Staff Team

Beginning her role at COG in September 2017, Cath is a qualified teacher with a degree in History, and a background in teaching at secondary, primary and pre-school levels. Cath has, along with her team, initiated many developments to support the changing circumstances of COG's children and families, championing equality and inclusion in the early years and providing opportunities for all to benefit from the many services COG offers. Cath says of COG, "I feel privileged to lead such a committed, experienced and supportive team of people, who give their best everyday to make a positive difference. I am proud of COG's longevity as a small charity in our town and that we continue to adapt to meet the needs of our local community". Outside of work Cath likes to spend time with her family and friends; enjoying climbing, travelling, the theatre and music.   

After achieving his Level 6 qualification and Early Years Teacher status, Ben became Pre-School Manager in September 2024 and is also one of the SENDCos. He's been working at COG for over seven years, but going way back he actually attended as a child, and so the Opportunity Group has always had a special place in his heart. He has a strong passion for reading and the power of language, and in everyday practice he loves working with all our children to help build those early communication skills that are so important for their development. Ben says, "It has always been rewarding to be able to spend so much quality time with a wide array of children at such a pivotal time in their lives. Being a part of COG feels like being a part of not just a community but a family - every aspect of our practice cares for the children, for the families, and for each other, and it is nothing short of a pleasure to be a part of it all."

Vicky leads the early intervention outreach team here at COG. She was inspired to work with families to make a positive impact on children’s lives from a young age, specialising in studying special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and family impact, at university. Working in the COG outreach team for over 10 years and at the Summer Play Scheme for 18 summers, Vicky finds spending time with the families and children at COG incredibly rewarding. Vicky says, "It’s a privilege to work with a fantastic team of colleagues. I love Strictly Come Dancing and organise the annual staff Strictly competition!" This is one of the Winter highlights for the COG staff Team and everybody appreciates Vicky's commitment to staff wellbeing as well as her unerring support for COG children and families.

Steph has a degree in Psychology and has previously worked within local media and Further Education, as well as Training and Consultancy both for the corporate and charity sectors, including a national charity. Steph joined COG in 2014 and enjoys working across all areas of fundraising, including grant funding applications as well as relationships with corporate and community partners. Steph feels that being a member of Team COG means being a true part of her local community! Knowing how COG makes a difference to the lives of the children and families we support is something that inspires Steph everyday. Making memories with family and friends is Steph’s favourite thing to do. She also loves live music, all things rock 'n' roll, and visiting vintage fairs at the weekend.

Jane has a career spanning both health and education. Graduating from the London School of Occupational Therapy she worked for the NHS where she discovered her passion for supporting children and their families. More recently, working as a primary school teaching assistant, she was able to use her practical and therapeutic approach to support children within the classroom. Having been at COG for 9 years, and as one of the SENDCos, Jane was part of the first cohort of practitioners in Gloucestershire to achieve the Early Years SENCo Award. "It’s a real privilege to work with such a dedicated and nurturing team, who together are focussed on supporting each child and their family. Each child that we look after is so special and unique; every day brings something new to celebrate, no matter how big or small, on their individual journeys."

Sharon's career in childcare began in 1996 as a registered Childminder. With a deep understanding of child development being very important to her, Sharon now has a wealth of valuable experience and qualifications including an NVQ3 in Early Years Care and Education, a Foundation Degree in The Development and Learning of Children from Birth to Three and a level 3 Diploma in Child Psychology. During this time, as well as her own Childminding business, Sharon achieved positions as SENDCo and room leaders for 2 year olds and Pre-School at a private nursery. Sharon joined COG in 2011 and in 2018 became the Pre-school Manager; stepping down from this role in July 2023. She is passionate about recognising each child as an individual and enjoys offering variety and challenge to support children to reach their full potential. "COG is such a great place to work! From sharing an amazing environment, both inside and out, for children to explore and begin to make sense of their world, to working alongside colleagues who share my enthusiasm, passion, and sense of humour!"

Hannah started working in Outreach at COG in May 2023 and is loving getting to know all COG's wonderful families and the people who work here. She has previously worked with teenagers and then as a Homestart Volunteer where she really found her interest in early years. Hannah's little boy came to COG and she says she always thought it would be a lovely place to work. "The staff are so caring and kind, and the outdoor space is incredible! I was so inspired by the ethos of COG being fully inclusive and the work COG does for the community, and I am loving working here". Outside work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family, walking her 'naughty' cockerpoo, and swimming in cold water!

‍Now retired from a career in the Army, Paul comes to COG with a wealth of experience in Logistics and Business Administration, through his work in Local Government Operations. Paul has a passion for education and learning, and is proud to utilise his skill set within an educational setting. Paul is a keen runner, coaching athletics at junior level and leading adults through endurance running training. He has recently embarked on a role as a race pacer in his spare time. Paul feels that, "COG is a vibrant place full of wonderful people who share a level of empathy and compassion seldom seen elsewhere. COG promotes everything that is valuable to me in life".

Evie started working at COG in April 2022, and quickly began her Early Years Apprenticeship training; now fully qualified at Level 2, for which she achieved a Distinction, and moving on to level 3 qualifications. She has always been interested in working with children and has knowledge in multiple areas to support this dream, such as a work experience placement at a local primary school during her first year at college. Evie also has experience working alongside a childminder, as well as various volunteering roles. Evie says, “I am enjoying my time working at COG and learning so much from the people I work with. When I started my apprenticeship I did not imagine myself celebrating the milestones I am. I enjoy spending time alongside the children and their families, and joining in all the steps made in every journey. Seeing how the children advance daily and combat the challenges they face inspires me to continue doing what I’m doing, and fills me with ambition to complete all my college work!”

Claire began working at COG in September 2023. She is level 3 qualified with an extensive SEND background. Claire has spent her career working in education and childcare, and has a great passion for supporting learning and development through play. Claire says, "I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to work at COG. It is extremely rewarding to see children of all abilities playing together and accepting each other for who they are; and to work within a very professional, supportive and friendly team". Outside of work, Claire likes to spend time with her children, cooking, going for walks, socialising with friends and visiting her family in South Wales.

Kelly has been a qualified hair stylist since her teenage years but has always had an interest in a career working with children. When she started her family, she took time away to raise her children during their early years, and also spend time with her nephew, who has benefitted from COG's support along with his parents. With her own children now at secondary school, and having good knowledge of the work COG does in the local community, Kelly is delighted to begin a new and exciting career in the early years sector, completing her training here at COG. Kelly says, "I am learning so much already and can see first hand why my nephew did so well. The team at COG is amazing and everyone is so supportive. I’m looking forward to learning and implementing everything I learn on my Early Years Apprenticeship, to help each and every child and their family as they make their journey through preschool."

Joining the COG team in 2020 during the national lockdowns was Sharon's way of giving back to the community. With a 40-year career in the NHS, ending as an outpatient sister, she's embraced the art of caring and making a difference. Sharon has always loved cooking for her family and friends and now she is lending her culinary skills to providing nutritionally balanced lunches to the children of COG. "I really enjoy seeing the children try new flavours while blending in their favourites like roast chicken, pizza, and pasta". Sharon is Level 2 Food and Hygiene qualified and her experience in nursing and her nurturing outlook is a real benefit to COG. Off-duty, Sharon's happy place is still in the kitchen but she also enjoys life’s simple pleasures, whether it’s a leisurely walk, a good book, or spending time with her family.