Janine, Head of Service

I am the very proud Head of T2. I’m more of a Head Learner than a Head Teacher, as I believe passionately in the powers of curiosity, imagination and creativity as the catalysts to lifelong learning. As a Senior Leader, I always try to role-model the importance of learning something new every day, putting in effort, keeping my word and genuinely looking out for one another; as a result, learners and staff thrive at T2, where we work hard, care about each other, and find joy in the planned and unplanned learning opportunities we share.

I came to the SEND sector in Derby in 2008, having worked in mainstream further education across London, Yorkshire and the Southern Counties. I co-founded Transition2 in 2012 and we now sit within the Learning, Inclusion and Skills Directorate at Derby City Council, where we are proud to be an important part of the LA’s ‘Living My Best Life’ strategy. I am a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) in SEND leadership and complex behaviour, and a qualified Thrive Practitioner, which enables me to support and promote social and emotional learning across our provision, the locality, the region and nationally, through a developed understanding of neuroscience, child development and interpersonal neurobiology.

Outside of SEND leadership, I run my own business as a practitioner of The Feldenkrais Method®, working with people who have a range of neurological challenges, rehabilitation needs or injuries, as well as those who wish to improve their physical awareness, movement capacity, or specialist skills in musical instrument playing, sport, or corporate coaching through leadership embodiment practises and neuro-movement principles.

Alex, Teaching & Learning Coordinator

It is my job to organise all the fun and important learning activities for our learners.

I have been working with young people with Learning Difficulties for 10 years and have taught in both mainstream and special schools.

The best part of my job is building relationships with our learners and watching them progress and become more independent.

Amie, Learning Facilitator

I have worked with young people with learning disabilities for around 14 years, and have gathered a broad experience, working in schools, both special needs and mainstream, residential support and day service provider. I have also been a travel trainer, and have experience in setting up and supporting work experience placements. I enjoy building fun and meaningful relationships, watching confidence grow, and personality thrive as the young people take ownership of life choices.

In my free time I love to spend time with my family, especially having outdoor adventures with my little boys –  building dens is my speciality!

Angie, Learning Facilitator

I have worked in education for my whole career, starting in schools with a behaviour specialism then moving into special education, and have worked at Transition2 since we opened in 2012.

I am passionate about person-centred planning, believing in the importance of involving young people in every stage of their journey and giving them a voice, and have been involved in the Pathways project, Helen Sanderson training and Sharing Knowledge.  This year I have taken on the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, as well as continuing my responsibilities as a First Aider and Mental Health First Aider.  I enjoy taking on new professional development challenges and bring with it my pastoral and educational experience supporting learners and families through safeguarding, person-centred planning and transition into adulthood.

Adam, Peer Mentor

I started at Transition 2 as a volunteer and now work as a Peer Mentor.  Because I’ve got learning difficulties myself and over the years I’ve become more confident and independent, I feel that I can help the learners through my experience.  I am a kind and friendly person and enjoy helping people and have worked with people with learning difficulties as an advocate and an ambassador for 6 years.

I like to help the learners to become more independent and reach their end goals.  I encourage them to do things themselves and enjoy seeing them build their confidence and get better at doing things on their own so I can stand back as they become independent.

I like walking in the Peak District and the countryside and enjoy keeping fit and eating healthily.