Meet the Team
Here at Plas Derw, we have a fantastic team of dedicated and gifted individuals. Why not read about some of them below and find out how they're involved at the Trust
Pippa Gallagher - Outdoor Learning Coordinator
I am very lucky to work for Plas Derw Trust, I work outdoors in the woods with the team, children and young people and also indoors in the office with Anjela. I have two jobs; one to find the funding to run the projects, the second is to coordinate the projects from start to finish and if I am lucky, I get to work in the woods on the projects. I have been working in the woods since 2006 and have a Masters Degree in Outdoor and Environmental Management. Both of which help me run the Trust but could not do it without the big team I have to help.
Anjela Jones - Admin Assistant
I started working for Plas Derw Trust in October 2009 and already feel like I've been here forever...but in a good way. I support Pippa in the office doing admin tasks such as letters to school's, Grant applications and also taking the holiday club bookings. I think Forest School is a brilliant concept and I love being part of it. The best part is reading the letters from the children and young people who have taken part and really enjoyed it.
Kirsten Manley - Forest School Leader
I’ve been working part time for Plas Derw Forest School for two years now, having fun in the woods with many groups and a great team. I am a qualified teacher and Forest School Leader with eleven years experience in schools and four years experience of delivering a variety of Forest School and Outdoor Learning programmes. I look forward to each week’s woodland adventures with all the fantastic groups of youngsters!
Caroleann McCallion - Forest School Leader
I have been involved with Forest School in North East Wales since its first pilot projects, around 2002. I have a working background of conservation woodland management, ecological land management, infant & junior environmental education, recycled & scrap craft activities and storytelling. I have learned that preserving and conserving nature is hard work and that, as children, we greatly benefit from close contact with nature. The work I do with Plas Derw Trust brings all of these things together in a great big giggly bundle. I love working in a woodland setting with children and alongside colleagues who are just as committed as I am.
Debbie Jones - Volunteer
Hi my name is Debbie and I'm a volunteer at Forest School. After 22 years teaching I became ill and could not work. Forest School helped me gain back some of my confidence being with people again. My job is to make sessions with the children run as smoothly as possible. I anticipate what is needed with resources and help keep the fire going all day. I join in sessions as directed by the Forest School leaders. Just an extra pair of hands and eyes really.
Carolyn Burkey - Forest School Leader
I have worked in outdoor education for over 10 years now with a background in conservation and training. I have a Post Graduate Certificate in Countryside Management as well as Assessor, Verifier and Certificate of Education qualifications in FE. I work with the Forestry Commission as well as Plas Derw and the two compliment each other well. I work with all age gorups and abilities and now have expereince in training other adults to work safely and confidently in taking children into a woodland envrinment. I am proud to be part of the team.
Charlotte Elms - Forest School Leader
Hi, my name is Charlotte and I have worked for Plas Derw for over two years. Before that, I worked on placement at Bodfari Forest School for three years whilst completing a degree in Youth Work and became absolutely hooked on the benefits of Forest School. I then decided to qualify as a Forest School Leader and I work with a variety of groups including primary school children to autistic teenagers. I love this job and love working in the woods, no matter what the weather, even the severe hailstones in May!
Jane Gallagher - Forest School Leader
I have been involved in Plas Derw trust from 2006 and completed my Forest School leader training alongside Pippa. I often work as a Forest School leader on site and help Pippa with many other tasks involved within the Trust. I was initially interested in Forest School because I have experience in working with foster children and have seen the impact that working in the outdoors can have on their development. Over time I have witnessed the positive impact that Forest School can have upon its participants which keeps me coming back to work in the woods and enjoy the company of the Forest School leaders, volunteers and participants.
Rob Mackey - Trustee
I have worked with the Plas Derw since the first days, with an idea that Forest School is the perfect way to re-engage young people with the growing environment. I have seen Plas Derw grow, organise itself, and become a well-run charitable business, providing opportunities for a wide range of young people to get out and learn from hands-on experience in woodland and the wider countryside. That growth and success has happened because of the hard work and determination of the team, Sarah in the early days, and now Pippa, supported by Anjela and the all the people who deliver the sessions for us. They make Plas Derw a success.
John Purchase - Trustee
I currently work as a Coed Cymru officer with Flintshire County Council promoting sustainable woodland management and the importance of maintaining and enhancing woodland biodiversity. I also encourage manufacturers in the wood processing sector to use Welsh timber in new and traditional products. I provide policy support to the local authority and advice on aspects of land management. I have been involved with Forest Education since 1999 and am currently a trustee of Plas Derw. My role as Coed Cymru officer enables me to directly engage with a number of Plas Derw projects especially those projects which include woodland management and timber utilisation.