“By offering mentoring, family support, training and bespoke projects, we are able to spread our proven track record of excellent work to schools across the West Midlands”

Wendy has worked in an educational setting since 1989, undertaking a variety of support roles, gained her degree, and started working in a Learning Mentor role.

In 2001 Wendy became the Deputy Manager of Cole Heath Services to schools, and within a year, became the Strategic Development Manager. Her role included running support services, planning and evaluating bespoke projects helping to remove barriers to learning. This Service closed when funding ceased from Birmingham City Council.

Wendy’s passion for the wellbeing of children, young people and families inspired her to continue the outstanding work the Service had been delivering for over 30 years and with the support of the other Directors, Wendy founded Reach Support CIC to ensure that the excellent work continued to change the lives of those who needed it most.

Wendy is qualified to Levels 4 & 5 in Child and Adolescent Counselling and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

“I'm proud to be a Director of Reach Support CIC.  I have seen the results the team produce and know how much help they can be to schools and children during difficult and challenging times.”

Armine started her career in teaching in 1989 where she worked in a small school on the North East coast of England.

Following the birth of her children, the pull of a more diverse community bought Armine back to her roots in Birmingham, and for the last 18 years she has been working in local schools moving from teaching children with SEN to achieving Headship in 2007.

Armine is passionate about ensuring every child is able to reach its dreams, no matter what that dream may be.  She has seen children with challenging problems, find a way through with the help and support of a trustworthy, skilled and knowledgeable adult.  It is these experiences that cemented Armine's commitment to her working with REACH Support CIC, in its work with children, young people and families throughout the city and further afield.

As a serving Head Teacher, Armine knows that the greatest way to ensure a child is fulfilling their potential is to give them the tools to access learning, whether it is behaviour strategies, support for parents or close mentoring.

Sue is a retired senior leader who spent all of her career working with young people and their families to support them in achieving their full potential.

Sue’s working career was spent in inner city Birmingham working with young people ages 11 – 18.

Sue started out as a PE teacher, and later moved onto various positions such as a Head of Year and specialised in ensuring the young people and their families had access to good quality careers advice with pathways for all.  Sue was also responsible for other important aspects of education such as safeguarding, curriculum development and staff welfare.

Sue still takes a keen interest in the education system and likes to keep up to date with policy change and new strategies to support young people.

Sue enjoys spending time on her allotment and socialising with her friends and family.

Debbie has been working with children, young people and families for over 15 years, in a variety of family settings, in both the voluntary and statutory sectors including working for 12 years at Cole Heath Services as a Learning Mentor and a Parent Support Advisor.

Over the last few years Debbie has helped schools in supporting families with children displaying barriers to learning.  This support has included, parenting strategies, positive behaviour management, accessing additional services and support with Early Help.

Debbie is Fast Track trained and continues to work in schools supporting their attendance procedures.  

Debbie is qualified to Level 4 in Child and Adolescent Counselling.

Sam has been working alongside SEN pupils and their families for almost thirty years. During this time, she has worked with all ages from Early Years to more recently young adults, working within the classroom setting, summer schools, after school clubs and leading an intervention team providing different interventions to help promote all round development.

In her spare time, you will find her gardening and creating a home for nature.

Sam likes to think out of the box, after all life is an adventure to be had not a problem to be solved.

Michelle’s experience spans the voluntary, private, and statutory sectors where she has supported young people and their families since 2002.  Her work has included working in schools, colleges, and volunteering in charitable organisations.

Michelle delivers Mental Health training and First Aid training on a regular basis and continues to support young people as a therapist when not delivering training.

Michelle is ASIST suicide intervention trained, and has a Level 4 qualification in Child and Adolescent Counselling.  In addition, Michelle holds qualifications as a Mental Health Instructor, and First Aid Instructor.

Michelle’s work around Mental Health has focussed on reducing stigma, dispelling myths, and empowering people to be confident to start a conversation around Mental Health when support is required.

"Job satisfaction to me is doing something that you love, and I really love my job!"

Petrena has over 20 years’ experience working in the educational settings, as a Teaching Assistant in both Special and Mainstream Schools.

Petrena's principles focus on every child matters and should have the opportunity to be the best they can be.

In 2016/2017, Petrena trained as a holistic therapist. Working as a Child Therapist/Counsellor Petrena has found using her holistic approach works well in the school sessions, both 1:1 or group sessions.

Petrena uses her time outside of school hours, working with adults, using talking therapy, counselling/mentoring and other holistic therapies (mindfulness, meditation, stress management, etc). This has proven to be as rewarding as working with children.

Petrena's aim is always to be of help to any individual needing support. 

Petrena is qualified to Level 4 in Child and Adolescent Counselling.

"I have learnt that teaching is one of the most challenging, demanding, yet varied and exciting careers there is. My time in schools has enhanced my philosophy of valuing children as individuals, whatever their lived experiences".

Claire has worked in schools since 2008, becoming a qualified teacher in 2010. Until recently, she was an Assistant Head, leading safeguarding and Special Educational Needs. Claire takes great personal satisfaction in improving outcomes for all children - giving them the chance to unlock their true potential and maximise their future life experiences.

Following the completion of the National Award for SEN co-ordination, she has supported families in a variety of situations, working tenaciously to ensure they receive the best support possible. Claire recognises the crucial part that parents and carers play in children’s education, so always works collaboratively with them to build positive relationships.

Claire is working towards her Level 4 Child and Adolescent Counselling qualification. She is also a qualified Drawing and Talking Practitioner.