Meet The Experts

Shannon Lynskey
Hobbies: I love listening to music and reading
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I learnt how to sail a boat before I learnt how to drive a car
Favourite film: The Lord of the Rings trilogy – Extended versions only! 
Area of expertise: Teaching Assistant – I have 10 years working in mainstream and SEND schools

Fleur Grewcock
Hobbies: Open Water Swimming. I’m happier in water, whatever, the weather!
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I am a rocking metal head!
Favourite film: Mrs Doubtfire. ‘Help is on the way, dears!!’
Area of expertise: Teaching Assistant – I have 15 years experience in primary education covering different areas and levels

Fay Conroy
Hobbies: Long walks with my dog; gym- well I try!; cooking and experimenting with new dishes
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I like to challenge myself and enjoy adventurous activities
Favourite film: Mamma Mia – Can’t beat a bit of Abba!
Area of expertise: Teaching Assistant – I worked in a Primary School for 27 years in Key Stage 1 and 2

Claire Bailey
Hobbies: I love to work on my Classic Mini – It’s not leaking oil—it’s marking its territory
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I love to go Carp fishing – I don’t chase fish. I wait until they give in
Favourite Film: Polar express – Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see 
Area of expertise: Teaching Assistant and Early Years – I have worked a lot within Children and Family Centres supporting children from birth to 18. I have also worked as a Deputy Manager and DSL in Early Years settings

Jo Nicholls
Hobbies: I love reading. My workout is turning pages!
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I ran the James Herriot half-marathon when I was 5 years old!
Favourite film: Save the Last Dance. Don’t let the world change you. You change the world
Area of expertise: Teaching Assistant and Early Years – Over the last 9 years I have worked across Years 1-6 and before that I worked in Early Years settings for 26 years

Karina Ward
Hobbies: I love dogs and walking (admittedly my enthusiasm for the walking part increases with good weather!)
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I started school at the age of 4 yrs in Israel – I can still count to 10 in Hebrew 
Favourite film: ET – makes me cry every time
Area of expertise: I have over 15 years experience as a primary school teacher

Meghan Baldwin
Hobbies: I love charity shopping (official bargain hunter!)
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I am related to Mary Queen of Scots
Favourite film: Film: Legend (because I am one!)
Area of expertise: Teaching Assistant and Early Years – I have worked in education settings for 10 years

Jo Reilly
Hobbies: I love running and taking on exercise challenges! (Hyrox)
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I’ve ran the New York Marathon
Favourite film: PS I love you
Area of expertise: Teaching Assistant – I have worked in various sectors within education for over 15 years

Beth Peirce
Hobbies: I love reading! I have recently moved from being a physical copy lover to a Kindle lover
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I have fed a dolphin, a kangaroo and a penguin. I also used to be a student at HOET in 2016
Favourite film: End Game – big Marvel fan. Marvel > DC.
Area of expertise: Teaching Assistant – I have over 9 years of education experience

Hannah Middleton
Hobbies: I love exploring new places both in this country and beyond. Cornwall is my favourite place in the world. Nature reserves, beaches, caves, waterfalls – I love to explore them on weekends away with my little family. I also love to be cosied up reading books! 
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I have a phobia of holes! Its called trypophobia and its more common than you think!
Favourite film: The Notebook (cliché I know!)
Area of expertise: Teaching Assistant and Early Years – I completed a Level 2 apprenticeship in Early Years in 2008 and then progressed onto my Level 3. I have worked in many settings such as a paediatric unit, a day nursery, and a private nanny. 

Lizz Kittendorf
Hobbies: Reading, running and theatre trips
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I once spent  weeks in Beijing on an immersive Chinese language course
Favourite film: Moulin Rouge
Area of expertise: Teaching Assistant – I have over 18 years experience in teaching 

Nicola Appleyard
Hobbies: I love kickboxing – it keeps me focused, disciplined, and ready to go a few rounds when facing challenges
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I used to drive HGVs – so I’m well practised at keeping things on track and handling the big stuff with care
Favourite film: Guardians of the Galaxy –  “Nothing goes over my head. My reflexes are too fast. I would catch it.”
Area of expertise: Inclusion and Early Years – My background is primarily rooted in early years settings, where I have developed strong EYFS knowledge and practical skills

Helen James
Hobbies: Reading or watching the sweet, relaxing scent of unsolved mysteries!
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I have worked in the French Alps as a nanny 
Favourite film: Labyrinth – did you say Hello, no I said Ello, but close enough!
Area of expertise: Early Years – I’ve worked in the early years settings with management for over 20 years

Liam Fox
Hobbies: Football (when my knees work) & now golf (because my knees don’t work)
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I played the steel drums in primary school 
Favourite film: Forrest Gump – ‘Stupid is as stupid does’
Area of expertise: I have over 12 years’ experience in education and training, particularly in teaching and in sport

Suzanne Kavanagh
Hobbies: I like reading and dancing – but not at the same time! I also like to potter in my garden.
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I have just taken over an allotment!
Favourite film: Mrs Doubtfire – “Carpe dentum. Seize the teeth.”
Area of expertise: I taught in mainstream primary for 14 years and special school for 22 years, working as a teacher and in Leadership and Management.

Jinny Slade
Hobbies: Caravan renovating and cake baking
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I play the cello, the guitar, and the piano although not very well 
Favourite film: Wuthering Heights, 1939 version, the one with Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier. Pure acting with beautiful dialogues
Area of expertise: Associate Project Management – I have over 20 years experience working on creating through to delivering projects

Alice Cook
Hobbies: Photography, painting and reading – I love to be as creative as possible!
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I have done a 15000ft skydive – I am always up for an adventure and exploring
Favourite film: The Perks of Being a Wallflower – it’s a sad but brilliant watch
Area of expertise: Marketing – I have been working in the marketing world for over 5 years within lots of different sectors, covering B2B and B2C marketing

Muhammad-Umar Gadiali
Hobbies: I love climbing. You’ll always find me hanging from a wall!
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I got my job by doing magic tricks!
Favourite film: Gladiator, are you not entertained?
Area of expertise: Management – I have over 10 years experience in education

Donna Parnell
Hobbies: One of my main hobbies is baking cakes – always happy to try something new as in a new recipe for a cake I have not made before so always on the look at for guinea pigs to be tasters
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I have completed 2 tandem skydives raising money for charity – although not a celebrity so never into a jungle!!
Favourite film: Top Gun – Tom Cruise you took my breath away!
Area of expertise: Customer Service – I have worked in the customer service industry for over 30 years

Vicki Spencer
Hobbies: I enjoy walking and going on holiday
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: Working on my allotment has taught me patience in a way no training course ever has—you can’t rush nature, no matter how organised you are!
Favourite film: Miracle on 34^th Street
Area of expertise: Management – I have over 20 years experience in the management industry as I previously worked as a centre manager

Tracey Furey
Hobbies: Music and reading, I am particularly drawn to gritty crime fiction – especially the work of Martina Cole
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I have a hands-on, nurturing side, shown through my passion for growing my own fruit and vegetables
Area of expertise: Management – For over 25 years now, I have worked in the management industry

Paula Bellingham
Hobbies: Sailing, Walking and Cooking. Even better when I can combine them
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I used to be a loose head prop for a women’s Rugby team
Favourite film: On A Clear Day
Area of expertise: Management – I have over 30 years experience in education

Marbel Matewa
Hobbies: Baking
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I treat boxercise like I’m training for a movie montage!
Favourite film: Rush Hour
Area of expertise: Associate Project Management – I have over 8 years experience in the management industry

Beth McCabe
Hobbies: Watching live sport and live music (concerts, festivals, anything!) And I am a sucker for a bit of karaoke!
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I have been to over 70 football stadiums up and down the country supporting my team (Luton Town FC), and I am trying to complete the full 92.
Favourite film: A Cinderella Story – ‘Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game’.
Area of expertise: Teaching Assistant – I started out as an Apprentice TA and then carried on working in education for another 9 years – mainly as a TA but also as a learning mentor in an alternative provision.

Claire Ingram
Hobbies: Reading, I love a who done it thriller
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I am a qualified AAT level 3 bookkeeper/payroll technician
Favourite film: Harry Potter films. Looking forward to the new series
Area of expertise: 28 years in the industry starting as a Saturday assistant at 14. I have worked in salons, been self employed as a colour brand educator and now work in delivering apprenticeship training with HOET

Clare Bowes
Hobbies: I love reading and UK holidays with my family and Mabel my dog
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I have three tattoos
Favourite film: Moulin Rouge. I have probably watched it 20 times and I’ve seen the stage show in The West End! 
Area of expertise: Over 25 years’ experience working with young people from age 4 to 18 with varied special needs

Jonathan Palmer
Hobbies: Baking
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I used to perform in local panto
Favourite film: Too many to pick just 1. My go to would be a Disney renaissance era
Area of expertise: I was an in-salon educator and assessor with HOET, then joined 5 years ago full time

Rebecca Storer
Hobbies: Reading, watching live music and drawing 
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I’m a bit of a family history detective! I love researching my family tree and have traced some of my ancestors back to the early 1800s
Favourite film: My top 2 are, The Fisher King and Back to the future 2
Area of expertise: I have been in the Hairdressing industry for almost 30 years, an educator for 3 years

Simone Brown
Hobbies: I love running. Currently training for marathon number 4 and 5!
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I have worked on cruise ships as a hairdresser and have travelled the world twice whilst working in the onboard salon 
Favourite film: Eddie the Eagle
Area of expertise: I have  over 22 years Industry experience in hairdressing. 9 years as an educator

Georgina Marks
Hobbies: Pole fitness, going to the gym and reading
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I went to secondary school in Australia. 
Favourite film: Mrs Doubtfire “Hellooooo” 
Area of expertise: Hairdressing and Barbering. I have 20+ years experience in the industry and did my apprenticeship with HOET 21 years ago! 

Katie Morrison
Hobbies: I love to read and can easily lose track of time when I have a good book in my hands!
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I love playing darts and like to think I’m pretty good at it… whether my scores agree is another story!
Favourite film: Practical Magic because I’m obsessed with all thing’s autumn, spooky vibes and cosy evenings
Area of expertise: 15 years in the hairdressing industry, with a passion for creating great hair and helping others build their skills and confidence

Danielle Hickman
Hobbies: Keeping active, going to the gym, swimming, exploring the outdoors, and online shopping!
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I’m secretly very competitive
Favourite film: There are so many, but Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves is definitely one of my favorites
Area of expertise: 24 years of experience in the hairdressing industry, specialising in all aspects of hairdressing, with the last 6 years dedicated to education and developing future hair professionals

Katie Toms
Hobbies: Cooking and baking, anything arts and crafts, shopping, going to Disney and looking after my pugland 
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I originally trained as a midwife and delivered 10 babies during that
Favourite film: Way too many to choose from, but anything Disney 
Area of expertise: I have worked in the beauty industry for 4 and a half years in a variety of roles now including education 

Rebecca Morris
Hobbies: Baking and live music gigs 
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I can do an Ollie on a skate board 
Favourite film: Drop Dead Fred – always wanted an imaginary friend like him
Area of expertise: Beauty therapy – trained with HOET for 4 years at the rugby academy as an apprentice studying level 2 and level 3 advanced beauty

Emma Barker
Hobbies: If you don’t find me in the gym then I’ll be on the sofa in my pjs enjoying a red! I love holidaying with my family and walking my old tyme bull dog
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I can deadlift my body weight +10kg
Favourite film: White chicks, “OMG Brittany, you said it, but you were thinking it!”
Area of expertise: Over 30 years of hairdressing experience and nearly 20 years teaching experience in all aspects of the industry 

Sajeeda Sumra-Graham
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling and have been fortunate enough to visit many different parts of the world. I also enjoy creative projects in my spare time, including candle making and creating personalised gifts working with vinyl
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I am multilingual and can understand over 6 Languages.
Favourite film: Love an old school horror, so its Halloween for me but love a Harry Potter or sobbing to The Notebook
Area of expertise: 15 Years + in the education world of all things Advanced Beauty Therapy. I enjoy teaching the scientific and medical aspect of beauty therapy and am referred to as Dr Saj in the academy

Bryonie Davies
Hobbies: Days out with the family, pumpkin picking and Reading 
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I used to play piano 
Favourite film: Comfort film- Pretty woman
Area of expertise: I have nearly 20 years of industry experience, 2 years of teaching

Jessica Banton
Hobbies: Gym and touring parts of America
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I can leg press 315 kg and sled push 175kg  
Favourite film: Mrs Doubtfire
Area of expertise: Over 21 years in the hairdressing industry, training as an apprentice at HOET myself!

Lois Allen
Hobbies: Musical theatre
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I recently played Drunk Margret in 9-5 the musical
Favourite Film: The Green Mile … sob my socks off. 
Area of expertise: Hairdressing for over 30 years, and education for 25 years. Educated for L’Oréal for 7 of those

Nicole McDermott
Hobbies: I love going on holiday and exploring new places. I’m also a big fan of chasing the perfect sunset/sunrise
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I am really in to crystals and horoscopes
Favourite film: The Holiday
Area of expertise: I have over 13 years experience in the hairdressing industry and have been an educator for the past 7 years. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others develop their skills and confidence within the industry 

Leila Pearce
Hobbies: I love reading and gardening 
One thing you wouldn’t know about me: I absolutely love clean, simple interiors 
Favourite film: Forrest Gump
Area of expertise: I have 25 years of experience in teaching hairdressing