MEET THE TEAM
Catherine
Stride Director and Designated Safeguarding Lead.
BA. Hons. PGCE.
Catherine is an experienced professional who has successfully taught in both Secondary and Primary education for thirty four years both in mainstream and in special education and medical needs settings. She has most recently worked in an advisory role to the Local Authority.
Since 2012, Catherine has taught children who are suffering with anxiety in either a one to one setting or in small groups. As a result, Stride Alternative Provision was born.
Catherine's extensive experience, coupled with her unique methods of working with anxious children, have proven an invaluable support.
Susanne
Art and Creative Therapies Facilitator and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
MA in Children’s Illustration. BA. Hons. Sports Science, Art and English Literature. Diploma in Child Education.
Susanne has worked with youth and young children within various institutions in the UK but also in Denmark where she qualified as a pedagog (child educator).
Aside from being a trained illustrator, Susanne is a best selling children’s author and patron of reading - giving year-round talks and workshops in various educational settings.
Susanne believes that we learn best when we feel safe, secure, and supported and this is at the core of her work with STRIDE. When a good learning atmosphere is secured, there can be great therapeutic value in being allowed to engage and express ourselves creatively.
Lorna
Student Advisor and Funding Coordinator
BA. Hons. Psychology and Marketing
Lorna comes from a background of Project and Programme Management and IT Sales. However, after becoming ill with M.E. she undertook a lot of voluntary work with mental health charities and those with learning and physical disabilities.
Lorna brings a wealth of experience from all sectors and as well as helping with funding and promoting Stride, she has a passion for helping children achieve their full potential and work towards managing their anxiety.
Jamal
Maths Teacher
BSc. Hons. PGCE 11-18 Mathematics.
Jamal is a specialist Maths teacher with 26 year's experience, as both a teacher and within management roles. He is uniquely able to build students’ confidence in their maths ability in order to raise their achievement.
His strengths include his supportive yet thorough approach to Maths teaching. If someone is taught Maths by Jamal, they can be certain that he will be able to assist all students to feel reassured and make progress, whatever their ability.
Cheryl
Teacher of Art and Creative Therapies
BA. Hons. Fine Art, PGCE, MA (Artist Teacher- Reflective Thinking)
Cheryl has always worked within the field of creativity; as a graphic designer, managing an art gallery and working as a Schools Liaison Officer at University College London.
After gaining her teaching qualifications, Cheryl worked in both Secondary and Primary Schools, eventually tutoring one to one students who were struggling with their studies.
As a freelance artist Cheryl has completed many commissions and exhibits her work
Gillian
Maths Teacher
BEng. Hons. Electrical Engineering
PGCE 11-18 Mathematics
With more than three decades in the classroom, this dedicated educator has transformed the way countless students experience mathematics, bringing unshakeable enthusiasm to every lesson. With extensive experience teaching across the entire ability spectrum, this seasoned Head of Department and pastoral lead ensures that her students are supported both emotionally and academically. For her, teaching maths isn't about formulas and exams.
Yaz
Mentor
BSc. Hons. Professional Policing
Yaz has extensive experience supporting young people through church youth work, growing up in a fostering environment, and serving in the police. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours in Professional Policing, where she specialised in childhood trauma, developing a strong understanding of how adverse experiences can impact a young person’s wellbeing, behaviour and ability to learn.
Passionate about helping students thrive, Yaz’s greatest strengths lie in building strong, trusting relationships and creating a calm and supportive environment where young people feel safe, valued and understood. She is committed to nurturing confidence and providing a trusted person for students to talk to, helping them overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Josh
Mentor
Church Youth Pastor
Josh possesses excellent communication skills and relates to young people in a unique way. He has five years experience of being a Church youth leader. Josh is passionate about engaging with young people and helping them to find their purpose in life. Within his role as one of Stride's mentors, Josh has been responsible for helping facilitate students to return to school, move on to college or find employment.
Most recently, he began outreach work with the most vulnerable young people who are not yet ready to leave their homes due to the high level anxiety they are currently experiencing. Josh is a fantastic role model and exhibits a calm and encouraging character that anxious young people readily respond to positively.