Meet The Staff
John (Jon Jon)
Director
Everyone calls me Jon Jon. Why? Well that's a very long story.
My background for the last 20 years has been in Events Management, within the film industry, as a logistics coordinator. This has taken me to Milan, Berlin, Cannes, and Los Angeles. For the last five years I’ve run a garden project for an activities centre.
At the weekends I can usually be found walking on the beach or in the woodlands with my wife Corinna and Daisy our golden retriever, who doesn't retrieve!
Corinna
Manager
I have worked in care and education for over twenty years with people of all different ages and capabilities.
I first became interested in clay when I was about eight years old after finding a 19th-century clay pipe in the stream behind our house.
I used to spend hours playing in the stream searching for small fragments of broken pottery that were sometimes brightly coloured, it was like finding treasure. I loved shaping tiny little pots and figurines out of the river bed clay, from then on I was captivated.
Much later I completed a BA Hons in Ceramics & Sculpture and an M.A in 3D Design.
I am also a qualified Dru yoga teacher who understands the importance of good health and well-being. I love traveling abroad to experience diversities in culture, art, and food and I am passionate about inspiring others through my teaching.
I absolutely love swimming in the sea and going for long walks with my husband and our dog. I am a keen vegetarian who enjoys creating new recipes and meals to share with my family and friends.
Sally
Deputy Manager
Hi, my name is Sally and I am a Mum to two girls called Grace and Annabel. We live with my husband on a farm that has chickens, sheep, and a dog called Amber.
I am passionate about all textiles, but especially weaving. I have been weaving since I was 10 and my love of this craft has grown over the years, leading me to gain a teaching qualification, degree, and MA in textiles.
I have a floor loom at home where I try out new ideas and make things for my family and friends in my spare time. I love teaching and passing on my knowledge of creating bold and colourful fabrics that are totally unique and individual.
Jane
Activities Tutor
Hello, my name is Jane and I am married to Michael. We have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren. In layman's terms, that equates to six boys and five girls!
Having a large family and being a mother are very important to me.
I have worked in the care industry for thirty-one years and caring is my life.
I like to keep myself busy and I have lots of hobbies including cooking, reading, walking and socialising. I enjoy organising get-togethers and parties as I love to catch up with family and friends.
I was brought up in a farming community and I've lived in Dorset all of my life. I love going on coach trips which is a good job because my husband Michael travels all over the country providing coach trips and excursions, so I can tell you that I've been on quite a few!
Denise
Activities Tutor
Hi, my name is Denise. Over the years I have worked in International Banking and Education which was mainly as a Teaching Assistant in Year 6 and as an ELSA (Emotional Learning Support Assistant). I was also involved in Scouting as a Leader for Beaver Scouts for just over nine years.
I am married to Andy; we have one son, a lovely daughter-in-law, two beautiful grandchildren, and two slightly nutty dogs.
I love to spend my free time socialising with my family and friends, walking with my dogs, traveling, practicing various arts and crafts, and visiting live theatre (especially musicals!); Finally, if there’s time, spending time in my garden.
Ciona
Activities Tutor
Originally from the Midlands and growing up in my parents Care Home, caring was second nature to me from a young age. Before relocating to sunny Dorset over 20 years ago I worked in Human Resources for part of the Virgin Group.
I now live in Sixpenny Handley with my three growing children Harry, Freddie, and Martha, who all remain my biggest achievement. As a hands-on full-time mum I was able to immerse myself into the local community groups by taking on various voluntary roles including John McNeil Centre in Salisbury, Little Pennies Pre-School, 1st Woodcutt Scouts, and Sixpenny Handley First School. For the past eight years I have enjoyed the role of Parish Clerk for Sixpenny Handley & Pentridge. It’s a busy and caring community so going to work is a pleasure!
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and to keep active I am a keen cyclist, golfer, and enjoy long walks with my naughty but loving cockapoo!
