Every new starter brings their own experience, skills and passion for helping children and young people thrive.
To help everyone get to know some of the newest members of the team, we’ve caught up with five colleagues who joined us in September to learn more about their backgrounds, what attracted them to Dare2Dream, and a few interesting facts about them.
Rachel Smith
Functional Skills Maths Tutor
Rachel joined Dare2Dream’s Post-16 team and was immediately drawn to our commitment to supporting young people as individuals.
Having worked in education for many years, Rachel is passionate about helping learners build confidence in maths and achieve qualifications that open doors for their future. She is particularly excited about supporting young people to recognise their strengths and reach their potential.
Three quick questions
What attracted you to Dare2Dream?
The organisation’s commitment to understanding each young person’s unique needs and helping them build confidence and resilience.
What are you most looking forward to?
Supporting learners to achieve their goals and celebrate their successes.
Interesting fact:
Rachel enjoys paranormal investigations and has taken part in several overnight ghost hunts!
Sarah McManus
SEND & Inclusion Lead Manager
With more than 25 years of experience in SEND, safeguarding and education leadership, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge to Dare2Dream.
Sarah was inspired by the organisation’s vision of creating opportunities for young people who may have previously struggled to engage in traditional educational settings.
Three quick questions
What attracted you to Dare2Dream?
The opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people’s lives through innovative and inclusive provision.
What are you most looking forward to?
Helping shape and further develop our Post-16 SEND and Inclusion services.
Interesting fact:
Sarah is a proud nanny to six grandchildren and shares her home with three dachshunds.
Poppy Phillips
Mental Health & Wellbeing Practitioner
Poppy joined our Mental Health & Wellbeing team with a passion for supporting children and young people to improve their emotional wellbeing and resilience.
Since joining Dare2Dream, she has enjoyed building positive relationships and helping young people work towards their goals.
Three quick questions
What attracted you to Dare2Dream?
The organisation’s focus on making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people.
What are you most looking forward to?
Supporting young people to develop confidence and improve their wellbeing.
Interesting fact:
Poppy’s dogs, Pickles and Patatas, are often the stars of conversation.
Deborah Ricks
Post-16 Tutor
Deborah brings more than two decades of experience in education and has already seen the impact that personalised support can have on young people’s lives.
One recent success involved helping a young person who had become socially isolated to access work experience and community activities, demonstrating the life-changing outcomes that can be achieved through tailored support.
Three quick questions
What attracted you to Dare2Dream?
The organisation’s person-centred approach and commitment to helping young people achieve their aspirations.
What are you most looking forward to?
Supporting young people to grow in confidence and develop independence.
Interesting fact:
Deborah recently celebrated her birthday by taking a sheep for a walk!
Isabelle Harper
Mental Health & Wellbeing Practitioner
Isabelle joined Dare2Dream because of its focus on recognising individual needs and creating opportunities for children and young people to succeed.
She is excited to develop her professional skills while contributing positively to the lives of the young people we support.
Three quick questions
What attracted you to Dare2Dream?
The opportunity to support young people in achieving positive outcomes and overcoming barriers.
What are you most looking forward to?
Building meaningful relationships and making a difference every day.
Interesting fact:
Isabelle believes that even the smallest act of kindness can have a lasting impact on someone’s day.
Welcome to the team
These five colleagues represent just a small snapshot of the 52 talented people who joined Dare2Dream during September.
Every new starter strengthens our ability to support children and young people across our services, and we’re delighted to welcome them all to the organisation.
We look forward to seeing the difference they make in the months and years ahead.
Welcome to The Dare2Dream Foundation! 🎉
