Blenheim Lane, Nottingham, NG6 8UR
Meet the Team
Gemma Robertson - Head of Provision & Depty DSL
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.
Daun Beresford - DSL
With over 20 years of experience supporting some of Nottinghamshire’s most vulnerable children and young people, Daun brings a wealth of expertise, compassion, and a deep-rooted commitment to safeguarding and advocacy.
Throughout her career, Daun has worked extensively across multiple agencies, collaborating with social care, education, health, and community services to ensure a joined-up and child-focused approach to support. Her ability to navigate complex systems while keeping the needs of young people at the heart of every decision is a testament to her professionalism and dedication.
Daun also served as a board member for one of Nottingham’s most established and respected alternative provisions, where she contributed to strategic leadership and championed inclusive, trauma-informed education.
Her leadership in safeguarding is backed not only by experience but by a genuine passion for protecting and empowering young people. Calm, approachable, and endlessly dedicated, Daun will play a vital role in strengthening our safe and supportive environment at Alternative Acres.
Outside of work, Daun enjoys reading, camping, and spending time with her family, a reflection of the balanced, nurturing values she brings into every part of her life and work.
Lauren Jade Cope - Student Mentor
Lauren brings a wealth of experience from her background working at a local well established riding school, where she is a dedicated riding instructor specialising in teaching young people with Special Educational Needs.
With over 10 years of experience supporting children with SEN, Lauren is passionate about creating inclusive, confidence-building experiences for every young person she works with. Alongside her teaching, she has also made a real difference in her community as a Community Champion, supporting local people and helping to raise money for a range of charities.
Lauren is known for her friendly, calm nature and her ever-present smile, helping everyone around her feel at ease and supported.
Outside of work, Lauren loves nothing more than spending time outdoors. Walking, exploring, and horse riding are some of her favourite ways to unwind.
Dominique Letitia Street - student mentor
Dominique as 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.
Rachel Archer - Student mentor
Rachel joined Alternative Acres with a background as a Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant, bringing valuable experience in supporting young people to develop confidence, resilience, and a love of learning. She has a calm and nurturing approach, always taking the time to understand each student’s individual needs and helping them to achieve their goals through positive relationships and hands-on experiences.
A true lover of the great outdoors, Rachel feels most at home surrounded by nature. She enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring new destinations with her family, with Castleton in the Peak District being a firm favourite. Outside of work, she can often be found adventuring with her two children and their dog, Byron.
Jason 'Jay' Richardson - student mentor
Jason 'Jay' is a proud father of seven neurodiverse children, whose love and dedication to his family shines through everything he does. Jay finds peace and purpose in the great outdoors, where he feels most at home. Whether he's relaxing in nature or casting a line at his favourite fishing spot, he’s always recharging and reconnecting with the world around him.
Jay is also an active member of the parents’ group at his children’s school, where he helps organise events and activities that bring the school community together.
Jay brings patience, resilience, and a deep sense of care to every part of his life.
Charlotte Marsh - student mentor
Charlotte, brings energy, warmth, and a great sense of humour to the Alternative Acres.
Charlotte is a proud mum to a little boy, and home life is filled with love and laughter alongside her fiancé and their adorable rabbit, Button. Family means everything to her, and she treasures time spent with her loved ones, whether that’s a fun day out at the farm or zoo, cosy moments together at home, or catching up with friends.
A true animal lover, Charlotte has always enjoyed being around animals and nature. When she’s not out exploring, she loves listening to music, getting lost in a good book, or relaxing with some colouring, a perfect way to unwind after a busy day.
Before joining Alternative Acres, Charlotte worked in education for over two years, supporting young people in a mainstream secondary school. She has a strong interest in understanding people and behaviour, which led her to study Criminology at university, a subject that deepened her insight into communication, empathy, and support.
Those who know Charlotte describe her as caring, approachable, and full of laughter, and she proudly admits she finds herself very funny! Her positivity and down-to-earth nature make her a wonderful addition to our team and a joy to be around.
Kirsty Dexter - student Mentor
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.
Eddie Lee - student mentor
Eddie is a dedicated bushcraft instructor with a passion for sharing traditional skills and outdoor knowledge in a way that is engaging, practical, and accessible for all learners. With extensive experience in working with children and young people, Eddie has a calm and encouraging teaching style that helps participants feel safe to explore, experiment, and take on new challenges.
Through hands-on bushcraft sessions, Eddie brings the natural world to life, from fire-lighting and shelter building to tool use and woodland crafts. His focus is not just on teaching practical skills, but also on helping learners build resilience, independence, and problem-solving abilities that extend far beyond the woodland.
Eddie plays an important role in creating a supportive and adventurous learning environment. He takes pride in nurturing confidence, teamwork, and curiosity in every group he works with, ensuring that bushcraft is both a valuable learning journey and an unforgettable experience.