Parentkind Team

Michelle joined Parentkind in May 2015 as its Policy and Communications Director and since May 2017 has been the charity’s Acting Chief Executive.

She has over 20 years’ experience of leading teams, public affairs and stakeholder engagement; previously holding senior roles at the Environment Agency and South East Water.

As a mother of two boys and wife of a teacher, Michelle takes a keen personal interest in our schools. She has spoken and written widely on how parents can participate positively in education.

Michelle is an accredited practitioner and member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and is a member of ACEVO.

Kerry-Jane arrived at Parentkind in February 2018 from Tomorrow's People where she was Director of Fundraising & Marketing. Prior to that Kerry-Jane worked as Director of Resource Development & Communications for International Medical Corps UK.

She has 20 years' experience of working within the charity sector in roles at Maggie's, Macmillan, Cancer Research UK and British Heart Foundation, driving successful funding operations, generating income from multiple sources, building and leading teams, business development and marketing.

As a 'professional' auntie, sister to a Teaching Assistant and daughter to a lecturer, Kerry-Jane is enthusiastic about education and the critical role families can have in a child's learning.

Kerry-Jane is also a keen member of the Institute of Fundraising.

Jon joined Parentkind as its Operations and Finance Director in February 2018. He ensures the successful and smooth running of Parentkind to help achieve the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Jon has many years' experience of strategic leadership in the voluntary sector, focusing upon ensuring effective operational and strategic development. He holds an MBA in charity management and brings practical experience of leadership in both educational and membership support charities.

Jon is a member of the Chartered Management Institute and is an ACEVO member.

Olly joined Parentkind in September 2015 and is responsible for driving the charities interaction and collaboration with the private sector.

"I’m excited by the prospect of helping Parentkind establish mutually valuable relationships with the private sector that drives additional revenue to the charity enabling us to expand our reach and remit."

Previously, Olly was Commercial Director at London & Partners, the official promotional company which attracts businesses, events, congresses, students and visitors to London. Prior to this Olly managed a team at Barclays responsible for assisting Inward Investment in to the UK.

Sarah joined Parentkind in April 2015 as Marketing and Communications Manager. She joins the charity following many years working within integrated marketing agencies across a number of blue chip clients.

With her first child recently starting school, Sarah has enjoyed getting involved with the PTA and seeing first-hand the positive effect that an active PTA can have.

"I'm excited by the opportunities ahead, and I look forward to working as part of the Parentkind team to affect some real changes in the way parents are involved in schools to enhance their child's education."

Ruth joined Parentkind in September 2016 to help gain insight into what our members and parents are thinking on various education issues and to ensure their voice is heard by regional and national government.

With two primary school aged children and previous voluntary experience as a Trustee of a charity, Ruth has first hand experience of the value of parental involvement in school and the wider community. “I am excited to develop our parent insight programme and ensure parents voices are heard and valued at all levels”.

Ruth has many years’ experience working in the voluntary and local government sector, leading on work such as programme development, participatory governance and advocacy on behalf of disadvantaged and marginalised groups. She has worked as Centre Manager for Platform 51, World Centre Manager for the international girl guiding movement, and Youth & Play Development Officer for Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.

Jayne joined Parentkind in January 2007 and is looking to see the number of PTAs in membership throughout Northern Ireland increase dramatically now she is in post.

Tracey joined Parentkind in July 2016 from working in the public sector managing community development and regeneration projects.

She served as a community governor at a Primary school and held the post of Vice Chair and is also a former governor at an Early Years Centre where she worked closely with the parents forum to develop and deliver projects that supported social activity in and around the centre which included woodland workshops, community allotments and planting schemes as well as the traditional fetes and fares.

"I am excited about working with the Parentkind team to develop opportunities for parents in Wales to affect some real changes in the way they can become involved in enhancing their child's education as Parentkind Cymru representative."

Mike joined Parentkind in May 2017 as Operations Manager and is responsible for supporting delivery across the organisation through increasing our operational efficiency and measuring our impact. Previously Mike was responsible for a team who ran the volunteer recruitment management and support networks for the UK’s largest sight loss charity. He has over seven years' experience integrating digital solutions to improve business efficiencies and customer service in the charity sector.

As a relatively new Dad, Mike is experiencing for the first time the journey families take through the education system: "I'm excited to be working with colleagues to ensure we are providing the best possible customer service to our members and building positive relationships with parents across the UK."

Clare joined Parentkind in 2000 and works to ensure our PTA members are well supported, together with her team of Membership Services Administrators.

Having been a part of Parentkind for so long, her son has started and finished his school life! She's pleased to see the expansion of the charity in helping parents get more involved in all aspects of their child's education.