Richard is the founder and driving force behind Wild Embers - our fearless leader with a knack for turning outdoor spaces into places of growth, joy, and a little bit of magic.

 

A Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader with extensive experience in outdoor learning experiences, Richard also serves as our Safeguarding Lead, making sure the safety and well-being of every participant is front and centre.

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Paediatric and Outdoor First Aid trained, he’s prepared for just about anything nature (or children) can throw at him.

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Around here, he’s known as the “child whisperer”

 

Able to spark a campfire and a game of woodland hide-and-seek in under a minute.

 

His skills? Unmatched.

His commitment? Unshakable.

His ability to connect with children? Pure magic!

Mel is the heart and hands behind our Transitional Support Programme, working directly with children to help them feel safe, supported, and ready for their next steps.

 

As our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) and a Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader, she brings a wealth of expertise. and a love of muddy boots to every session.

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With a background in primary education, community care work, and early years settings, Mel has worked with children across all ages, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges.

 

She holds both paediatric and outdoor first aid qualifications, and is passionate about using natural materials to inspire creativity, connection, and confidence in SEND children.

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An outcomes-driven practitioner, Mel keeps the child and their unique needs at the very heart of her work.

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She has a gift for turning challenges into opportunities and believes every child can thrive given the right environment, support, and maybe a few sticks and leaves.

Emily brings over 20 years of experience in primary education to Wild Embers, where she now manages our Transitional Support Programme with warmth, expertise, and an unwavering focus on the whole child.

 

Having worked as both an educator and SENDCo, she specialises in supporting children with special educational needs, drawing on in-depth knowledge of trauma, attachment, neurodivergence, and nutrition.

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Her career began teaching through the medium of art, a passion for creativity that has since evolved into a holistic approach, nurturing children’s learning, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.

 

With a unique blend of mainstream education experience and therapeutic practice, Emily creates safe, inclusive spaces where children can flourish during life’s transitions.

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Whether guiding a child through a challenging change or finding a creative way to spark their curiosity, Emily’s work is always grounded in care, connection, and the belief that every child can thrive.

Alex is the strategic mind behind Wild Embers’ operations, fundraising, and policy, making sure we have the resources, structure, and vision to deliver life-changing work.

 

A Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader and trained in both Paediatric and Outdoor First Aid, Alex is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and enriching outdoor experiences for all.

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With a First-Class BA in Psychology and Sociology, Alex brings a deep understanding of human behaviour and societal systems, using that insight to shape impactful opportunities for the Wild Embers community. Whether securing essential funding for SEND children and their families or crafting policies that drive change, Alex is always focused on making a real difference.

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Outside the spreadsheets and strategy, he’s a whizz at whittling able to turn a tree branch into a spoon with an ease that has to be seen to be believed (IKYK).

 

Strategic thinker, skilled maker, and tireless advocate, Alex wears many hats, and wears them well.

Derek brings a wealth of experience (and a fair bit of legend status) to Wild Embers. His career spans statutory, voluntary, and independent sectors, including NHS and Social Care management consultancy, leading prison mental health for the Department of Health and Social Care, and senior commissioning roles. Most recently, he retired as Head of Mental Health and Social Health Commissioning for Devon CCG, where he oversaw the entire mental health allocation for both children and adults.

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An expert in commissioning services and bridging the gap between public and VCSE sectors, Derek also happens to be a trained outdoor education and leadership mentor, because he believes learning doesn’t always happen in a classroom.

 

Beyond Wild Embers, he’s the director of Resilient Lives, chair of Dartmoor Skylark Radio CIC, a personal trainer, and a facilitator for The Incredible Years parenting programme.

 

Around here, he’s known as “Grandpa Justice,” “Baldylocks,” and our very own SEND superhero.

 

There’s truly no one quite like Derek, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Rachael is the voice (and often the spark) behind Wild Embers, bringing over 15 years of experience in PR, marketing, media, and events.

 

A whizz at copywriting, social media strategy, and all things communications, she makes sure our story is told far and wide, and told well.

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Creative, resourceful, and fuelled by a love of storytelling, Rachael connects people to the heart of our mission, whether through a carefully crafted social media post, a newsletter that lands just right, or keeping our website looking its best - she’s the one who makes us look good!  We know we’re good, but she’s the one shouting it from the rooftops.

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Around here, she’s also known for keeping Richard in check, making our events sparkle, and having a natural rapport with children. An absolute legend in our eyes, Rachael keeps the wheels turning at Wild Embers, and somehow does it all with a grin and a great sense of humour.