Meet the staff team at the Children’s Respite Trust:
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Gavin Fisher, Chief Executive Following many years in the charity sector, Gavin brings a wealth of experience in leading charitable projects. He has worked with a variety of causes including having been a CEO of a children’s charity before. As the Trust’s founder, Gavin has been with the Charity since 2010. |
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Michelle Hulse, Head of Care Michelle joined us in 2018 to run the day-care sessions at our Respite Centre. Michelle has worked in care for 10 years, largely with children with additional needs. Michelle is passionate about ensuring that the children enjoy all the stimulation and fun they can handle. |
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Verity Morris, Deputy Care Manager & U5s Lead Verity joined the Charity in 2020 following a career in mainstream childcare and now works alongside Michelle, caring for our children and their families. Verity leads the Charity’s under-fives provision and organises our family events. |
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Becki Heeley, U5’s Practitioner & Support Worker Becki joined us as Bank Staff in 2021 as a Support Worker and then took the role of Deputy Manager covering maternity leave. She has worked in nursery’s and primary schools for over twenty years , many of which included SEN. Becki is passionate about children learning through play and loves nothing more than messy sensory fun |
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Bianca West, Community Support Worker Bianca has worked in the care world for many years, including working at a local residential children’s home for children with disabilities. Having joined us in 2020, Bianca largely supports families in the Community. |
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Becky Coles, U5’s Practitioner & Support Worker Becky joined us in 2022 with lots of experience caring for children with additional needs, most recently working at a residential and respite home. Becky currently supports families in our nursery and out in the community. . |
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Rachel Wood, Fundraising Manager Rachel joined us in April 2019 working closely alongside Gavin dealing with our Community and Corporate Fundraising however her main passion is for event planning and is our Fundraising Event Lead. Rachel is also in charge of the Trust’s social media. Away from the office Rachel follows her two son’s around the football circuit and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. |
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Abi Tappenden, Administrator & Support Worker Abi joined us as an Administrator having worked in the care sector previously and quickly established herself as a valuable member of the care team too. Abi currently leads our Sibling Group. Her organised and enthusiastic nature makes her the ideal person for keeping the Trust’s administration in order. |
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Lucy Lewin, Bank Support Worker Lucy joined the Children’s Respite Trust in 2020 following a long career in caring for children with additional needs. Lucy can be found at our holiday sessions at the Centre. |
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Jules Webb, Volunteer Support Worker Jules has an extensive background working with children and is in her element sticking, crafting, making music and most of all making smiles with our children.
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Anne-Marie Prescott, Volunteer Support-Worker Anne-Marie has a background in teaching. She was a former home economics teacher. Anne-Marie is very creative and is always coming up with new projects for the children and young people to get stuck into. |
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Sarah-Jane Scott, Volunteer Support-Worker Sarah-Jane is currently a SEN teacher at a local autism specialist school. Sarah is a very calming individual and makes everyone around her feel at ease. She is passionate about inclusion and that kids should be kids and to live life to the fullest. |
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Toffee, Head of Morale Toffee has been with the Charity since she was a puppy and takes her role as chief morale booster very seriously. She brings madness and joy to our team and is often found chasing you around the Centre for a taste of your lunch. She is a hit with all of the children and it would not be the same without her. |