Meet The Team
Jenni Brixey, Manager BSc (Hons) Children's Nursing, Level 3 Children's & Young People's Workforce
Jenni Brixey, Manager BSc (Hons) Children's Nursing, Level 3 Children's & Young People's Workforce
Jenni Brixey, Manager BSc (Hons) Children's Nursing, Level 3 Children's & Young People's Workforce
Jenni is local to the Purbeck area and can often be found training her border collie in the surrounding countryside. She loves being outdoors in the fresh air especially walking, paddle boarding and swimming.
She has over 16 years of experience working closely with children, young people and their families. She has a warm, enthusiastic attitude and always takes a people centred approach to her work.
Her career started as an Assistant Manager for a large school for children with autism. She then joined a children's hospice and cared for children with a variety of complex medical needs as well as learning disabilities. From there Jenni made the move to London to complete her training to become a fully qualified Paediatric Nurse.
Her paediatric nursing has given her a whole host of experiences and a real understanding of the difficulties children and their families can face. Alongside her nursing role she has volunteered for various schools and charities, one being in Kenya, as she is passionate about sharing her skills with those in need.
Jenni's clinical background enhances Church Knowle Rural Learning’s strong foundation in safeguarding, health, and wellbeing. Among her many qualities, she has resilience, great organisational and leadership skills required to manage and inspire a team and empathy. Jenni is passionate about creating opportunities where young people can thrive and their personal growth can flourish.
Enhanced DBS, Level 3 Safeguarding, Young People & Mental Health Trained.
Catherine Starmer-Howes BA (Hons), PGCE (Secondary)
Jenni Brixey, Manager BSc (Hons) Children's Nursing, Level 3 Children's & Young People's Workforce
Jenni Brixey, Manager BSc (Hons) Children's Nursing, Level 3 Children's & Young People's Workforce
Catherine has been a qualified teacher for 24 years and supported learners in many different settings. She has experience working with neurodiverse children and young people. Having children of her own who have navigated the school system she understands the challenges first hand and strives to help others to find their path through and come out thriving with a positive attitude and life skills for their futures. She has completed studies in ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression and CBT. A published children’s author who loves art and nature, Catherine has also travelled extensively both for work and pleasure and has gathered interesting stories of people and places that she enjoys sharing. Enhanced DBS, Level 2 and 3 Safeguarding, First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid trained, PACE trained and Trauma Informed Practice Qualified.
Cheryl Sutton B.Ed (Hons), M.A. (Ed. Management), NPQH
Jenni Brixey, Manager BSc (Hons) Children's Nursing, Level 3 Children's & Young People's Workforce
Cheryl Sutton B.Ed (Hons), M.A. (Ed. Management), NPQH
Cheryl has a lifelong passion for education. With thirty years of experience in both the primary and secondary sectors, she is a qualified teacher who has developed a particular interest in how children learn best through building positive relationships. Cheryl has spent seventeen years in primary school leadership, serving as a headteacher in two successful schools in London. She has also worked as a School Improvement Advisor for a local authority.
Cheryl has extensive experience supporting students with additional needs, both as a teacher and as a SENCo, where she has delivered staff training, developed ieps and worked in partnership with parents. Holding a master’s degree in education management, she believes that learning should be engaging, relevant, and enjoyable. She is passionate about providing students with individual, targeted opportunities to be fully engaged in their own education. Cheryl recognises that motivation and engagement are critical to learning and are significantly influenced by a student’s well-being, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. Enhanced DBS, Level 2 Safeguarding, B. Ed. (Hons), M.A. ( Ed. Management), NPQH.
Amelia Coffen, Founder
Willoughby Coffen, Founder
Cheryl Sutton B.Ed (Hons), M.A. (Ed. Management), NPQH
Amelia’s early career was in local government as an Internal Auditor. After moving to Purbeck she helped set up and run a landscaping business with her husband, John, as well as becoming a full time Mum to two boys, the eldest of whom is severely disabled. Looking after and advocating for him for many years has given her a wealth of knowledge and a true real life understanding of the world of disability, additional needs and SEMH both within families and the Education, Health and Social Care systems. Since their son has moved into independent supported living locally, it has allowed the time and dedication needed to set up Church Knowle Rural Learning to be able to help other families and children. Amelia has a real love and is inspired by the beauty of the countryside and is always keen to share the positive effect it has on your mental health and well-being. She is a keen nature, wildlife, landscape and rural life photographer. Her work has regularly been featured on the BBC, in newspapers, magazines and websites and in publications around the World via Getty Images. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with our learners and helping them learn new skills. Enhanced DBS, Level 2 and Level 3 Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment Trained, First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid trained, Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Conditions, PACE trained and Trauma Informed Practice Qualified.
John Coffen, Founder
Willoughby Coffen, Founder
Willoughby Coffen, Founder
John is a time-served qualified Mechanical Engineer, he has been extensively involved in design and testing on projects both in the U.K. and around the World. After moving back to the family farm in Purbeck, he set up and has run a successful landscaping business with his wife, Amelia. He has a love of machinery and is never happier than when he is tinkering with an old tractor or exhibiting them at local Steam Fairs. He also loves hill walking and looking after the local countryside. He has a wealth of practical skills, knowledge and experience that he enjoys sharing and passing on to our learners. Being the father of a severely disabled son has given him a real understanding and empathy of the obstacles faced by children and families in the world of disability, additional needs and SEMH. This has been the driving force behind the creation of Church Knowle Rural Learning, to give something back and help improve the lives and outcomes for all of the children who attend. Enhanced DBS, Level 2 Safeguarding Qualified, First Aid trained and PACE trained.
Willoughby Coffen, Founder
Willoughby Coffen, Founder
Willoughby Coffen, Founder
Willoughby is qualified in Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Horticulture and in Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation. Previously for years he was a Young Carer helping to look after his severely disabled older brother. This has given him a real understanding, patience and empathy for children with SEND and also the struggles that their families go through. He has several years experience of mentoring other children with additional needs. He has raised rare breed pigs and chickens and helped create a wildflower meadow locally. He has worked with the RSPB on several conservation and habitat projects and volunteered with the National Trust to build beaver dams. Willoughby also runs his own horticulture and gardening business and knows the nurturing, physical and mental health benefits that these provide and is keen to pass these skills and benefits on to our young people. His hobbies include hillwalking, music, gardening and showing his tractor at local steam fairs. Enhanced DBS, Level 2 Safeguarding Qualified, First Aid trained and PACE trained.
Watch this space for more exciting news soon!
Watch this space for more exciting news soon!
Watch this space for more exciting news soon!
