Matthew has made an incredible impact over the years, earning consistently outstanding feedback from parents and education professionals alike. As a Team Leader, Matt now guides and supports a team of mentors, providing training, advice, and oversight to ensure every student receives the best possible guidance and support. His role includes monitoring progress across the team, liaising with staff and families, and conducting home visits to build strong relationships, gain a deeper understanding of each student’s environment, and ensure support is tailored to their individual needs. Matthew helps create a positive, supportive environment that encourages every student to thrive.

Outside of work, Matt is a keen cricketer, is fluent in Spanish, and enjoys travelling with his partner and their dog, Winnie!

Alex brings a wealth of experience and a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of young people. He has extensive experience working with very challenging and unique students, combining patience, understanding, and practical strategies. He now leads his own team of mentors at Esteem, offering guidance and support to help them thrive in their roles while continuing to work directly with students. With decades of experience in sport, Alex is an experienced and highly qualified football coach who founded and ran his own junior football club. He has also served as a Youth Football Club Welfare Officer. A true family man, Alex is a devoted partner to his fiancée and father to two wonderful children. He’s also a huge Manchester United fan!

Tom has been an integral part of Esteem for several years and now leads his own team of mentors, providing guidance and support to help them excel in their roles. As a qualified personal trainer, he brings his passion for fitness and wellbeing into his mentoring, motivating students to achieve their goals - often taking them to the gym or on outdoor activities. He combines his experience with a hands-on, supportive approach, creating a positive environment for both his team and the young people they work with. His commitment to both his team and the students they support ensures a consistent, high-quality experience across all mentoring sessions. Go Tom!

As a team leader, Michael supports and develops a group of mentors at Esteem, ensuring they have the guidance and tools needed to help students thrive. Known for his motivational and energetic approach, he works closely with his team to build confidence, share best practices, and create a positive, productive environment. Since joining Esteem, he has discovered his true passion in education, relishing the opportunity to make a real difference in young people’s lives.

Bringing a diverse background from personal training, construction, and recruitment, Michael combines practical experience with a supportive approach to mentoring. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, often playing cricket or football with his friends, and brings that same teamwork and energy into his leadership and mentoring role.

Amy has previously worked as a Youth Mentor, where she developed a deep understanding of the challenges young people face. Reflecting on her own experiences, she is committed to ensuring that each individual she mentors feels supported and understood. As a team leader, Amy now guides and supports a group of mentors, bringing her thorough, professional, and approachable style to help them grow and excel in their roles.

Her caring nature, combined with her enthusiasm for learning and helping others, drives her to make a meaningful impact. She has completed advanced courses in ACEs & Trauma Informed Practice, Emergency Paediatric First Aid, and holds a Level 1 NVQ in Youth Work, as well as a course in Mentoring People in Community Settings. Outside of work, Amy enjoys keeping fit, loves horses, and is a big fan of Christmas!

Alex has over 11 years of experience in education, specialising in supporting children and young people who face challenges in their learning for a variety of reasons. With a passion for finding creative ways to help students engage with and access education, Alex is dedicated to empowering young people to succeed on their own terms. As a team leader, he now draws on this extensive experience to support and guide his team of mentors, providing the highest standard of support to students. An avid sports enthusiast, particularly football, Alex has held a season ticket for Manchester City for over 25 years. He is also a dog lover, with two dogs of his own, and enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and walking. Alex’s commitment to the outdoors reflects his belief in the importance of connecting with nature as part of a well-rounded life, something he tries to incorporate into his sessions with his students.

Daryl has supported young people in various areas for over 10 years. She discovered her true passion whilst working in schools- making a difference in the lives of disengaged young people. She began a role as a Learning Mentor which then led her to a role in Youth Justice Service (YJS) as a Serious Youth Violence Engagement Officer. Daryl's dedication continued as she joined a charitable organisation, playing a key role in developing their mentoring programme. Daryl has initiated and ran after-school clubs for girls, creating a safe and empowering environment for them.  Daryl loves big hikes and trying new activities, she has recently got into Softball and Rugby! 

Harry comes with a wealth of leadership experience through his years of coaching, which has helped him connect and build relationships with young people. Having completed a degree in Physical Education at Leeds Beckett University, Harry continued his passion for sports and coaching as he began coaching Ice Hockey - a sport in which he plays to a high level. Away from sport, Harry is extremely passionate about music, having opened his own music studio! When he's not recording the next big hit, Harry also loves watching his favourite football team-Liverpool.

Katie is a very spiritual person that has a profound passion for helping young people who struggle with their mental health and wellbeing. Katie has worked in SEN schools as a support worker assisting children with a wide range of needs. Katie is passionate about the impact physical education can have on improving mental health issues- she is a Level 3 personal trainer! She loves having a really positive outlook on life and her favourite thing to do is spending valuable family time with her son!

Isaac has built a diverse career across Finance, TV, and Sales, and holds a degree in Project Management. Driven by a desire to give back, he transitioned into Alternative Provision, inspired by his own positive childhood experiences and a passion for helping young people thrive. Isaac has already built incredible relationships with his current students, earning their trust and respect through his genuine care, support, and commitment to their success. Outside of supporting our students, Isaac enjoys trading, running, and reading a good book!

Khloe has worked at a SEN school as a teaching assistant for over 5 years. Khloe has a vast amount of training in areas such as First Aid training, Epilepsy training, Gastro training, and also Safeguarding- just to name a few! Khloe enjoys working with young people that need support so she can share some of the advice and life experiences she feels she would have benefited from as a child. Khloe also loves doing nails, going to the gym and she has a little sausage dog called Missy! 

Hannah brings a wealth of experience to the team with a background spanning across multiple SEN primary and secondary schools and care home environments. Holding a Level 2 qualification in Childcare and a Level 3 in Health and Social Care, Hannah is well equipped to to assist young people. She is also first aid trained! Hannah is driven by a passion for fostering positive change, and she is dedicated to helping young people flourish and reach their full potential. Outside of her professional life she enjoys bowling, long walks, spending time with family and she's a big chocolate lover...we can definitely relate Hannah!​

Joe attained a BTEC in Sport studies and then went on to study Sports Business and coaching at UCFB University.  He is certified with a Level 1 Coaching Badge in Football and Dodgeball and is also trained in Mental Health First Aid. He currently also works along side Oldham Athletic as part of their Match Day Media Team and also serves as a Community Coach!  Joe is passionate about learning and enjoys helping others develop skills that benefit their daily lives. In his spare time he loves playing football and snooker and he loves films!

Kareiss attended an Alternative Provision school for several years herself as a student, giving her a unique understanding of both sides of the role and a deeper understanding of the kind of support that truly makes a difference. Having experienced first hand the impact a mentor can have, she is now passionate about providing that same support to others.

She previously worked in a care home for three years and holds an NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care, gaining valuable experience in providing care and support to others.

Outside of work, Kareiss enjoys spending time with her family and going to the gym!

Karen has over 30 years of experience working in various community-focused roles, gaining extensive experience in supporting and guiding young people. She particularly valued her time working with children and young adults, helping them navigate challenges and make positive choices. This passion for mentoring and education led her to this role, where she continues to support young people outside of mainstream education. Outside of work, Karen has a passion for endurance challenges. She has run half and full marathons, including the London Marathon and others across the country. Now, she enjoys long-distance walking and recently completed a 26-mile Mighty Hike for Macmillan.

​Sarah has worked in residential children's homes for the past two years, supporting teenagers with emotional and behavioral difficulties. She is also currently working towards completing her Level 4 NVQ in Residential Childcare. Sarah loves working with children because of her playful nature, often engaging in fun activities and new and innovative ways to connect with them. As a mother of four, her personal experiences enhance her abilities to connect and support children in her role as a mentor. In her spare time, Sarah also enjoys arts and crafts, baking, reading, and walking!​

Deklon has worked with children and families for 16 years, starting as a contact worker when he was just 19. He has been a qualified social worker for six years and is currently studying to become a counsellor. His extensive experience includes roles in children’s social care, CAMHS, and as a multi-systemic therapist, giving him deep knowledge of mental health and exploitation. He is passionate about supporting young people and their families, helping them navigate challenges and avoid negative influences. In particular, he is committed to steering young people away from gang involvement and helping them recognise the wider opportunities available to them. Outside of work, Deklon enjoys building his huge Lego collection, has a love for drag, and is always reading about astrology and planetary alignments!

Matthew is a committed football coach with over six years of experience supporting young players at Manchester City’s U6 and U7 teams. He helps children develop their confidence, skills, and love football through positive, structured coaching and match opportunities. In addition to this, he delivers personalised one-to-one coaching sessions, focusing on each individual’s goals and areas for development in a supportive environment. Matthew has also delivered extracurricular sessions in schools, helping pupils engage with physical activity through a variety of different sports. He holds a Distinction in BTEC Sport and is currently completing his UEFA C coaching qualification through the FA. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys golf and going to the gym!

Shitu is an experienced football coach with over 16 years of dedication to developing players and creating successful, motivated teams. Having spent 7 years coaching in Qatar, Shitu has refined a versatile coaching style that adapts to a wide range of ages and abilities, while gaining a deep understanding of diverse football cultures. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, Shitu uses coaching as a platform to inspire others and help them reach their full potential, both on and off the field. Outside of football, Shitu is passionate about cooking, road trips, and exploring new places, finding joy in both adventure and creating meaningful experiences.

Beth has worked as a primary school teaching assistant, where she found the structure of mainstream education could often limit the ability to meet each child’s individual needs- a challenge that inspired her to seek out more personalised, impactful ways of working with children. Alongside her role at Esteem Educators, Beth teaches inclusive dance in SEND schools and children’s hospices through a charity, where she is able to tailor each session to the individual and complex needs of the children she works with. She also runs school dance clubs and holiday dance camps, creating joyful, supportive environments where children can thrive. Beth will also soon be starting a masters degree in psychotherapy to become a qualified therapist. She loves musical theatre and is always trying her hand at crafts and gardening in her spare time!

Shundell has worked as a mentor for alternative provisions for almost four years, supporting young people with a range of needs including challenging behaviour, SEN, and SEMH. She is passionate about delivering personalised sessions that re-engage learners who may be at risk of being overlooked in mainstream settings. Over the past year, she has focused on supporting post-16 students in their pathways to employment, helping them build confidence and prepare for the world of work. Shundell holds a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health, Social Care and Early Years, has completed first aid training, and has two years of nursing study experience. Outside of work, Shundell enjoys all things creative - whether that’s crafting, going to concerts, or visiting the theatre.

Louis is a community-focused mentor with experience volunteering with children aged 5–11 with special needs, helping them to enjoy and take part in football sessions in an inclusive and supportive environment. He brings strong interpersonal skills developed through a range of people-facing roles. Louis was drawn to mentoring by a desire to work within the community and make a positive impact on the lives of the young people Esteem Educators supports. Outside of work, Louis is very active and enjoys football, the gym, hiking, swimming, and badminton. He also loves to travel and explore new places!

Andrew brings a wealth of life experience and compassion to his role as a mentor at Esteem Educators. Andrew also supports men who have served long prison sentences through his work with the National Probation Service. He is a passionate advocate for early intervention and is deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people. He has volunteered with charities providing essential support to vulnerable and homeless people, and is a supporter of organisations like Lads Like Us, which focus on tackling childhood trauma. Andrew is also a committed advocate for male mental health services.. Andrew is trained in first aid and anti-ligature procedures and has raised two daughters as a single parent. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys hiking, festivals and art!

Sally-Anne has over 23 years of experience working with children in SEMH settings and holds a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification. With two decades of supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), she has also trained in Signalong to further enhance communication with the children she supports. She has completed a wide range of specialist training including epilepsy awareness, speech and language training, gastrectomy care, visual impairment awareness and first aid training. Her extensive expertise allows her to provide tailored, compassionate support to the children she works with.

As a former professional footballer, Sally-Anne enjoys staying active and in her free time she loves going to charity shops and going to her allotment!

Tom has worked in a range of community-focused roles, including positions where he supported vulnerable individuals and often worked closely with young people. He has also coached local youth football teams across various age groups, gaining experience in motivating, mentoring, and building positive relationships through sport.

His coaching background helps him create structure, encourage teamwork, and engage students in a way that supports both their wellbeing and personal development. He believes in encouraging each young person to reach their potential in a way that works for them. With a degree in Computer Forensics, Tom is a tech enthusiast and keen gamer. He also enjoys playing sports and watching football.

Clare has experience working across both mainstream and specialist settings in primary and secondary schools. She has run workshops encouraging young people to continue with higher education and has also run pastoral support sessions to help students build confidence and resilience. Clare has a degree in Education and Special Educational Needs, a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification and an Access to Teacher Training certificate.

She has also completed training in safeguarding, first aid, and diversity. Clare decided to pursue a career in education to ensure students have a more positive experience than she did during her own time at school.

Outside of work, Clare has ticked off some incredible experiences - from skydiving despite a fear of heights, to seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland, and exploring ancient tombs in Egypt!

Troy grew up in care, a background that gives him a deep understanding and empathy for young people facing challenging circumstances. This personal experience, combined with his time as a Royal Marine, equips him with resilience and life skills that he draws on to support and inspire his students at Esteem.  Troy has a history of mentoring young people and takes great pride in the achievements of those he has supported over the years. He has also run a football academy in The Gambia, reflecting his commitment to youth development on a global scale.

Having visited 57 countries, Troy brings a broad cultural perspective to his work. He is a proud father of four daughters and lives with his two pets: Nelly, a French Bulldog, and Sergio, an African Grey parrot!

Danielle holds a Level 1 Teaching Assistant qualification and has gained valuable experience working in a primary school, supporting children and developing her skills in education. For the past ten years, she has worked in a care role supporting adults with complex brain injuries and dementia, organising and leading daily activities, therapy sessions, outings, and assisting with daily living tasks. Building on this experience, she now brings her skills and enthusiasm to supporting young people. Danielle enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, and she brings her creativity, energy, and practical expertise to mentoring, helping students try new experiences and grow in confidence. She is also a Level 3 qualified hairdresser!

Damian brings a wealth of experience from over 25 years working in health, social care, and community support. He has worked in Mental Health Services with the NHS, supporting patients both in the community and through group activities such as football sessions run alongside the Occupational Therapy team. For more than two decades, Damian has supported adults with learning disabilities in supported living, developing strong skills in care, safeguarding, and health and safety, including qualifications as a Fire Warden and in First Aid.  Alongside his career in care and education, Damian also has a strong background in music and broadcasting too! With over 25 years’ experience as a DJ and radio presenter, he has produced and hosted shows and been involved in running independent record labels.

Aryana has previously worked as a teaching assistant supporting EYFS and SEN primary school students, helping to create a positive learning environment and provide tailored support to meet each child’s needs. She has also worked as a 1-2-1 mentor within an Alternative Provision, offering both academic and emotional support to students. She holds a range of qualifications including Teaching Assistant Levels, Health and Social Care, and a Business Diploma. Aryana enjoys meeting new people and has a natural ability to empathise with those who need support. She describes herself as approachable, upbeat, and fun to be around, bringing positivity and energy to her sessions with students! Aryana enjoys documentaries, cooking, and shopping. She also has a kitten named Onyx!

David holds a Level 2 qualification in Youth Work and has worked in the field for several years. With over 10 years of experience in football coaching, he has worked in Hungary’s first league academy as both a head coach and assistant coach. He has also spent five years working as a personal trainer, combining his passion for sport, fitness, and mentoring young people.

He has also completed additional training in Corrective and Rehabilitation Training, First Aid, and Child Safeguarding Level 3. David is deeply passionate about supporting young people in their growth - whether in education, sport, or personal development. David wants to create a safe, inspiring space for young people to grow and reach their potential.

Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, baking and exploring new cultures!

Waqaas has been working in youth and community work since 2017, leading projects that support young people through mentoring, wellbeing, and sports programmes across Manchester. He has extensive experience in 1-2-1 mentoring, helping young people build confidence, develop positive coping strategies, and realise their full potential while ensuring they receive the right support. He has also worked in schools delivering teacher CPDs, interventions, PE sessions, and after-school sports clubs, supporting pupils with a range of abilities and needs. Waqaas holds a Level 3 Youth Work qualification, a Sports Degree, and has completed coaching courses in various sports. He finds it incredibly rewarding to see students progress, gain confidence, and realise their worth. Outside of work, Waqaas enjoys playing and coaching football, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends.

Gavin has been coaching young people and children with a wide range of needs for over 25 years, working across schools, homeless drop-in centres, and various community settings.

He originally trained as a therapist, and also volunteered at a busy health clinic where he later worked as a counsellor, developing strong skills in communication and wellbeing support. He is also a trained specialist in strength, rehabilitation, and nutrition and has worked with both professional and amateur athletes.

A keen martial artist, Gavin holds a black belt in freestyle kickboxing and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and he has competed in local, national, and European competitions!

Ibrahim has over a decade of experience supporting vulnerable and at-risk young people through structured outreach and mentoring. He has delivered 1-2-1 support to help young people overcome social, emotional, and behavioural challenges, facilitated group sessions, and assisted with reintegration into education or training. He began volunteering at the youth club he attended as a young person, supporting healthy eating and cooking sessions, as well as fitness and kickboxing activities. He is motivated by mentoring young people, aiming to make a positive impact similar to the support he benefited from in his youth.

Outside of work, Ibrahim currently coaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and he enjoys getting out on the water in his sailing boat!

Beth studied Education and Special Educational Needs at university, where she developed a strong understanding of how to support children by removing barriers and creating fair, accessible learning environments. Through her studies, she explored how factors such as disability, social class, race, and gender can influence access to education and opportunities, and how she can challenge these barriers to make learning more inclusive. She has also studied psychology and sociology, further developing her understanding of how social and cultural factors influence learning and behaviour. Beth is also First Aid trained.

In her free time, Beth enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing netball, and walking her dog!

Heather is a qualified First Aider, with certifications in Paediatric and Mental Health First aid, Anaphylactic First Aid, and she is also Auto-Injector trained. She brings a calm, compassionate, and empathetic approach to every role, with extensive experience supporting people in emotionally sensitive and challenging situations. During her time at St John’s Ambulance as an inbound call handler, Heather provided reassurance and guidance to individuals experiencing distress, demonstrating patience, understanding, and professionalism in high-pressure circumstances.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys adrenaline adventures -  she has already Bungee Jumped, Skydived and been paragliding!

Stacey has over eight years of experience working in education, supporting young people across further education and secondary school settings. She began her career as an Attendance Officer before progressing into support roles. Her roles have focused on ensuring pupils feel safe, supported, and motivated to achieve their potential both academically and personally. Stacey also worked as an Assistant Year Manager and covered the role of Year Manager for several months, giving her strong experience in attendance, behaviour, safeguarding, and student wellbeing. She has completed Mental Health First Aid training, and has a First Aid qualification.  In her spare time, Stacey enjoys reading self-help books and loves spending quality time with her son and her apricot cockapoo - Bella Rose!

Emma has experience supporting young people with SEND, including providing wellbeing coaching to children and specialist mentoring to university students with ASC. She has also supported young people with ADHD and mentored young women through volunteering, focusing on building confidence, emotional awareness, and self-esteem. Emma also specialises in wellbeing and holistic support. She takes a person-centred approach that considers emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing, helping young people develop healthy coping strategies and self-understanding. She holds an MSc in Psychology, Counselling Qualifications, National Autistic Society Training, and a Diploma in Mindfulness. 

Outside of work, Emma enjoys yoga, reading, and travelling!

Ella has previously worked as a Teaching Assistant supporting students with SEND, where she worked closely with young people requiring additional support in the classroom. She has supported transitions from primary to secondary school, delivered Emotional Regulation Interventions, and supported students both in and outside of lessons, including through home visits and educational activities beyond the classroom. She has also completed Safeguarding Training, EVAC Chair Training, and is First Aid trained.

Ella also studied Uniformed Public Services at college, which helped develop her confidence, resilience, and communication skills when working with others in structured and demanding environments.

Outside of work, Ella enjoys long walks with her Dog Flash, and she loves to travel!

Marea brings over 16 years of experience in health, fitness, wellbeing, and nutrition coaching, with a strong focus on supporting young people with additional needs. She has extensive hands-on experience working with children and teenagers with Autism, ADHD, behavioural difficulties, and mental health challenges, both professionally and through long-term involvement in family support.

Throughout her career, Marea has coached young people in developing healthy routines, physical confidence, and positive wellbeing strategies.

Marea is a qualified Yoga Teacher, Fitness Instructor, and Nutritional Advisor, and is passionate about using movement and lifestyle education to help young people build resilience, confidence, and emotional regulation.

Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and continuing her learning in holistic health and wellbeing.

Danielle is passionate about supporting young people to build confidence, self-belief, and positive relationships. She strives to help students come out of their shell and aims to be a positive and relatable role model who encourages them to recognise their strengths and believe in what they can achieve.

She brings a warm, energetic, and approachable personality to her work, using humour and authenticity to build strong, trusting relationships with students and help them feel comfortable being themselves. Danielle strongly believes in leading by example and lives by the phrase: “If I can do it, you can do it!”

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys going for walks, visiting new places (especially in the sunshine), trying new food, and has a particular love for ice cream!

Simone has built her experience across Education and Care settings, developing a strong foundation in supporting children with additional needs and those who benefit from a more personalised approach to learning.

After leaving college, Simone started her career in Education, gaining experience within a school setting, before moving into the Care Sector where she supported both adults and children with learning disabilities and additional needs. Wanting to return to a more child-focused role within Education, Simone moved into Alternative Provision, where she worked closely with young people who require additional support to re-engage with learning. Simone enjoys walking her dog and spending her weekends on day trips exploring new places around England!