Team
Meet and learn all about our amazingly eclectic and passionate team that spend everyday changing the path of young people most in need of support.

Leon Edwards – Managing Director (DSL)
A working class lad from the Black Country, I have always felt a sense of community and was supported by people around me. The morals

Lyndsey Edwards – Director Of Primary Education (DSL)
I have been working in the background of Pushforward for 10 years. I bring a wealth of early years and primary experience to the organisation

Victoria Bacon (Vic) – Group Finance & Administration Director (DSL)
I have over 25 years’ experience in starting, running, franchising and selling companies. I am a qualified accountant and Pushforward’s Group Finance Director, together with

Andy Lambert (ID No 1808224924) – Associate Director of Staff Welfare
I’ve worked in a PRU for 6 years and in the last 2 of those I’ve worked with Leon. I Love sport especially football and

Daisy Upson (ID No 1809326378) – Associate Director of Safeguarding (AP)
A PhD student currently studying prisons and lifers, my passion is in equality and fair justice. Having received a BSc in Criminology, then an MA

Kay Hard (ID No 1857016885) – Associate Director of Safeguarding (AP Primary)
I left school at 16 with a passion to support young people to ensure they did not struggle in the same ways I had. Over

Darren Martin (ID No 1812407781) – Quality Assurance Manager
I have been working in the education sector for the past 16 years across many different roles from teaching all main curriculum to management of



Neil Charnaud (ID No 1808669251) – Primary Provision Practitioner
Originally pursued a career as an actor, but sadly lacked the good looks and talent. Decided I wanted to inspire people in other ways and

Marc Careless (ID No 1863465017) – SENCO
I have worked in the primary sector of education for over twenty five years in both Sheffield and Suffolk. In that time I have taught every

Tracy Henderson (ID No 1839991409) – PA to Directors
I have 20+ years of work experience in Administration and 10 years in Primary Education. I have worked in countless industries, run my own businesses

Rachel Butcher (ID No 1936047733) – Office Manager and Property Administrator
I have over 25 years experience in administration and feel privileged to have worked in a variety of sectors, including: business development, sales, account management,


Ruth Turner (ID No 1890593944) – Administrator
My background is a mix of administration and medical education within the NHS and also working in senior and primary education settings. I love being

Gemma Black (ID No 1897258151) – Receptionist and Administrator
I am passionate about working within an organisation that supports young people to grow in confidence, as well as skills. I love animals, my daughter

Kelly Wallace (ID No 1912567119) – Logistics Administrator
I am new to Suffolk having lived in Essex all my life. I have over 24 years Admin experience in various sectors. I like travelling,

Jennie Tomkinson (ID No 1914176803) – Logistics Administrator
I have been working within administration for the last 13 years and love being a part of a team that supports our students with their



Teresa Jackson (ID No 1907108960) – Quality Assurance Co-Ordinator
I have over 13 years experience in administration, the last 2 within a vet nurse qualifications setting. I have also worked in a care home

Jimi Johnson (ID No 1862549850) – Finance Manager
I have worked in accounts industry for over 25 years and have extensive experience in multiple industries. My role at Pushforward is to manage the

Xiang Jun Du – (ID Number 1910548861) – Assistant Bookkeeper
Hi everyone, my name is Xiang. I am from China, but I’ve lived in UK since 1999. I studied accounting in college, and most of

Jessicca (Jess) Tarpley (ID No 1846021361) – Primary Youth Support Assistant and Primary Administration
I have worked in the health and care sectors for the last 18 years and carry that knowledge into my role at Pushforward. I pride

Alex Moore – Primary Delivery Practitioner (ID No 1807244483)
My role at Push Forward is as a Primary Delivery Practitioner and I joined in November 2022. After leaving school I decided that I wanted

Alistair Phillips (ID No 1880705237) – Primary Delivery Practitioner
I was a journalist in magazine publishing for almost 20 years before running a small PR company specialising in sports and outdoors. I became a

Ellie Turner (ID No 1908392198) – Primary Delivery Practitioner
Hi! My name is Ellie and I am a Primary Delivery Practitioner for Pushforward. I love going on walks, cooking and baking, arts, crafts, and

Emily Young (ID No 1820699837) – Delivery Staff Supervisor & Provision Practitioner
I have a background in the education sector as well as experience as a prison officer. I love to be creative and spent 3 years

Jo Findlay (ID No 1814386635) – Primary Delivery Practitioner
I have a background in early years and have worked in nurseries, private homes and within schools settings – latterly on a one to one basis

Jake Edwards (ID No 1819228160) – Primary Delivery Practitioner
I am studying level 3 criminal and forensic investigation at college. My role at Pushfoward is working in the primary sector with the younger children.


Louise Palmer (ID No 1952226577) – Primary Delivery Practitioner
I have many years experience working in mainstream, Early years settings and a specialist school. I am passionate about helping children feel safe, understood and

Maisie Dale (ID No 1890168978) – Primary Delivery Practitioner
My role at Push Forward is a Primary Delivery Practitioner and I joined in September 2024. Growing up, I always had an interest in fashion

Max Edwards (ID No 1913162390) – Delivery Practitioner
Hi, my name is Max and I am a Primary Delivery Practitioner for Pushfoward. I love sports and cooking and want to encourage the kids

Nichola Dale (ID No 1922222684) – Primary Delivery Practitioner
I have an 18-year background in mainstream primary education and a strong passion for supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing. With ELSA training and

Polly Buick (ID No 1880707375) – Primary Delivery Practitioner
My role at Pushforward is a Primary Delivery Practitioner and I joined in June 2024. After leaving school I went on to college studying children’s


Stacey Page (ID No 1826743764) – Secondary Provision Practitioner
I have been working in hairdressing and barbering education for most of my career, I started my journey with an apprenticeship and then pursued a

Lucy Newton (ID No 1821081966) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
For the last 13 years I’ve been a working mum of 2 girls, who, thankfully, love a bit of crafting, sewing, baking and beauty treatments.

Paul Wright (ID No 1813647407) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I have worked in the security industry, I’m am also currently a foster carer and have been for many years. I’ve been a lorry driver


Oliver Sharp (Oli) (ID No 1810902100) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I have been working in the motor industry for the last year after passing my Level 3 Motor Mechanics at college. As Delivery Practitioner for

Eric Thé (ID No 1829223220) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I am a chef with 40 years professional kitchen experience where I also have trained various apprentices. As a secondary delivery practitioner I will be


Rebecca Crowther (ID No 1867517678) – Secondary Practitioner
Hi there! I’m Becca, and I’m really looking forward to being your digital art tutor. I know meeting someone new can feel a bit nerve-racking,

Amy Secker (ID No 1821429268) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I have worked with children and young people for many years and believe there will never be a single approach that works for everyone. Therefore

Chloe Gillon (ID No 1810675771) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I have been working as a support worker within the mental health and learning disability sector before my time at pushforward, whilst having my own

Amy Sycamore (ID No 1812261656) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I have worked with children and young people for many years and believe there will never be a single approach that works for everyone. Therefore

Steve Thorne (ID No 1808483067) – Secondary Driver & Delivery Practitioner
Most of my past work has been in computer software development, and have been self employed since 2002. From 2018 to 2022 I volunteered in


Christian Burrup (ID No 1812407781) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I have worked in and around the education system for the last 4 years, thoroughly enjoying my time. I work 1:1 with a lot of

Sarah Dean (ID No 1809830700) – BA/BSc French & HRM (Hons) PGCE – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I am am education facilitator and I help students to plan and achieve their academic goals so they can Push Forward and achieve with confidence.

Troy Codrington (ID No 1838074321) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I have worked in the education sector for 11 years in different roles from Teaching assist to tutor and programme management. My passion for working


Jamie Willgoss (ID No 1858112728) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
Hi I’m Jamie – I work at Pushforward as a Secondary Delivery Practitioner. I am a big lover of health and fitness, I enjoy almost

Niall Carmichael (ID No 1859871257) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I spent 20 years working as a painter and decorator, honing my skills and building a career that I’m proud of. But along the way,

Kelly Yoxhall (ID No 1863148694) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
Hey I’m Kellyanne I specialise in Beauty,Holistic Therapy and anything Nails my greatest achievement in my career my Laser Therapy qualification, which I gained during

Jasmine Bailey (Jaz) (ID No 1806545895) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
My work experience so far has been working in a café in Ipswich. This is great opportunity to meet lots of new people. But my

Jodie Chaston (ID No 1861473706) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I have volunteered as a person-centred counsellor and worked as a mental health coach over the past three years. I am a very approachable person

Emma Burch (ID No 1867491551) – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & Family Liaison Practitioner – Secondary
Hi I’m Emma. I spent my late teens and early 20s travelling around Australia ending up there for 4.5 years. My passion is to make



Jessica Knight (ID No 1879043921) – Secondary Provision Practitioner
Hi, I’m Jess – I have worked in the sports coaching and PE industry for the past 5 years, engaging young people in physical activity

Sam Ruse (ID No 1889092411) – Post 16
I’m Sam, I have a background in multi sports coaching with children and adults of all ages and needs, a strong retail management background with

Terri Barnard (ID No 1874828534) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
My name is Terri, and I have over 15 years experience of working in the childcare sector. I have achieved a Level 6 BA (Hons) degree

Chris Francis (ID No 1873575129) – Delivery Staff Supervisor & Provision Practitioner
Hi, my name is Chris I am one the secondary delivery practitioners for Pushforward. I’m a very easy-going, laid-back guy. I’m a motorcycle enthusiast and rider,

Suzie Larter (ID No 1902244233) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I have worked in hospitality for around 25 years from silver service to managing a community pub and restaurant, my favourite part of working within

Michaela Galyean (ID No 189713956) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
Hi my name is Michaela, I am a seamstress and have been in my profession for over 10 years, from furniture to fashion I have

Ash Mayes (ID No 1903670151) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I have almost 40 years experience in the building trade which consisted of brick laying, plumbing, electrical and plastering. I used to enjoy going to

Jay Best (ID No 1909554632) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
Hi, My name is Jay & I have worked in the construction industry for the past 25+ years, but my main trade is carpentry. I’ve

Gurjit Carter (ID No 1907144181) – Senior Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – Secondary
I fell into working with young people by accident, in fact I always avoided working with young people because I thought I wouldn’t like it


Matt Bray (ID No 1924701591) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
Hi, I’m Matt. I’m a laid-back guy who loves a good laugh and enjoys all things music, golf, and football. I play both guitar and

Simone Weekes (ID No 1932997680) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
Since joining Pushforwards in June, I have been working as a Secondary Delivery Practitioner, bringing over 25 years of experience supporting children, young people, and

Kelly Graves (ID No 1931621702) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I have been working with Pushforward since June, but my experience supporting young people in alternative education settings spans the past four years. Before that,




Olivia Price (ID No 1935989640) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
My names Olivia (Liv) I’m 21 and have just finished university. I really enjoy music, listening to it and singing! I love animals especially dogs

Kerry Meatyard (ID No 1936630035) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
Hi I’m Kerry, I have several years experience working in HR and Education. I enjoy music and singing, cars and teaching dance. I enjoy gaining

Maddie King (ID No 1901027393) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
My journey into education began through alternative provision as a young person who used these services myself, I saw first-hand the impact that unconditional understanding

Vonny Palfrey (ID No 1934188477) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I joined Push Forward in September 2025 as a Secondary Delivery Practitioner and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Before that, I spent 5 years working in a

Grace McGinley (ID No 1935907598) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I have recently returned to life in the UK after living in New Zealand for the last 8 years. Whilst there, I had a career

Melanie Pettit (ID No 1949918797) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I’m Melanie I am an experienced educator, quality assurer and hairdressing and barbering professional with a career spanning more than three decades. I have built

Sharna Bunting (ID No 19476379) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
Hi, I’m Sharna! I’m looking forward to working with some of you on makeup, beauty and creative arts and getting involved with some qualifications too.

Tyler Leggett (ID No 1927462432) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
Hello, I’m Tyler My previous role was a Higher Level Teaching Assistant with eight years of experience in a primary school setting. I thrive as

Seren Palmer (ID No 1946598821) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
Hi, my name is Seren and I work with Secondary and Post-16 students at Pushforward, teaching Maths and English Functional Skills. I have worked in

Alice Norgate (ID No 1950570251) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
Hi, I’m Alice I have supported young people with a range of needs for many years and am truly passionate about helping those I work


Lisa Manning (ID No 1953747272) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
Hi I am Lisa I am 48 years old and have 2 teenage daughters. My first teaching experience was working at Highpoint Prison teaching Business

Michael Clough (ID No 1953796030) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
I’m Michael, a fun-loving family man! I’m a neurodivergent girl dad of 3 who enjoys nothing more than spending quality time with people I care

Molly Phillips (ID No 1956694420) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner
My name is Molly; I have previously worked in a school, and I have just completed my level 3 counselling skills qualification. I have an


Mark Curtis (ID No 1755896560) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner (Subcontractor)
I’ve got three main values that I follow in my life that transcend into my work with young people. Freedoms, Family and Adventure. Freedom to me

Ryan Doubleday (ID No 1946693703) – Secondary Delivery Practitioner (Subcontractor)
I’ve worked with children, young people and adults in various therapeutic roles for over 20 years. I’ve been privileged to meet so many unique individuals