New Leaf Triangle

"I have worked with children & young people with autism, SEMH and learning difficulties for over 30 years. I was previously the Principal of a successful, innovative Independent Specialist College. I am a qualified teacher with a degree in Autism and a lot of animal experience. I have completed my BHS Stage 3 groom qualification."

"I have a life long background  with horses from playing polo  to medieval jousting. I am a former guardsman in the Household Cavalry where I took part in many renowned ceremonial duties including ‘Trooping the Colour’. At the pinnacle of my cavalry career, I was a senior instructor on the Riding Staff and was responsible for training new horses and recruits. I now specialise in training nervous riders and horses. I am also a Level 3 qualified Forest School instructor, as well as a qualified archery instructor and BHAA Advanced Horseback Archery Instructor. ”

"I am a voluntary director with a high level of skills and qualifications and take an advisory roles. I have been one of the NLT Directors since September 2019. I initially joined the team in April 2016, following early retirement from a business management career, and I helped set up New Leaf's HR, finance and marketing systems. Now I provide knowledge and advice to New leaf from a business and finance perspective."

"I have worked in the field of learning disabilities for over 20 years, in a variety of settings including; health and social care, day services and family support. More recently I was the finance, HR and administration manager for a local charity. I have been involved with New Leaf Triangle in various ways since the start, helping with summer activities and fundraising etc. I am so excited to be back in this truly fantastic and unique place with such a wonderful group of people and animals."

"My role at New Leaf is to arrange student and family bookings and communications, manage the accounts, and support the team with a range of administrative and HR tasks. Before this role, I spent 20 years working with schools and young people across the East Midlands, including as director of a Teaching School in Lincolnshire and as a manager at the Department for Education, supporting school improvement and teacher training. I am also a foster carer with Leicestershire County Council and coordinate our local carers’ support group.”

"Growing up in the countryside myself, I have always been around animals and nature. I have loved the outdoors and enjoyed exploring the countryside on horse back or with my two dogs. Since starting at New Leaf Triangle in July 2016 I have developed a passion for alternate education in an outdoor setting. I have since gained a Level 1 forest school accreditation and love being in the woodland. My favourite thing about working at New Leaf is the fun we have each and every day! It is a pleasure to work alongside the NLT team and animals."

"I began riding at the age of 5 which eventually led to me studying my Bsc Equine Science degree.  During my time studying, I discovered the power that animal therapies and energy work have on people’s mental health and well being.  I trained with the LEAP model of EFL work in 2017 and have loved supporting young people through the great outdoors and animals ever since."

"For as long as I can remember animals and the outdoor world have been a big part of my life. I’ve ridden since an early age and whilst volunteering at a riding school and riding for the disabled group decided to pursue a career in equine and animal assisted learning and therapies. I have an equine degree and am also trained in Horse Boy method to level 3."

"I’ve always lived in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside surrounding New Leaf Triangle and I love that being outdoors and in nature is now part of my job. I have previously volunteered with children and worked as an au pair and I find working with children and young people incredibly rewarding. One of my favourite things about working at New Leaf is that everyday is different! Outside of work you’ll find me at the stables and enjoying the countryside on horseback or occasionally with cows, sheep and chickens!"

"I grew up with a love of animls and with a passion for dogs, horses and the outdoors. I have always owned dogs but never had the opportunity to work with horses until now. In November 2021, I made the move from Essex to Lincolnshire and became part of the New Leaf Triangle team. That has given me the opportunity to learn more about horses and a variety of different animals alongside the students - we can learn together."

"I have always had a passion for horses, dogs and all animals,  I have previously worked as a civilian groom in the House Hold Calvary. I am a BHS AI and Nvq assessor. I have loved helping  many children and adults to ride over the years. New Leaf Triangle for me is the ideal place to bring my passions together."

"I have always been around animals, horses in particular since I can remember and being at new leaf I love teaching the students all about the horses but the other animals too. Whilst being at new leaf I love learning all new things along with the students. Being at new leaf is very fun as you get to help give the students a great life."

"I started at New Leaf in January 2024 but I already feel part of the team. I’ve always been able to work with both animals and children/young people together and I’ve worked with many animals over the years, mostly horses and birds of prey which I am obsessed with! Birds, horses and guinea pigs are my absolute favourite animals. At New Leaf all the staff have such a vast range of knowledge and high standards of care towards both students and animals so I’m really looking forward to all that I can learn being here and I feel really blessed to be part of the team."

"From an early age being outside with animals, especially horses, has been a major part of my life. Previously, I have worked with riding school ponies as well as top competition horses, whilst also having horses of my own. I am excited to work alongside the New Leaf Triangle horses and other animals to get more young people discovering the benefits and the joy that comes with it!"

"I have been lucky to work with a variety of animals in my career. I have previously worked at a farm park, a dog and cat rescue and more recently at a Further Education college teaching the practical aspects of animal management, where I was able to work with all different species of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and invertebrates. It was there that I found a love for sharing knowledge and showing young people how rewarding it is to work with animals. I look forward to sharing that with the students at NLT, whilst continuing to grow my own knowledge and skill set.

"After volunteering at New Leaf for many years, I have recently become a session leader after completing my Level 3 Equine Care and Management and A-level PE at Brooksby Collage. I work really closely with all of the horses and spend time helping to improve them for the students. I also like to  compete and adventure out with my own two horses. I have a love for all animals and particularly enjoy helping the younger children gain confidence with the horses using fun activities. Next year I am looking forwards to delivering the vocational horse care and riding courses.  I am also involved in developing the website and marketing."

"I have worked in different environments with children and also as a volunteer swimming coach whilst working towards my degree. Although I have not been working long here at New Leaf, I am excited for each new day working in such a welcoming environment, whilst meeting a variety of fantastic students. I am proud not only of my job, but to be able to be part of such a kind and amazing team. Whilst I'm not working, I like to spend my free time trying new sports and catching up on reading all of the book recommendations I get."

"Growing up in the countryside, I have always loved the outdoors and nature. I have also always had a huge passion for all animals, especially horses, dogs and farm animals. Working with all of the animals at New Leaf Triangle allows me to continue this passion and show students how incredible they are! I have been riding since I was young, so working at New Leaf allows me to share my love for it with a wide range of students, which is fantastic."

"I am passionate about nurturing the early years of a child’s development, ensuring that every child
has the opportunity to flourish. With a BA Hons in Early Years Teaching & Special and Inclusive
Education, I bring over 14 years of experience working with individuals with SEN, from early years
through to adulthood. My extensive training in Speech and Language, Trauma, Therapeutic Arts, and
Equine Assisted Learning, combined with Level 3 qualifications in Horse Care and Riding and Level 4
in Horse Boy Training, allows me to develop a holistic approach to education. I strive to create a safe
and supportive environment where every child feels valued and understood. My role at New Leaf is
more than just a profession; it’s a commitment to making a difference in the lives of children during
their most formative years."

"I have been working with horses for over 10 years, and during that time I have taught pony parties, RDA lessons and pony experience days. I have an undergraduate degree in Equine behaviour health and welfare, and studied Equine Assisted therapies for my dissertation. I have also worked as a support worker for adults with disabilities. I have my own horse and dog, and I have a passion for animal training and behaviour. In my spare time I love playing fantasy role play games such as Dungeons and Dragons and LARP (live action role play)!"

"I have worked with Learning, behavioural and SEMH difficulties for the past 5 years. After spending time travelling, I began working in a Children’s Residential Care Home, where my passion started. Following this time, I transferred to the education side and spent 2 years working in a SEMH school as a behavioural lead and HLTA. I loved my time in the schools however, had my eyes opened to the wonders being outside, forest school and animals can have on students who are struggling. This is why I have ended up at New Leaf Triangle. In my spare time I’m a mum to 4 children who love a variety of different things from Pokemon and gaming to football. I’m excited to bring aspects of this to my work at New Leaf Triangle." 

"My role at New Leaf is to support the staff and look after the animals. You’ll usually find me in the stable or field as I mainly like being with the horses. I like being outdoors, whatever the weather. Currently, one of the students is teaching me how to ride for the first time by starting from the ground up. I have had a variety of opportunities over the last few years that have allowed me to develop my confidence and given me valuable skills. I have a level of understanding of what challenges some of the young people can face as being autistic myself I can relate. The path in life I chose led me to discovering the effect that animals, especially horses, can have on mental health. We live in a day and age of connection but yet more of us feel more disconnected than ever. I believe the answer has always been reconnection with nature by using animals. Being at New Leaf is such an incredibly great opportunity. Being a part of the students' learning journey, working along the amazing staff, words can not describe the gratitude I have for being here. I absolutely love working with animals."