Staff with the right attitude and skillset form the basis of the success that we have with the young people that we work with. The way we deliver our alternative educational services varies significantly from that of mainstream provision. We not only employ a technical skillset, but also a commitment to asset-based learning, focussing on the strengths that students bring and their own individual starting points.
I founded Develop Outdoors in 2018 after spending 14 years as Manager of Education, Youth, and Sport at the YMCA DownsLink Group. When the services I had led came to an end, I saw the need to continue providing high-quality opportunities for young people in the community—and I was determined to make it happen.
Since launching Develop Outdoors in 2019, I’ve built a passionate team that shares my commitment to creating positive change and ensuring every child and young person has access to meaningful learning experiences. I believe in innovation, inclusion, and the power of hands-on education to transform lives.
Outside of work, I have an insatiable curiosity for the world around me – a passion that drives my love for learning, travelling and immersing myself in the great outdoors. I have also played many sports with Football & Rugby being a passion. I am a qualified football coach, teaching football with a focus on empowering girls in sport, as well as enjoying watching sports and being an avid football supporter!
With over a decade of experience in education, I have dedicated my career to working with primary school-aged children. I believe education should be accessible and adaptable—there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every child deserves an environment that nurtures their strengths and encourages them to thrive.
Being part of Develop Outdoors CIC allows me to create personalised learning experiences that build confidence, self-esteem, resilience, and a sense of belonging. As a qualified Forest School Leader too, I’m passionate about the transformative power of outdoor learning and how connecting with nature fosters personal growth, independence, and skills for life.
When I’m not at work, you’ll often find me roaming the woodlands with my family to build dens, plucking up the courage to sea-swim or getting lost in a good book!
I have been part of Develop Outdoors since its inception in 2019 and currently serve as the Senior Project Lead in Assessment and Training for our Secondary Schools program, as well as a Lead Course Tutor.
With 18 years of experience in alternative education, I have led a range of vocational courses, including Sport, Pet Care, and Life Skills. As a qualified Forest School Leader and First Aid Instructor, I’m passionate about creating hands-on learning experiences that empower young people.
The most rewarding part of my role is seeing students grow in confidence, develop resilience, and achieve qualifications that open doors to further education and future opportunities.
I also deliver high-quality and engaging First Aid Training for Schools and Organisations within the Brighton & Hove and East Sussex Area.
With many years of experience teaching in primary schools across London and Brighton, I’m passionate about working with young people and creating environments where every child can thrive. I hold a Forest School Leader qualification and love working with children in the outdoors, where we can follow their curiosities and interests, learning at a pace that suits them. I firmly believe that with the right support and opportunities, all children can succeed.
At Develop Outdoors, I bring this ethos to life, combining my passions for the outdoors, cooking, storytelling, music, and sport to create rich, engaging experiences that help young people grow in confidence, resilience, and connection with the world around them.
Outside of work, you’ll most likely find me outdoors with my dog—whether it’s in the sea, exploring the South Downs, or tackling long-distance walks around the country!
I’m fortunate to be able to provide a safe, positive, and creative learning environment for young people. What I value most is providing them with the opportunity to express themselves and explore creative career paths. Seeing them grow in confidence and develop their character is incredibly rewarding.
Other than my work, which is my passion (all things hair and beauty!), I also love being creative, organising and interior design. I treasure and adore spending time with my family and making memories.
Working at Develop Outdoors is like stepping into a world where education isn’t confined by four walls—it’s hands-on, muddy, and full of “aha!” moments. I get to work with incredible young people and that’s exactly what makes this job amazing. Here, learning happens while exploring, and problem-solving in ways that actually make sense to them. At Develop Outdoors it’s about showing students they already have what it takes and giving them a space where they can prove it to themselves. Plus, let’s be honest—nothing beats a day at work where the outdoors is your office, and no two days are ever the same!
I love morning walks with my dog on the beach, dancing around my living room and reading books while cosied up with a hot water bottle.
I get to help students find their magic. Helping students build their confidence and build skills that will help them live their lives to their potential is a privilege, and I love that I get to learn from them too.
When not teaching, cycling or making coffee, I am happiest enjoying a Sunday roast, walking by the sea and ideally basking in the sunshine.
I enjoy working with our students at Develop Outdoors. Each student is unique, and working with a variety of personalities and needs helps me constantly learn and grow. The diversity keeps things fresh and offers new perspectives. Knowing I’m helping someone navigate their world gives me a strong sense of pride.
I love music and watching films. I also enjoy being outdoors in nature and gardening.
Supporting young people from all walks of life in such a positive environment to achieve their goals and see their worth. My favourite thing is seeing students overcome challenges to grow and push their own limits. There is a programme for everyone at Develop Outdoors, no two days are the same – its fun and rewarding work!
Having a competitive streak, I love playing any sort of game, particularly playing and watching football. I love meeting new people and exploring new places. My faith in God is central to everything I do. I enjoy listening & playing music, getting creative with my kids & hanging with friends around a fire on the beach after a day paddleboarding. Being born and bred in London, I’ll never take for granted how amazing it is to live by the sea!
I feel privileged to work with the young children at Develop Outdoors; knowing that I play a positive role within their childhood experiences is very humbling. It’s also great fun in providing a safe space in which they can explore and learn through play whilst always being at the heart of their own learning.
I love reading and a have a keen interest in history, especially visiting old castles. I also like being out in nature and family walks in the woods.
Working at Develop Outdoors over the past few years has been an amazing opportunity to work with some of the most interesting and knowledgeable young people in the area. Seeing them thrive and enjoy learning again whilst gaining their independence is such a rewarding part of the job. The setup we have of smaller classes and learning outside of the standard classroom really helps them achieve their goals and move onto further education or apprenticeships.
I love baking and reading in my spare time, I enjoy travelling with my family and experiencing new places.
I have 2 dogs and enjoy exploring with them too!
I really love being a part of Develop Outdoors; seeing young people thrive and grow in confidence is a privilege to witness, and I’m proud to be a small part of it.
I’m a Breathwork Facilitator & a Movement is Medicine, Music is Medicine Instructor & a mum of two! I love all things about nervous system regulation, dancing & being in nature.
Giving young people a space to be themselves and see them develop and grow in their time with us.
I love creative writing, watching films and good food! I also love to chill in nature, and like a woodland walk.
Being part of something that genuinely empowers young people to discover who they are and what they’re capable of. It’s a privilege to help them challenge their limiting beliefs and begin to see their true potential. The work is real, meaningful, and deeply human, supporting young people to build confidence, create personal strategies, and gain the life skills they need to move forward. Sometimes, they just need someone to believe in them and remind them that who they are is already something to be proud of.
Develop Outdoors is an organisation with heart and purpose, and a bold, ambitious vision for the future. You feel it in everything they do. It’s work that matters, and I’m proud to be part of it.
I love sunshine, Yoga, nature, travel, dogs, the sea, and being around amazing people.
I really enjoy working with young people who are exploring their skills, passions and interests in a supportive environment. I also enjoy working with the amazing team who are committed to working creatively with young people, to build confidence and resilience.
Art and Design and Global Learning, happiest being outdoors, sea swimming and Artistic Swimming (not yet Olympic standard).
I enjoy supporting young people in achieving their goals.*
Being outdoors is my passion, I love being out in nature, listening to sounds and exploring, especially with my family. We are always discovering something new!
I enjoy supporting young people in achieving their goals.*
I love hiking and enjoy exploring, so whenever I go travelling, I’m always on the lookout for the most scenic hiking trail.
I have a passion for sports and my hobbies include playing and delivering fun sessions.
Creating a supportive environment for all young people, and empowering them by building up their confidence and skills so they can live their best lives. The accepting atmosphere and people at Develop Outdoors encourage students to be themselves, and to follow their own interests and passions. Across all the different courses available, there’s a great range of opportunities for every student, and it’s wonderful to see them find their niche!
Cooking/baking, arts and crafts, tabletop games.
