Meet the team
The experienced people at the heart of our learning programmes provide the nurturing, trauma-informed support necessary for young people to rebuild confidence and rediscover their love of learning.
Mike Williams
PGCE, MOst
Founder, Specialist Teacher
Mike brings a distinctive blend of warmth and empathy, along with a pedagogy inspired by home education and refined by his time working in schools. He brings practical skills to his teaching and his love for the outdoors shines through not only in his woodsman and bushcraft expertise but also in his deep passion for geology, applied science, and ancient technologies. As a father of three young boys, Mike infuses his work with music, movement, humour, and genuine care when interacting with both children and adults, creating a culture of laughter, camaraderie, and open communication.
Laura Rawlins
BA QTS Hons, PGCE, NASENCo
SENDCo, Specialist Teacher
Laura is a dedicated teacher and SENDCo with over 20 years of experience across a variety of educational settings, including mainstream schools, special needs schools, and ARPs. She is passionate about helping children overcome learning challenges, with a particular focus on boosting self-esteem. Laura specialises in supporting children with dyslexia and autism, using her extensive knowledge and experience to create tailored approaches that help every child thrive.
Nicky Stripe
BSc (General Nursing Studies)
Site Manager, Learning Specialist, DSL
Nicky has been closely connected to Out to Learn since its early days, shaping a deep understanding of the company’s ethos and approach. A qualified medic with extensive training in holistic health and wellbeing, Nicky brings a calm, child-centred approach, guiding her work with a focus on building confidence and encouraging personal growth. With years of home educating her own children since 2011, Nicky has a natural talent for art and craft, weaving creativity into her practice by taking children outside to experience and embrace nature.
Tash
Learning Specialist, Facilitator
Tash is a documentary photographer and visual artist whose practice is rooted in tactile and analogue photographic methods, inspired by deep human connections to nature. Having worked extensively with children in the film and TV industry, she brings her professional expertise and creativity to our sessions, making her an invaluable asset to the team.
Alice
Holiday Camp Facilitator
Alice, a photographic journalist overflowing with creativity and a strong presence, has a deep appreciation for nature and a genuine concern for others. Her reassuringly calm and grounded demeanour allows her to form strong connections with quieter or more reserved participants. With a background in home education and experience working with children with diverse needs, Alice takes an intuitive and dedicated approach to supporting each participant’s journey.
Thomas
Holiday Camp Facilitator
Thomas brings calm, creativity, and fun to every session, holding a musical safe space for exploration and self-expression. With his wealth of experience working with children with SEND, Thomas creates an inclusive environment where every child feels heard and valued. His sessions were a highlight of our summer camp, and we are thrilled to have him as part of our facilitation team.
Nadya
Holiday Camp Facilitator
Nadya works with both children and adults, both within and outside the mainstream school system, bringing a serene energy to her activities. Educated in the Steiner philosophy, she understands the importance of connecting with nature and finds tranquillity in outdoor environments. With her musical and creative talents, Nadya brings a calming energy to her work, empowering participants to rekindle their bond with nature. She is currently training to become a drama therapist, enriching her ability to support emotional and psychological well-being in her sessions.
Salih
Holiday Camp Facilitator, Chef
Salih has spent a lifetime immersed in the great outdoors, exploring, foraging, and connecting with nature alongside his family. As the owner of Big Bite — a renowned fish and chip restaurant in Willesden and a cornerstone of the local community, he pairs his culinary expertise with his passion for community engagement. At holiday camps, Salih inspires children to embrace nature, eat healthily, and master bush-style cooking, making him an invaluable part of the team.
We take great care in our recruitment process, prioritising candidates who share our passion for inclusive education and who demonstrate the skills and empathy needed to work with vulnerable learners.