School Adults

I originally joined Libra in 2019 as Head of School, and I was delighted to return to Libra to support the school as Deputy Principal and now as Principal. I initially trained as a secondary school teacher in Music and PE before moving into Special Education over 25 years ago. I have worked across all phases of Special Education over my career, and have even been an OFSTED Inspector. I currently live in Gloucester with my two grown up children and our 10 year old spaniel “Bonnie“, and split my week between here and Devon. This means I get the best of both city and country living and working! I enjoy being outside in my garden, growing flowers, fruit and vegetables, and a good bar-be-que!

I have over twenty-five years’ experience in education, as a teacher of history, humanities and PSHE, pastoral leader, safeguarding leader, SENDCo, deputy head and head of school, in Bristol, North Somerset, and West Somerset before joining Libra. I have recently completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). I love being outdoors; on Exmoor, and the South West Coast Path, and in the mountains of Cumbria and Scotland. I enjoy cooking, gardening, and collecting cookery books and maps. I have a five-year-old grandson who loves going on camping adventures with his nanny!

I have worked with Libra since 2012 in a variety of teaching roles but before this, I was studying with the University of Plymouth and achieved a Masters Degree in English between the dates of 1860 and 1945. Someday I hope to complete a doctorate! Naturally, I am still very much interested in English literature and the accompanying historical background but in my spare time, I enjoy drawing, painting and discovering local history. I have three children who love martial arts, music and being outdoors.

I have been working here at Libra since 2006 – 11 of these years within the residential care side where I was a manager of a care home before moving over to the school where I am now a behaviour manager, which keeps me very busy! Both roles I have found very rewarding – especially watching the children thrive and make progress. Prior to this I worked in the catering industry for a number of years. I enjoy football and help coach a local youth side which I have done for a number of years. When not involved with football I enjoy reading and spending time with family.

My main role within Libra is Duty Manager, working at the School. I have worked for Libra for 20 years, starting just a couple of weeks after it was set up, with a 7-month break in 2012 where I managed a home for adults with learning difficulties before returning to Libra School. Prior to working at Libra, I worked in a leisure centre, lifeguarding and working in the gym. Whilst being at Libra I have taken on different roles, starting as a Support Worker and then qualifying and working as a House Manager before working solely as a Duty Manager. For around 15 years now I have also trained staff in Behaviour Management and physical intervention, which has helped me to further develop my knowledge in this area. I am married with 3 children, 1 girl and 2 boys, we enjoy getting out and about in the local countryside.

I joined Libra in October 2024 as the Office Manager. I am so proud to be a part of this amazing team, everyone has been so welcoming and I feel like I have been here for years already. I am a local girl and love nothing more than spending my weekends roaming around Exmoor with my Husband, Daughter and my 15-year-old Yorkshire Terrier cross named Jack.

I have been a part of the Libra Team since 2017 and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far. I have an interesting and diverse role, which includes supporting the KS3 and 4 children as their Careers Leader, managing the company’s training requirements and generally assisting the Senior Management Team. Outside of work I enjoy gardening, spending time with my family and friends, and exploring National Trust properties and RHS Gardens.

I joined the Libra team in September 2024 as an administrator. My background is mixed, having trained at University in Professional Floristry and Business. My principal career has been in administration and Project Management within a design and shop fitting company. I love being part of the Libra team. Outside of work, I enjoy fun days filled with lots of play with my son and long walks along our amazing coastline with my dog, Eric!

I relocated to Devon 6 years ago and I now live here with my husband and 3 of our children. Family life is busy and fun, especially with our much-loved pets, which include 2 Labradors, a Chihuahua, and our 3 cats. I really enjoy making the most of the outdoors and love having bbqs and going for walks along the beach. This year, I am looking forward to trying paddleboarding and i am excited to explore more of the local area through camping trips. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and attending a weekly Clubbercise class I also enjoy spending quality time on holidays with my family.

I am a qualified English teacher who has been teaching so long, Estelle Morris was the Secretary of State who signed my Teacher’s Certificate!! Since then, I have taught in a range of settings: state, private, primary, secondary and for a while I taught English as a foreign language to French teenagers. I’ve been at Libra since 2015. Outside of school, I’m in a book club, I walk along the SW coastal path and I sing in my church band.

I joined the team at Libra in 2022 coming from a mainstream primary school. I got my PGCE in primary education from the University of Exeter in 2019 with a focus on teaching Humanities in Primary school. I grew up outside of London, but have also lived in Wales and Berlin, Germany (although my German is far from fluent), before settling down in Devon with my husband and our cat Dobby. In my free time, I enjoy getting in the sea, whether that’s paddle boarding, wild swimming or just dipping a toe in!

I am a Primary Teacher and Music Educator, and have been working at Libra since 2017. I have a background in Special Needs, having previously worked as an LSA supporting children with autism/behavioural difficulties, and physical disabilities. I play the cornet with the Barnstaple Concert Band and also teach brass, as well as supporting the Band’s training section. My other interests include riding my motorbike, shooting and archery, for which I am an instructor with the North Devon Scout groups.

As a teacher and trained SENDCo, I have over 10 years experience in schools in both England and New Zealand, mainly working with children between the ages of 4 and 8. I have learned the value of play and collaboration with peers, as well as the time to focus and solve problems independently. In my own time, I’m happiest putting on some music and spending time at home with my wife and two little boys, getting out into the woods or to the beach for a walk – as well as keeping myself active with a run, swim or a surf.

Hi, my name is Suzie and I joined the LIBRA team in June 2023. I trained to be a teacher with the school direct programme run by Plymouth University in 2018. After qualifying, I spent the first two years of my career teaching in mainstream primary schools. It was here that I found my love for working with children with additional needs. This led to me being involved in running multiple successful nurture classes for children in mainstream schools. Now, I am very much enjoying my LIBRA adventure! In my free time, I enjoy going to music concerts and walking my dog Suki at the beach.

I am excited to join the Libra team as a Forest School Practitioner. My career background is varied. I have had the experience of being a Nature Activities Ranger, Leading Forest School groups as a qualified Forest School Practitioner, First Response First Aider and Teaching Assistant.
My passion and life career has been studying Natural History, Bushcraft and Survival, continually learning new skills, techniques, facts, and knowledge of the great outdoors in varied topics, which I wish to pass on, teach, inspire, and encourage others to learn and develop. I am looking forward to being part of the Libra team and being able to help young people succeed. Outside of work, I enjoy teaching and taking part in archery as a skill and therapy and playing my flutes & Irish pipes. I also enjoy making prehistoric and non-prehistoric tools.

I have worked with young people in the outdoors for over 30 years delivering a wide range of outdoor activities. I am passionate about using the outdoor environment as a learning tool for young people developing their interpersonal skills. I hold a Certificate in Education and a Master of Arts Degree in Personal Development (Outdoor Learning) and am a qualified Forest School Leader. I have previously been the Chairman of the Institute for Outdoor Learning for Devon and Cornwall and am a keen advocate for the benefits of Learning Outside the Classroom.
Outside of work I love walking and gardening.

I have been at Libra since February 2017, for the most part as an LSA but also teaching PE which has been great, apart from the rain! I have a degree in history as well as a PGCE in primary education. In previous work I was a Primary school teacher, mostly in KS1. I came to Libra looking for a new challenge and I certainly found that here. My time outside of work is based around my family; spending time with my wife, daughter and dog called Annie, as well as a cat too! We enjoy walks in all the areas surrounding us whether it be beach or woodland.

Hi my name is Keely. I have been with Libra since August 2018, after a total career change. After having 2 children of my own I knew this was the path I wanted to take. I love that every day is different and that I can bring lots of positive energy to the school. I am level 2 Makaton trained. I have achieved a level 3 accreditation in the 5-11’s ELKLAN course. In 2022 I completed a colourful semantic course. Colourful semantics is an approach to support spoken and written language learning across the curriculum. Colourful semantics is often used to support children with speech and language difficulties, including those who have difficulties with word order, vocabulary difficulties or expressive and receptive language difficulties. When not at work I am a wife, busy mum of 2 and a mum to 2 fur babies who all keep me on my toes.

Hey I’m Aimee, I’ve worked at Libra since 2018! I trained in college for my Teaching Assistant level 3 and I also did level 2 Childcare. When I’m not having fun at work I like to bake, walk the dogs and hang out with friends.

I have worked at Libra for 10 years and genuinely love what I do. As a Learning Support Assistant, I enjoy supporting our pupils to achieve their full potential. I currently assist the Speech and Language Therapist with lessons, teach art sessions, and am proud to be a pod Leader, supporting groups across the school.
I have recently qualified as a manager and I’m proud to have developed valuable leadership, organisation, and communication skills that I bring to my work every day.
Outside of work, I love making the most of the sunshine and spending time outdoors. You’ll often find me at the beach with my spaniel, Tigger, or trying out new places for a yummy roast! Family and friends are a huge part of my life, and I’m also excited to be expecting my first little one, making this a very special chapter for me.

I have worked at Libra since January 2017 and I am a level 3 qualified Learning Support Worker. During my time at Libra I have completed additional training in understanding autism as well as the childhood and adolescence training in Thrive. I really enjoy my Thrive work, especially being able to get messy and creative in sessions with the young people. In my spare time I love taking my dog Barney out on adventures and in the warmer months going for a dip in the sea.

My name is Zoe and I am a LSW at Libra and have worked here since 2017! I have a level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care, Mental Health awareness certificate as well as NCFE level 2 in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges and Understanding Autism. I am also currently undertaking a level 3 teaching assistant apprenticeship and looking to do lots more! In my spare time I enjoy taking my daughter and French Bulldog Frank for days at the beach, baking and reading! At Libra I enjoy joining in with Art lessons and PE games and I am also a mental health advocate.

Hi, I’m India, and I live for the outdoors! I have a background as an Outdoor Instructor, having worked at various outdoor centres. I’m also a Cub Leader and love encouraging young people to get outside, build confidence and try new things. In my role as an Outdoor Education Instructor, I’m looking forward to helping children discover a love for the outdoors and enjoy all the adventures it has to offer. When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me surfing, walking, cycling or camping with my husband, our two boys and our dog, Buddy.

I am a learning support assistant here at Libra after having just graduated from university with my degree in psychology. Throughout my time at university, I discovered my passion for educational and developmental psychology, therefore, I am excited to join Libra and start this new career path. In my spare time, I enjoy going for runs and sometimes with my Labrador Charlie if he’s not feeling lazy! I also enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family.

Hi, my name is Louise, and I’ve been working as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) at Libra School for the past two years. Before joining Libra, I worked in several schools while moving around with my husband, who served in the Army. Those experiences helped me develop my skills and adapt to a variety of educational settings. Having experienced life in several different schools, I’ve learned to adapt quickly, build strong relationships, and create positive learning environments wherever I am. Over the last two years at Libra, I’ve continued to grow both personally and professionally, and I’ve really enjoyed being part of such a supportive school community. I love spending time with my family, socializing with friends, and getting out and about.

I am a Learning Support Assistant here at Libra. I am also near the end of my Thrive training and will be running sessions. I have a degree in Agriculture with Environmental Management and have previously worked in environmental education, local schools and farms. I have a keen interest in all things crafty and particularly anything woolly. In my spare time I enjoy doing musical theatre and dance.

I started driving for Libra in October 2021. I drive the children to the Farm and Forest school and other trips they may go on. Having been brought up on a farm, I really enjoy going to the school farm and helping with the children and animals. In my spare time I like to walk with my two dogs and during the first lockdown completed a virtual walk from Land’s End to John O Groats.

I have worked at Libra since 2006. In that time I have worked in many areas of the school and currently my main roles are driver, food provider and maintenance. I also look after Parsley, the small dog with whom the children play and cuddle. I enjoy time with the children in a non-tutorial role. Outside of school I enjoy living in the countryside, my family and a good book. 

My name is Ellie, and I’m looking forward to working at Libra school. I’ve done swimming teaching and lifeguarding for many years, I was also in the Royal Marines band service as a cornet & violin player. I have 1 child, and a collection of dogs! I love the outdoors and countryside, and in my spare time I enjoy walking, swimming and playing music. I’m looking forward to starting my new role.

Hi my name is Kirsty, I am looking forward to starting my Journey at Libra School. I have come from working in a Children’s residential home and am now ready to make my move into being a Learning Support Assistant to continue developing my skills. In my spare time I spend time with my husband and Children taking our dogs out for walks and spending quality time as a family.

Hi I’m Tiff! I’m so excited to begin my career at Libra as an LSA! Having grown up with my mother and brother teaching and my sister owning a nursery, I have always had a passion for childcare and education. I also home schooled our eldest daughter who has ADHD and anxiety. I’m a mum to two teenager daughter and I am also a dairy farmer. Before coming to Libra, I owned my own care business for 10 years. In my spare time, I love to walk over Exmoor with our 5 dogs or discover more Cumbrian mountains! We also love to go horse riding as a family too!

Hi my name is Jake, I’ve worked as an LSA in a school setting for the past two years and absolutely love it. I find working with children to be very rewarding and I like the idea of influencing the younger generation in a positive way. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, going on walks with our chocolate labrador, producing music and in the holidays I like to visit different countries and soak up the culture.