• Amy Somerwill

    Youth & Community Worker

  • Andy Mackay

    Housing Coordinator

  • Becky Merriman

    Community Connector

  • Bethan Spencer

    Resource & Comms Manager

  • Chiung-Yi Tsai

    Finance Coordinator

  • Chris Sharp

    Housing Coordinator

  • Clare Bird

    Support Worker

  • Clare Prideaux

    Support Worker

  • Damian Brown

    IT Support Technician

  • Emily Hornsby

    Customer Service & Admin Assistant

  • Fen Yee Teng

    Finance Manager

  • Gareth Sorsby

    Joint CEO

  • Gerry Shattock

    Group Work Facilitator

  • Harri Sharp

    Young Families Worker

  • Hilary Bush

    Events and Partnerships Coordinator

  • Jeremy Theeten

    Housing Manager

  • Jonathan Hall

    Support Worker

  • Lucy Pieterse

    Public Relations Coordinator

  • Lydia Brown

    Support Worker & Warden

  • Marie Gillard

    Cleaner

  • Martha Hancock

    Wellbeing Coordinator

  • Maxie Celliers

    Wellbeing Practitioner

  • Mwaka Chulu

    Rent Coordinator

  • Pendo Mtonga

    Wellbeing Practitioner

  • Peter Bollom

    Group Work Facilitator

  • Peter Hall

    Support Worker

  • Sam Thomas

    Community Projects Manager

  • Sarah Griffiths

    Maintenance Officer

  • Si Johns

    Joint CEO

  • Sue Wilson

    Volunteer Coordinator

  • Tim Spencer

    Property Maintenance Worker

  • Tim Wells

    Group Work Coordinator

  • Tom Browne

    Senior Fundraiser

  • Ty Brown

    Facilities Coordinator

  • Zac Spencer

    Community Connector

Amy Somerwill

Youth & Community Worker

Hello, I’m Amy and I’m the Youth and Community worker 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 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.

Becky Merriman

Community Connector

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.

Bethan Spencer

Resource & Comms Manager

Hi I’m Bethan and I manage the Resource and Communications team, creating amazing ways for YMCA Exeter to be known through fundraising, marketing, PR and volunteering. I’ve been at YMCA since 2014 after relocating to the South West from the Cotswolds. I have previously trained with South West Youth Ministries, I have a degree in Theology from London School of Theology and a certificate in marketing from CIM. When I’m not at YMCA I enjoy running, gardening and being involved with my local church.

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 Sharp

Housing Coordinator

Hello there, I’m Chris, the Housing Project Coordinator for our Stage 2 housing project in Newcourt. 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!

Clare Bird

Support Worker

Hello, my role in YMCA Exeter is a Support Worker at St. David’s Hill. I have lived and worked in Exeter for over 20 years. I love my post as I like meeting people and I enjoy the community that we have at the YMCA.

When I am not working I like to go for walks with my crazy dog, who actually walks me. I love the countryside and that it does not take me long before you see the green folding fields of Devon.

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.

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.

Emily Hornsby

Customer Service & Admin Assistant

Hello, I’m Emily and I am the Customer Service and Admin Assistant. 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!

Fen Yee Teng

Finance Manager

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 CEO

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.

Hilary Bush

Events and Partnerships Coordinator

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 – I’ve had a lot of fun along the way. Away from work I can be found several times a week teaching Zumba classes, as a way of enjoying keeping fit to loud music!

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.

Jonathan Hall

Support Worker

Hi my name is Jonathan and I’m a Support Worker here at YMCA Exeter. I joined the YMCA shortly after moving down to Torbay from Herfordshire, where I was a Youth Worker. I have also lived and worked in Hong Kong and Kenya. In my spare time I enjoy singing, playing the piano, gardening and spending time with my family.

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

Support Worker & Warden

Hi my name is Lydia and I am one of the 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.

Marie Gillard

Cleaner

Hi, I’m Marie and it’s my role to make sure the YMCA buildings are nice, tidy and clean for our residents, staff and guests. I enjoy music, travelling and reading in my spare time.

Martha Hancock

Wellbeing Coordinator

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

Hello, I’m Maxie and I am a Trainee Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Practitioner. 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 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.

Pendo Mtonga

Wellbeing Practitioner

I’m Pendo Mtonga and I am a Trainee Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Practitioner at YMCA Exeter. My favourite hobby is baking, and I like watching food channels and following their recipes. This makes me feel so relaxed. I also love watching Marvel films!

Peter Bollom

Group Work Facilitator

Hi, my name is Peter and I have been working for YMCA Exeter since February. 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

Support Worker

Hi! I’m Peter and I’m a Support Worker at St. David’s Hill. 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.

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

Maintenance Officer

Hi my name is Sarah Griffiths and I am the Maintenance and 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 CEO

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!

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.

Ty Brown

Facilities Coordinator

Hey I’m Ty. My role involves making sure our buildings are well maintained and looked after, so our young people feel at home. I regularly look after; repairs, managing contractors, keeping on top of regular servicing and great expansion projects!

I love eating good food, spending time with my family, exploring new places, thrifty shopping, and all things fitness and coffee. Interesting fact: I have made coffee for Eddie Jones and Boris Johnson!

Zac Spencer

Community Connector

Hi, I’m Zac and I’m one of the Community Connectors. I am originally from Yorkshire and have lived here in the South West since 2014, after studying at London School of Theology and working in a boarding school with my wife.

A big passion of mine is gaming, there is nothing like a massive game world to explore! I also love to play team sports and get down to the football pitch when I can.