Meet the Team

Gemma has dedicated over 20 years to working with Nottinghamshire’s most vulnerable children and young people, providing care, support, and guidance to those who need it most. Her extensive experience includes supporting individuals with autism, ADHD, challenging behaviours, self-harm tendencies, and young people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) and Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) .

Throughout her career, Gemma has worked closely with a wide range of professionals and services, including social care, schools and colleges, families, CAMHS, the child protection team, and the Looked After Children (LAC) team. Her multi-agency experience has given her a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges that vulnerable young people face, allowing her to tailor support in a way that is effective, compassionate, and person-centred.

Gemma has a strong knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed approaches, recognising the long-term impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the importance of providing a safe, nurturing, and understanding environment for young people to heal and grow. She believes in building trust, creating stability, and fostering resilience in those who have faced significant challenges in their lives.

A firm believer in the power of nature and outdoor environments, Gemma understands how access to green spaces, fresh air, and interaction with animals can positively impact mental health and well-being. She has seen first-hand how nature can be a powerful tool for emotional regulation, self-discovery, and personal development, which is why Alternative Acres is built upon the foundation of therapeutic, nature-based learning and support.

With a passion for making a difference, Gemma continues to be an advocate for vulnerable young people, helping them navigate their challenges, build confidence, and find a path towards a brighter future.

Rachel is a key member of the Alternative Acres team, known for her dedication, compassion and exceptional ability to build positive, trusting relationships with every young person she supports. Her commitment to helping students overcome barriers and reach their full potential has made her an invaluable part of our provision.

Following her outstanding contribution to Alternative Acres, Rachel was promoted to Inclusion and Engagement Lead, where she works closely with students, families, schools and professionals to ensure every young person feels welcomed, understood and supported throughout their journey with us.

With a background as a Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant, Rachel brings a wealth of experience in supporting young people with a range of additional needs. She has a calm, patient and nurturing approach that enables students to feel relaxed, safe and confident from the moment they arrive. Rachel has a remarkable ability to recognise each student's individual strengths, helping them overcome challenges, develop resilience and engage positively in education.

Rachel is passionate about creating an environment where every young person feels included, respected and empowered to succeed. She believes that strong relationships are the foundation of successful learning and takes great pride in celebrating each student's progress, no matter how big or small.

Outside of Alternative Acres, Rachel enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Whether she's hiking, camping or exploring new places, she loves being in nature and embracing new adventures. She also enjoys spending time with her two children and their dog, Byron, making the most of the great outdoors together.

Rachel's warmth, enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of our students make her a true asset to Alternative Acres. Her passion for inclusion and her ability to inspire confidence in every young person she meets are at the heart of everything she does.

Amy brings nearly 20 years of experience working in education, supporting children and young people across a wide range of roles. Throughout her career she has worked as a Teaching Assistant, Behaviour and SEND Mentor, Food and CoPE Teacher, and Forest School Leader. Helping young people thrive has always been at the heart of Amy's work, and she has loved every minute of supporting and inspiring the students she has worked with.

As a mum of two energetic children, Amy understands how important it is for young people to feel safe, understood and encouraged to be themselves. She is passionate about creating positive relationships and believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills and experience success in a way that works for them.

Amy has a real passion for the outdoors and loves everything that Alternative Acres represents. When she isn't at work, you'll usually find her spending time with her children and dog, whether that's camping, exploring new places, walking or cheering from the sidelines of a football pitch every Saturday and Sunday during football season, come rain or shine.

Animals have always played a huge part in Amy's life. She shares her home with two cats, a dog and a snake, and her favourite animals are pigs, a love that started with the film Babe! Goats come a very close second after owning two wonderfully mischievous, clever and loyal goats of her own.

Dominique is our Volunteer Mentor at Alternative Acres. Dominique is a dedicated and compassionate individual, bringing with her a wealth of personal and practical experience. As a proud mum of five wonderful children, she has developed deep insight and understanding of Special Educational Needs (SEN), gained through her lived experience supporting and advocating for her own children.

Alongside her family responsibilities, Dominique has been a committed member of her local community, volunteering on the Youth and Play Committee where she served as part of the management team. In this role, she was a passionate advocate for young people, working to ensure their voices were heard and their needs met in community settings.

Dominique also brings a love of the outdoors and a strong connection to the animals on our farm. She is particularly confident and knowledgeable around the animals, with a special fondness for the chickens. Her calm and nurturing presence makes her a natural fit for mentoring young people in a therapeutic farm setting, where she combines her personal experience, advocacy skills, and animal care knowledge to provide positive, empathetic support.

Dominique’s warm personality, dedication to helping others, and hands-on experience make her a valued and inspiring member of the Alternative Acres team.

Kat is our volunteer mentor at Alternative Acres. Kat bring a background of healthcare experience, Kat has also gained experience working with children as a childminder and play leader.
Kat has always been passionate about caring for people.
Being a mum of two has shaped Kat into a very patient , understanding, and empathetic person.
Kat is a huge animal lover who loves being outdoors and getting creative.
Kat volunteers as she truly enjoys empowering young people and sharing the love of nature and animals with others. 

Kirsty brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting young people, particularly those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and those who are home educated. With many years of hands-on experience in alternative education settings, Kirsty has a natural ability to connect with learners in a way that is both compassionate and empowering.

As the founder and owner of Urban Bushcraft, Kirsty combines her passion for the outdoors with a strong belief in the benefits of experiential learning. She thrives on teaching survival skills and helping young people develop confidence, resilience, and practical knowledge through nature-based activities. Her sessions are engaging, inclusive, and designed to nurture both personal growth and a sense of adventure.

At Alternative Acres, Kirsty plays a key role in mentoring learners, offering not only her skills and expertise but also her warmth, patience, and genuine enthusiasm for helping young people thrive.