Meet the Team

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An experienced teacher of learners with additional and complex needs, Emily has a proven track record of quality first teaching and specialises in engaging those who are 'hard to reach and hard to place.' Born in Thornaby, proud to be from Teesside, and passionate about providing the best education for all young people in the Tees Valley, she is determined to 'narrow the gap' and create opportunities for all. Able to teach a number of subjects to GCSE Level, Emily has a creative, project-based approach to inspire learning for all young people.

Ali has worked for over 20 years rehabilitating and training horses and their humans throughout the UK. 

Qualified to UKCC Level 3 in Western Riding (one of only a handful in the UK) and also an Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Trainer Ali's alternative techniques often open up new pathways for young people, helping them develop success with their horses that can pass into all other aspects of their life. Ali strongly believes that with the correct support, people can achieve beyond their imagination, horses can offer a fantastic platform for people to see this for themselves and develop with confidence and self belief.

With a varied career path including a number of years spent supporting the education of children with additional needs, Susan joins Hopefields as Office Manager. A 'normal day' involves bid writing and funding applications, being the first point of contact on the telephone and providing administrative support to the Directors. In her spare time, Susan is a keen gardener, musician and craftsperson. 

With a keen interest in music and the arts, Callum is working towards his level 3 Apprenticeship in Supporting Teaching and Learning, and joins us to assist our young people on their journey to adulthood. Callum is always optimistically happy and is a much valued member of Hopefields - he is a computer whizz, likes cleaning, reverts everything to song and loves changing lives by sharing his story across Thornaby and Teesside. 

Peter is our resident NCFE tutor, and loves crafts and woodturning. 

Originally a scientist, after fifteen years teaching mainstream Science (and a further ten years as an Autism specialist) Peter has returned from retirement to help our students develop their own craft, building and horticulture skills. He has a wide range of knowledge and a thorough understanding of additional and complex needs. Peter is very patient and giving of his time, he makes learning fun in a way that all levels can reach.

After a long career in the automotive industry, David retrained 17 years ago as a teacher of science, specialising in Chemistry and Physics and undertaking leadership roles across the North East of England. 

David joins Hopefields as our Science Lead, teaching NCFE and GCSE Science (including triple award) and is our resident tractor driver.

Outside of Hopefields, David enjoys classic motorcycling and is interested in developing our green energy and recycling usage.