• Aimee Enyiazu

    Support Worker

  • Alice Maynard

    Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People

  • Amelia Schneider

    Intern

  • Amy Somerwill

    Youth and Community Development Coordinator

  • Andy Mackay

    Housing Coordinator

  • Ashley Saunders

    Facilities Worker

  • Becky Merriman

    Community Connector and Youth Worker

  • Cassandra Chan

    Customer Service and Admin Facilitator (South Molton)

  • Chiung-Yi Tsai

    Finance Coordinator

  • Chris Carter

    Community Connector and Exwick Community Worker

  • Chris Sharp

    Housing Coordinator

  • Chrystal Pereira

    Rents and Finance Officer

  • Clare Prideaux

    Support Worker

  • Clive Staples

    Support Worker

  • Damian Brown

    IT Support Technician

  • Debbie Carter

    Exwick Community Worker

  • Emily Hornsby

    Customer Service and HR Coordinator

  • Emma Matthews

    Intern

  • Fen Yee Teng

    Finance Manager and Company Secretary

  • Gareth Sorsby

    Joint Chief Executive Officer

  • Gerry Shattock

    Group Work Facilitator

  • Harri Sharp

    Young Families Worker

  • Harry King

    Tenancy Support Officer

  • Hilary Bush

    Fundraising, Resource and Communications Manager

  • Izzy Cole

    Support Worker

  • Jane McCallum

    Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People (in training)

  • Jeremy Theeten

    Housing Manager

  • Jesse Wilson

    Support Worker

  • Jonathan Taylor

    Facilities Worker

  • Laura Farrar

    Customer Service and Admin Officer

  • Letitia Clifford

    Trainee High Intensity CBT Practitioner for Children and Young People

  • Lizzy Tones

    Housing Coordinator

  • Lucy Pieterse

    Public Relations Coordinator

  • Lydia Brown

    Senior Support Worker & Warden

  • Martha Hancock

    Wellbeing Coordinator and Community Connector

  • Maxie Celliers

    Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People

  • Mwaka Chulu

    Rent and Organisational Compliance Coordinator

  • Pedro Schmid

    Horticulture Facilitator

  • Pete Bollom

    Group Work Facilitator

  • Peter Hall

    Senior Support Worker

  • Raymond Baxter

    Support Worker

  • Sam Thomas

    Community Projects Manager

  • Sarah Griffiths

    Facilities Officer

  • Si Johns

    Joint Chief Executive Officer

  • Stephanie Chiu

    Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People (In Training)

  • Steve Lawton

    Facilities Coordinator

  • Sue Wilson

    Volunteer Coordinator

  • Tim Spencer

    Property Maintenance Worker

  • Tim Wells

    Group Work Coordinator

  • Tom Browne

    Senior Fundraiser

Aimee Enyiazu

Support Worker

TBC

Alice Maynard

Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People

Hi, I’m Alice and I am a Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People at YMCA Exeter. I love being by the sea (and swimming in it!), walking my dog in beautiful places and practising yoga. I also love any plans that involve food – nachos are my favourite!

Amelia Schneider

Intern

My name is Amelia and since I am from Berlin, Germany. I want to use my time in Exeter to learn about other cultures and meet new people. For the next year (2021-2022), I’m very excited to be an intern at the YMCA Exeter where I hope to continue my journey to faith and grow in my ability to work with people. In my free time, I love to play board games and go outside to either meet my friends or walk around and watch people.

Amy Somerwill

Youth and Community Development Coordinator

Hello, I’m Amy and I’m the Youth and Community Development Coordinator for YMCA South Molton, working really closely with the team in Exeter.
I have worked within the youth sector for the last 18 years and have an honours degree in Applied Theology specialising in Youth Ministry. I have a real passion for making a difference in my town and being able to work for the YMCA is a fantastic opportunity to be able to do that.
In my spare time, I like cooking meals for my friends and family, walking with my family and dog Luna, and exploring the beautiful North Devon countryside and beaches.

Andy Mackay

Housing Coordinator

Hi, I’m Andy and I’m one of the Housing Coordinators in our Housing Team, responsible for our Stage 3 Housing Project in Exwick. I’ve been at the YMCA since 2013, based at various residential sites during this time. During my spare time, I can be found on social media, in the garden, watching Doctor Who, and talking about myself in third person. Sometimes all of that at once.

Ashley Saunders

Facilities Worker

Hello I’m Ashley. I am one of the Facilities Workers at YMCA Exeter. In my spare time, when I’m not at work, I’m a mum and spend most of my time doing ‘mum duties’. I also love watching Friends and other classic TV series.

Becky Merriman

Community Connector and Youth Worker

Hey, I’m Becky. I have been at YMCA Exeter since 2017 and I work in our Youth Services and Community Connecting teams. Previously I worked in church-based youth work, and I have master’s degree in youth and community work. When I am not working you can find me involved with the youth work in my own church or out on Dartmoor walking my Dog Flora, who is two years old.

Cassandra Chan

Customer Service and Admin Facilitator (South Molton)

Hi, I’m Cass. I am the Customer Service & Admin Facilitator at YMCA South Molton and used to be the Volunteer Coordinator for the community fridge project here. I feel extremely blessed to be able to work for such an amazing organisation.

Originally hailing from the tropical island city of Singapore, I have now lived in the UK for 16 years. My three children keep me very busy, however, when I do get time to myself, you can find me in the gym throwing around barbells and dumbbells. I am also a bit of a nutrition geek with an unhealthy coffee obsession!

Chiung-Yi Tsai

Finance Coordinator

I am Chiung-Yi and I am the Finance Coordinator at YMCA Exeter. I enjoy my work here, especially maintaining a healthy financial system and keeping records up to date. The YMCA environment is very friendly and the team is fantastic.
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my little girl. We play games, cook food, bake cakes and go to the beach together. I love spending time with my family.

Chris Carter

Community Connector and Exwick Community Worker

Hello, I am Chris and I am a Young Families Worker based in Exwick. I enjoy offering support to young people and families through YMCA Exeter and Exwick Community Church.

In my spare time, I am a keen musician and LFC supporter. Overall, I enjoy encouraging others to meet their full potential.

Chris Sharp

Housing Coordinator

Hello there, I’m Chris, the Housing Coordinator for our Stage 1 housing project in St David’s Hill. I’ve been at YMCA Exeter since 2015 and enjoy working here and being able to put my Christian faith in to action. In my spare time I love spending time with my wife, entertaining my children (they have so much energy!!!) and watching films. I am a massive gamer too!

Chrystal Pereira

Rents and Finance Officer

Hi! I’m Chrystal and I am the new Rents and Finance Officer. I am so privileged to be a part of the lovely YMCA Exeter team, and more importantly, use my gifts and role to serve the community. I am really looking forward to being fully immersed in my job and performing it efficiently to help the YMCA Exeter team bring their various visions to fruition.

In my spare time, I enjoy investing time in my friendships (usually trying out local coffee shops), cooking (flavour is key) and serving my local church. I wish I was sportier and more adventurous, but I am trying!

Clare Prideaux

Support Worker

Hello! I am a Support Worker in our Stage 2 housing project in Newcourt. I particularly love using the medium of craft to instill confidence in our young people, and these sessions enable one to one and small group engagement. My vision is to encourage their interaction with their local community, so they feel they are, indeed, part of their community.

Clive Staples

Support Worker

Hello, I’m Clive and I am a Support Worker for YMCA Exeter.

I have worked with vulnerable children and young people for over twenty years. I have been a Steiner Teacher, a Primary and Secondary school Teacher, and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). I am currently completing my Master’s in Psychology and am excited to be joining the YMCA team. I live with my wife and two young children near Crediton. We enjoy spending time at our allotment and going for walks on Dartmoor.

Damian Brown

IT Support Technician

Hi, my name is Damian and I am the IT Support Technician for YMCA Exeter. It is my job to make sure the internal network and devices are working and to provide support to staff and residents where needed. I have been with the YMCA for about a year and really enjoy my role here and the people I work with. In my spare time I live stream my favourite game on Twitch in the evenings called World Of Tanks.

Debbie Carter

Exwick Community Worker

Hello, I’m Debbie and I’m a Community Worker in Exwick. This involves me meeting up with families and young people through my church, Exwick Community Church and YMCA Exeter. I get to chat, walk with and support them by befriending them in creative ways. I enjoy cycling, gardening and meeting up with friends and family. It has also been great fun learning to use more technology to reach people online during the pandemic.

Emily Hornsby

Customer Service and HR Coordinator

Hello, I’m Emily and I am the Customer Service and HR Coordinator. I really enjoy being the first point of contact for YMCA Exeter, helping and supporting everyone where I can. In my spare time I love adventuring to news places, going to the beach and getting involved with my church. Also, trying new foods and spending time with my family and friends are my favourite things to do!

Emma Matthews

Intern

Hi, I’m Emma and I’m one of the interns for 2021/22. I’m really looking forward to getting involved in both practical work and all of the amazing work that goes on behind the scenes to keep YMCA Exeter running. I love connecting with people and look forward to creating and building new relationships.

In my spare time, you can normally find me getting very excited about a dog I’ve just seen or trying out new recipes in the kitchen!

Fen Yee Teng

Finance Manager and Company Secretary

Hi, I’m Fen Yee and I manage our Finance and Regulatory Submissions. I enjoy my two roles and as a Chartered Accountant, I have many years of accounting and auditing experience. It is such a privilege to be in this organisation where I can witness work and ministry go hand in hand. In my leisure time, I love to listen to worship songs in different languages (5), cook, try new recipes and watch Korean dramas!

Gareth Sorsby

Joint Chief Executive Officer

Hey I’m Gareth and I’m one of the Joint CEOs which means I have the privilege of co-leading this rabble of extraordinary people! I’ve been working at YMCA Exeter since 2010 in various community roles and love the diverse nature of our projects. In my spare time you can find me playing basketball, listening to music or tidying up after my wonderful but extremely messy small children.

Gerry Shattock

Group Work Facilitator

Hi, I’m Gerry and I am a Group Work Facilitator, creating opportunities for residents to grow new workplace skills and capabilities, ranging from organising social gatherings to outward bound stuff. For relaxation I like walking parts of the SW Coastal Path, especially the downhill bits, and I love exploring Exmoor. I also like cider and into collecting mid-19th cider mugs.

Harri Sharp

Young Families Worker

Hello, I am Harri and I am a Young Families Worker in Exwick. This means you will find me helping my church, Exwick Community Church, to engage with young families who need support in some way that usual services cannot provide. I get to visit families and become a friend. I love gardening and also pottering around the garden enjoying the sights, smells and textures. Story telling is something I really enjoy whether it is just using my voice, using a book and pictures, puppets or props.

Harry King

Tenancy Support Officer

Hi, I’m Harry and I am the Tenancy Support Officer at YMCA Exeter.

In my role, I love that I am able to support young people who need a helping hand with their housing, and I hope to enable them to thrive in their communities!

In my spare time, I enjoy cycling, skating, late night beach trips, climbing trees, and helping with my local church.

Hilary Bush

Fundraising, Resource and Communications Manager

Hello, I’m Hilary and my journey with YMCA Exeter began in 2015 when I volunteered weekly in the Job Club for residents. When a role came up as an Events fundraiser, I was delighted to contribute even more, from organising Gala dinners, Sleep Easy, sponsored events, Joyfest and the pop-up cafes back in 2018. Now I manage the Fundraising, Resource and Communications Team. Away from work I can be found several times a week teaching Zumba classes, as a way of enjoying keeping fit to loud music!

Izzy Cole

Support Worker

Hi, I’m Izzy. I’m a support worker at YMCA Exeter working with the Stage 1 accommodation team. I am passionate about demonstrating God’s deep love for us all through action. When I’m not working, I love going to the cinema, cooking vegetarian food and catching up with friends over brunch.

Jane McCallum

Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People (in training)

Hi, I’m Jane and I am a Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People (in training) at YMCA Exeter.

I enjoy riding my new push bike, swimming and watching Korean dramas on Netflix. I also enjoy going to dance workshops, gigs and music festivals.

Jeremy Theeten

Housing Manager

I’m Jeremy and I’ve been at YMCA Exeter since 2006. My role of Housing Manager means I oversee our housing projects and ensure the quality of our service provision. I’ve studied Theology at Moorlands College and Social Science at De Monfort University. I’m passionate about championining the rights of young people and to be known for putting my faith in practice.

Jesse Wilson

Support Worker

Hello! I’m Jesse and I am a Support Worker at YMCA Exeter. I work alongside the team at our St David’s Hill site and support residents in their day-to-day life. I love working with young people and enjoy being a part of this team.

I am a big fan of all things musical and in my spare time, I play bass in a band called AB-Y Music. I also love playing (and watching) football, reading and perfecting the art of crêpe-making!

Jonathan Taylor

Facilities Worker

Hi, I’m Jonathan and I am a Facilities Worker at YMCA Exeter. I’m originally from Exeter and in my spare time, I enjoy cycling, going for drives with my friends, going to the cinema and swimming.

 

Laura Farrar

Customer Service and Admin Officer

Hello, I’m Laura and I am the Customer Service and Admin Officer at YMCA Exeter.

I am excited to be in a role where I can support many of the different services across the organisation, and build relationships with our current and future customers.

In my spare time, I am passionate about live music and the joy it brings to communities. I love to sing, play guitar and write, especially in church as worship. You can sometimes find me flailing around in the sea and calling it surfing!

Letitia Clifford

Trainee High Intensity CBT Practitioner for Children and Young People

Hello, I’m Letitia and I am a Trainee High-Intensity CBT Practitioner for Children and Young People. I am a trained counsellor (Level 4 diploma in Counselling and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology) and have worked in mental health for many years; including on the frontline in psychiatric hospitals. I find it rewarding to compassionately help people experiencing challenges to understand themselves better and move forward with their life.

Outside of work I love spending time relaxing by the sea, eating delicious food and spending time with my family and friends.

Lizzy Tones

Housing Coordinator

Hi, I am Lizzy and my job mainly involves making sure that my amazing staff team have everything they need to support the 16 YMCA residents living in our Stage 2 accommodation.

I have been working for YMCA Exeter since I was 21 and I am very passionate about the great work God is doing in and through our projects. My main interests at work including positive attitudes towards mental health, wellbeing and self-care for everyone, and finding workplace support for those with learning disabilities.

At home, I am a wife and a mum, and I love to play music, be outdoors and spend time with friends.

Lucy Pieterse

Public Relations Coordinator

Hi, I’m Lucy and I look after public relations for YMCA Exeter. I’m a journalist at heart and I love that in my role I get to gather all the incredible stories from young people and news that flows out of the amazing work YMCA Exeter is involved in. It’s my privilege to then share this more widely across local and national media.

Outside of work I enjoy running and cycling, plus any opportunity for a mountain adventure with my family.

Lydia Brown

Senior Support Worker & Warden

Hi my name is Lydia and I am one of the Senior Support Workers at the St David’s Hill housing project. I’ve been at YMCA since 2017 and I enjoy working with and helping the young people we have in this project. I am also the Warden, which means I live on site and deal with any emergencies that may require my attention after working hours are over. When I am not working, I love spending time with family and friends.

Martha Hancock

Wellbeing Coordinator and Community Connector

Hi, I’m Martha and I work in the youth services team as well as coordinating our Resilience Wellbeing Project. I started working for YMCA Exeter after completing the TEN:10 Internship in 2015. I live in Exeter with my husband and our two bunnies, Rory & Nibbles. I enjoy playing board games, reading books, spending time at the beach and travelling with my husband.

Maxie Celliers

Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People

Hello, I’m Maxie and I am a Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People. This means I support children and young people through CBT style interventions. I have been at YMCA since 2020 and have loved my training so far.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time at the beach with my dog and seeing my family. I love going out to eat with my friends and trying new foods!

Mwaka Chulu

Rent and Organisational Compliance Coordinator

Hello, I’m Mwaka and I am responsible for the management of resident rent and organisational compliance. I joined YMCA in 2013 after 20 years in academia as a lecturer and researcher. Coming alongside and supporting young people to achieve their aspirations in life is something I have always valued and enjoy.

Outside of work, I enjoy being part of and serving my family and local church, exploring nature and watching action/adventure movies.

Pedro Schmid

Horticulture Facilitator

Hi, I’m Pedro, I am the Horticulture Facilitator at YMCA Exeter.

 

Originally from Switzerland, I studied landscape gardening before developing my craft as a maker. Now living on the edge of Dartmoor, I am inspired by the natural landscape and the rugged beauty of our surroundings. I work alongside Sam in our Therapeutic Horticulture project, providing opportunities for residents and members of the community to spend time planting and nurturing crops and flowers, and work with wood to create beautiful simple things.

 

Outside of YMCA Exeter, I also run ‘Grounded’ – designing and crafting raw, authentic, beautiful pieces for the home: Grounded (groundedhome.co.uk)

Pete Bollom

Group Work Facilitator

Hi, my name is Peter and I have been working for YMCA Exeter since February 2020. My background is in mental health and most of my working life has been working in the area of addictions and homelessness. My main interests are community living, church life, music and running. I also enjoy nature and getting out on Dartmoor.

Peter Hall

Senior Support Worker

Hi! I’m Peter and I’m a Senior Support Worker in our Stage 2 accommodation (Newcourt). My role involves working alongside young people to help them gain independence and achieve their goals. I really enjoy seeing young people realise all their potential.

I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and when I’m not working, I spend my time going for walks, climbing, heading to the beach and getting involved with my local church.

Raymond Baxter

Support Worker

Hi, my name is Raymond and I’m a Support Worker at St David’s Hill.

I was born in Oxford, but have lived in the Exeter area for 20 years. I’m married with wonderful children, and I am also in the hairdresser industry, working at the Boy from Mars salon on St David’s Hill for part of the week. In my spare time, I like cycling and running.

Sam Thomas

Community Projects Manager

My name is Sam and I have worked for YMCA Exeter since 2011 and have loved being part of the family every step of the way. I’m so proud of all that the team do and we have some great services and projects. It is fantastic to be able to manage such a variety of community outreach projects working across such a broad age range.

When I’m not at the YMCA, I’m either on the trampoline with the kids or tending to my allotment.

Sarah Griffiths

Facilities Officer

Hi my name is Sarah Griffiths and I am the Facilities Officer for YMCA Exeter. I have lived in Exeter all my life and I really enjoy my role within the YMCA as no two days are ever the same. I undertake lots of different tasks, from turning our rooms around for a new resident moving into, mending things around our projects, to keeping the buildings in a good state of repair.

Si Johns

Joint Chief Executive Officer

Hi, I’m Si and I’m Joint CEO of YMCA Exeter. I started here back in 2002, coming from previous work in both Social Services and the Church of England. Everything YMCA Exeter does is about meeting the needs of people in body, mind and spirit, and it’s a fantastic mission to be involved in.

Outside of work, I enjoy family life with my wife and two girls. I also enjoy building random creations and playing drums!

Stephanie Chiu

Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People (In Training)

Hi, I’m Stephanie, a Wellbeing Practitioner for Children and Young People (In Training).

I’m a dog lover with a Bichon Frise back home in Hong Kong! In my free time, I enjoy exploring the Devon countryside. When it is too cold, I will be curled up on the couch with the telly on. I am also a big foodie, with my favourite food being sushi!

Steve Lawton

Facilities Coordinator

Hey, I’m Steve, the Facilities Coordinator at YMCA Exeter. I have worked in different housing projects over the last 10 years and love seeing people finding a home and becoming the people they were created to be. Outside of work, you can find me chasing my 3 children around a looking after our 5 chickens.

Sue Wilson

Volunteer Coordinator

Hi, I’m Sue and I’m the Volunteer Coordinator meaning I have the immense privilege of recruiting, training and leading our volunteer team. I also run our TEN:10 Internship, that involves a lot of fun too!

I love: singing, directing and arranging music for a couple of local choirs; Bobble our majestic marmalade cat; and also gardening in the sunshine. My dream one day is to get a miniature spotted horse.

Tim Spencer

Property Maintenance Worker

Hello I’m Tim. I have been working on the maintenance team since 2019. I am a carpenter and joiner by trade and really enjoy the varied work I do as part of the team.

I moved to Devon with my family in 2016. I like being an active member of my church and getting involved in various groups and activities. In my spare time I like getting out into the countryside or going to the beach with my family and dog.

Tim Wells

Group Work Coordinator

Hello! I’m Tim and I am the Group Work Coordinator at YMCA Exeter, delivering and overseeing activity groups for our young people. The YMCA is an amazing place to work, with great people and I get to do many of the things I love – e.g. sport, music and the adventure of faith!

I live on the edge of Dartmoor and love exploring the moors with my three children and wonderful wife. My hope is that all our young people can find life in all its fullness.

Tom Browne

Senior Fundraiser

My name is Tom and I joined the YMCA in 2010 to help start a new community employment initiative. I then gradually transitioned into fundraising, with a primary focus on seeking grant funding. I also wrote an incredibly imaginatively titled book in 2018, ‘A History of YMCA Exeter’.

When I’m not writing, I play badminton and enjoy running. I’m also an environmentalist, growing native wild flowers and organic vegetables.