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At Passion for Learning, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in Cheshire's most disadvantaged communities. Our highly trained community volunteers provide personalized one-on-one support, along with our enriching clubs and immersive experiences designed to empower children and their families. We believe every child deserves the chance to imagine, smile, and simply be themselves.
With your help we can!
Meet The Team
Steve
Chief Executive Officer
I’m incredibly proud and excited to be stepping into the role of CEO at Passion for Learning. This is more than just a job for me, it’s a genuine privilege to lead an organisation that brings joy, creativity, and enrichment to children and families who need it most.
My work journey began at the age of 18 when I joined a luxury tour operator. Over two decades in the travel industry, I developed a wide-ranging skill set across ticketing, systems development, IT support, and event planning. But when the world paused during lockdown, it gave me a unique opportunity to follow my heart. I spent a year working with a charity, delivering events and doing character work which completely changed my perspective. That experience opened the door to Passion for Learning, and I’ve never looked back.
Since joining the team, I’ve proudly worn many hats. Supporting IT, leading on social media, planning events, and bringing magic to our sessions through character work and creativity. One day I might be Jack Sparrow, the next Superman. It’s all part of creating memorable, meaningful experiences for children. I feel incredibly lucky to work for a charity where I can blend creativity, compassion, and fun to make a real difference in young lives.
Outside of work, I’m a huge movie fan, from collecting props to creating costumes. I’ve even had the chance to do lookalike and character work around the world, including on a Disney Hollywood blockbuster (with a whip or two involved!). I also coach my son’s football team and love spending time with my wonderfully supportive partner and our amazing 14-year-old son—family means everything to me so making Passion for Learning a success to support other families is what we will aim to do.
Stepping into this leadership role, I’m excited for the challenge ahead. I’m committed to building on our strong foundations, championing creativity, and working closely with schools, families, and community partners to help children thrive. This is only possible due to the unique, determined, and incredible team that I work alongside.
I truly believe this is my dream job—and I can’t wait for what comes next.
I’m incredibly proud and excited to be stepping into the role of CEO at Passion for Learning. This is more than just a job for me, it’s a genuine privilege to lead an organisation that brings joy, creativity, and enrichment to children and families who need it most.
My work journey began at the age of 18 when I joined a luxury tour operator. Over two decades in the travel industry, I developed a wide-ranging skill set across ticketing, systems development, IT support, and event planning. But when the world paused during lockdown, it gave me a unique opportunity to follow my heart. I spent a year working with a charity, delivering events and doing character work which completely changed my perspective. That experience opened the door to Passion for Learning, and I’ve never looked back.
Since joining the team, I’ve proudly worn many hats. Supporting IT, leading on social media, planning events, and bringing magic to our sessions through character work and creativity. One day I might be Jack Sparrow, the next Superman. It’s all part of creating memorable, meaningful experiences for children. I feel incredibly lucky to work for a charity where I can blend creativity, compassion, and fun to make a real difference in young lives.
Outside of work, I’m a huge movie fan, from collecting props to creating costumes. I’ve even had the chance to do lookalike and character work around the world, including on a Disney Hollywood blockbuster (with a whip or two involved!). I also coach my son’s football team and love spending time with my wonderfully supportive partner and our amazing 14-year-old son—family means everything to me so making Passion for Learning a success to support other families is what we will aim to do.
Stepping into this leadership role, I’m excited for the challenge ahead. I’m committed to building on our strong foundations, championing creativity, and working closely with schools, families, and community partners to help children thrive. This is only possible due to the unique, determined, and incredible team that I work alongside.
I truly believe this is my dream job—and I can’t wait for what comes next.
Sue
Education Development Manager
I started teaching in London over 30 years ago feeling privileged to nurture and inspire young children, challenging them to think, to ask questions and solve problems together and encouraging their creativity.
I left as Deputy Head and since then I have worked in several West Cheshire schools. During my many years in a Chester Primary School I worked across the age range and was SENCo, Assistant Head Teacher and most recently Interim Deputy.
Now I am delighted to work for Passion for Learning as Education Development Manager. My role is to develop innovative ways to enhance the life chances of the children and families that we support, and to develop learning resources to complement this.
In my personal life I have a son and a daughter and am kept busy with my young black Labrador. I love visiting new places, walking, reading, paddle-boarding and cycling.
I started teaching in London over 30 years ago feeling privileged to nurture and inspire young children, challenging them to think, to ask questions and solve problems together and encouraging their creativity.
I left as Deputy Head and since then I have worked in several West Cheshire schools. During my many years in a Chester Primary School I worked across the age range and was SENCo, Assistant Head Teacher and most recently Interim Deputy.
Now I am delighted to work for Passion for Learning as Education Development Manager. My role is to develop innovative ways to enhance the life chances of the children and families that we support, and to develop learning resources to complement this.
In my personal life I have a son and a daughter and am kept busy with my young black Labrador. I love visiting new places, walking, reading, paddle-boarding and cycling.
Kirsty
Business & Finance Manager
I have over 35 years of finance and administration experience in various roles including HR, administration management and Credit Control. My Finance experience began in purchase ledger for CF Fertilizers based in Cheshire. I then moved on to First Response Finance where I supervised a team in the sub-prime collections department. For 18 years I managed a busy office for Concept Oils in Buckley where I oversaw HR, credit control and administrative duties for the regional depot. Since June 2022 I have been the Finance and Business Manager at Passion for Learning and am currently studying for my AAT level 3. In my spare time I enjoy long walks and socialising with my husband, our two daughters, family and friends.
I have over 35 years of finance and administration experience in various roles including HR, administration management and Credit Control. My Finance experience began in purchase ledger for CF Fertilizers based in Cheshire. I then moved on to First Response Finance where I supervised a team in the sub-prime collections department. For 18 years I managed a busy office for Concept Oils in Buckley where I oversaw HR, credit control and administrative duties for the regional depot. Since June 2022 I have been the Finance and Business Manager at Passion for Learning and am currently studying for my AAT level 3. In my spare time I enjoy long walks and socialising with my husband, our two daughters, family and friends.
Louise
Volunteer Support Team Manager
I joined Passion for Learning as a Volunteer Manager in June 2019 before becoming Volunteer Support Team Manager in September 2022. Prior to this I was a Deputy Manager and SENDCO of a charity run pre-school. I have always been passionate about working with children and helping each individual to achieve their full potential. I feel privileged to be a part of the organisation, working alongside our wonderful team of volunteers and the children they support. I am mum to two wonderful grown up children and enjoy reading, cooking and walking in my spare time.
I joined Passion for Learning as a Volunteer Manager in June 2019 before becoming Volunteer Support Team Manager in September 2022. Prior to this I was a Deputy Manager and SENDCO of a charity run pre-school. I have always been passionate about working with children and helping each individual to achieve their full potential. I feel privileged to be a part of the organisation, working alongside our wonderful team of volunteers and the children they support. I am mum to two wonderful grown up children and enjoy reading, cooking and walking in my spare time.
Catherine
Volunteer Support Manager
Working with young children has always been my passion and it has been expressed through many years teaching in primary schools here and abroad, raising my own family and in church children’s work and holiday clubs. After ‘time out’ to be at home with our two girls when younger, I began volunteering with Passion for Learning, and loved supporting children in school – helping them develop in confidence and self-esteem through activities, chat and play. I loved it so much I joined the team of Volunteer Support Managers and am excited to support other volunteers in giving their time, enthusiasm and expertise to children in local schools. There is nothing better than building a relationship with a child, and seeing them flourish and grow. Outside work I love all things creative and outdoors – singing, sewing, cooking, theatre, hill walking, camping and exploring abroad when I can.
Working with young children has always been my passion and it has been expressed through many years teaching in primary schools here and abroad, raising my own family and in church children’s work and holiday clubs. After ‘time out’ to be at home with our two girls when younger, I began volunteering with Passion for Learning, and loved supporting children in school – helping them develop in confidence and self-esteem through activities, chat and play. I loved it so much I joined the team of Volunteer Support Managers and am excited to support other volunteers in giving their time, enthusiasm and expertise to children in local schools. There is nothing better than building a relationship with a child, and seeing them flourish and grow. Outside work I love all things creative and outdoors – singing, sewing, cooking, theatre, hill walking, camping and exploring abroad when I can.
Claire
Volunteer Support Manager
I have always worked in education, spending 20 years as a Primary School teacher in Cheshire. I loved being in the classroom, encouraging children to develop a love for learning and to explore their full potential.
After leaving full time teaching to devote more time to being a mum, I continued to work in education based roles, spending time as a Support Tutor, an Exams Invigilator and a Supported Internships Mentor.
I know first hand the value that Passion for Learning has, as my son worked with a PFL volunteer during his early years at Primary School.
I feel privileged to be able to share the PFL story with new volunteers, to enable more children to benefit from the support and experience they bring.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, being creative, swimming and visiting new places.
I have always worked in education, spending 20 years as a Primary School teacher in Cheshire. I loved being in the classroom, encouraging children to develop a love for learning and to explore their full potential.
After leaving full time teaching to devote more time to being a mum, I continued to work in education based roles, spending time as a Support Tutor, an Exams Invigilator and a Supported Internships Mentor.
I know first hand the value that Passion for Learning has, as my son worked with a PFL volunteer during his early years at Primary School.
I feel privileged to be able to share the PFL story with new volunteers, to enable more children to benefit from the support and experience they bring.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, being creative, swimming and visiting new places.
Mel
Fundraising and Development Manager
I joined the team after 12 years working in the Holiday Let industry and before that, travelling the world as cabin crew.
As a mum myself, I am passionate about encouraging children to explore their potential and trying new experiences they may not otherwise have; something we are privileged to do every day here at Passion for Learning.
No two days are ever the same here which I love! My role as Fundraising & Development Manager allows me to share the incredible impact the work our fantastic team do has on the individuals we support, to all our partners, funders & corporate sponsors.
Outside work I love walking with my friend’s family and my dog taking in sunrises and sunsets along the North Wales coast. I still love to travel and like to get away whenever I can ticking off places on my must see list as I go!
I joined the team after 12 years working in the Holiday Let industry and before that, travelling the world as cabin crew.
As a mum myself, I am passionate about encouraging children to explore their potential and trying new experiences they may not otherwise have; something we are privileged to do every day here at Passion for Learning.
No two days are ever the same here which I love! My role as Fundraising & Development Manager allows me to share the incredible impact the work our fantastic team do has on the individuals we support, to all our partners, funders & corporate sponsors.
Outside work I love walking with my friend’s family and my dog taking in sunrises and sunsets along the North Wales coast. I still love to travel and like to get away whenever I can ticking off places on my must see list as I go!
Chloe
Enrichment Club Supervisor
In 2008, I Studied business and administration and started working at Cheshire West and Chester council in the Housing benefit department. After 2 years I was given an opportunity to move to Germany and work for the British Army. Nervously I decided to go and start a new life, Whilst there I worked for the Mehrwertsteuer department (German VAT) and Customs & Immigration supporting army personnel, I also worked as technical support for Microsoft, Bing Ads. I moved back to the UK in 2017 and In 2020 started with PFL as a 1 to 1 volunteer in schools, whilst studying children and young people's mental health. I love working with little ones and when the role of Enrichment club supervisor became available in 2022, I jumped at the chance and was fortunate enough to gain the position. In my personal life I am a mother to a wonderful young Son, you will often find us out on an adventure, having fun.
In 2008, I Studied business and administration and started working at Cheshire West and Chester council in the Housing benefit department. After 2 years I was given an opportunity to move to Germany and work for the British Army. Nervously I decided to go and start a new life, Whilst there I worked for the Mehrwertsteuer department (German VAT) and Customs & Immigration supporting army personnel, I also worked as technical support for Microsoft, Bing Ads. I moved back to the UK in 2017 and In 2020 started with PFL as a 1 to 1 volunteer in schools, whilst studying children and young people's mental health. I love working with little ones and when the role of Enrichment club supervisor became available in 2022, I jumped at the chance and was fortunate enough to gain the position. In my personal life I am a mother to a wonderful young Son, you will often find us out on an adventure, having fun.
Rebecca
Enrichment Club Supervisor
Having had a near 15 year career in retail management doing various roles from E-Commerce, customer service, and managing training academies, I took redundancy from that sector in 2021 just before the birth of my son. Having previously volunteered for Passion for Learning I became an Enrichment Club Supervisor in November 2022 and what a privileged role it is. I thoroughly enjoy working with a diverse range of children and watching them reach their full potential. I love the work of Passion of Learning and really believe in our ethos and what we are striving to achieve. My spare time is devoted to spending time with my son and also volunteering in other projects that are close to my heart, particularly supporting women through their infant feeding journeys.
Having had a near 15 year career in retail management doing various roles from E-Commerce, customer service, and managing training academies, I took redundancy from that sector in 2021 just before the birth of my son. Having previously volunteered for Passion for Learning I became an Enrichment Club Supervisor in November 2022 and what a privileged role it is. I thoroughly enjoy working with a diverse range of children and watching them reach their full potential. I love the work of Passion of Learning and really believe in our ethos and what we are striving to achieve. My spare time is devoted to spending time with my son and also volunteering in other projects that are close to my heart, particularly supporting women through their infant feeding journeys.
Sarah Finlay
Enrichment Club Supervisor
I have worked in the childcare sector for over 15 years including running my own holiday club. I had a break from the industry for a few years due to suffering from a breakdown when I had my youngest child (who is now 6). During this period I set up my own mental health charity for mums suffering from pre and post natal mental health challenges. I decided that I wanted to do more to fulfil my professional development and was given a fantastic opportunity to be an enrichment club supervisor. Working for Passion For Learning really aligns with and the ethos is something that makes me really passionate about my role. At the weekends you will find me running around after my 3 children taking them to their activities, if I’m really lucky and get some free time I enjoy going to gigs, restaurants and going for walks. I love going to the gym and for walk and talks as it really has a positive impact on my mental wellbeing.
I have worked in the childcare sector for over 15 years including running my own holiday club. I had a break from the industry for a few years due to suffering from a breakdown when I had my youngest child (who is now 6). During this period I set up my own mental health charity for mums suffering from pre and post natal mental health challenges. I decided that I wanted to do more to fulfil my professional development and was given a fantastic opportunity to be an enrichment club supervisor. Working for Passion For Learning really aligns with and the ethos is something that makes me really passionate about my role. At the weekends you will find me running around after my 3 children taking them to their activities, if I’m really lucky and get some free time I enjoy going to gigs, restaurants and going for walks. I love going to the gym and for walk and talks as it really has a positive impact on my mental wellbeing.
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