Link Work Team Amra Chohan Link Worker Amra graduated in Business & IT from London South Bank University and has been teaching SEN and vulnerable children in a mainstream setting within the inclusion faculty for the past four years concentrating on raising maths and literacy standards alongside managing a team of TA’s and various interventions to aid the children. As well as this Amra was able to achieve level 3 ELKLAN which specialises in speech-language and communication. In addition, Amra’s role within the school was to provide social and emotional support for pastoral care. Prior to this Amra was teaching in a primary school setting. Annabel Thody Link Work Area Manager Annabel studied a degree in English Language and Literature at the University of Sheffield, after a childhood spent in California and schooling in South Wales. After this, she started a career in the prison service working as an English teacher with juveniles, young adults and adults. This took her through a PGCE at Cardiff University and later, a Masters degree in Education from King’s College London. Her research focus specifically addressed the sociolinguistic presentation of young adult offenders and its relationship to educational attainment. West London Zone presents a new and exciting challenge. Angie Bustamante Arias Link Worker Angie completed her degree in Education Studies and Psychology at Nottingham Trent University. Following this, she started working at an SEMH secondary school as a teaching assistant and English teacher. In this role, she gained experience in working with a targeted group of individuals, learning various interventions. She then moved abroad to China to teach English. After returning Angie wanted to continue to work with young people and discovered WLZ, whose values inspired her to take on the role of a Link Worker. Bethany Chisholm Link Worker Whilst studying Criminology with Substance Misuse Intervention Strategy at the University of Brighton, Bethany gained experience in facilitating group in local service to promote well-being and recovery. After graduating, Bethany began working with young people in a life skills centre. The focus of this work was to nurture young peoples' interests and help to develop their self-confidence. Bethany O Sullivan Link Worker Beth completed her degree in History at Newcastle University. Following this, she worked as a Learning Support Assistant in an SEN primary school working with a range of children with complex needs. In this role, she gained an interest in the benefits of targeted group and individual interventions with children and young people. Prior to studying at university Beth gained experience in various settings working with children and young people. Beth Smith Link Work Manager Beth studied Human, Social and Political Sciences at the University of Cambridge. She then worked as a Primary Teaching Assistant in North London. She also has experience volunteering with refugees, women and children. Bonnie Heaton Link Worker Bonnie studied Popular Music Performance at the British Institute of Modern Music (BIMM) in London. Though her passion was for Music and The Arts, upon graduating in 2018, she decided to try something new. This led her to delve into the world of Education. Bonnie quickly realised her love for working with children and young people through her role as a General / SEN TA in various primary schools. She gained hands-on experience working mainly with children in KS1 who had Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. After discovering the incredible work WLZ does she felt greatly inspired to take on a new exciting challenge and join the team. Brandy Mongoy Link Worker Brandy studied Law and Criminology at the University of Sheffield. Shortly after, she worked as an oracy mentor and Mace Judge with a focus on improving oracy skills, specifically public speaking and debating skills with young children. Most recently, she worked as a teaching assistant with autistic children. Bryony Blood Smyth Link Worker During her geography degree at Royal Holloway University of London, Bryony focused on the displacement of urban communities which sparked her interest in youth work and community projects. Bryony spent time in Nicosia, Cyprus working with a writer and activist and was involved in several projects working with marginalised communities in the divided city; upon her return to the UK she pursued opportunities in youth work and worked as pastoral support in a school in Westminster. Caroline Wilkinson Link Worker Caroline graduated in Communications from Brunel University before studying for her PGCE, also at Brunel. She then taught in a primary school for seven years, spending some of this time working with children with special educational needs. She also has experience tutoring through the National Tutoring Programme and volunteering with young people in her local area. She has lived in west London all her life. Catherine Bradon Link Worker Catherine graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Nottingham and went on to complete a PGCE at the University of Roehampton. She has worked as a primary school teacher in London across both Key Stage 1 and 2 for many years and is passionate about supporting children to achieve their potential. Charlotte Norris Link Worker/Literacy Delivery officer Charlotte completed her degree in Psychology at the University of Lincoln and then went on to complete her Masters in Developmental Psychology. Charlotte has a background in both Teaching Assistant and teaching roles across the Primary School phase. She is looking forward to taking on training in play therapy and how she can incorporate this into her role as a Link Worker. Eleanor Brown Link Work Manager and Link Worker Eleanor graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Childhood Studies. Her experience volunteering for a local domestic abuse charity in Bristol lead her to work for Refuge as a Children’s Support Worker before joining West London Zone. Fardowsa Mohamed Link Worker Fardowsa has worked with children, young people and families for the past 19 years within social services, various charities, schools and the community. Fardowsa is very passionate about working with children and young people to support them rise to their full potential and help them access opportunities within the community. Fardowsa loves travelling and learning about different cultures to gain new experiences to improve her practice. Fatima Hussein Link Work Manager Fatima studied English Literature, Language and Linguistics at the University of Roehampton. She then worked as a Secondary Teaching Assistant and Cover Supervisor in south west London. She also has experience tutoring and volunteering with young people in her local area. Frankie Wakefield Link Worker Frankie graduated from the University of Sussex with a BA in Social Work. She worked with The Prince's Trust and with the Hastings Duty team, where she became passionate about the benefits of long term support work with children and young people. For the past few years, Frankie has worked in a graphic design studio. Haleema Malik Link Worker Haleema completed her undergraduate in Psychology with Criminology from Middlesex University. She further went on to complete a Postgraduate degree in MSc Organisational Psychiatry and Psychology from King’s College London. Following this, she started working at a secondary school as an SEN teaching assistant and literacy teacher. By doing this role she gained experience in working with a targeted group of individuals and learning various interventions. This developed her interest in wanting to work with young people and discovered WLZ, whose values inspired her to take on the role of a Link Worker. Hannah Nicholson Link Worker Whilst studying Politics and International Relations at the University of Bath, Hannah had the opportunity, through City Year UK, to mentor and run early interventions with young people in Camden. During her degree, she also worked within the Widening Participation team, tohelp under-represented communities access university study. Additionally, through working with Future Foundations, she helped coach young people into becoming leaders within their local communities. Harrison Wright Link Worker Whilst studying Philosophy and Spanish at the University of Bristol, Harrison gained experience working with early years children teaching English as a foreign language in Madrid. After graduation, he gained experience as a teaching assistant at a secondary school in West London working alongside students with special needs. In his spare time Harrison is a keen musician and aims to bring elements from this to his practice. Idil Hussein Link Worker Idil studied Psychology at the University of Essex, in her final year she focused on developmental disorders, cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. Idil then worked with children with learning difficulties in SEN secondary and sixth form to promote independence. In recent years before joining WLZ, Idil worked as a behavioural therapist for children with Autism, using principles of Applied Behavioural Analysis to teach academic, social, self-help and language & communication skills. Jess Nash Link Worker Jess has a degree in Fine Art & Related Arts and completed a 2-year post-grad Foundation in Integrative Arts/Child Therapy. She went on to become a volunteer counsellor for leading children’s mental health charity, Place2Be, and supported children in small groups and 1:1 in her role of therapeutic play-worker at The Family School. Additionally, Jess managed 1:1 yoga therapy provision, school outreach and teacher training programmes for The Special Yoga Centre; supporting children and families living with special and/or additional needs. She has lived in west London for most of her professional life. Joe Lodge Brent Area Manager Joe has worked in education for 15 years in a number of different roles. He has coordinated the transition between primary and secondary phases for a Secondary School in Havering and most recently led a team in an SEN school that provided pastoral support to its pupils. He had the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead in school and enjoys forging strong working relationships with professionals and external agencies. John Howells Link Worker John is a qualified Personal Trainer who has also completed a Bachelors degree in Business Tourism and a PGCE in Primary Education. Before joining WLZ he created and managed his fitness brand - Impact body and mind, and more recently gained qualified teacher status while working in a London primary school. In addition, he has taught English as an additional language in Italy and online. John is a big fan of movement breaks and outdoor learning. Joyce Papparlardo Link Worker Joyce graduated from the University of Roehampton with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Counselling and then went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Attachment Studies. She really wanted to work with children so, after graduating, she worked in a primary school as a TA where she specialised in 1-1 and small group work for children with a wide range of needs. Alongside that role, Joyce was also the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead of the school. Juanita Benkirane Link Worker After completing her BA in Criminology, she has built up several years of experience mentoring young offenders and providing behavioural support in a primary school. In addition to being a WLZ Link worker, as a qualified therapist, Juanita spends a day a week working with the leading national children’s mental health charity, Place2Be. Juanita Moore Link Worker Juanita has a degree in Childhood and Youth Studies and is passionate about working with children, empowering and supporting them to reach their full potential. She has worked with the NSPCC and Home-Start. Juanita enjoys traveling and prior to joining West London Zone worked as Airline Cabin Crew. Kamal Elghailani Link Worker Kamal studied at the University of Sussex, his studies focused on the development and effect media had on young people. During his time at university, he became a skateboarding coach, aiding primary school children with their motor and confidence skills. This led him into becoming a 1-1 in secondary school in south west London for three years. Kamal has led and run key development sessions such as Lego therapy, homework club, and reading intervention. Kamaldeep Kaur Link Worker Kam has recently completed a degree in Primary Education at the University of Greenwich. She has worked with children for a number of years, in a range of settings including education, childcare, and youth work. Kam is passionate about working with children and young people to support them to reach their full potential. Katie Devane Link Worker Katie studied Childhood and Youth at The University of Northampton. During this time she worked in a residential children's home, with young people aged 8-18 years old. She also volunteered at various services for children and young people such as a local counselling service and a youth club. After Katie completed her studies, she continued her work in a nursery and also as a part-time Female Youth Development worker where she worked with vulnerable females aged 12-17 within a mainstream school and a pupil referral unit. Katie Donovan Link Worker Katie studied English Literature at Swansea University, before going on to gain her Masters in Applied Theatre from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Here she was involved in various youth theatre projects and supported young people in expressing themselves and building confidence through drama and performing. Before joining West London Zone, Katie completed the Teach First Leadership Development Programme and taught as a class teacher in a primary school for two years. Layla Kido Link Worker Layla's interest in working with children and young people began with her role as a senior mentor for young people with the National Citizen Service (NCS). She enjoyed connecting and engaging the young people through fun and exciting workshops, residential trips and supporting their social development. Whilst studying for her undergraduate degree, she worked part-time as a Koru Kids nanny. For her undergraduate degree, she studied BSc Psychology at Brunel University and upon completing that, worked as a learning support assistant (LSA) at the London Oratory School. She then went on to study for her master's at UCL in MSc Global Health and Development. Prior to joining WLZ as a Link Worker, Layla worked as a teaching assistant (TA) at a special educational needs school which she also thoroughly enjoyed. Lucy Bilson Link Worker Whilst studying for her undergraduate degree in Ancient History, Lucy helped to run an educational organisation aimed at supporting children who were missing out on opportunities due to the Covid-19 Lockdowns. This led to an interest in inequalities in the education sector and subsequent work as an Interventions Tutor at a primary school. This involved working with small groups of children across the school to get them to a similar level to their peers in the core subjects. Mark Evans Head of Link Work Before joining WLZ Mark worked as a teacher in a local secondary school. Prior to this he worked for a cluster of schools in south west London developing provision for children and families and before this developing a mentoring programme for vulnerable young people in collaboration with a Youth Offending team. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge in developing services for children, young people and their families across the public, statutory and the third sector. In his spare time, he is a keen sportsman. Megan Templeman Link Worker Megan studied English with Study Abroad at the University of Exeter. Her experience volunteering for a youth mentoring charity whilst at university led her to pursue a career in the charity sector and she completed the Charityworks Graduate Scheme in 2019. Most recently, she has worked at a children’s hospice, working closely with children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Megan also has experience tutoring and has volunteered in schools and with NGOs. Mia O'Connell Link Work Manager Mia studied German and Mandarin at the University of Birmingham. She then qualified as a secondary school teacher in Essex, before joining West London Zone as a Link Worker in Westminster in 2019. Mia then worked overseas in a mental health role and as a Y3 class teacher at an international school in Bangkok, whilst freelancing as a social skills interventionist for a special education centre. Nadia Carrier Solomon Link Worker Nadia studied Politics and Sociology at Newcastle University. Since then, Nadia has worked as a Learning Support Assistant in a primary school setting, primarily supporting children with additional behavioural needs. Alongside this, Nadia worked as a Project Leader for a mentoring charity and as a Play Worker for an organisation within the local council. Olayinka Goldfeather Link Work Manager With a degree in Illustration and a qualification in children's counselling from Place2Be, Ola has a passion for working creatively with children and young people to support their emotional well being. As well as working at West London Zone, Ola is a coach and workshop facilitator, mentoring and supporting teenage girls to build their confidence, self-esteem and skills. She also has experience in inner London primary schools as a learning mentor and teaching assistant. Phoebe Young Link Work Manager Phoebe has experience working in a variety of youth charity and education settings, including at the National Citizen Service and teaching English in French and Ghanaian secondary schools. Prior to West London Zone, she was a Programme Coordinator for Action Tutoring in primary schools across North London, working to close the attainment gap and deliver academic support during Covid-19. She is passionate about WLZ’s early intervention, multi-agency and community-focused approach. Priya Patel Link Worker Priya is a graduate of Psychology from Coventry University. She has been mentoring for the last few years and has found her calling. Alongside this, she has also volunteered for the National Hindu Students Forum UK which is the largest Hindu student organization in the UK and has helped organize national events. Priya's passions are anything creative or arts and crafts related and in her spare time specialising in Mehndi (Henna) but is happy to give anything creative a go! Rebecca Farrell Link Work Manager Rebecca studied English and American Literature at the University of Kent. She has experience working in the Education and Charity sector. Rebecca is a qualified Primary School Teacher, specialising in Early Years. Before WLZ, she taught in the Nursery at her local infant school for 7 years. Rebecca was part of the Middle Leadership team, responsible for the Learning Environment and leading on the subject of Writing across the school. She also has experience volunteering with Crisis, supporting people experiencing homelessness, and with her local hospital as a Dementia Buddy. Sarah Walsh Link Worker Sarah completed a degree in Primary Education in Canterbury and went on to teach in primary schools, specifically within the Early Years Foundation Stage. After several years, she decided to take her teaching abroad and worked as a TEFL teacher and as a volunteer in an orphanage. Seema Ahmed Link Worker Seema has been working with children and young people for over 10 years and has also studied International Relations at Queen Mary University. From volunteering in her local community centre, to becoming a play worker, she was able to gain an excellent understanding of child development. This included recognising the disadvantages that many children face in accessing activities and positive enriching experiences. Therefore, Seema focused on introducing new activities for children to discover such as: regular badminton sessions, hair braiding lessons and exploring henna art. From this, she was able to strengthen her relationship with the children as they enjoyed embracing their creative side and learning new skills. She is passionate to continue this path to encourage children and young people realise that there are no limitations to the greatness they can achieve Sinead Earl Link Worker Sinead studied Theology and R.S. with Classics at St Mary's College, Twickenham before completing a PGCE in Primary education at Greenwich University. She worked as a Teacher in London for 12 years and also spent time teaching overseas, in Beijing China before joining WLZ. She was born in West London and is passionate about helping all children to thrive and reach their full potential. Sofia Gaetani Morris Link Worker Prior to joining West London Zone, Sofia worked as an advocate providing holistic support to women in contact with, or at risk of being in contact with the criminal justice system. She has also worked as a Youth Group Worker with young migrants, asylum seekers and trafficked young people. Sofia spent time in Sicily, Italy where she worked as a supply teacher and volunteered in a refugee community centre. Sofia studied Social Anthropology and History at SOAS, University of London, and is passionate about working with people, creating positive societal change and empowering others. Sophie Carty Link Worker Sophie completed her MA in Education and International Development at UCL in 2021, and is continuing to study Arabic at SOAS. Prior to that, Sophie studied English and Drama at Queen Mary University of London. She has also volunteered with education charities in Greece and Phnom Penh. Thomas Hacker Link Worker Thomas graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Psychology and then went on to complete a Masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Brunel. During his degree Thomas worked as a children’s football coach, which led him to his next role providing sports development and pastoral support at a primary school. For the past few years Thomas has worked as a researcher fora leadership development organisation. Tilly Tappenden Link Worker Tilly studied a joint honours degree in War Studies and History at King's College London University. Whilst at university Tilly volunteered with the breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!, encouraging her fellow students to check themselves regularly for early signs of breast cancer. After graduating, Tilly worked as a teaching assistant at a primary school in West Sussex before joining a Trainee Detective programme at Surrey Police. After a year of working in the police, Tilly left to become an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate at a women's aid charity where she supported young people aged 11-25. Tilly has always enjoyed working with children and young people and is passionate about supporting them to thrive. Victoria Proctor Link Worker Victoria graduated from King's College London with a BA in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics and an MA in Philosophy. Alongside her studies, she provided pastoral support to young people as a Mentor and Youth Engagement Intern with a local charity focusing on equal access to higher education, as well as being involved in homeless outreach. More recently, Victoria has volunteered as a Crisis Counsellor for mental health charity Shout, offering support to those in crisis via a text line. She has also worked with young people as a Tutor and then later as a Literacy Delivery Officer here at WLZ. Zoe Ball Link Worker With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a PGCE in Primary Education, Zoe has always been fascinated with how children learn. She has worked in a number of different schools having been a teacher, Maths Lead and previously an LSA. More recently, she has worked in educational technology, including creating resources and training teachers. She is incredibly passionate about supporting children to fulfil their potential.