Meet the Routes Learning Team
Nick Lyons
Director
I have worked in education for over 14 years in Colleges and Local Authorities, as a teacher, education advisor and senior leader. During this time, I have been fortunate to work with some amazing young people to support their development and help them reach their goals. It is my belief that everybody has something to positive to offer the world but it can be difficult to figure out what that is at times. Through a tailored approach to engagement and learning, I believe that it is possible to enable all young people to build confidence and raise self-esteem, so that they can develop a strong sense of self-belief in themselves in whatever they want to do.
Daniel Luford
Director
I have worked in education for over 15 years, holding a variety of different teaching and leadership positions. The majority of this time was spent in mainstream education where I have supported a variety of individuals with very differing needs and backgrounds. Education for me has always been about investing in young people, building relationships and developing their self-worth and confidence. This is one of the fundamental reasons for creating Routes Learning as we recognise that not every individual will have had positive experiences of education or training. We want to engage learners and support them in reaching goals, whether these are personal, academic or employment focussed.
Steve Cade
Mentor
Stephanie Nedhal
Mentor
Sharon Yates
Tutor
Sharon is a highly experienced educator with over 30 years of teaching experience and a passion for helping young people achieve success and develop confidence in their own abilities. Having taught across primary, secondary, special educational needs, and alternative provision settings, she brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and understanding to her work with children and families. She is particularly experienced in teaching English, Maths, and Functional Skills, and has worked with learners from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Known for going the extra mile, Sharon creates engaging learning experiences that help young people enjoy learning and celebrate their achievements. Outside of work, Sharon enjoys singing in a community choir, gardening, yoga, aerobics, and spending time walking with friends, helping her maintain the positive outlook and energy she brings to supporting young people.
Rebecca Pearce
Mentor
Leah Fenegan
Mentor
Leah is a warm, compassionate, and approachable member of our team who is passionate about supporting young people to feel heard, valued, and understood. Currently working towards a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, she has already completed qualifications in Counselling Skills and Counselling Studies, developing a strong understanding of emotional wellbeing and positive communication. Known for her positive attitude, excellent time management, and ability to build strong relationships, Leah works closely with young people to help them develop confidence, resilience, and self-belief. She is a supportive team member who quickly understands individual needs and is committed to helping every child achieve their personal goals in a safe and nurturing environment.
Lucinda Wyatt
Mentor
Lucinda is a caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated mentor who is passionate about helping children and young people reach their full potential. With many years of experience supporting children in educational, early years, and specialist settings. Lucinda has an extensive experience working with children of all ages, including those requiring additional support, and is skilled at adapting her approach to meet individual needs. A keen advocate for wellbeing, Lucinda enjoys spending time outdoors and believes that fresh air, activity, and positive experiences can have a huge impact on mental health and personal growth. With qualifications in Health & Social Care, Children’s Workforce Development, safeguarding, and paediatric first aid, Lucinda brings a nurturing, supportive, and child-centred approach to everything she does.
Leanne Walker
Tutor
Leanne is a highly experienced teacher with over 20 years of experience working with children and young people across a range of educational settings. She is passionate about supporting pupils who may have faced barriers to learning, helping them build confidence, develop positive relationships and achieve their full potential. With a BA (QTS) in Religious Studies and Theology from St Mary’s University, London, Leanne has taught from Early Years through to Key Stage 2 in schools across Poole and Bournemouth. Her nurturing and adaptable approach enables her to create personalised learning experiences that meet each pupil’s individual needs. At Routes Learning, Leanne is committed to providing an inclusive, engaging and purposeful education that empowers every young person to succeed.
Kali Nicholson
Mentor
Kali is a creative, caring, and enthusiastic educator who is passionate about helping young people discover their strengths and build confidence in themselves. With a background in acting, teaching, and child development, she brings creativity, energy, and empathy to every interaction, helping young people feel seen, heard, and valued. Having worked as a Drama teacher, English language teacher, Montessori practitioner, and childminder, Kali has experience supporting children and young people at different stages of their educational journey. She believes in meeting each young person where they are, building positive relationships, and helping them develop the confidence and skills they need to make positive choices for their future.
Ed Lear
Tutor
Demi Head
Mentor
With a strong background in education, healthcare, and pastoral support, Demi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with children, young people, and vulnerable individuals. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep understanding of the diverse challenges that children and families may face, enabling her to provide compassionate, tailored support for everyone. Demi is passionate about building positive, trusting relationships and creating environments where young people can flourish both emotionally and academically. Her patient, empathetic approach allows her to connect with children from a wide range of backgrounds, ensuring they feel respected, encouraged, and empowered to achieve their goals. Highly regarded by parents and colleagues alike, Demi is known for her caring and approachable nature, excellent communication skills, and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the children in her care.
Claudine Gerbais
Tutor
Claudine is a dedicated and experienced educator with over 15 years of supporting children and young people to achieve their potential. She specialises in working with learners who may need additional support, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and children who speak English as an additional language. Fluent in both English and French, Claudine brings a wealth of experience from primary, secondary, and alternative provision settings. She is skilled at building strong relationships with young people and their families, tailoring learning to meet individual needs, and helping children grow in confidence both academically and emotionally. Her calm, supportive approach encourages resilience, independence, and a love of learning. Outside of work, Claudine enjoys spending time outdoors, walking, swimming, paddleboarding, yoga, Pilates, cooking, and attending live music events.
Angela Habgood
Tutor
Angela is a highly experienced teacher who has spent more than 20 years supporting children and young people across a wide range of educational settings. She is passionate about helping every learner feel valued, understood, and capable of success, adapting her approach to meet everyone’s needs and strengths. With experience teaching both mainstream and special educational needs pupils, including young people with autism, ADHD, PDA, ADD, and OCD, Angela creates supportive learning environments where children can build confidence, develop resilience, and re-engage with learning. Alongside her teaching experience, Angela has a strong background in music and creative learning. She believes that positive relationships, creativity, and personalised support are key to helping children thrive both academically and emotionally.
Amber Barter
Tutor
Amber is a highly experienced educator and school leader who is passionate about helping young people grow in confidence, develop resilience, and achieve their full potential. Amber has extensive experience working with children and young people of different ages, including those with additional needs and barriers to learning. She specialises in building strong relationships, promoting positive wellbeing, and helping young people develop the skills and mindset needed to overcome challenges. Currently studying for an Advanced Certificate in Executive Coaching, Amber is passionate about empowering young people to recognise their strengths, set goals, and believe in their ability to succeed. She works closely with families and professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for every child. Outside of work, Amber enjoys hiking, travelling, outdoor adventures, reading, baking, and staying active through Hyrox and CrossFit.
Esther Luford
Tutor and Admin
Our News
Latest
Good News
Welcome Back to Routes Learning Alternative Provision: 2026-2027
As we begin the 2026-2027
September 17, 2026
