Management Team Expand Mark Willmore - Head of Learning, Training and Employment Mark has 15 years’ experience working as a Careers Adviser, Learning Coach and Strategic Manger working to increase opportunities for young people and women furthest away from the labour market. Mark believes everyone deserves an opportunity to unlock their potential. He still tries to play football for his local team and enjoys watching all sport! Lisa Gardiner - Curriculum & Quality Manager Lisa has worked in post 16 education for over 25 years. She has always specialised in literacy and numeracy skills development and previously acted as a consultant for Welsh Government in Basic Skills. Lisa enjoys baking cakes, walking her dogs and gardening Gareth Hawkins - Contract Manager Gareth has worked in post 16 education for over 15 years and has a background in teaching and youth work. In his spare time, Gareth enjoys hiking with his dogs and has a keen interest in DIY. Dionne Llewellyn - Contract Adminstrator Dionne has 9 years admin experience, and joined the Education at Llamau team after a successful Jobs Growth Wales placement. Dionne enjoys going to the cinema, shopping and has a love for animals. Matt Parry - Involvement and Engagement Manager Matt has been a qualified youth and community worker for over 30 years, and has worked in both the voluntary and statutory sectors. Matt is passionate about creating opportunities for those he works with to thrive, and be the best version of themselves. Outside of work, Matt enjoys travel, trips away in his campervan and all things Elvis!
Post 16 Tutors & Learner Support Assistants Expand Please be aware that staff work peripatetically and may be required to work in more than one area. Heather Morrison – Tutor (Vale of Glamorgan) Heather has been a post 16 lecturer for over 18 years. Loves the outdoors, cooking cakes and following the Welsh rugby. Melissa Eskins – Tutor (Bridgend) Melissa has worked in Post 16 education as a Lecturer in secondary schools and the private education sector, specifically working with those with behavioral, emotional and social difficulties. Melissa loves seeing young people grow and develop and wants to give them the best opportunity to be successful. In her spare time Melissa enjoys walking her Miniature Schnauzer, spending time with family and playing Lawn Green bowls. Sian Llewellyn - Tutor (Caerphilly) Sian has teaching experience in Maths at secondary school. She enjoys supporting young people to develop their skills and confidence. Sian has a keen interest in art and travelling. Kevin Hougardy - Tutor (Cardiff) Kevin has worked in education for 25 years. The last 5 years have been in the Llamau Education at Llamau team. Before joining Llamau, he taught history and was a head of year in Key Stage 4. In his spare time, he enjoys walking, the cinema and eating out. Emma Kasocheka - Tutor (Blaenau Gwent) Emma has over 10 years’ experience working with children and young people. After completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Youth and Community Development, Emma worked with different youth organisations in Africa, helping to implement UNICEF funded projects which aimed to empower young people. She also taught basic skills in rural schools in Malawi. Emma is adventurous and enjoys Taekwon-do, swimming and loves animals. Sammy Lacey - Tutor (RCT) Sammy completed a Fine Art Painting Degree and then went on to complete a PGCE. She has 5 years experience teaching and loves the energy that comes from working with young people. In her spare time Sammy loves all things Harry Potter, spending time with her friends and baking delicious treats! Amanda Jones – Tutor (RCT) Amanda has taught Religious Studies for over 15 years in secondary schools in Merthyr Tydfil and Newport. She loves being able to give support to young people to help improve their opportunities. In her spare time she enjoys running, reading, relaxing and taking her children rock climbing. Laura Wheeler - Lead Post 16 Tutor Laura is a fully qualified youth worker and tutor, who has worked with young people in both statutory and voluntary settings since 2006. She enjoys listening to music, dancing and anything Harry Potter. Amy Morgan - Tutor (Blaenau Gwent) Amy is a qualified secondary school teacher who has experience in community education and a degree in Religious Studies. Her interests include reading, gardening and walking her dogs. Denise Pickersgill - Tutor (Bridgend) Denise is a qualified teacher in post compulsory education, who has experience with teaching Maths and Essential Skills to young people within colleges and community settings. In her spare time she enjoys music, festivals, camping and quizzes David Skillern - Post 16 Tutor (Caerphilly) David has worked in Post 16 Education as a lecturer in Colleges in South Wales and England and for the past 8 years has worked as a tutor via EOTAS in Caerphilly. David relishes new challenges and loves supporting all the young people he works with and seeing their achievements and successes. In his spare time he loves spending time with his family and also volunteers on Hospital Radio Glamorgan where he presents 2 live shows a week! Marites Withey – Learning Support Assistant (Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly & RCT) Tess has been working a number of years within Education as a Learning Support Assistant, enjoying working and supporting young children at early age and young adults. Supporting learners, Tess has found it very rewarding especially seeing them achieve their goals. In her spare time Tess enjoys preparing and cooking Oriental cuisine as well as gardening. Megan Nickles – Post 16 Tutor (Cardiff) Megan has a degree in Education and has 5 years teaching experience. She loves creating an engaging learning environment that allows learners to develop their skills and talents while building their confidence. In her spare time, Megan enjoys visiting other countries and participating in adventure activities like kayaking and climbing. Suzanna Checchi – Learning Support Assistant (Vale) Suzanna has worked in post 16 education for over 20 years, specifically supporting learners with additional learning needs. Suzanna enjoys all things arts crafts, history related, live music and especially musicals, is an avid reader and loves to walk her dog Lola along the clifftops. Chloe Roberts-Dornbrack - Post 16 Tutor (RCT) Chloe completed her degree in English Language & Linguistics in 2022. After completing the course, Chloe worked at a college teaching English Language GCSE & Functional Skills. In this role Chloe worked with people from a variety of backgrounds, specifically learners with additional needs & behavioural difficulties. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and reading. Adrian Jones – Tutor (Vale of Glamorgan) Adrian has been teaching and mentoring post 16 students for over 15 years. He has worked in residential support, has been a lecturer in Coleg Gwent to asylum seekers and refugees, taught English to a wide variety of international students, taught life skills and music qualifications with Cardiff & Vale College (Ministry of Life). In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, songwriting and regularly performs in his band.
Progression Coaches Expand Darren Williams - Progression Coach (Caerphilly & Blaenau Gwent) Darren has worked with Llamau for over 5 years and has a clear vision about the future of the young people we support. Darren has a forward thinking approach and is driven by the belief that he can turn all doubters into believers! Elli Jones – Progression Coach (Cardiff) Elli has been working with Llamau for over 18 years and is passionate about presenting educational and work options to young people, so they can develop new skills and progress with their lives. In her spare time Elli enjoys photography walks with friends, camping, and gardening. Sophie Ali – Progression Coach (Bridgend & Vale) Sophie is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and is passionate about promoting the importance of education. During her free time, Sophie enjoys long walks with her two dogs and spending time with her family. Lori Fear – Progression Coach (RCT) Lori has a background working with a variety of young people and it’s her passion to support these young people to acknowledge and achieve their full potential. Lori is a huge nature lover and likes to spend her spare time having adventures and making memories with her family.