Meet the team
With over 60 years combined SEN teaching experience, Meet our Coggeshall Road Therapeutic Provision Team….
Lisa-Jane
Director / Head of Centre Examinations
Emaillisajanecolyer@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Lisa is the Founder, Director and unofficial “Mum” of Coggeshall Road Therapeutic Provision. Not only does she run the show—handling the business side of things with a perfect blend of professionalism and passion—but she also takes it upon herself to make sure everyone, staff and students alike, is fed, watered, and looked after. If there’s a snack shortage or someone needs a listening ear, Lisa is already on it.
Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, supporting both staff and students with insightful, compassionate advice when it’s needed most. She champions a relational approach to care, prioritising the building of trust and meaningful connections with young people, and is always ready to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in.
Lisa’s approach is as down-to-earth as it is inspiring, and her knack for blending warmth and humour keeps the whole provision running smoothly—even when things get a bit chaotic. Outside of work, she’s a devoted mum, avid Lego builder, and is absolutely bonkers about sausage dogs!
Jonny
Senior Manager / Designated Safeguarding Lead / Maths
Emailjonnyweavers@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Jonny is one of our Senior Managers, Safeguarding Lead and Maths teacher. He has played an important part of our Coggeshall Road project since the offset, helping the provision to grow and succeed. He has worked with young people with SEN for over 20 years within the care system and as a Maths Lead in an independent school prior to Coggeshall Road. Jonny has a Level 5 Diploma in Teaching and Education and has helped 100’s of young people to achieve their potential in Maths with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject. Jonny is a dad of two boys and is a big sports fan. Enjoying team sports like football and cricket during his social time.
Annie
Senior Manager, SENCO, Art
Emailanniegourlay@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Annie is one of our Senior Managers, SENCo, Art Teacher, and DDSL at Coggeshall Road. With a PGCE in SEN and Inclusion, a Degree in Dance and Drama, and a Level 5 Diploma in Teaching, Annie blends her academic knowledge with a flair for the arts, making her approach to education as dynamic as it is inclusive.
As SENCo, Annie promotes an affirmative model to SEN and is committed to understanding the unique needs of every young person, designing tailored strategies to support their growth and well-being.
In the art room, Annie uses art as both a therapeutic tool and a means of empowerment, encouraging young people to express themselves, build confidence, and explore their individuality. Whether its art just for fun or working towards a GCSE, Annie’s enthusiasm and passion for the subject never wains.
Outside of work, when she is not doing something ‘Arty’, Annie goes running to try to stay fit and keep up with the delightful chaos of life with her three teenage boys.
Kirsty
Manager / Outdoor Learning Lead
EmailKirstyhemsley@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Kirsty is Outdoor Learning Lead and Social Media expert! Kirsty holds a Level 2 Forest Schools Qualification and plans to study for the Level 3 qualification in 2025. Kirsty’s bubbly character shines through in her teaching, and her outdoor lessons are a valuable part of our students curriculum at Coggeshall Road. Kirsty loves being outdoors and this reverberates in her teaching. The students love her enthusiasm and she is a vital cog of the Coggeshall Road wheel. Outside of the provision, Kirsty is a mum of two and is a keen Lego builder!
Louise
Wellbeing Mentor / Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Emaillouisebeards@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Louise joined the team as a mentor in March, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge in SEN settings. She holds a Level 5 Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health Informed Schools and is deeply passionate about supporting our young people.
Her patience and kindness are evident in her teaching, and she excels at adapting her approach to meet individual needs.
As a mum of two, Louise enjoys spending time outdoors and is always eager to learn and develop new skills.
Sonya
Administrator and Assistant to SENCo
Emailsonyaosborn@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Sonya is a passionate, fun-loving individual whose warm smile and caring nature light up every room she enters. Sonya has joined the team as administrator and assistant to the SENCo.
As a devoted mum to two teenage boys and a wonderfully needy sausage dog, she balances home life with over 20 years of experience in education and SEND, a field she’s deeply committed to. Known for her impeccable organisation skills, there’s rarely a moment when a coloured post-it note isn’t within arm’s reach–her signature tool for keeping everything in check. Whether she’s planning her next cheeky getaway or unwinding on a relaxing cruise, Sonya brings energy, heart, and a splash of fun to everything she does.
Julie
Health & Safety Officer / Trainee Team Mentor
Emailjuliesmith@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Julie is a vibrant and dedicated member of our team as an Learning Support Assistant. Julie has a bubbly personality and she brings warmth and energy to the classroom. Outside of school, she channels her passion into running her own dance school, inspiring others with her love of movement and creativity. A proud mum to one lively son.
Julie’s infectious laugh and positive spirit make her a cherished member of the team.
Carly
Team Mentor / Examinations Officer
Emailcarlyamos@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Carly is a dynamic new addition to our team, stepping into the roles of Team Mentor and Examinations Officer. With a wealth of experience, she will be supporting both staff and students in navigating their academic journeys.
A dedicated mum to one daughter, Carly brings a calm, compassionate approach to her work. She is excited to be part of the alternative education provision at Coggeshall Road, where she’ll be supporting SEN children in an environment that fosters growth and success.
Abby
Wellbeing Mentor
Emailabby@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Abby is a valued member of our wellbeing team at Coggeshall Road Therapeutic Provision Limited. With a strong background in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play, Abby brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her role. Her calm and creative personality helps to create a supportive environment for our pupils, where everyone feels heard and valued.
Outside of work, Abby enjoys arts and crafts and spending time in nature. She often draws on these interests in her professional practice, using them to inspire engagement and promote wellbeing. Abby is dedicated to fostering a positive, nurturing atmosphere that supports both emotional and educational growth.
Claire
Teacher English / Art / Cookery
Emailclairehopkins@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Claire is a creative and dedicated Art and English specialist with over ten years of teaching experience. She has worked in a variety of settings, including mainstream schools and Pupil Referral Units, and loves finding imaginative ways to engage pupils in their learning.
With a degree in Fine Art and Qualified Teacher Status in Secondary Art and Design, Claire enjoys using her artistic skills to bring creativity into all areas of the curriculum, especially English. She believes that understanding each pupil’s individual needs is key to helping them thrive, and she uses therapeutic principles throughout her teaching to create a supportive and nurturing environment.
Outside the classroom, Claire enjoys playing a range of instruments, dancing, and cooking – all of which inspire her creative approach to teaching and learning.
Elias
Teacher Science
Emaileliasmark@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Elias has joined us on a part-time basis to teach Science across our provision. He brings a wealth of experience working with students with Special Educational Needs and is passionate about making science accessible and engaging for all learners. Elias has delivered Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at GCSE level and enjoys inspiring curiosity and confidence in his students through practical, hands-on learning.
Martha
Teacher Music
Emailmarthataylor@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Martha has joined our team part-time as our Music Teacher. She has extensive experience supporting young people with special educational needs and is passionate about using music to encourage creativity, confidence, and emotional wellbeing. Through her inclusive and engaging approach, Martha helps students explore different musical styles and develop their own sense of rhythm and expression in a supportive environment.
Julie H
Learning Support Assistant
Emailjuliehaylock@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Julie is a dedicated and good-humoured member of our team who brings warmth and enthusiasm to her role. A proud mum to two teenagers – a boy and a girl – Julie balances her professional responsibilities with the joys and challenges of family life.
Before joining us, Julie gained valuable experience working in primary school settings, where she developed a strong understanding of children’s needs and how to support their development. She also volunteered at a children’s centre, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive difference in young people’s lives.
Outside of work, Julie enjoys baking – a passion that often brings delicious treats to share with colleagues and adds to the welcoming atmosphere she creates wherever she goes.
Laura
Receptionist
Emaillauraheard@coggeshallroad.co.uk
Laura has joined the team to assist in the busy office as receptionist and administrator.
Laura studied Visual Studies at Norwich School of Art and Design and loves being and encouraging others to be creative. Laura has worked in several SEN settings since graduating in 2007.
An avid knitter and crocheter, Laura usually has a project on the go. Laura loves cats and has two, very cheeky cats that keep her on her toes!