Meet Our Team
Rachel Palmer Project Manager
I joined Family Link in 2017, and it has been the most rewarding experience of my career. Supporting young people and their families to grow in confidence, build resilience, and feel part of a community is what drives me every day. There’s nothing better than seeing those smiles and knowing we’re making a difference together. Family Link is the community I’m proud to be part of.
Kenzie Castleton Play Leader
My names Kenzie, I am the Play Leader at Family Link. I have been working at Family Link for a couple of years now and I have loved getting to know all of the staff and young people. Family Link has been such a lovely place to work, seeing the young people engage in fun activities. Working with the young people has inspired me to start working at Riverside school. I cannot wait to continue to see the young people grow in years to come, through my journey at Family Link.
Megan Kelleher Play Leader/Safeguarding Lead
My name is Megan Kelleher, I have worked for Family Link since 2021. Alongside Family Link I work in early years supporting young children where I have the pleasure in being a key worker to children with different abilities which includes children with SEN.
I heard about Family Link and my background inspired me to support the young people that attend the sessions. I have found the young people at Family Link inspirational and I admire how they overcome their individual challenges. Working at Family Link has encouraged me to volunteer at Riverside school where I have the pleasure to continue supporting young people. I am looking forward to spending more time at Family Link with the young people and staff.
Renee Bel-Momodu Play Leader
Hi my name is Renée and I’m a Play Leader at Family Link. I’m currently taking a BA in Curating and History of Art at the University of York. I’ve worked at Family Link since 2021 and my younger brother has attended the club for over a decade. I absolutely love working in such a loving environment with so many wonderful people, helping young people with complex needs learn, play and grow.
Rebecca Owlett Administrator
I thoroughly enjoy working with Family Link, and meeting all our young people, as they all have their own individual personalities. I like to organise fundraising events, and plan outings for our young people. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiles on their faces and hearing their laughter. It brings me immense joy to witness them feeling happy, making friends and truly enjoying life.
Carolyn Goodman Finance Administrator
I am Carolyn. I have been living in Spain for the last 6 years. I love cooking and spend a lot of my time reading. It is great when my children and grandchildren come to stay, and I travel back to the U.K. three times a year to see family and friends. I love travelling and look forward to doing some more cruising.
Emma Castleton Senior Playworker
My name is Emma and I work as a senior play worker at Family Link. I am enjoying getting to know all of the young people and helping them to get the best out of their time spent at Family Link.
Caroline Kelleher Senior Playworker
My name is Caroline. Family link is a delightful place to work. I enjoy seeing the smiles on the young peoples faces and supporting them in their freedom of play.
He Lisa Godfrey Senior Playworker ng
Hi my name is Lisa and I am a playworker here at Family Link. I love being part of the team, it is extremely rewarding and enables me to support vulnerable families in a meaningful way. I have seen first hand the positive impact Family Link has and I am now very proud to be part of such an amazing charity.
Claire Sinfield Senior Playworker
Hi, my name is Claire. I’m a proud mum to three beautiful children aged 21, 19, and 1. I am currently working towards my Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to become a special needs teacher and is role I feel truly passionate about.
Family Link has always held a special place in my heart. My son attended this incredible club for four years, during which he absolutely thrived. Seeing the positive impact it had on him inspired me to join the Family Link team myself
Now, as a team member, I’m honoured to support these amazing children in a space where they feel safe, happy, and free to be themselves. It’s such a joy to see their personalities shine and to be part of a team that gives families the well deserved support and respite they need. Family Link is truly inspiring, and I feel lucky to be part of it all.
Niamh Begley Senior Playworker
Hi my name is Niamh and I’m a Senior Playworker here at Family Link! I’m currently a third year student at the University of York, so I work at Family Link during the school holidays. My younger sister attends the club and loves taking part in activities. I very much enjoy coming to work, in particular I favour the relationships I have formed with the young people and my colleagues. It is so rewarding being a part of a team that is as warm and welcoming as this, working together to provide fun and fulfilling days for our young people.
Lucy Tomlinson Senior Playworker
I have a NVQ2 in Early Years Care and Education, and I am working towards my NVQ3 in Early Years. I enjoy working at Family Link because I get to interact with young people and support them with various fun activities throughout the day in a safe and friendly environment.
Nikki Gohil Senior Playworker
Hi, my name is Nikki and I am a Senior Playworker at Family Link, and also work at a school for children with SEN. I enjoy working at Family Link because it provides the young people who attend with a caring and safe environment to be themselves and enjoy the day through play and social interaction, and the staff I work with always strive to create a positive and fun atmosphere each session!
Kellie Holt Senior Playworker
I Have worked with young people for many years in a range of different settings. I joined the team at family links a few months ago, It has been very rewarding building relationships getting to know each young person and supporting them to engage in arrange of activities whilst seeing them have so much fun.
Noa Holm-Coussy Senior Playworker
My name is Noa, I work as a Playworker here at Family Link. I am going to study English Literature at Cardiff university. I really enjoy working at Family Link as it’s such a rewarding job as you are able to make some difference in a child’s life.
Nancy Styles Senior Playworker
I really like working at Family Link, seeing the young people playing, learning and having fun.
Nichola Mackin Senior Playworker
I’m Nicki and I joined the Family Link team in 2025. I’ve been working with children and young people for many years, helping them feel confident, supported and able to shine as their true selves. From the moment I walked through the door at Family Link, I knew it was a special place. There’s such a warm, caring atmosphere here. It’s great seeing the young people thrive week to week, and seeing their confidence grow!
Heather Parker Senior Playworker
My name is Heather and I have been a part of Family Link since 2015. At first I was a Playworker for a few years, then became an Playleader for a short while and I have now returned as a senior playworker again.
I have an NVQ level 2 in childcare and have a younger brother who attends Family Link occasionally. I am Makaton and PECS trained and have worked with children and young adults with SEND for the past 9 year's.
I love working for Family Link as it is such a rewarding job, watching the young people grow and learn whilst having fun. It brings me so much joy to see the young people be able to interact with their peers whilst enjoying the range of activities provided.
Anneka Miah Senior Playworker
I’m Marcie and I’ve been working for Family Link for over a year. The young people are brilliant to work with and it’s been lovely to get to know all of them. The Family Link team are supportive, caring and very professional and I’ve hugely enjoyed my time here. I hope to go into early years/SEN teaching and the role of playworker has affirmed my desire to work with young people in the future.
Colette Harbutt Playworker
I started volunteering for Family Link back before it had a name when I was 15! Then I worked for Family Link off and on for the next 35years. It has changed hugely throughout the time but the ethos is the same. The focus is to make sure the children and young people have an enjoyable fun day whilst looking after their cares and needs.
Lucas Crickett Playworker
I'm currently studying Theatre at The Brit school and enjoy all aspects of performance, especially comedy acting. I’m hoping to go on to University to study performing arts but stay in London so I can continue working at Family Link. I like to bring my acting skills to my work and enjoy making the children laugh and generally having fun together. Family Link is a great place to work as we work well as a team and really enjoy what we do. This is a great first job!
Alicia Su Playworker
Hi, my name is Alicia and I have been a playworker here at Family Link for over two years now. I am currently studying Media Communications and Sociology at University, so I work here during the summer and school holidays. I love creating a positive and fun environment at FamilyLink. It is heart warming to see the children grow and learn more about them! I feel honoured to be part of an amazing team who create the most kind and caring atmosphere.
Poppy Smith Playworker
Hi, I’m Poppy and I love working at Family Link because its all about connecting and making a real difference in young people lives.
Marcie Rose Crickett Playworker
I’m Marcie and I’ve been working for Family Link for over a year. The young people are brilliant to work with and it’s been lovely to get to know all of them. The Family Link team are supportive, caring and very professional and I’ve hugely enjoyed my time here. I hope to go into early years/SEN teaching and the role of playworker has affirmed my desire to work with young people in the future.
Ryan Su Playworker
Hi, I'm Ryan a Playworker here at Family Link. I am a final year student studying Management at the University of Warwick. Family Link provides an incredibly warm and supportive community for our young people and I am extremely privileged to be working alongside such an amazing team to make a positive impact towards such a tight-knit community. Seeing our young people light up with smiles when immersed in the countless activities reminds me why I love doing this work.
Trinity Bradbury Playworker
Kathryn Aidoo Playworker
Trustees of Family Link
Brian James Chairman
From education through to Brian’s most recent role as Chief Executive Officer with Cedarmore Housing Association, Brian has had the opportunity to support and enable vulnerable people in our society. The first half of his career was with M&S in Human Resources during which time he volunteered in school and college governance with an interest in special educational needs. Together as a family they grew through fostering and adoption supporting children into adult life, with support. This led Brian into the role of Chair at Advocacy for All. Other volunteering roles developed including sitting on the local adoption panel.
The second half of Brian’s career has been as a leader in the not for profit sector developing and providing community, support and accommodation for older people. Working for three different organisations over the years he has led on culture change, leadership development, digitalisation, mergers and strategic planning. Most recently as CEO for Cedarmore Housing Association (CHA) Brian is leading on strategic development and developing partnerships with the Local Authority. CHA has a residential home and three locations across the borough for sheltered housing.
Other experiences include being an Expert by Experience for CQC due to his experience of living with young adults with a range of disabilities. Brian is also chairman of Family Link providing leisure opportunities for children and young people with a disability.
Brian’s strengths are stamina, high energy, ability to motivate and a passion for supporting and enabling vulnerable people in our society.
Rachel Cross Treasurer/Trustee
Hi I'm Rachel, I've been working with Family Link since 2012 and have been a Playworker and Trustee. I loved spending my Saturdays with the young people, supporting them in activities and having a lot of fun together! I enjoy my role now as a Trustee, working with our fantastic staff, parents, carers and young people.
Julie James
Safeguarding Trustee
Laura Mawbey Trustee
My name is Laura and I am a Primary School teacher within a SEN environment. I have been working for Family Link since 2011. I began as a play worker while I studied at university. I then progressed to working as a playleader and administrator. Sadly, when I started as a full time teacher I could no longer juggle the workload. However, I could not leave Family Link behind so I became a trustee. I have seen so many families supported by this wonderful charity and staff that have followed their passions. I am privileged to still be a part of the work they do.
Paula Hollywood
Trustee
Through my son, who has attended the Family Link Saturday clubs and holiday schemes for more than 10 years I’ve been able to experience and see, first hand,
how this wonderful charity has grown and developed to become a unique and valued community resource.
The children and young people who access Family Link not only receive the highest level of dedicated support and care but they also get to enjoy the company of other children and young people with a range of cognitive, physical and complex disabilities in a safe and stimulating environment.
I am delighted to have being accepted as a Trustee for Family Link and hope that I can use my professional skills and personal experience to help them to continue to grow and expand.
Chris Widgery Trustee
"As the father of a son with serious disability, I understand first hand the importance of giving young people a safe place to go and have fun with their friends, whilst also giving parents some precious respite. Oliver loves his time at Family Link, and always looks forwards to going. And the rest of the family gets a few hour off, allowing us to have a break. With public services under such intense pressure, I wanted to help Family Link provide as much high quality support to families as possible."