Meet the Team

I have 18 years of teaching experience in both mainstream and special educational needs settings. In 2019 I completed my MA in Social Emotional Mental Health difficulties. I am a member of the National Council for SEBDA (Social Emotional Behavioural Difficulties). I am a qualified SENCO, Mental Health First Aider and Counselling at Level 1. In 2021 I also qualified as a Trauma Informed and Attachment Aware Practitioner. My previous job role in a special school setting was as a Mental Health Lead for children with Complex Needs. Prior to that I led and managed a successful provision in a mainstream setting for students at risk of permanent exclusion.

More recently I have worked for a Local Authority and helped to develop a centre for students that had barriers to attendance. Throughout my time in the local authority I gained a valuable insight into the complexities around barriers to attendance. I also have lived experience as a parent going through this and the impact this has. Parents are often left feeling isolated and sometimes blamed for the difficulties they are facing.

As a teacher I have experienced the culture in a large mainstream setting. Rigid behaviourist systems and high pressure expectations can often mean that individual needs are missed. This environment can be distressing for students, their families and also the staff. I have always seen behaviour as communication and believe compassion and empathy are fundamental attributes for every member of staff at Roots.

I am a qualified teacher (QTS) and specialist SEND tutor with over ten years' experience supporting children and young people across primary, secondary and post-16 education. I have worked in mainstream schools, alternative provision, hospital and home tuition services, and as a private tutor supporting learners who have struggled to access education in traditional settings. Much of my work has been with students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, EBSA (emotionally based school avoidance), SEMH needs and anxiety-related difficulties. I also have extensive experience working with pupils who have had long periods out of school and need careful, supportive re-engagement with learning. Alongside my teaching and tutoring work, I am an experienced public speaker and trainer, delivering sessions in schools on mental health, self-esteem, anxiety and emotional wellbeing. This background strongly informs my tutoring, as I understand how emotional regulation, confidence and learning are closely linked. My approach is trauma-informed, relationship-led and highly personalised. I believe that when students feel safe, understood and respected, meaningful learning becomes possible.

Jackie brings energy and patience to Roots, helping students find their own creative voice. Her lessons are hands-on and practical, giving students room to experiment and make mistakes without pressure. Jackie enjoys watching young people grow in confidence as they discover what they are capable of, and believes creativity is one of the most powerful ways to help students reconnect with learning.

After graduating from the University of the Arts London, I worked as an Interior Designer for several years. I later took a career break to raise my two children. During this time, I became involved in their school, volunteering and supporting various activities. This experience made me realise that I wanted to use my skills and experience to support children and young people in a different and meaningful way. I joined Roots 4 Learning in November 2023, initially as a volunteer. Since then, I have gained my ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) qualification, which is now my main role at the school. I also enjoy bringing my creative background into school life by supporting students with their Art, Design and Textiles work. From the moment I joined Roots 4 Learning, I knew it was a very special place. The warm, welcoming and nurturing environment created by the whole team allows students to feel safe, build their confidence and, importantly, rediscover their enjoyment of learning. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a supportive community and to play a small part in helping our students thrive.

Pippa is a valued member of the Roots4Learning team, bringing warmth and commitment to supporting young people every day. She enjoys helping students express themselves creatively through Art and Design, using it as a way to build confidence and communication skills that carry over into other areas of school life. Pippa takes the time to get to know each student, tailoring her approach so that everyone can find their own way into the subject.

I joined Roots as School Business Manager in July 2026 and love being part of the Roots team. My background is in marketing, communications and events for private sector organisations and charities. It's wonderful to be able to put my skills to use at Roots. My family has lived experience of some of the challenges our young people face and I am passionate about supporting the Roots team to do their amazing work. On my first day at Roots, one of the students said, 'I like Tuesdays because I get to stay here all day'. I feel exactly the same!