Meet the Luton Team

I've been part of the team since 2016, originally overseeing the work of Romance Academy, but moving into the Luton team in 2017 in order to have more face-to-face time with young people. Before arriving at Youthscape, I led a mentoring charity in London having completed a degree in Youth Work and Ministry from Oasis College, London. I love seeing churches come together to make a difference in the lives of young people so I coordinate Luton Unite, a local network that does exactly that. You should also know that I am the proud owner of Colin the camper van, my faithful travelling companion across the UK. Everybody needs to have a friend.

Working with Compass, our NEET (Not in Education, Employment or training) Intervention Programme, I get to help young people realise their full potential no matter what they’re going through. It also means I’ve been on survival school training several times so I know how to skin a pigeon and I’ve got certificates in bushcraft and wilderness living. Important office skills. My degree was in sport and physical education so I’m also a qualified basketball and football coach, a fitness fanatic you might say. When I’m not at Youthscape I love writing, dancing, spending time with my young son, and serving in my local church with my husband. Oh, I’m half Swiss and my middle names are Elsa Olive.

I graduated with a Theology and Youth Ministry BA (Hons) from St Mellitus College in 2018 having done part of my placement here at Youthscape. I want to see how the Church can make a real and lasting contribution to education both in the curriculum and across the whole school community. Leading SchoolsworkUK involves organising training for hundreds of youth workers wanting to develop their skills for work in a school setting. I also lead our 'third space' work finding creative ways to engage students in unsual places like school atriums, the dinner queue and unloved school corridors. In my spare time I love being creative; whether it's making music, videos, or doing graphic design. I also love Ultimate Frisbee.

I joined Youthscape in January 2016 (though I did freelance training for 3 years before that) and I feel privileged to be part of changing young people’s lives in Luton and beyond. I’ve got a youth work degree as well as a certificate in mentoring. I also deliver some of Youthscape’s Emotional Wellbeing training and speak and write on related topics too. I’m pretty cheeky so I like to sneak my own cups into the all-white mug cupboard. When I’m not at work I like to drink tea, bake great cake and pretend I care about NFL because it matters to my husband. I'm great and sarcastic and great at being sarcastic.

I’m part of a team working between local churches and Youthscape to develop new models of youth work that are effective, transforming and can be delivered everywhere. My role involves discipling and leading young people at the Olive Tree Church, connecting with local schools and running some of the in-house projects here. My great passion is to see young people thriving holistically and reaching their full potential. I have a loving relationship with popcorn and over the years I have found popcorn works nicely with movies and so that’s how I relax. I would like to think I can sing even though my friends strongly disagree, but that’s okay I don’t mind being my own cheerleader. X-Factor, watch out.