Meet the Team
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Emma Pears
Chief Officer
MoreEmma Pears
I’m Emma, SELFA’s Chief Officer. I helped to set up SELFA in 2007 when I was the Extended Schools Co-ordinator for North Yorkshire County Council. Over the years I’ve campaigned on issues such as children and young people’s mental health, which is deeply rooted in my own experience as a parent of a child with mental health support needs. I love swimming, dogs and my two teenage children: Hannah and Aidan. My fun fact is that it took me over 100 lessons and 4 instructors to pass my driving test – my motto is never give up!!
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Karen Martin
Head of Operations
MoreKaren Martin
Hey there, I’m Karen, SELFA’s Head of Operations. I have been fortunate enough to support many of our children and young people since 2012 and enjoy every minute of it. Throughout my time at SELFA I have had the opportunity to explore and expand on my own leadership skills and confidence to support and nurture our fabulous team of staff.
Out of work there is never a dull moment. I have two beautiful daughters that keep me on my toes! I love to spend my free time outdoors in the countryside walking my Border Collie, Lass, as well as helping my husband out on the farm, particularly at lambing time.
My ultimate live by quote is ‘Clarity about what matters gives clarity about what does not’. FYI my ultimate value in life is Clarity … just saying!
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Sally Marchant-Derrick
Programme Manager (Youth Voice & SEND)
MoreSally Marchant-Derrick
Hi, I’m Sally, and I’m really excited to be joining SELFA as Programme Manager for SEND and Youth. With over 20 years’ experience in social work supporting children, young people and families, and a particular focus on those with SEND, I’m passionate about helping every child and young person reach their full potential and ensuring their voices are heard, valued and celebrated.
Out of work, you’ll usually find me walking my dog Parka, enjoying live music with my husband, adding to my vinyl collection, or curling up with a good book.
Motto: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
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Lucy Short
Programme Manager – Mental Health (currently on maternity leave)
MoreLucy Short
I’m Lucy, SELFA’s Programme Manager – Mental Health. I started working at SELFA in 2018 after leaving primary-school teaching. I absolutely love working at SELFA and feel incredibly proud to be a part of the team. I’m passionate about early intervention for mental health support no matter the age.
I love musical theatre, Sunday roasts and everything Christmas! A fun fact about me is that I enjoy writing poems and, during lockdown, one of my poems went viral and reached millions all over the world!
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Samantha Pickard-Watkinson
Senior Children & Young People’s Worker (currently on maternity leave)
MoreSamantha Pickard-Watkinson
I’m Samantha, known as SELFA Sam to the children & young people! I first began working here in 2012 as an apprentice Sports Coach and now have the role of Senior Children & Young People’s Worker. I feel honoured to have been able to grow with such an incredible organisation and be a part of many youngsters’ childhood’s – seeing them develop from fun loving 5-year-olds to confident, caring 15-year-olds is pretty special & rewarding!
I am at my happiest when in the great outdoors with my husband, little boy & dog – either hiking up a hill, mountain biking or spending leisure time in the Lake District. A fun fact is that I got married at Lake Garda, Italy, during the pandemic! And finally… a quote I like to live by is ‘Every day may not be good … but there’s something good in every day’ as it reminds me to stay positive!
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Nicole Morgan
Children & Young People’s Worker
MoreNicole Morgan
I’m Nicole and I’ve worked at SELFA since November 2021 as a Children and Young People’s worker. Previously to this I worked in schools for 8 years. I feel very lucky to be part of such an incredible team at SELFA and love the difference that we get to make to the children and families we support. I work in North Craven with the primary children and am passionate about creating a safe and fun environment for the groups to thrive in. Out of work I enjoy fresh air, going to the gym, spending time with my family and a really good mocha!
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Rosie Hall
Senior Administrator
MoreRosie Hall
Hi I’m Rosie, SELFA’s Senior Administrator. I originally came to SELFA as a volunteer. I joined the staff team in 2013 as an Administration Assistant and haven’t looked back. I feel strongly about the importance of mental health support, social justice, and the environment. I love walking, reading and Scotland (particularly doing the first two in the third)! My motto is ‘No one died wishing they’d spent more time cleaning.’
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Holly Simm
Children & Young People’s Worker
MoreHolly Simm
Hello! I’m Holly, and I work as a Children’s & Young People’s Support Worker at SELFA. After finishing my Education Degree, I began working as a sessional staff member and was really excited to join the core team at the start of 2024. Outside from working at SELFA, I enjoy spending time with my family and travelling to new places, particularly city breaks in Europe! As well as this I love socialising with friends and trying new activities.
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Claire Wood
Children & Young People’s Worker (Mental Health)
MoreClaire Wood
Hi, I’m Claire and have worked at SELFA as Children & Young Peoples Worker (Mental Health) since Feb 2025, having previously supported the charity as a sessional member and trustee. My background is as a Social Worker and I am passionate about supporting children to be the best they can be, encouraging them to identify what makes them perfectly unique. I’m very proud to work for such a fantastic organisation.
Out of work, I keep busy with my own two boys and enjoy spending days out and exploring new places. I love plants and flowers, with one of my favourite quotes including ‘Flowers bloom in the right environment. If it doesn’t bloom, don’t blame the flower. Provide an environment to help it thrive.’
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Karen Lister
Children & Young People’s Counsellor
MoreKaren Lister
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Michaela Jacques
Children & Young People’s Worker
MoreMichaela Jacques
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Naomi Pickard
Children & Young People’s Worker (Mental Health)
MoreNaomi Pickard
Hi, I’m Naomi. My role is Children and Young People’s Worker in Mental Health. I took on this role after spending eight years as a primary school teacher. Before that, whilst studying at university I worked as a member of SELFA’s sessional staff supporting children on trips and visits during the holidays – It’s great to be back! I am passionate about supporting children’s mental wellbeing and helping young people feel seen, heard, and empowered.I am a proud mum to two wonderfully feisty girls and a lively Border Collie puppy named Penny. When I’m not at work I love being outdoors, going on long walks and making memories on weekend adventures in our camper van. One of my favourite quotes is ‘You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.’ -
Sarah Astin
Keyworker – Young Adults & Parents
MoreSarah Astin
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Tessa Walsh
Children & Young People’s Worker
MoreTessa Walsh
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Catherine Williams
Programme Lead (Mental Health) – maternity cover
MoreCatherine Williams
I’m Catherine SELFA’s Programme Manager – Mental Health (Maternity Cover) I am also a Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor I have been working in children’s mental health for over 10 years and I am very excited to be working at SELFA supporting children and young people across Craven to build resilience, confidence and emotional wellbeing.I am at my happiest listening to live music, travelling, spending time with my two doggies Dexter and Dolly and digging in my allotment.My moto is “Dance through the mess, laugh through the stress, and sparkle through the rest.” -
Steven Freakes
Children & Young People’s Worker
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Our trustees
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Judith Holliday
Chair of Trustees
MoreJudith Holliday
I’m Judith, SELFA’s Chair of Trustees. I am extremely proud of holding this position which I took up on retirement from headship of a local primary school in 2014. Working in school as head and SENCO, I worked closely with SELFA and saw how the charity offered opportunities to a significant number of vulnerable children and young adults which were not on offer from any other service. In my spare time, I love walking my Labrador (but not in the rain) and painting.
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Sue Bailey
Treasurer
MoreSue Bailey
I’m Sue Bailey my background is owning and running hotels, latterly working as an Office Manager. I’m mum of two now grown-up children. I care about providing opportunities for all children.
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George Garland
Trustee
MoreGeorge Garland
I’m George Garland, an ex-primary headteacher, having also worked in Inspection & Performance Management in the primary sector. My main interest was always in all creative aspects of Early Years Education and fighting for less bureaucracy. I am committed to the work of SELFA and to assisting the team to enhance the lives of the young people in their care. As an active member of The Rotary Club of Skipton Craven I regularly visit local schools and organisations to give Shelterbox disaster relief talks and assemblies. I play golf, badly!
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Joanne Lloyd
Trustee
MoreJoanne Lloyd
Hi! I’m Joanne and I’m one of the SELFA Trustees. I joined SELFA to help support and promote the amazing work this charity does for young people. As someone who has volunteered in governance for many years across primary and secondary schools, I was inspired by what SELFA offers to young people. My professional background is as a chartered quantity surveyor, and I now work at Leeds Beckett University hoping to inspire the next generation of surveyors in the built environment. My favourite pastime is walking my two black Labradors.
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Heather Tattersall
Trustee
MoreHeather Tattersall
Heather has worked in mental health since 2006 where she started as a Support Worker for a local charity and is now Deputy Executive Officer at the Cellar Trust. As part of her role she also co-chairs the Bradford Suicide prevention Group and represents Bradford on the West Yorkshire Suicide Prevention Oversight Group.
Heather has a husband, and 2 daughters; one of whom is of the four-legged furry variety. Heather has a strong Christian faith and is passionate about social justice. Aside from work, she enjoys spending time with her family, going for walks and enjoys taking time for herself and going for a swim.
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Nicky Shoesmith
Trustee
MoreNicky Shoesmith
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Trisha Lord
Trustee
MoreTrisha Lord
I’m Trisha. I retired as the headteacher of a local Maintained Nursery School in December 2020. I got to know Emma through the early days of SELFA as part of a local group of headteachers and it has been amazing to see how SELFA has grown from its beginnings to the fantastic organisation that it is today! As a former SENCO I have particularly admired the support and quality provision for vulnerable children and young adults that SELFA offers and feel privileged to be able to contribute further now that the “day-job” is less demanding! In my spare time I enjoy walking, socialising and spending time with my four young grandchildren.
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Fiona Busfield
Trustee
MoreFiona Busfield