All about our team

Stephen Simpson is an experienced and fully qualified Forest School Leader with over 25 years of working with children and young people aged 3 to 18 in creative indoor and outdoor environments. He is deeply committed to alternative learning methods, particularly for children facing challenges in navigating the pressures of a modern curriculum. Stephen firmly believes that a supportive and stimulating environment is essential for unlocking successful learning experiences. As a father of two adopted sons, one of whom has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), he brings a personal perspective to his work with children who have additional needs. Stephen serves as a Governor at a Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) school in South West London and is a frequent speaker at adoption events, where he discusses topics related to SEMH and associated conditions. Additionally, he holds the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for FSUK and St John’s School, ensuring the safety and well-being of children in his care.

Ann is a teacher at St John’s school and is passionate about young people having the best opportunities in life. She studied in Early Years to support children in having the best start in the school environment. Ann specialises in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and is the school's SENCO. In 2007 she went to Sweden to study Forest schools in their education system and was stimulated by that experience to create Forest school in an English setting. Ann is a trustee of Creative Youth, organisers of the International Youth Arts Festival. In addition Ann is a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at St John's School.

Miles joined Forest School as a work experience student in 2022 and has remained with us during his well-deserved break from studies. He is gaining valuable experience and has quickly become an essential member of the team. Miles has a natural ability to connect with children, particularly when they engage him in discussions about science or test his impressive Pokémon knowledge! He is trained in Safeguarding and Prevent duties. Miles has an interest in First Aid, has completed his First Aid course and will be taking advanced training shortly. In addition he will shortly complete a Youth Mental Health First Aid course. He is central in supporting the children and contributing to a safe and enriching environment.

Dr. Sam Taylor-Colls is a Research Psychologist specializing in Children and Families, with 15 years of experience working with vulnerable children and their families. Sam completed her PhD with a focus on the relationship between a child’s social environment and their emotional development, demonstrating her commitment to understanding and supporting the emotional well-being of young people. Prior to joining Forest Schooling UK, Sam worked collaboratively with healthcare professionals, local authorities, and educational institutions, fostering partnerships to safeguard and nurture children’s emotional health. Her expertise and dedication make her a valuable advocate for promoting resilience and well-being in children through supportive environments and evidence-based practices.

Christina is a Psychology graduate who has previous experience providing nurse-led care at home for children and young people with complex care needs. Christina worked within mental health hospitals on medium secure wards with forensics patients. Her former work place was Springfield hospital where she was working under the OT team. This also included horticulture sessions, encouraging independence and self esteem. Christina is an advocate in promoting the benefits that nature and the outdoors can provide. The outdoor environment can enhance children’s individual needs alongside catering for their mental well-being, development, resilience, confidence and creativity.

Otterlie has been teaching and supporting neurodiverse children and teenagers for 20 years. She has worked across home, mainstream and specialist settings. She is an English & Psychology graduate with a MSc in Applied behaviour analysis. Otterlie is also a Cub Scout Leader which she loves! She feels that being out in nature with children provides a level playing field for all, enabling children to find talents that may not shine within a classroom.

Jack is passionate about youth work and supporting the mental well-being of young people. His journey began at Creative Youth, where his experiences with young people sparked a deeper interest in emotional health. This inspired him to become a personal trainer, specializing in outdoor physical activity. As an outdoor enthusiast, Jack strongly believes that spending time in nature can have a profound emotional benefit for children. Jack has provided 1:1 support for children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in both school and Forest School settings. His dedication to creating opportunities for children who require additional support is rooted in his own school experiences and his belief that every child can reach their full potential when given the right environment and encouragement.

Following on from completing a Fine Art degree, Kay's background is as an artist working in video, performance and writing, through a process of group experiments and collaborative workshops. ​ Kay is passionate about creating group spaces that encourage self-led education and exploration. Excited to learn more about the forest school ethos, she started out volunteering with GreenWise Education back in 2018, before qualifying as a Forest School Leader in 2021. ​ Kay has always been committed to caring for the environment, and she spends her free time volunteering with local biodiversity projects. She is a committee member of The Friends of Berrylands Nature Reserve, where she regularly co-leads conservation sessions.

Evie has taken our new role of Apprentice SEN Teaching Assistant, in conjunction with Way to Work run by AFC. She spends her mornings working in the Alternative Provision and her afternoons working closely with children at St John's School.