Brad is a highly skilled mentoring professional with a wealth of experience in Education and Sport. Brad’s passionate about working with young people and nurturing them to help reach their full potential. Beginning as a sports coach, he later transitioned into Education after graduating with a degree in Sports Development and Business. He has worked within Alternative Education for over 9 years, which has provided him with invaluable experience in building strong and meaningful relationships with young people, educators and parents.  Outside of work, Brad loves playing football and is a big Manchester City fan and season ticket holder. He loves spending time with his family and his dog, Leo!

David is a very knowledgeable and qualified teacher with over 15 years of experience. He began working with young people in his teens as a youth worker and sports coach and has thrived doing so ever since. He strongly believes that building rapport with children is the key to engagement and the catalyst for achievement. David is also involved in helping with early careers teachers within the early years framework. Away from work, David is also a Manchester City fan. He loves all things sport, and has played football for most of his life. He also loves spending time with his family, especially his daughter Frankie!

Connor has years of experience working within Alternative Provision and plays a key role at Esteem Educators. Connor has been involved in all aspects of mentoring and works directly with our young people to support their individual journeys.  Alongside this, Connor is an experienced business professional and entrepreneur, having managed several businesses across Greater Manchester. He played a key role in organising the Oldham Education Festival on behalf of Oldham Council for multiple years. In 2019, he was awarded 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' at the Oldham Business Awards and later went on to organise and promote TEDx Oldham. In his spare time, you’ll find Connor at his local Jiu Jitsu gym, playing football, or competing at his local pub quiz!

Brandon is vastly experienced within Alternative Education from both hands on 1-2-1 mentoring with young people, to the day to day management of business. He has worked as a mentor and Head of Centre for over 7 years, before moving into Operations Manager at Esteem.

 He wants to continue to expand his knowledge in the field, and help as many young people as possible. Outside of work, he loves taking his dog on long walks, watching football, and he definitely shows everyone up in the office when it comes to solving a Rubik's Cube!

Lianna brings a wealth of experience across the educational spectrum, all the way from early years to higher education. She leads the Student Engagement team at Esteem Educators, working closely with mentors to ensure they receive the correct support for their students. She plays a key role in monitoring progress and ensuring students’ individual needs are met through tailored support. She holds a first-class honours degree in Early Years and Education and is deeply passionate about working with young people. With a love for language and literature, Lianna has taught English as an additional language to international students and she also speaks Italian fluently as she lived in Milan for 3 years! 

Matt has made an incredible impact over the years, earning consistently outstanding feedback from parents and education professionals alike. Matt now plays a key leadership role within the team, providing guidance and training to fellow mentors to ensure consistently high-quality provision across the board.

Matt also attends regular drop-in sessions with students and mentors to stay connected with their academic and social progress. As a highly experienced and qualified chef, Matt also leads our Esteem Eats cooking programme, helping students build confidence and life skills through hands-on cooking classes- Yes, Chef!

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

Roisin has a wealth of experience in areas such as Business Operations and Digital Marketing. She ensures smooth communications between the team and businesses across Manchester for student opportunities. She also handles the day-to-day business aspects of Esteem and looks after everything digital. Roisin has been involved in multiple business start-ups from tech businesses to new restaurant openings. She led a Graduate & Apprenticeship Program for young people aged 16-21 which introduced young persons to the world of coding and developing. She also travelled to France to teach primary school children English, and further her French studies. When she's not in the office you can probably find her in the ring at her Muay Thai boxing gym!

With a degree in Early Childhood Studies from Liverpool John Moores University, Paige brings a wealth of experience to the team. She has a strong background in Alternative Provision and previously worked as a Support Mentor and a Teaching Assistant in a primary school where she focused on 1-2-1 support for students with special education needs. In addition to her educational roles, Paige has held several financial positions within the finance industry, further enhancing her expertise in finance and administration. Outside of work, Paige enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and long weekend walks with her dog!

Leo is a well-behaved, super friendly, 4 year old Labrador who loves people. He qualified in Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science in 2019...just kidding! But his favourite things to do are walks on the beach, chasing his favourite ball and of course eating! When he is not at school, he lives at home with Brad and the rest of his family. We recognise the potential benefits of including a dog into mentoring sessions where suitable and desired as a means to enhance engagement and participation of young people. Way to go Leo!

Alex brings a wealth of experience and a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of young people. He has an abundance of experience working with very challenging and unique young people. Alex has decades of experience within sport, especially football, where he is an experienced and highly qualified football coach, founding and running his own junior football club. He has also taken on the crucial role of Youth Football Club Welfare Officer.  Most recently, Alex has worked as a PA for a young person with a variety of different needs, to support them on their individual complex needs. A true family man, Alex is a devoted partner to his fiancée, and father to his two wonderful kids. He's also a huge Manchester United fan!

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! 

Tom has worked as a 1-2-1 mentor for years and is a really dynamic mentor with a wide range of skills and passions. As a qualified personal trainer, he thrives on motivating and guiding young people towards a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Tom often takes his Esteem students to the gym- they love working on their fitness goals with him! Aside from being super social, Tom also enjoys the occasional quiet night in, cooking and watching TV. He has a huge passion for sport; football in particular, whether he's playing it or watching it, and he also loves going on long hikes!

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!

Kathy is qualified and experienced in Teaching and educational training in multiple areas. She completed her post grad in teaching and went on to work at Eccles Sixth Form College for over 2 years. Kathy has also received a BA Degree with honours in Media and Cultural studies in Liverpool. Kathy finds teaching young people massively rewarding especially 1-2-1 mentoring. When she's not teaching, Kathy loves throwing herself into the world of acting! She also loves spending time with her two children, and her cat too- shoutout to Fred! Kathy's claim to fame is that Bryan Adams once brought her on stage to sing with him in Manchester, life goal achieved!

Harvey has a broad spectrum of experience ranging from business, hospitality, sales and customer service. He has also studied abroad in Australia! Harvey decided to become a mentor because he recognized the powerful impact positive guidance can have on young people. Inspired by his own life experiences, he wanted to help students navigate challenges and unlock their full potential, believing that every young person deserves the chance to build a better future, no matter their circumstances. Outside of work, Harvey is a massive Burnley football fan, and has also recently got into golf!

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! 

Michael has delved into many different areas over his career ranging from personal training, construction and recruitment. Since moving into education, this has been the first time he's felt really positive and enthusiastic about his work as he's loving the opportunity to make a real difference in young people's lives- we love to hear it! When he's not changing lives, you can probably find him playing cricket or football with his mates!

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!

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

Rabi is a dedicated professional with extensive experience supporting at-risk youth, particularly those recently released from prison or facing their final opportunity to change course. Passionate about guiding young people toward positive transformation, Rabi helps them unlock their potential, set and achieve meaningful goals, and build a brighter future. With a degree in Health and Community Development, he brings a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to his mentoring approach, empowering individuals to grow and thrive. Outside of his work, Rabi is an avid traveller, he visits around six countries each year, seeking to connect with diverse cultures and broaden his perspective.

Rick has over 30 years of experience mentoring and coaching young people. He holds a BSc Hons in Applied Sports Science and is qualified in counselling and age-specific coaching.

He has worked with Positive Futures in Manchester, supporting development and employment opportunities. Rick is currently also studying Advanced Wilderness Therapeutic Approaches (Level 3). Rick’s extensive experience in coaching has equipped him with valuable skills that directly enhance his ability to mentor students. His deep understanding of personal growth and development allows him to provide tailored support, helping each student reach their full potential. Rick is passionate about sport, cultures, travel, and helping others grow. He thrives on challenges and loves being stretched beyond his comfort zone.

Alex has over 11 years of experience in education, specializing 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. Alex is an avid sports enthusiast, particularly football, and 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.

Olivia has extensive experience in education and support roles, with a strong focus on helping individuals overcome challenges and reach their potential. Olivia previously worked as a Learning Support Assistant where she supported students with SEND and mental health needs. Olivia has also worked as a Job Coach, helping individuals with interview skills, career planning and life skills.- a great expertise she uses to help her students prepare for the future! Olivia has also supported young people facing homelessness or financial hardships, providing guidance and practical support, and she also holds a qualification as a Mental Health First Aider. Outside of her professional life, Olivia enjoys drawing, family time and Christmas is her favourite time of year! 

Sam is a dedicated and versatile professional with extensive experience in education. Trained as a secondary PE teacher, Sam has worked in a variety of educational settings. With a strong interest in mental health, Sam also holds a Level 2 qualification in Counselling Concepts and is currently studying Level 3 in Counselling Skills at college. Sam is a certified Mental Health First Aider for Youth through MHFA England. Sam volunteers as an Amateur Boxing Coach at a local club and has also previously worked as a Goalkeeper Coach for Manchester City Ladies FC!

In his spare time, Sam enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, supporting Manchester City and Oldham Roughyeds, and attending local non-league football matches!

Before joining the team, Ella worked in a primary school for five years, as both a Teaching Assistant and also a PE Coach. During this time, she worked closely with SEND and SEMH children and helped to create supportive learning environments where every child could thrive.  Ella is currently studying Sport, Fitness, and Coaching at university which reflects her ongoing commitment to furthering her knowledge and skills in her field. She is deeply passionate about working with children and helping them overcome their individual challenges, fostering growth, and success in every student she works with. Ella is a Level 2 swimming teacher with over 10 years of experience and has actually competed nationally!

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 was a Police Officer for over 30 years, working in various departments and 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!​

Chris is a qualified career coach with over five years of experience supporting young people in schools, colleges, and universities. He specializes in helping students who have disengaged from education by setting achievable goals and using a "stepping stone" approach to reignite their motivation. With a Master’s in Career Guidance and Development, Chris combines his academic background with practical experience to guide young people in developing essential life and academic skills. He is passionate about helping them build confidence and reach their full potential. Chris wants to inspire young people and equip them with the tools to achieve their goals, no matter where they start. Outside of mentoring, Chris enjoys traveling, sports, and attending live music events!

Sophie graduated in 2024 with a BSc in Psychology and did a placement year in community engagement within the criminal justice team. Her experience has always focused on building meaningful connections and making an impact- whether working within the justice system, supporting individuals in her role helping those experiencing homelessness, or mentoring first-year university students through the 'Manchester Mates' scheme, a programme designed to support students struggling with mental health and adjusting to university life. 
After years of being drawn to working with children, she decided to pursue a role where she could apply her skills in communication, support, and relationship-building to make a positive impact. Outside of work, Sophie enjoys reading, baking, crocheting and she loves getting stuck into a challenging Escape Room!

Deklon has worked with children and families for 16 years, starting as a contact worker when he was just 19. Graduating in 2019, he has been a qualified social worker for six years, and is currently studying to become a counsellor. His experience includes roles in children’s social care, CAMHS, and as a multi-systemic therapist, giving him extensive knowledge of mental health and exploitation.
He is passionate about supporting young people and their families, ensuring they have the right guidance and opportunities to avoid negative influences and challenging circumstances. In particular, he is committed to helping young people steer away from gang involvement and recognise the broader opportunities available to them. Outside of work, Deklon has a love for building Lego (with a huge collection!) and also has a passion 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.

Will has several years of experience as a mentor in alternative provisions, where he has developed a strong passion for using sport as a tool to enhance education. He holds a degree in Sport and Business Management and has earned his FA coaching badges. Will believes that every student, regardless of their history, background, or additional needs, deserves someone who cares enough to build a positive, supportive relationship with them. This belief is his main motivation for working in alternative provisions. A keen Manchester United fan, Will loves both playing and watching football. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys a good dad joke and has even jumped out of a plane, embracing adventure with a smile.

Britney holds a degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing and brings a wealth of experience to her role at Esteem Educators. She has previously worked as a Pastoral Manager and on both children’s emergency departments and mental health wards, supporting young people through complex and sensitive challenges. Britney is trained in both Mental Health First Aid and Suicide First Aid, equipping her to provide calm, informed support in high-pressure situations.

Outside of work, Britney enjoys hiking and singing!

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.