decade specialising in supporting families to navigate the impact of long-term health conditions, working across several major London hospitals; University College Hospital London, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and her current role at St Mary’s Hospital.
Philippa has a particular interest in the wider impact that allergies have on the individual and the system around the child. As a parent herself, she believes that holistic care requires understanding personal experiences and tailoring support to suit the individual needs of the young person and their family. Philippa takes great pride in her consultation and liaison skills to facilitate this approach and believes in the importance of working with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the highest level of joined up care.
What parents say: “Dr. Moss instantly made our daughter feel comfortable and gradually the weekly sessions developed into exploring coping strategies…Our daughter made an amazing book to help deal with her experience all under Dr. Moss’ guidance…We highly recommend Dr. Moss and we all thank her so much for the progress our daughter has made.”
Tracy Kennedy
Our Dedicated Practice Manager
Tracy KennedyWith over 30 years of management experience and a deep commitment to patient care, Tracy has been an integral part of our team from the very beginning. She has played a key role in shaping the warm and welcoming environment that families know and trust.
Tracy’s journey in healthcare began at University College Hospital in London, where she qualified as a nurse and gained valuable experience working across various wards and hospitals. Throughout her career, she has provided compassionate and dedicated care to patients and their families, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way. Her passion for healthcare led her to train and qualify as a Medical Secretary, and she went on to spend many years managing private medical practices. This combination of hands-on nursing experience and expert practice management gives her a unique understanding of both the clinical and administrative aspects of patient care.
As Practice Manager, Tracy oversees all aspects of our clinic, ensuring that every family receives the highest standard of service. She takes great pride in supporting the team in delivering exceptional care, making every visit as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you need help with scheduling appointments, have questions about your child’s treatment, or simply need reassurance, Tracy is always happy to assist.
Building relationships with families is one of the most rewarding aspects of Tracy’s role. She is dedicated to creating a friendly, professional, and supportive experience for every child and parent. Tracy looks forward to welcoming you and your family to our clinic and ensuring you feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in the service we provide.
Teresa Kennedy
Our Dedicated Accounts Manager
Teresa KennedyTeresa is our Dedicated Accounts Manager. We decided to use our own accounts manager rather than a billings team to provide a more personalised point of contact for billing and administrative needs, offering a more seamless and direct experience. Teresa is also a qualified Medical Secretary and has been working in private practice for 14 years. Teresa has worked for various specialties as a PA and Accounts Manager, for paediatric and adult psychiatry, ENT, urology and rheumatology. Teresa’s focus is to provide excellent customer service to all our patients and parents and to make their journey at Children’s Allergy Doctors a smooth and enjoyable process.
Simone Castle
Audio Typist
Simone CastleSimone is a highly experienced audio typist for the paediatric allergy clinic with over 30 years of expertise in both private practice and the NHS. She plays a crucial role in ensuring that clinic letters are meticulously prepared and delivered within 24 hours of the consultation. Her attention to detail and efficiency in managing follow-up schedules as recalls help prevent patients from being lost to follow-up, thereby supporting continuity of care and optimal clinical outcomes.
Raimonda Musiute
Clinic receptionist
Raimonda MusiuteRaimonda is our friendly and efficient receptionist who ensures you can help you book your follow-up on the day of your appointment. She is also happy to help deal with any administrative queries you may have.
Bonnie Duggan
Database manager
Bonnie DugganBonnie is a Social Media and Database Manager at Children’s Allergy Doctors. She graduated from Henley Business School at the University of Reading with a MSc in Business Economics and a BSc in Business Finance. Since she has spent time working on various social media and content creation projects as well as with internal data collection and manipulation to streamline business processes.