Meet the Team
At Flourish with Phoenix, our team is at the heart of everything we do. Each member brings a unique set of skills and a passionate commitment to enriching the lives of young people through our specialized programs. United by a common vision, our educators, therapists, and caregivers work collaboratively to create a nurturing and empowering environment. From the calming presence of our mental health practitioners to the creative energy of our forest school leaders, every member plays a crucial role in guiding our participants towards confidence, resilience, and personal growth. Join us in meeting the individuals who make Flourish with Phoenix a place of transformation and discovery.
Senior Leadership
Anita Withers
Better known as Nita or the crazy one! Nita helps keep us all in check. She has been very busy developing our Forest School area over the past two years. An inspiring leader who loves nothing better than a good broom.
Marcus Parkes
Marcus mentored Nita though her Forest School training and now regularly attends our sessions for support and continuous development. Marcus loves to camp in his spare time and can have a tarp up in record time!
Bernadette Young
Bernie has over 30 years’ experience working in special needs education. Bernie is our very own Mary Poppins and is a ninja with a paint brush and some recycled cardboard. She also makes a mean hot chocolate!
Clare Smith
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) ensures the welfare and safety of children and vulnerable individuals within the organisation and serves as the primary point of contact for all safeguarding concerns. Clare who is the backbone of the office and supports the team with a wide range of administrative tasks, ensures a smooth function of the workplace.
Support Team
Sarah Starkey
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Support Role is pivotal in providing personalised assistance and guidance to individuals with SEND. All of our SEND Support Roles have Enhanced DBS Certificates hold a Qualification in Safeguarding and Team Teach Trained. Sarah has many years’ experience working in Care.
Gaynor Boylan
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Support Role is pivotal in providing personalised assistance and guidance to individuals with SEND. All of our SEND Support Roles have Enhanced DBS Certificates hold a Qualification in Safeguarding and Team Teach Trained. Gaynor’s previous employment has been supporting young people who are NEET – Not in Education, Employment or Training.
Nick Wright
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Support Role is pivotal in providing personalised assistance and guidance to individuals with SEND. All of our SEND Support Roles have Enhanced DBS Certificates and a Qualification in Safeguarding. Nicks previous experience has been working within a specialist school for additional needs.
Tanya Taylor
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Support Role is pivotal in providing personalised assistance and guidance to individuals with SEND. All of our SEND Support Roles have Enhanced DBS Certificates and a Qualification in Safeguarding. Tanya has years of medical knowledge working with a Dental practice and supporting her daughter.
Julia Balicka
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Support Role is pivotal in providing personalised assistance and guidance to individuals with SEND. All of our SEND Support Roles have Enhanced DBS Certificates hold a Qualification in Safeguarding and Team Teach Trained. Julia is a trained Higher Level Teaching Assistance and has a wealth of experience with SEND young people.
Bessie Cooledge
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Support Role is pivotal in providing personalised assistance and guidance to individuals with SEND. All of our SEND Support Roles have Enhanced DBS Certificates and a Qualification in Safeguarding.
Jo Harrison
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Support Role is pivotal in providing personalised assistance and guidance to individuals with SEND. All of our SEND Support Roles have Enhanced DBS Certificates hold a Qualification in Safeguarding and Team Teach Trained.
Anna Strasser
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Support Role is pivotal in providing personalised assistance and guidance to individuals with SEND. All of our SEND Support Roles have Enhanced DBS Certificates hold a Qualification in Safeguarding and Team Teach Trained. Anna also has a qualification in SEND Support.
