Meet the Team

Alex has 21 years of experience in the education sector, research-based knowledge and understanding, with a proven track record in SEND and Inclusion.

Particular areas of expertise include child development, Psychology, Special Education Needs, Inclusion, SEMH and Wellbeing.

Alex has a Degree from Oxford Brookes University in Education with a focus on SEND and a Masters Degree in Inclusive Education from the University of Gloucestershire where, amongst other things, she researched SPLD intervention and Adapted Nurture.

I have had a long career in the Justice sector working with families, children, victims of crime and people who have committed offences. I have a strong commitment to working in a relational, connected way and the Trainer Consultant role at KCA sits firmly with this commitment. I have always gravitated towards roles that involve developing myself and others, and partnering with the range of sectors and practitioners that KCA's knowledge base reaches is both fascinating and humbling.

Catherine is a highly experienced school leader, having previously been a Deputy Headteacher at two Secondary Schools, a rural comprehensive and an inner-city Academy. With extensive experience in pastoral leadership, learning and teaching and student progress she understands the challenges of operational leadership, whilst driving strategic priorities. She is passionate about mental health and wellbeing for both children and the adults in their lives. Catherine recently joined KCA as Director of Learning.

Having grown up in care, I am passionate about the provision of stable, loving environments for vulnerable children, and I recognise that equipping the children's workforce with the right skills and knowledge is a route to achieving this.

It's wonderful to work in an organisation & with so many other people who want to and really do, make a positive difference to peoples lives.

Email: daniel.cairns@kca.training

Tel: 07999 447 584

I have worked in this sector for twelve years and it's a real buzz for me to be involved in helping practitioners support some of the most vulnerable children in our society. Outside work I am kept busy by my family and also enjoy walking my dog, cooking and going to gigs.

Email: david.robinson@kca.training
Tel: 07788 414 023

I have worked in the Education sector for the past 24 years in a variety of different roles across both the Primary and Secondary sectors. Initially as a Primary school teacher, then as a Deputy Head teacher and eventually moving into Secondary Education becoming an Intervention tutor and Learning Community Leader.

I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people, whether it was through direct teaching or latterly, overseeing pastoral student support and interventions that provide positive outcomes.

I aim to use my skillset in the role of Project Co-ordinator with KCA, to support and help the associates and trainers deliver their quality training to professionals working with some of the most vulnerable young people in our society .

In my spare time, I enjoy cycling around the fantastic countryside that Gloucestershire has to offer, and trying – mostly in vain - to produce some edible produce on my allotment!

I have worked for many years supporting vulnerable children and families and also adults in custody. Whilst working with these groups, I witnessed the lack of knowledge among many carers/practitioners around trauma and its effects and always felt it was a gap that required bridging.

I feel super privileged to be working for an organisation that seeks to impart the knowledge and research around trauma, to those working in our society, knowing that working in a trauma informed way, will improve outcomes for all.

In my spare time, I am Club Welfare Officer at our local football club and help run the U16s and U18s teams, alongside my husband (admin rather than coaching) and I have 3 children and 2 dogs who keep me very busy and active.

After a lifetime working with vulnerable children and their families, I find joy in sharing ideas with others who are taking such work forward. Our associates take the work of researchers and theorists from around the world and make it useful for everyday life and work.

I studied Anthropology at the University of Sussex.

I care about people and working for KCA allows me to support vulnerable people and their families.

Lara has had a varied career journey, starting out in graphic design, then as the owner of a café before retraining as a counsellor and a book-keeper.

During the Covid pandemic Lara worked for meals on wheels; delivering hot meals to the elderly and vulnerable. At the same time she began transporting rescue dogs from Cyprus to the UK.

Lara has joined KCA as a Finance Assistant. Lara enjoys working with companies that prioritise the well-being of people and/or animals.
As a dog lover Lara is at her happiest when comforting a rescue dog and assisting them in their safe journey to their new 'forever home'.

Lara has two black labradors of her own with whom she spends most of her spare time walking in the surrounding Gloucestershire countryside.
Lara is also the mother of two independent grown up daughters who have 'flown the nest'.

Having spent the last five years working in a busy school office, I am delighted to bring some insights from the education sector to support the work of KCA. I love working as part of a team and the collaborative approach here is a pleasure to be a part of. When not at work I enjoy spending time with friends and family, walking in the beautiful Gloucestershire landscape, and open water swimming.

After starting out working in programming as a school leaver, I have come full circle in recently returning to it following several changes of direction. Having spent many years feeling that I would like my energies to have more social value, I feel so lucky to have been given the opportunity to help support and facilitate the incredible work that KCA does.

In my previous role as Finance Officer at my local Children's Centre, I participated in a Five to Thrive training course and experienced the motivating approach of KCA. I feel privileged to be working in an organisation that is passionate about making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families.

With experience in education and community development, I help people achieve their potential and support local communities to take action on things that are important to them.

As an experienced leader, facilitator and engagement specialist, I help people and communities take action on things that are important to them, enabling great places for our kids to grow up and for us all to grow older in. Throughout my career, I have developed an exceptional reputation across the social sector and educational organisations, developing expertise in community engagement, training and facilitation and facilitating systems change.

In my work I constantly ask the question 'Will this make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable people?' If the answer is yes, then the task is worth doing. I have little time for tick-box learning, as I believe that people learn best when they are inspired, interested and motivated.

As the team would confirm, I am never happier than when head down in programming, spreadsheets or statistics. At the same time, I love knowing that - through the amazing work of our associates, writers and partners in front-line services - what I do has real social value.