Our team
The CYO team is a community of people working together to support schools in the spiritual and pastoral care of their pupils. A few of us are employed by CYO, others partner with us and many volunteer their time regularly or occasionally.
Sam Fowler
Director
Sam served with a Christian schools work charity in Havering while studying for a theology degree and subsequently worked in a number of job roles at Scripture Union, including as Mission Enabler for Essex and Hertfordshire. Sam joins us from New Wine where he has been working as a Regional Development Manager.
Emma Jarratt
Chaplaincy Enabler
Recently I moved back to Essex with my family from Spain where we were Church Pastors. I see students who are struggling with lots of things, but having the space and someone available to listen makes a positive difference to them. It says we see you, you matter. Ultimately at CYO, we believe God is also in that space.
Jo Wood
Chaplaincy Enabler
Jo has worked with children and young people in many settings, has been a parent governor with responsibility for ‘church effectiveness’ at a local primary school and also ran her own freelance administration and project co-ordination business.
Governance
The board of trustees are an official body that oversee the governance of CYO. Trustees are skilled, passionate people responsible for the direction, effectiveness, supervision, and accountability of the charity.
Adrian Jones
Co-Chair
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Lesley Walder
Co-Chair
I was born in Colchester and was a primary school teacher in the area for 35 years. I became a trustee for CYO when I retired. I still have a real heart for the primary schools in our city and the unique places of community and care they provide for our children. Serving as a CYO trustee is a perfect match for me and it is a privilege to be involved in helping to bring God’s love and compassion to these communities.
Carlene Cornish
Trustee
I am passionate about Christ and eager to support organizations advancing God’s influence among children and youth. As a mother of two daughters, I am well-acquainted with the challenges young people face in schools and peer groups. I have attended Kingsland Church for over 24 years and lead weekly discipleship groups. I am a University Associate Professor and Child Protection Social Work expert with a PhD on UK education system issues.
Chris Franklin
Trustee
I currently run a local HS consultancy. I’ve been going to Kingsland church for over 20 years and in that time I’ve been heavily involved in the youth work running groups and helping to steer the direction we were taking. I’ve been very aware of the great work that CYO has been doing across the city and I’m proud to be part of the board of trustees and bring my skills and abilities to the team to benefit the next generation.
Bethan Franklin
Trustee
I’m delighted to be a member of CYO’s board of trustees. As a parent, speech and language therapist and church volunteer, I am passionate about supporting and equipping children and young people, especially those with additional needs who struggle to feel included. I’ve been aware of the great work CYO does for many years and I’m excited to part of it.
Patsy Ann Maggs
Trustee
I have worked with children and young people in schools and a variety of churches for many years. Since retiring from class teaching and as a SENDCo, I have been a governor in my local primary school where I lead an Open the Book team. I am also a tutor for the Diocesan Course in Christian Studies. I enjoy gardening, dress making and spending time with my grandchildren.
