Meet the team

All staff at Wildernest Care Farm hold enhanced DBS checks and carry out relevant training, including safeguarding training.

Our staff

Izzy – Director and Support worker

I am a trained teacher with a PGCE in secondary drama. My background is in care and education; specifically working with, and teaching, children and young people with ALN and autism. I have over 15 years experience of supporting people in settings with a focus on outdoor education and learning. I have previously carried out training in Sign-a-long, positive behaviour support and sensory integration. I have completed a PSTDC (Professional Skills Teacher Development Course) which provided training in different areas of craft. I love working and being with animals – I’d have two of everything if I could! I love working outside and feeling the sense of achievement and satisfaction that comes with completing a job and creating something.

Gemma – Support Worker

Hi, I’m Gem. I support co-workers at Wildernest Care Farm. My background is in teaching visual arts in a secondary setting. In 2014, I completed a Masters degree in education, specialising in the development of educational support strategies for children and young adults with complex behavioural needs, with a focus on building positive relationships, confidence and resilience. An area I am passionate about. Wildernest is a wonderful place to work. It supports individuals to develop skills in a truly inclusive way. We have a lot of fun along the way! Outside of Wildernest, I enjoy spending time in my garden, growing vegetables, making wooden furniture and looking after my two young children.

Martha – Support Worker

My background is in teaching, specialising in Art & Design and working with children and adults of all ages and abilities, in mainstream education, special needs settings and private tuition. I am also a small business owner, passionate about upholstery and the potential to transform tired old furniture pieces using vibrant vintage fabrics and plenty of tender loving care. I feel very privileged to work at Wildernest Care Farm, it’s such a welcoming natural environment. Sharing the joy the place brings to each participant is very rewarding.

Emily – Support Worker

I am a trained teacher with my specialism in art. I have taught in a special school in Devon for the past 17 years where I was the autism champion and the total communication lead.

I love working at Wildernest. I feel privileged to be part of such a lovely team of caring professionals. It suits me so well to be outside in nature and working with animals!

Katrina – Support Worker

After completing my degree in Psychology, I began my journey supporting individuals with Autism and Additional Learning Needs (ALN). Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing people in a variety of settings, including residential, educational, and day-time provisions. My approach is always centred around meeting individuals where they are and offering personalised, compassionate support that nurtures growth and independence.

I have loved my time at Wildernest so far and my love for creativity and craft has been reignited. I’m excited to continue to develop my skills alongside the co-workers.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my children, horses, and dogs.

Ellie – Gardener

I joined Wildernest in September 2024, I bring a wealth of plant knowledge and practical experience, having worked in horticulture since the age of 18 (a very long time ago)! I have been incredibly lucky to have worked in a variety of horticultural jobs, everything from a Mature Tree Nursey, RHS garden and a Botanic Garden in New Zealand.

At Wildernest my primary tasks are working on the smallholding; growing the delicious fruit and veg with our Co-workers. As well as helping to maintain our ornamental areas and the grounds.

I love weird and wonderful plants; I have a particular passion for shade loving tender plants and the slightly more gruesome carnivorous. When I grow up, I want to be a plant hunter and trek jungles to become the Indiana Jones of the plant world.

Board of Executive and Non-executive directors

Hugh Crawford

Architect and small holder

Jude Crawford

Teacher and small holder

Frank Power

Deputy Principal and Designated Safeguarding Person

Abby Jacques-Clare

Teacher and Director at Thrive – a countryside classroom, Carmarthenshire

Joris De Bruycker

Tutor at Ruskin Mill College, Gloucestershire

Gordon Evans

Retired farrier

We’d love to hear from you

We will be happy to answer any questions you have.