About Us
Our dedicated team bring a multitude of skills and experience to Affinity. Each of them is truly committed to improving the lives of care experienced young people.
Charlotte
Charlotte Elliott is an Executive Educational Leader and Social Entrepreneur.
As the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Affinity 2020 CIC, Charlotte has always been creative, using her skills from drama school to think outside the box to solve complex educational problems.
Sometimes this creativity sees her in the kitchen attempting fusion cooking. Her husband is not always impressed with the fusion mix!
After nearly spending a decade as an Executive Headteacher, Charlotte truly knows what drives sustainable change in society.
Charlotte was a foster sister growing up, and is passionate about equality of opportunity for care experienced young people.
Barbara
When she is not looking after and playing with her 2 dogs and 4 cats she is working hard in inclusive education as the school SENDCo Lead which enables young people to achieve their best outcome.
Barbara has had a varied career and has worked in Hospitality Management and training, Business to Business Sales and Finance sectors, which took her to the Far East as a Senior Investment consultant, before embarking on her career in education.
After working in education for 12 years, her passion for disadvantaged young people has led her to head up our primary and inclusion division of Affinity 2020CIC. Her personal experience of being disadvantaged enhances her empathy with the children that she works with.
Malcolm
Teacher and Lead Artist
Malcolm is a passionate advocate for the arts, dedicating his life to creative expression and education. He is the imaginative mind behind beloved characters like Granny Norbag, and the author of numerous books that captivate and inspire readers of all ages. With a background as a primary school teacher, Malcolm has a wealth of experience in nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning.
His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom as he enjoys supporting students in all aspects of their development, with a particular enthusiasm for the arts. Malcolm believes in the transformative power of creativity and is devoted to helping others discover and develop their artistic talents. His work is a testament to his belief that the arts are an essential part of education and personal growth.
Jonathan
Higher Level Teaching Assistant and Tutor
I’m Jonathan, your friendly neighborhood post-16 tutor at Affinity 2020 CIC. While my weekdays are filled with the excitement of guiding the next generation through their academic journeys, my weekends take a thrilling turn as I dive headfirst into my passion for all things spooky.
From mysterious tales to haunted histories, I find joy in the spine-tingling narratives that send shivers down the bravest spines. As a post-16 tutor, I’m not just passionate about academics; I’m also dedicated to fostering a love for learning that transcends the ordinary.
Come the weekend, you’ll catch me on my own adventures, exploring the uncharted territories of the eerie and unknown. Whether it’s a spooky hike, a visit to a haunted locale, or simply losing myself in a good ghost story, I relish every moment that adds a touch of mystery to my life.
Manny
Musical Engagement
A professional musician and show pony. Manny specialises in musical engagement, to inspire, entertain and foster connections.
He uses an array of traditional instruments including Violin, Guitar, Piano and a new addition of Melodeon (Learnt during lockdown) and enjoys a group setting to involve as many as possible.
Manny brings his years of experience as a performer/session musicain and group leader in the musicalsetting.
He founded ‘Notes of Joy’, a music therapy service for children & adults of all ages and abilities including SEND and Dementia Care groups across South Yorkshire. His friendly caring manner and rapid rapport building support great interactions while leading Affinty Music Adventure Hours for care experienced young people.
Vikki
0 to 5 leader
An avid English clog dancer and Ballroom and Latin enthusiast, when Vikki is not tearing up the dance floor or creating new rhythmic dance routines, she can be found at the helm of the 0-5 branch of Affinity CIC.
With 16 years of experience teaching and leading in primary schools, most recently as a primary headteacher; Vikki brings her expertise from across the primary phases to fuel her passion for giving all children the best start in life.
Vikki’s determination to close the gaps met by care-experienced young people inspired her to start the training process to become a foster carer herself. She uses her love of teaching and interacting with younger children to create Affinity “pop-up” provision for 0-5s, whilst offering support, training and guidance to parents and carers, including those who are themselves care-experienced.
Jackie
Work and Enterprise Manager
When Jackie is not running around after her lovely grandchildren, she is dedicated to driving employer engagement in the educational sector. Jackie has an extensive career in the not-for-profit sectors, from working with people with disabilities, to co-creating The Work Wise Foundation. Jackie leads the Rotherham Pioneers group in Rotherham. Rotherham Pioneers is An influential network of leaders, businesses and communities advocating together, working together, trading together – instilling pride in our place, improving prosperity and opportunities for all.
Leo
Apprentice Office Manager
My world revolves around the sweet harmonies of music, the vibrant palette of fashion, and the enchanting allure of the performing arts.
In the heart of my office, you’ll often find me immersed in the rhythms of my favorite tunes, crafting a symphony of productivity. Beyond the professional realm, my faithful companion Koda, a furry friend with whom I share countless adventures, accompanies me on walks through new places, each step an exploration.
Denise
Teaching Assistant
Denise brings energy, creativity, and compassion to everything she does. Outside the classroom, she enjoys walking her dogs through scenic landscapes, immersing herself in amateur dramatics, and embarking on thrilling ghost-hunting adventures to uncover the mysteries of the paranormal.
In the classroom, Denise is a dedicated professional who thrives on supporting student learning. With her background as a trained therapist, she is passionate about promoting the mental health and well-being of young people. Whether guiding students academically or offering emotional support, Denise is committed to creating a positive and nurturing environment for all.
Her diverse interests and professional expertise make her a vibrant and invaluable part of the community she serves.
Coutney
Teacher Assistant
Hey there, I’m Courtney! By day, I’m wrangling students as a dedicated teacher assistant, but by night, I’m getting lost in the wild world of reality TV. If I’m not engrossed in the latest drama on Love Island or catching up with the Teen Moms, you’ll probably find me in a TikTok rabbit hole.
When I’m off the clock, I’m all about cozying up with my little one for some serious soap opera time. Whether it’s Emmerdale, Coronation Street, or any other juicy soap, I’ve earned my title as the Soap Queen.
Weekends are a thrilling mix of mum duty and outdoor adventures, catching up with family and friends. I’m on a mission to become a full SEND teacher, with a little help from Affinity2020CIC. Stay tuned—just like my favorite shows, my story is only getting started!
