Partnerships Team Ella Peterman Literacy Delivery Officer Ella studied Drama at the University of Manchester. In her final year, she focused on Applied Theatre, working with those affected by the criminal justice system and homelessness. After graduating, she founded a drama company which used drama as a tool to encourage emotional and social well-being. She also completed the Teach First programme, teaching in schools across Birmingham and London. Freya Macdonald-Osborne Literacy Development Officer Freya graduated from the University of East Anglia with a BA in English Literature. From there she went to work in the Special Educational Needs department of a state secondary school, where she worked closely alongside young people with ASD and ADHD. Freya is currently studying towards an MA in 'Human Rights, Culture and Social Justice'. James Dunbar Partnerships Manager Before joining WLZ, James worked for 8 years as Creative Producer for Chickenshed Theatre. In this role, he developed a programme of inclusive theatre projects for children and young people in West London, working in partnership with a range of organisations, schools and local community groups. James trained as a dancer at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and has worked across the community arts sector as a performer, teacher, theatre maker and producer. Kate Fabian Literacy Delivery Officer Kate is an Australian with a background in community planning and social research; having worked in government, private sector and NGO roles. Kate has BAs in Human Geography and Teaching, and a CELTA qualification, and has taught English and Geography in a range of settings, from adults to Nursery children. Kate is a safeguarding governor at her local primary school and is passionate about children having the opportunity to experience a safe and happy childhood, as well as to develop skills for later life. Kate Walters Literacy Delivery Officer Kate has completed a BA in Philosophy and Literature at the University of Warwick and an MSc in the Philosophy of Science at the LSE. She has previously worked in communications for organisations including the National Trust, and has also enjoyed spending time with young children as a trustee of a charity pre-school. Kate Welsh Head of Partnerships Kate joins West London Zone from an Arts and Education background, having worked for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Into Film and various schools and PRUs. She has extensive leadership experience in mobilising cross-sectors partnerships to support young people and in designing outreach programmes. She is an advocate for early intervention and creating sustainable opportunities for young people. Macalla Duffy Academic Support Manager Macalla joins West London Zone from SEO Scholars, where she worked on closing the opportunity gap for New York City high school students. At SEO she coordinated academic programming and led student and family engagement efforts. Prior to that, she taught English to primary school students in France. Maria Benitez Partnerships Officer (Community) Maria studied French and Psychology at the University of Surrey and spent a year of her studies teaching extra-curricular English to children in Rennes, France. After graduating, she spent nearly 2 years working in a pupil referral unit supporting children and young people with behavioural and special educational needs. This is where her drive to support children and families began. Ruba Aljarf Partnerships & Insights Manager Ruba joins West London Zone from Wellcome Trust where she managed different portfolios related to Teacher Development and Young people as changemakers in their communities. Ruba has significant experience in managing and overseeing projects focusing on education, youth empowerment and youth mental health. Ruba passionately champions educational initiatives that improve children’s quality of life. Victoria Proctor Literacy Delivery Officer Victoria studied at King's College London where she gained her first degree in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. Alongside this, she held various roles in the charity sector, including at IntoUniversity where she supported young people to access higher education and provided pastoral support. She returned to King's College London in 2020 to complete a Master's degree in Philosophy, whilst working at Explore Learning where she encouraged fearless learning in young people. Victoria is an advocate of social mobility and equal access.