Welcoming new team members to RIVIAM: Our new colleagues of late 2024

Late last year, we welcomed four amazing people to the RIVIAM team: Henry McBraida, Vanessa Ryan, Cato Goffin, and Luke Berry. From the start, they’ve felt like a natural fit in the team and it’s been great getting to know them and seeing their commitment, energy and ideas they bring. We wanted to take a moment to share a bit about their backgrounds and the work they’ve been doing with us.

Henry McBraida - AI Developer

Henry McBraida joined RIVIAM in mid-July as an AI Developer, bringing his sharp analytical mind and problem-solving skills to our team. With a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Oxford University, Henry has a natural talent for tackling complex challenges. Since joining us, he’s been fully immersed in developing our cutting-edge AI products, the Sadie Service Directory and the Clutter Classifier.

Driven by a "can-do" attitude, Henry thrives on solving data-related problems and designing solutions that enhance efficiency and user experience. His dedication has already had a noticeable impact on our Sadie products.

"I wanted to join RIVIAM to make a difference with the skills that I’ve learned."

Outside the office, Henry enjoys curling up with a good book and taking long walks - an ideal way to relax. We can’t wait to see how his work continues to shape the future of AI at RIVIAM.

Vanessa Ryan - Customer Success Analyst

Vanessa Ryan joined RIVIAM in mid-September as a Customer Success Analyst, bringing her enthusiasm and problem-solving skills to the Support team. With a BSc in Business and Management with Spanish from the University of Southampton and over five years of customer service and sales experience, Vanessa is passionate about ensuring that every customer interaction is seamless and positive.

Vanessa’s critical thinking and communication skills have quickly proven invaluable. She not only listens attentively to customer feedback but also works closely with developers to suggest improvements that enhance our services and user experience. Her passion for the ever-evolving tech world has even sparked an interest in coding and testing - something she’s eager to dive deeper into. As a testament to her fearless approach to learning and growing, Vanessa says:

"You won’t get it right until you put yourself out there to get it wrong."

When she’s not at work, Vanessa enjoys staying active through swimming and gym workouts, travelling to new places, and reading. Her energy and positivity have already left a lasting impression on our team.

Cato Goffin - Business Development and Marketing Assistant

Cato Goffin joined RIVIAM at the end of September as our Business Development and Marketing Assistant. In her role, she has taken charge of marketing, outgoing communications, and supporting various projects across the business. Over the past few months, Cato has had the opportunity to attend events and meetings that have helped her gain a deeper understanding of RIVIAM’s mission to support health and social care and the third sector.

With an MA in Business and Management from Bath Spa University, Cato brings a thoughtful and creative approach to her work. She’s been exploring how to best communicate RIVIAM’s vision while learning more about the industry along the way. Reflecting her personal approach to life and work, Cato lives by the mantra:

"Don’t compare yourself with others, create your own story in life."

Outside of work, Cato enjoys travelling to new places, watching films, and finding creative outlets. Her enthusiasm and dedication bring fresh energy to the team, and we’re excited to see her grow in her role.

Luke Berry - Software Engineer

Joining us in November as a Software Engineer, Luke Berry has quickly become an integral part of our Development team. With a background in Economics and Computer Science, Luke brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking to RIVIAM.

His skills in UX design, TypeScript, and Python are helping us build full-stack systems that deliver exceptional user experiences. Luke’s collaborative nature and innovative problem-solving approach make him an outstanding team player.

"I wanted to work in an industry where you can make a difference and RIVIAM is the perfect company to do so,"

Luke shared, reflecting his alignment with our mission.

When not at the office, Luke is a talented musician who enjoys playing the guitar, singing, and DJing. Embracing the challenges of his new role, he felt very welcomed by the team and appreciates the opportunity to take on meaningful projects.

Looking Ahead

We’re so proud to have Henry, Vanessa, Cato and Luke on board as we continue to innovate and expand at RIVIAM. Their skills, enthusiasm and commitment to making a positive impact embody the spirit of our company. We look forward to seeing the incredible contributions they’ll make in the future to come.

Stay tuned for more company updates as we continue to grow and develop as a team!