Meet the Team

Senior Leadership Team

Henri Monier-Williams

Head of Centre Principal/Director & DDSL

Henri set up Eaq Luccombe in 2017 and the Luccombe Hub in 2019. She has worked with children and young people for over 35 years both within the UK and overseas. Henri is a qualified Level 4 Equine Assisted Facilitator and the lead on Equine Assisted Learning and undertaken extensive training in trauma and attachment, recently completing Dyadic Developmental Practice. Henri is the Centre Lead and is in charge of the day to day running of The Centres, supported by The SLT and The Governors. When the opportunity can be found, you will find Henri enjoying time with her family, dogs and horses.

Chloe Carter-Miles

Executive Principal DSL SLT Chloe has worked across a variety of educational settings including as a SENCO in a PRU and as Assistant Headteacher and SENCO in a large middle school. Chloe also facilitated on the NPQSEN qualification, has an equestrian and farming background as well as having had a previous career as a commercial property surveyor. She loves all things active and outdoors and is especially drawn to the sea. Particularly when she can enjoy adventures with her dog, Miley.

Lucie Wharton

Head of Education and Exams Officer SLT & DSL

Lucie heads the education at Luccombe Hub and has 30+ years’ experience in education across mainstream and specialist settings, including as Assistant Head within a specialist residential school. She leads the educational team in the writing and implementation of curriculums and assessing our learners. She has responsibility for maintaining schemes of work, EHCP reviews, the delivery of Functional Skills and GCSE’s and the Exams Officer. Outside of Centre life, Lucie likes countryside walks with her family and recently honing her upholstery skills.

Lydia Stephens

Pastoral Care, Inclusion & Thrive Manager. Mental Health First Aider SLT DDSL

Lydia, having worked for several years within the SEN education sector is our Thrive Practitioner, Pastoral Care and inclusion Manager. Thrive is a dynamic, developmental and trauma-sensitive approach to meeting the emotional and social needs of children. It explores the role of arts, play and creativity in facilitating healthy development. Lydia leads our Primary PSHE/SMSC curriculum utilising schemes of work from Jigsaw. Lydia is a keen runner and enjoys spending time with friends, family and Pepper her dog.

Kath Oxlee

Finance and Contracts Manager SLT Kath uses her accountancy and charity background to oversee the finances and the contracts within The Luccombe Hub and over sees the administration at the Centre. Outside of Centre life, Kath is a talented artist and exhibits her work around Dorset.

Hazel Lappin

Post 16 Manager Employability Programme and Careers Lead – SLT DDSL Hazel has worked in both mainstream primary schools as a HLTA and alternative therapeutic providers for over 20 years. Hazel is our Post 16 Manager and has been the lead support and contributor to our SEN Luccombe Hub Employability Programme. Hazel over sees our Careers, CEIAG Policy across Luccombe maintaining relationships with a wide range of employers, to offer our learners opportunities volunteering and work experience in areas of interest including Abavia farm, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Tank Museum and Upholstery. In her spare time, Hazel is a member of a carriage driving club and enjoys riding and driving her pony she also loves walking with her dog. Hazel volunteers for the Blind Veterans UK at local events.

Nita Dooley

Head of AP, Inclusion, Safer Recruitment and Training SLT, DSL Alternative Provision

Rosie Closier

Farm and Equine Manager, Pastoral Care support & Holiday Clubs Manager SLT, DDSL Rosie Closier has 9 years’ experience working at a specialist residential school, supporting in both education and the therapeutic equine departments and delivering a range of ASDAN courses. Rosie is the farm manager overseeing both the farms at Luccombe and our alternative provisions. ‘I have grown up around animals, living on a farm for several years and have completed a level 3 equine management course. When not at the Luccombe Hub I enjoy walking my dogs and sea swimming!!! ‘

Your Luccombe Team

Marcus Monier-Williams

Logistics, Operations and Health and Safety Manager.

After 34 years in the army, interspersed with time spent as a defence consultant and as Director of Rugby and Activities at a local Public School, Marcus officially joined the team as our manager for logistic support, including Health and Safety, Risk Assessments, Fire Officer and Maintenance. Marcus is married to Henri and has been part of the foundations of Luccombe Hub’s Development. Marcus is a Level 3 NVQ Assessor and is currently studying for a Level 3 qualification in Education and Training. Outside work, when time allows, he has a passionate interest in animals, riding, rugby and is currently the Chairman of Dorset and Wilts Rugby Referees

Rachael Brewer

Arts teacher, Creative Lead and Enterprise Workshop Manager

Rachael has been an art teacher for nearly 25 years. She holds a PGCE in Special Educational Needs and, following her training, began working in specialist educational settings. Rachael leads our Art sessions, delivering GCSE Art and Expressive Arts Awards, and creates bespoke curricula to meet the individual needs of learners. She also leads the Enterprise Workshop, developing cross-curricular schemes of work that enable learners to create products for the shop. Rachael is often joined in her lessons by her furry assistant, Samson, who helps create a calm and supportive learning environment.

Jay Hopkins

KS2&3 Lead -SEN Teacher Computing and Phonics Lead Jay is our KS2&3 Lead, an English and maths teacher trained in Phonics and Fresh Start. With over 20 years’ experience of working with children and teenagers, he is passionate about learning – especially reading and numbers. Jay also runs our trips and supports our Head of Education with the daily running of the KS2&3. When not at Luccombe, he enjoys walking, art, watching football and seeing live comedy and music and can often be found hanging out with one of his three cats!

Debbie Tibbey

SENCO – SEN Teacher & SMCS Lead

Debbie is a qualified teacher with Senco responsibilities, assisting our Management Team with EHCP reviews and support plans and targets for our learners. Debbie has spent over 25 years teaching in primary schools and 5 years as a mentor and tutor for young people in Alternative Provision. She has a degree in drama and art and enjoys music and collecting stories from many cultures and countries. Gardening, baking cakes and being with her family and cat take up most of her spare time.

Keith New

Natural Horsemanship and EAQ Facilitator, Maintenance Keith joined the team in 2023 delivering Natural Horsemanship sessions, which has been his passion for over 20 years. Keith enjoys studying anything equine and is training to become an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator with EAQ

Anita Saville

AP Facilitator Life Skills Lead For many years Anita previously worked in the Catering Industry. She now lives locally to The Luccombe Hub and enjoys living a country life with her family, friends and animals. Anita enjoys sharing her cooking and life skills experience with our learners.

Alison Bassindale

SENCO – SEN Primary Teacher Allison is a SEN primary school teacher with Senco responsibilities, assisting our Management Team with EHCP reviews for our learners. She has been working in primary education for almost 10 years. During this time, she has been responsible for leading history, geography and supporting the development of early reading and mathematics. Allison was also responsible for coordinating the special educational needs of the children within the school she has a degree in Animal Science and spends most of her free time looking after her horses and dogs along with her family.

Rebecca Marshall

AP facilitator and SEN Creative Arts lead DDSL Having over 30 years experience working with children aged between 3 months and 18 years, I am a strong advocate for children’s emotional health and wellbeing. I originally trained as a nursery nurse and owned my own children’s day nursery before transitioning into inclusion and pastoral support 15 years ago. I have supported young people who experience barriers to their learning and I am passionate about providing a positive and nurturing environment for all.

Jen Thick

Facilitator and Level 3 Forest School Leader I have been working with SEND children for over 20 years and have worked in care homes as a Deputy Manager and in schools as a TA. I am passionate about outdoor learning and became a forest school and SEND leader at an outdoor nursery where I worked. In my spare time I volunteered at a local primary school working with children with additional needs out in their forest school site and enjoy spending time with my two children, going on adventures in our van.

Julie Moore

Site Support Julie has many years experience caring and meeting the needs of the elderly. Julie joined the team at Luccombe Hub to oversee the domestic duties and support in any areas needed. She has a personal interested in working with people with ADHD and ASD and in her spare time she indulges her passion for Arts and Crafts and spending time with her family and her dogs.

Jo Clayton

SEN Teacher Maths, Science, Biology and Computing Jo holds a degree in Zoology and having spent many years teaching in mainstream schools and working with Dorset Council within their assessment and support department for adults with learning disabilities. Jo brings a wealth of experience as a SEN Teacher. In her spare time she is a competitive rower and a talented blacksmith.

Simon Oxlee

Facilitator Humanities and Forest School Simon a qualified primary school teacher delivers Humanities and History following the National Curriculum through focused projects and supporting in Bushcraft and Music. A keen historian, you may just see a Saxon or WW1 Soldier walking around the Centre! In his spare time, Simon is an accomplished singer/songwriter having released an album or two.

Martin Lynch

Facilitator & Music Lead Martin has worked for many years with those with diverse learning needs. Martin is a keen and talented musician, playing several different instruments and understands the power that music can play in education. He is the Lead Facilitator in music, is the band manager and recording expert and assists with the development of our music curriculum. Martin is currently studying Music Therapy. Music still plays a huge part in his free time both playing at gigs and attending them.

Denise Bones

Equine Manager & Farm Lead Denise, another of our horsewomen and our Equine Lead. Denise works at the Therapeutic Farm to help run and maintain the standards of animal care and welfare of our horses and ponies at the site.

Leanne McMillan

Thrive Practitioner & PSHE Leanne McMillan is a Thrive Practitioner and delivers PSHE; she also assists our Management Team with support plans and targets for our learners. Leanne has worked within the education sector for the last 11 years and for Dorset County Council as an assessment support coordinator. She has worked in various settings including residential schools, youth mentoring roles in the community, respite support and assisting people to manage at home independently. Art is a particular interest of hers especially water colour, graphite, and acrylic. She has always loved animals and regularly competed in many competitions with her own horses particularly show jumping, although never won the pony club egg and spoon race!

Amy Armitage

Facilitator Life Skills, Healthy Living and Fitness DDSL Amy is often found creating something delicious with our learners in the kitchen and facilitates our Life Skills programme. “After completing my degree in early childhood studies, I was keen to explore SEN. I have now spent over a decade working in a specialist residential school in both care & education. When not at work I enjoy playing netball and paddle boarding with my family”.

Hayley Savage

SEN Teacher KS3&4 and Computing Hayley has worked as qualified teacher for 9 years in a range of mainstream settings, as well as having experience of supporting SEN pupils, assisting them with their personal and social development. Her teaching degree specialises in English, which is a subject Hayley is really passionate about. When she is not at work, Hayley loves to go running, explore the outdoors, get stuck in a good book and visit new places.

Kirstie Boxall

AP Facilitator and Farm Lead Kirstie has come from an SEN specialist residential school in Dorset and brings 17 years of experience running a therapeutic farm and supporting SEN learners. In her free time you will find her with her own horses and other smaller animals.

Ian Boxall

Facilitator Personal Projects and DT. Ian has 15 years’ experience working at a specialist residential school, working in the care sector in various roles, including care manager and supporting as a DSL. Ian enjoys being able to transfer various life skills into learning opportunities, both inside and outside, using his knowledge as a previous site manager to support learners in DT and personal projects. Outside of work Ian enjoys various sports, travel, going to the theatre and reading.

Alex White

Administration & IT Manager, DDSL

Jess Skillen

Facilitator & Farm Support Jess completed her Level 3 Animal Welfare and Science qualifications at Kingston Maurward Collage in 2023 and has joined the team on the therapeutic farm facilitating and supporting with the animal welfare. When Jess is not spending time with the animals, you can find her enjoying her books.

Tess Butler

Teacher – DT Lead

For the past 26 years Tess has taught in various mainstream schools. She has a degree in Environmental Science and passionate about nature and wildlife. “Being very practical, I enjoy and have completed many DIY projects at home. In my previous school, I started and ran Forest School, helping children to thrive in the natural world. To relax, I love being outdoors, be it sailing or SUPing, walking or camping with the family. I have recently rekindled my love of club hockey, I enjoy craft projects, baking and getting lost in a book”.

Becky King

AP Teacher Maths and English Lead

Catherine Churchill

Facilitator Food Tec and Life Skills

Jacqui Clark

SEND Teacher – KS 2 & 3

Jacqui has been teaching in mainstream primary schools for the past 27 years. She has experience with SEND children and using the Thrive approach to support social and emotional development. She is also a very enthusiastic Scout volunteer being involved across all sections she has experience with children aged 6 – 18. She loves to be outside exploring nature, putting her biology degree to good use by enthusing the young people she works with to enjoy the benefits of the natural world too. When not away Scouting at the weekends she enjoys cycling or relaxing in her garden.

Ruth Dal Din

KS4 Lead Sen – SEN Teacher GCSE Maths, English and Biology, Deputy Exams Officer

Ness Mansfield

DDSL. AP Forest Skill Lead. Mental Health First Aider & Lead Facilitator

Gaynor Somerville

EAQ Facilitator

Gaynor has been at Luccombe Hub since 2019 and is a Level 4 OCN Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator, having trained through EAQ. Gaynor also has her BHS Stage 3 and coaching qualification, having previously taught Military personal and their families. Gaynor teaches our OCN Animal Care Qualifications and the ‘Move to Learn’ programme which assists Learners with their co-ordination. She also runs our popular Holiday Clubs and is a Trustee on our Charity fundraising committee, ‘Friends of Luccombe Hub’. Gaynor is also a qualified gym instructor, so outside of the Centre you will find her teaching her Spinning classes, training and competing in British Eventing with her horse, or enjoying walking her black Labrador, Brooke.

Clinton Thrower

SEN Teacher GCSE – Head of Science

Clinton has been a Head of Science and a teacher of Chemistry and Geology for over 25 years. He holds a PhD in Isotope Geochemistry and he has worked in both main stream schools and in the private education sector. He is a qualified Duke of Edinburgh Award assessor and is a GCSE Science Examiner for the Edexcel exam board. Clinton enjoys making special exhibition projects with students, which have included scale models of the Milky Way, the International Space Station and full size models of a giant squid and a T-Rex skeleton. In his spare time, Clinton enjoys playing hockey, fishing, DIY and walking George, the family dog.

Jane Farnhill

Post 16, Luccombe Hub Employability Programme Facilitator & Horticultural Lead

Jane supports the Post 16 Employability Programme Manager and is the Lead on Horticulture. She has 20 years’ experience supporting children and young adults with varied additional and special educational needs, assisting them with their social activities and everyday life skills, she specialises in supporting young people with ASD and has worked in a preschool as a 1-1 keyworker. When not working, Jane enjoys cooking for her family which includes her two children, a large dog and a tortoise. She enjoys regular yoga classes & anything nature based- walking, gardening, photography and using her creative floristry skills.

Danielle Sweetland

Facilitator Food Tec and life skills

Danielle puts her culinary skills to good use in the Luccombe kitchen and is very adaptable in offering support in other subject areas at Luccombe Hub. Danielle has worked with children for several years as a Children’s Resource Worker with the Local Authority and as classroom support within local mainstreams. She has extensive experience of working 1:1 with children with additional needs, supporting them to achieve their best. In her spare time, she enjoys walks in the countryside, reading and spending time with her family.

Dave Ferrands

Facilitator & Mentor

Dave has come to us from a Pupil Referral Unit where he has worked for 7 years where he worked with young people who found mainstream school difficult. Dave has been supporting their pupils attending Luccombe since July 2021, so is well known at The Luccombe Hub! Prior to this he worked in a Primary School and a Forestry School. David has been a landscape painter for a number of years, with a studio in Bath as well as working as a qualified carpenter. His degree is in Education with electives in History and Philosophy. He is an avid reader and passionate about the natural world.

Tina New

Attendance Champion and Administration support.

Pippa Simpson

EAQ Facilitator, Farm Support & DDSL farm

Imogen Brewer

EAQ Facilitator & Farm Support

Louise Barber

SEN Teacher Functional Skills Maths English and Computing Louise joins Luccombe with over 13 years of experience in Further Education, specialising in apprenticeships, Functional Skills, and supporting military learners. She is passionate about building learners’ confidence and helping them achieve their goals. She holds a Level 4 Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector and is a Qualified Lead Internal Quality Assurer, with a strong track record in maintaining high teaching and assessment standards.

Alex Tallentire Teckoe

Facilitator, Pastoral Care Support & DDSL

Alex is currently working towards a degree in social studies at Bournemouth University. During this course he completed a six month placement here at Luccombe Hub which has led to him now becoming a full time facilitator. Outside of work Alex enjoys watching and playing football as well as running along the coastline.

Sarah Smith

Facilitator and Outdoor Education support Sarah is a passionate horticulturist with 24 years of experience, dedicated to sharing the benefits of gardening with children. She believes that hands-on interaction with nature supports mental health, wellbeing, and a lifelong interest in wildlife and conservation. Alongside gardening, Sarah has worked as a Supervised Contact Worker, providing children and families with a safe, supportive space to connect. She has also volunteered at a First School, supporting children with SEND as a 1:1 reader and helping develop a sensory garden, and assisted with art and design classes at a local Middle School. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys time with her family, their cat Maggie and dog Ziggy, long countryside walks, gardening, photography, and painting.

Mell Oliver

AP Facilitator -Well-being and Mindfulness

Mell is a vibrant and enthusiastic AP facilitator who focuses on well-being, emotional literacy, self-expression, and therapeutic creativity. With a degree in Photography and years of experience as an arts practitioner, she is passionate about supporting children and young people in specialist settings. Her work centres on creative arts therapy, trauma-informed practice, and autism and SEND support.

She is currently working towards her BSL Level 2 and has a strong interest in language, connection, nature, and creating safe spaces for meaningful conversations. In her spare time, she volunteers at a local food bank, enjoys expressive dance, coastal walks, and exploring new places in her camper van.

Katie Blake

AP Facilitator

We are delighted that Katie is rejoining Luccombe at our AP bringing with her over 10 years of experience working with children.

Having begun her career in early years and supporting families. She has 6 years of experience working with children with SEN and completed her social work degree 2 years ago. Katie is passionate about supporting children to thrive and reach their full potential. Outside of work, she is a keen animal lover and enjoys spending time at the farm with her family.

Polly Scott

Sen Teacher Maths, English and PSHCE

With 25 years of experience in mainstream education, Polly has worked across a wide range of year groups, including five years at an international school in the USA. In recent years, her focus has been on English, Maths, and PSHCE, where she strives to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences.

Polly is passionate about fostering a positive learning environment in which children feel confident, motivated, and inspired to succeed. She believes education should be both supportive and empowering, enabling every child to grow academically while also developing personally.

Outside the classroom, Polly has rekindled her love of reading. When she’s not immersed in a good book, you’ll likely find her enjoying music or watching a Marvel film.

Michael Secker

AP Facilitator Horticulture

Michael discovered his passion for growing while tending an allotment in Bristol, where he learned the fundamentals of cultivating fruit and vegetables. This early experience sparked a lasting interest in horticulture, which he developed further as a garden manager at a community project in Dorset. There, he produced abundant fresh produce for the kitchen while creating a vibrant, wildlife-friendly garden that thrived on biodiversity.

He is especially passionate about sharing his knowledge, taking great pride in supporting learners build confidence in growing their own food and flowers. Michael is excited to bring this same enthusiasm and encouragement to learners at Luccombe.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys foraging, cooking, and exploring an ever-growing collection of teas.

Jacqui Lum Kin

Counsellor

Jacqui has been counselling in a mainstream secondary school for over a decade, supporting young people as they navigate life’s challenges.

In her spare time she enjoys long walks, spending time with her family, and anything green (green has always been her favourite colour!).”