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Staff

You will find information on all of our staff team along with their contact details and for the lucky few, even a photo!
David Sharp

David Sharp

Deputy Chief Executive

As the Deputy Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Youth I manage to get involved in most parts of the organization. I have a background in working for the statutory sector in leisure services before converting to the voluntary sector. I love being in the outdoors and regularly take trips to Scotland climbing mountains as well as visiting local forests for a bike ride or the local crag for a bimble about and in between raising a family, supporting the Bradford Bulls I am still attempting to gain an Open University Degree

Katie Graff-Anderson

Katie Graff-Anderson

Marketing and Bookings Manager

I started working for North Yorkshire Youth in 2003 as the centre Receptionist and over the years have worked my way up through various roles and am now the Bookings and Marketing Manager for Carlton Lodge. Before moving to North Yorkshire I lived and worked in Torquay at a large outdoor centre as an instructor and then moving into the office. I then moved to the midlands for a short while where I worked as a Special Needs Teaching Assistant. In my time working at Carlton Lodge I has seen many changes and watched the centre grow into what it is today.

David Lister

Accounts

Judith Worrall

Judith Worrall

Facilities Manager

I am the Facilities Manager at Carlton Lodge, my role now includes Housekeeping / Catering , Grounds, Company Vehicles and Maintenance of Buildings. It is my job to ensure that everyone has a pleasant stay at Carlton Lodge and that all dietary requirements are met. I have previously had a variety of jobs varying from working for a children’s charity, managing a coffee shop in a supermarket, housekeeping in private residences and have also worked as a registered childminder. The part of my job that I enjoy most is going on school visits and watching the children’s’ and parent’s faces when we tell them about what is going to happen on their visit, especially the bit about having to make their own beds!

Lucy Downes

Lucy Downes

Head of Youth Work

I began working for NYY in 2007 to set up and manage the Youth Team. I have primarily worked supporting students within FE colleges, this all started when I was elected as President of a Students Union in 2000, rather than following my degree subject (fashion!). In particular I enjoy working with the various government agendas about Children and Young People, and am keen to see how active participation of Young People will change our work. In my spare time I like climbing, caving and running and I am just getting to grips with flying down hills on a bike.

Simon Hills

Simon Hills

Chief Exec

I joined NYY early in 2006 having previously worked across the Penines in the North West. I have a long established background and experience in both Outdoor Education and Youth Work. I have managed large Outdoor Centres in both the UK and France and spent over 5 years as a Regional Manager with national youth work charity Fairbridge. I am married with 2 children, hobbies and interests include gardening, walking, biking and travel. I do now spend most weekends indulging my new interest of ferrying children between rugby, swimming, ballet etc. I am a Governor of my village primary school and a Trustee of North Yorkshire Forum for Voluntary Organisations.

Clare Yates

Clare Yates

Field Work Team Leader

I began working with NYY late 2007 to develop and support voluntary youth provision throughout Hambleton and Richmondshire. Prior to this I worked as a Quality Assurance Officer by day and a part time youth worker by night. I really like the Field Development role as it allows you to meet lots of people (young and old) who are truly interested in the well being of young people and providing them with as many positive opportunities as possible. Aside from work I enjoy reading, singing, walking, Pilates, bird watching and shopping -of course!

Gillian Harrison

Gillian Harrison

Administrator

Gillian started working for NYY in April 2008 but has previous Admin and Clerical experience working in the Health Service and Civil Service, as well as a number of charities in York and North Yorkshire. Her burning ambition currently is to brave the climbing wall.

Tabitha Grove

Tabitha Grove

Youth Volunteering Development Advisor

I have been enjoying my work as Youth Volunteer Advisor at NYY since May 2008. I help young people aged 16-25 across Ryedale and Scarborough find exciting and relevant volunteering opportunities. I started my work with young people by volunteering for over two years with Connexions, I was also one of the first Young Peoples Development Workers. I enjoy helping young people find opportunities that really make a difference to them and their future. I like showing young people what volunteering can do for them, not just their community, and getting them to think about volunteering in a whole new light. In my spare time I really enjoy anything drama/acting based. I’ve recently started taking drama lessons for the first time in years, which is scary but fun. I love going to the cinema and I’m a Disney fanatic!

James Wainwright

James Wainwright

Youth Volunteer Development Manager

I left County Durham in 1996 to study Geography at York St. John University and have stayed in the area ever since. Initially working at St. John’s and then York College, I went on to work as a Participation Worker for City of York Youth Service and then a Development Worker for North Yorkshire Forum for Voluntary Organisations, funded by Connexions. I love working with projects that really show off the energy and creativity of young people and I’m a big believer in volunteering as something that can unlock hidden skills and talents. As Youth Volunteer Development Manager at NYY my role is to work with organisations to create new and exciting opportunities for young people to volunteer in North Yorkshire. When I’m not doing that I enjoy reading, writing, climbing, photography and hanging out with my lovely wife and our little baby!

Seetal Jutla

Seetal Jutla

Youth Volunteer Development Advisor

Since graduating in 2005 I’ve worked with vulnerable young people in a variety of settings in Leeds. After a pretty intense stretch I wanted a new challenge and change of scenery. Coming to North Yorkshire Youth has allowed me the opportunity to continue working with young people but in a more creative and diverse way. The vInvolved project is fantastic as it promotes a positive view of young people within the community and enables them to develop valuable skills and experiences. The only downside of working in the North is that my road rage has gone sky high, but everyday is a funny adventure thanks to my tom tom.

George Plant

George Plant

Senior Instructor

I am now in my second year as Chief Instructor at Carlton Lodge. I have been working in outdoor education for most of his working life. An active climber, mountaineer and caver, I have always been interested in survival outdoors and am currently developing Bushcraft at Carlton Lodge. I feel that I have the experience, qualifications and knowledge to ensure our customers achieve their objectives through outdoor activities.

Mark Faulkner

Mark Faulkner

Head of Centre - Carlton Lodge

Mark took over as Head of Carlton Lodge Outdoor Centre in October 2008. Mark has served a full career in the Army. His career has given him extensive experience in delivering and managing training both indoors and outdoors. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and a visiting Professor to the School of Management at the University of Surrey.

Becki Gilmour

Becki Gilmour

Fieldworker (Craven and Harrogate)

I got into part time Youth Work 7yrs ago after becoming frustrated whilst working within the Prison Service, and since making the move into this field have never really looked back. I joined NYY in Dec 2008 so very much still the new girl, but I am thoroughly enjoying the challenges that this role has to offer. Origionally I went to college in York & studied Business Studies, but I am now doing a Youth and Community Studies Degree. I live with my partner & we have 3 gorgeous boys who take up most of our free time & energy although I do have a love of the outdoors & semi adventurous activities such as mountain biking & roller booting.

James Miller (Jimmy)

James Miller (Jimmy)

Outdoor Instructor and Youth Worker

I have a mixed role at North Yorkshire Youth, instructing activities at Carlton Lodge and supporting the ‘Youth’ team. As an Activity Instructor I completed a season working at Carlton Lodge in April 2008 and after a successful season I was appointed to work full time. In November I worked alongside the Field Development Workers helping out on some of the youth nights in helping plan events. My qualifications include UKCC Level 1 coach, SPA, Archery Leader, BELA and Level 2 Youth Worker. I am also keen on martial arts, which helps deter young people who might want to cause trouble.

Faye Soakell

Faye Soakell

Outdoor Instructor and Youth Worker

I have a mixed role at North Yorkshire Youth, instructing activities at Carlton Lodge and supporting the ‘Youth’ team. As an Activity Instructor I completed a season working at Carlton Lodge in April 2008 and after a successful season I was appointed to work full time. In November I worked alongside the Field Development Workers helping out on some of the youth nights in helping plan events. My qualifications include SPA, UKCC Level 1 Kayaking and Canoe Coach, BELA, Archery Leader, Level 2 Youth Worker. She also enjoys martial arts and takes part in competitions.

Lindsey Baker

Lindsey Baker

Reception / Bookings Administrator

I manage the front of office with responsibility for Reception, Centre Bookings and Administration. I have been at Carlton Lodge for 4 years. My previous experience includes office administration and reception work for Volvo, the Inland Revenue and in a local Hotel. I am generally the first person that you are likely to speak to when you ring Carlton Lodge or visit the Centre.

Bob Bevan

Bob Bevan

Chef

I have worked at Carlton Lodge for 3 years as a Chef, after worked in a variety of different catering backgrounds, but was also once a french polisher. One school return every year just to for my famous chocolate sponge, with chocolate sauce. I also cooks a mean roast dinner; never mind Aunt Bessies, they should be called ‘Bobs Yorkshire’ pudds.

Ian Waines

Ian Waines

Field Development Worker (Ryedale and Scarborough)

I started working for NYY in Feb 2008 in the Scarborough / Ryedale area. I enjoy travelling across the county meeting new people and helping volunteer leaders and young people make a difference in their community. I was introduced to youth work when I lived in Helmsley, shortly before moving to Whitby in 2001. I have worked with young people as an Advanced Teaching Assistant and a Senior Youth Worker. I spent many years working as a Baker during the day, and Youth Working on an evening. In my spare time I love watching motor sports, camping and spending time with my family.

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