Our Dedicated Team
Staff share a common purpose to transform the life chances of young people' - IQM
We are proud to introduce our compassionate team of professionals. Each member is committed to providing personalized support tailored to the needs of our students. Together, we foster an environment that promotes growth, understanding, and well-being, ensuring a safe space for all young people to thrive.
Emily Greenhalgh-Stone
Director Headteacher
An experienced teacher of learners with additional and complex needs, Emily has a proven track record of quality first teaching and specialises in engaging those who are ‘hard to reach and hard to place.’ Proud to be from Teesside, and passionate about providing the best education for all young people in the Tees Valley, she is determined to ‘narrow the gap’ and create opportunities for all by implementing high standards and high expectations.
Able to teach a number of subjects to GCSE Level, Emily believes in a creative, project-based approach to inspire learning for all young people. A Nurtured Heart Approach Practitioner, Emily is committed to social change through developing the self, including personal responsibility.
Alison Laws
Director Head of Operations
The Montanta Project Lead
Ali has worked for over 20 years rehabilitating and training horses and their humans throughout the UK.
Qualified to UKCC Level 3 in Western Riding (one of only a handful in the UK) and also an Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Trainer, Ali’s alternative techniques often open up new pathways for young people, helping them develop success with their horses that can pass into all other aspects of their life.
Ali strongly believes that with the correct support, people can achieve beyond their imagination – horses can offer a fantastic platform for people to see this for themselves and develop with personal responsibility, confidence and self-belief.
Ali leads on the operational side of the school, ensuring the day-to-day running of Hopefields is as smooth as it can be.
Craig Fletcher
Assistant Headteacher
Designated Safeguarding Lead (1) Personal Development, Behaviour, Attitudes and Safeguarding
A previous head of an alternative provision, Craig has significant experience leading and supporting learners and staff to develop positive outcomes.
With an ambitious focus of wanting to be a teacher from a very young age, Craig decided to set his focus on becoming just that; completing a sport & exercise science degree at Sunderland University, followed by a PGCE.
In his spare time, Craig enjoys playing sports, mainly football and golf. Away from his hobbies, he loves spending time with his young family.
Bev McGowran
Assistant Headteacher
Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Quality of Education
With teaching experience spanning decades across the sectors, Bev trained as an English teacher, moving into specialist education and access arrangements.
An experienced teacher of over 25 years, Bev coaches our new early career teachers and supports all staff to be the best they can be, focusing on improving standards in the classroom, and outcomes for young people.
Passionate about providing young people with an engaging education and the opportunity to succeed, she has a wealth of experience teaching students with a range of abilities and needs. Committed to confidence building and improving skillsets, Bev encourages thought-provoking discussions and debates in her lessons.
In her spare time, Bev likes walking her dog Bowie, and travelling.
Susan Johnson
Office Manager
With a varied career path including a number of years spent supporting the education of children with additional needs, Susan joins Hopefields as Office Manager and PA to the Directors. A ‘normal day’ involves bid writing and funding applications, being the first port of call on emails, and providing unwavering administrative support. In her spare time, Susan is a keen gardener, musician and craftsperson.
Emily Isbell
Lead for SEN
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (2) - Lead for SEN
Originally trained as a primary school teacher, Emily has in-depth experience of the primary curriculum and academic interventions. As the school SENCo, Emily is responsible for the strategic implementation of the specialist provision Hopefields’ offer.
Outside of school, Emily enjoys spending time with her young family and has two horses; Rosie and Tilly as well as two spaniels and a flock of sheep.
On weekends, she can be found in the local showing ring trying to win a rosette, or enjoying an agricultural show.
Sophie Connolly
Designated Teacher for CIOC
Lead for Health and Social Care, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (3)
After working across education since 2005 and discovering a love for learning whilst attending college, Sophie’s ultimate hope is to bring this to the classroom.
Sophie’s knowledge of the social sector, supporting young people who were care-experienced, is an invaluable asset she brings to Hopefields School. As a Lego therapist, Sophie also supports students during intervention sessions.
She is passionate about spending time with her young family, travelling, reading and overly fussing her cat.
Simone Shaw
Lead for Whole School Wellbeing
An experienced NLP, Simone has worked alongside young people and their families for many years, before joining the team to provide interventions and support to the whole school, including staff, parents and young people. Simone’s expertise in emotional support strategies, alongside her knowledge of pedagogy and academic targeted intervention, mean she is well placed to know all students in depth to fulfill their potential.
Jo Wallin
Lead For English & Literacy
Keen to share her love of English and dedicated to supporting children reach their potential, Jo has over twenty years experience of teaching English in North East schools across a broad range of age and ability.
Jo is committed to building young people’s confidence when using communication and analytical skills.
In her spare time, Jo enjoys paddle boarding with family, travelling, walking her dogs and visiting the theatre.
Craig Bolton
Lead For Maths
Lead for Team Teach
Craig has been involved in the care and wellbeing of children for over 25 years. This has included working in residential settings as well as several schools across all age ranges.
Craig enjoys walking in the Yorkshire Dales and working on his allotment, though his real passion is Cold War history. Craig can, and will, talk about Berlin at any given opportunity.
Dave Greenhalgh
Assistant Headteacher
Lead for Science, Exams Officer
Following a long career leading teams within the automotive industry, David retrained 25 years ago as a teacher of science, specialising in Chemistry and Physics and undertaking leadership roles across the North East of England.
David joins Hopefields as our Science Lead, teaching Entry and GCSE Science and is our resident tractor driver.
Outside of Hopefields, David enjoys spending time at the shooting range, fixing ancient tractors, and is also interested in developing our green energy, sustainability guidelines and recycling usage.
Andy Dodds
Lead For Humanities
Lead for Eco-School and DoE
Andy has over 20 years experience teaching humanities across Teesside to a range of ages and abilities. His early career was spent at the British Geological Survey and within the civil engineering sector.
Andy joins Hopefields eager to share his enthusiasm and build a wider connection with the world around us.
An intrepid geographer and explorer, Andy enjoys hiking with family and friends; combining his love of travel and the natural environment.
Peter Ryles
Tutor Of Woodwork/Crafts
Site Support
Peter is our resident vocational tutor, and loves crafts and woodturning. Originally a scientist, after fifteen years teaching mainstream Science (and a further ten years as an Autism specialist) Peter has returned from retirement to help our students develop their own craft, building and horticulture skills. He has a wide range of knowledge and a thorough understanding of additional and complex needs.
Peter is very patient and giving of his time, he makes learning fun in a way that all levels can reach. Peter is also known for his skip-diving abilities and as the Hopefields general handyperson.
Steph Wilson
Lead For PSHCE, B&V and P.Arts
After gaining a degree in Performing Arts, Steph worked for an Autism charity, which became the turning point in her career. Steph returned to University to study a PCET and achieved QTS.
With over six years of supply education experience, Steph has worked in over 30 schools from Newcastle to Northallerton and everywhere in between.
Another animal-lover, Steph enjoys working at the farm and with all creatures, great and small.
Steph has a passion for the arts, literature and loves any sort of creativity.
Cameron Lithgo
Lead for PE and Careers
Cameron worked as an electrician for 4 years before getting into teaching. He began his teaching career at an alternative provision, working with learners who had disengaged with education, alongside completing a degree in Sport.
Cameron wishes to continue his own learning pathway, on route to completing a PGCE and developing as a teacher of learners with additional needs.
In his spare time, Cameron enjoys playing rugby, as well as football, golf and swimming. Cameron also enjoys spending time on walks with his dog, Toby.
Charlotte Thwaite
Lead For The Arts
A Fine Arts graduate, Charlotte leads Arts across the school and teaches all creative practices across the curriculum.
With varied experience in marketing, design, retail (and even lifeguarding) Charlotte also supports learners on TMP, enabling students to consider their career choices and work skills.
An avid animal lover and owner, Charlotte spends every moment she can with her native breed ponies (Tom and Dougie) and her house rabbits and can be spotted most weekends on the local showing circuit.
Claire Dodds
Lead For Catering
Swimming Coach
Possibly the favourite of the staff team, Claire’s talents in the kitchen do not go unnoticed and are much appreciated by all. With over 20 years experience teaching design technology, Claire’s expertise enables students to move on to catering college courses, straight into the hospitality industry or (most importantly) become independent and healthy whilst on their pathway to adulthood.
Cooking is everything Claire enjoys; even travelling to Thailand to improve her curry-making skills.
In her spare time, Claire enjoys travelling and swimming.
Brooks Tait
Lead For DT & Business Studies
Hailing from Edinburgh, after 23 years teaching Design, Technology and Engineering in secondary schools across the UK as far and wide as Birmingham and Edinburgh, Brooks joins Hopefields to engage students through teaching practical skills and problem solving.
Brooks’ passion lies in Computer Aided Design and manufacture, including 3D printing.
In his spare time, Brooks supports Hibernian Football Club and regularly travels back to his native Scotland to watch HIBS.
Jolene Donachie
Higher Level Teaching Assistant DDSL
Jolene has completed the Level 4 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Specialist Schools. She joined Hopefields in January 2022 to facilitate the learning and social needs of students across KS4 and 5. With a particular interest in The Nurtured Heart Approach, Jolene can be seen welcoming students into the building on a morning.
In her spare time, Jolene likes working out at the gym and walking her two lurchers, Peggy and Skye.
Becca Isaacs
Higher Level Teaching Assistant DDSL
After working across a number of different schools in Teesside over the last 9 years, Becca joins Hopefields as a learning support assistant, and is happiest when helping young people be able to see and achieve their full potential.
When not at work, Becca has a busy home life with three children who keep her very active.
Diane Appleby
Learning Support
After a long period of working within the hospital administration sector, Diane joins Hopefields for a complete career change, bringing her excellent organisation and interpersonal skills to our school.
In her spare time, Diane enjoys camping all across the UK, cooking Indian food and also teaches dog and puppy training for a local canine club.
Keira Scott
Learning Support
A former student, Keira is well-versed in the Nurtured Heart Approach and the impact it has on the lives of young people. She believes that education has a profound impact on the lives of children, and can see this transformation in her own life journey. After leaving school, Keira completed an apprenticeship and worked in customer service, before joining the team at Hopefields again, this time in a different capacity. Outside of school, Keira enjoys go-karting and horse riding (and has a thrill for speed).