New Leaf Triangle

"I have worked with children and young people with autism, SEMH and learning difficulties for over 30 years. I was previously the Principal of a successful, innovative Independent Specialist College. I am a qualified teacher with a degree in Autism and a lot of animal experience. I have completed my BHS Stage 3 groom qualification."

"I have a lifelong background with horses, from playing polo to medieval jousting. I am a former guardsman in the Household Cavalry, where I took part in many renowned ceremonial duties, including ‘Trooping the Colour’. At the pinnacle of my cavalry career, I was a senior instructor on the Riding Staff and was responsible for training new horses and recruits. I now specialise in training nervous riders and horses. I am also a Level 3-qualified Forest School instructor, as well as a qualified archery instructor and a BHAA Advanced Horseback Archery Instructor. ”

"I am a Voluntary Director with a high level of skills and qualifications and take an advisory roles. I have been one of the NLT Directors since September 2019. I initially joined the team in April 2016, following early retirement from a business management career, and I helped set up New Leaf's HR, finance and marketing systems. Now I provide knowledge and advice to New leaf from a business and finance perspective."

"I was invited to join the board in 2024 as a Voluntary Director. I have been an independent business development consultant for more than 25 years, following a career in various sales and management roles. My consultancy work has largely focused on business recovery, sales growth, company restructuring, change management, and the creation of strategies to achieve core stability and structured progression, including management and director training.

I am currently the Chief Executive of the Kings Lynn charity West Norfolk Befriending and I have worked with a number of other charitable organisations, including MOTO KL, 42F Squadron Air Training Corps, Magpie Centre, West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled. I am also a volunteer as a ward visitor  at  Royal Papworth Hospital 

I enjoy horse riding and archery, particularly when the two are combined!

"I joined New Leaf Triangle in June 2016. As the Operations Manager and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, I’ve developed a broad and varied skill set that helps keep the day-to-day running of the provision smooth, safe, and well-organised. With a personal love of animals and the countryside, I’ve seen firsthand how our environment supports and inspires our students. I’m also  Level 2 qualified Forest School accredited and value the important role our outdoor spaces and natural setting play in shaping young people's development. I really enjoy being part of the fantastic team of staff and animals that make's every day at New Leaf Triangle so rewarding."

"My role at New Leaf is to arrange student and family bookings and communications, manage the accounts, and support the team with a range of administrative and HR tasks. Before this role, I spent 20 years working with schools and young people across the East Midlands, including as director of a Teaching School in Lincolnshire and as a manager at the Department for Education, supporting school improvement and teacher training. I am also a foster carer with Leicestershire County Council and coordinate our local carers’ support group.”

"I have worked with Learning, behavioural and SEMH difficulties for the past 5 years. After spending time travelling, I began working in a Children’s Residential Care Home, where my passion started. Following this time, I transferred to the education side and spent 2 years working in a SEMH school as a behavioural lead and HLTA. I loved my time in the schools; however, I had my eyes opened to the wonders of being outside, forest school and animals can have on students who are struggling. This is why I have ended up at New Leaf Triangle. In my spare time, I’m a mum to 4 children who love a variety of different things from Pokémon and gaming to football. I’m excited to bring aspects of this to my work at New Leaf Triangle." 

"I began riding at the age of 5, which eventually led to me studying my Bsc Equine Science degree.  During my time studying, I discovered the power that animal therapies and energy work have on people’s mental health and well-being.  I trained with the LEAP model of EFL work in 2017 and have loved supporting young people through the great outdoors and animals ever since."

"For as long as I can remember, animals and the outdoor world have been a big part of my life. I’ve ridden since an early age, and whilst volunteering at a riding school and riding for the disabled group decided to pursue a career in equine and animal-assisted learning and therapies. I have an equine degree and am also trained in the Horse Boy method to level 3."

"I joined New Leaf Triangle in 2020 as a session leader and quickly discovered how much I enjoyed supporting children and young people to learn in the outdoor environment and with animals and horses. I then decided to pursue a route into teacher training through New Leaf. I completed my Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training then achieved Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills Status. I am a qualified teacher and I oversee the delivery of Functional Skills Maths and English from Entry Level to Level 2. I also oversee the quality of the education provision at NLT, including curriculum planning, staff training and mentoring and student progress tracking. I love working in an outdoor setting and no two days are the same! "

"I’ve always had a passion for animals, with guinea pigs and chickens being particular favourites of mine. I attended Brooksby College, where I gained a Level 3 Animal Management Diploma. I love being outdoors and active, and being a part of the team at New Leaf, looking after the animals is very rewarding. Especially working alongside people who are as passionate about New Leaf’s animals as I am."

​"I have always had a passion to work with animals and be in nature. Previously, I worked at a farm park, working with a range of species such as skunks, meerkats, and donkeys. I also have a Master's in Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation, and a degree in Zoobiology. I started teaching SEN young adults a year and a half ago and realised I had a real passion for teaching others about animals and how rewarding it is to work with animals. I look forward to sharing this with the students at NLT."

"I have always had a passion for horses, dogs, and all animals. I have previously worked as a civilian groom in the House Hold Calvary. I am a BHS AI and Nvq assessor. I have loved helping many children and adults to ride over the years. New Leaf Triangle for me is the ideal place to bring my passions together."

"From an early age, being outside with animals, especially horses, has been a major part of my life. Previously, I have worked with riding school ponies as well as top competition horses, whilst also having horses of my own. I am excited to work alongside the New Leaf Triangle horses and other animals to get more young people discovering the benefits and the joy that comes with it!"

"I grew up with a love of animals and with a passion for dogs, horses, and the outdoors. I have always owned dogs, but never had the opportunity to work with horses until now. In November 2021, I made the move from Essex to Lincolnshire and became part of the New Leaf Triangle team. That has allowed me to learn more about horses and a variety of different animals alongside the students - we can learn together."

"I have always been around animals, horses in particular, since I can remember, and being at New Leaf triangle, I love teaching the students all about the horses, but the other animals too. Whilst being at New Leaf triangle, I love learning all new things along with the students. Being at New Leaf triangle is very fun as you get to help give the students a great life."

"I have been lucky to work with a variety of animals in my career. I have previously worked at a farm park, a dog and cat rescue, and more recently at a Further Education college teaching the practical aspects of animal management, where I was able to work with all different species of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates. It was there that I found a love for sharing knowledge and showing young people how rewarding it is to work with animals. I look forward to sharing that with the students at NLT, whilst continuing to grow my own knowledge and skill set.

"I have worked in different environments with children and also as a volunteer swimming coach whilst working towards my illustration degree. I am excited for each new day working in such a supportive environment, whilst meeting a variety of fantastic students learning new things every day. I am proud not only of my job, but also of being part of such a kind and amazing team. Whilst I'm not working, I like to spend my free time trying new sports and catching up on reading all of the book recommendations I get."

"Animals have been a huge part of my life since I was very young, and I've been blessed to be able to turn my passion for the wild and wonderful into a career in which I've worked with both animals and children/young people together. I've worked with many animals over the years, my favourites being guinea pigs, horses, and birds of prey! At New Leaf, all the staff have such a vast range of knowledge, and I love learning alongside the students and expanding my knowledge, and I feel really blessed to be part of the team."

"Growing up in the countryside, I have always loved the outdoors and nature. I have also always had a huge passion for all animals, especially horses, dogs, and farm animals. Working with all of the animals at New Leaf Triangle allows me to continue this passion and show students how incredible they are! I have been riding since I was young, so working at New Leaf allows me to share my love for it with a wide range of students, which is fantastic."

"I have a huge passion for the outdoors, nature, and animals. I grew up in the countryside with lots of horses, dogs, and other small animals, which all played a huge part in my childhood. I believe caring for animals, riding horses, and being around them can be extremely therapeutic and fulfilling.

I have a degree in graphic design & illustration and particularly love painting British wildlife, which is a skill I love to share with students at NLT.

I love helping the students experience the benefits that New Leaf Triangle provides and giving them some happy memories to cherish.

In my spare time, I love to play sports, hike up mountains and paint."

I've always enjoyed working with children with SEN, and with animals. When I went to university to study health and wellbeing I discovered a renewed passion for supporting people with SEMH needs to develop independence and personal growth. To be able to support people through behaviour change in the countryside, using nature and animal therapy to increase wellbeing is a joy, and I can't wait to keep learning! 

"I have always loved animals and have been interested in and passionate about the environment for as long as I can remember. I have a degree in wildlife conservation and four years of experience working with SEND children and young people - as well as practical grounds maintenance, habitat conservation, animal care, and husbandry! 
In my spare time, you can usually find me hanging out with animals, going for nature walks, or working on my arts and crafts. I am super creative and love drawing and designing."

​"I have always had a love for animals, I have been around horses since I was 6 years old, I made my passion into my career, from running pony camps in Ireland to yard manager for Olympian Michael Whitaker and his son Jack. 

I have taught a wide range of ages and experience and knowing the therapeutic benefits of animals and the great outdoors. In my spare time you will find me in the countryside with my partner and dog Cosmo."

"I have worked with children before abroad in America and found my passion over there for working with children and being able to help them make a step forward in life. I have grown up always wanting to work outdoors and love working with animals."

"My role at New Leaf Triangle involves supporting a range of administrative functions, assisting staff with HR-related tasks, and helping to manage the organisation’s website.

I bring over 15 years of experience in high-level administrative roles. My career began in early childcare following the completion of my degree in Childhood, Youth and Community Studies"

“I have grown up with animals and had my first pony aged 6. Since then, I have never been without a horse. I gained my BHSAI and NVQ assessors’ qualifications and mainly worked in riding schools around Leicestershire. I love watching the change in people once they interact with animals especially horses and the smiles and confidence that develops. NLT enables me to see this every day, how amazing is that!”