Meet the team
Meet the Team
Joanne
Founder & Director
Joanne is at the heart of Uplift, driven by her passion for helping people flourish.
She loves working with learners and inspiring growth. Outside work, she enjoys sea swimming and life on her farm.
Adam
Head of Quality & Curriculum
Adam leads the development & improvement of programmes, ensuring quality teaching standards, strong learner outcomes and meaningful progression.
Outside of work, he loves football & is a huge Sunderland AFC fan
Michelle
Business Operations Manager
Michelle works with the team to drive Uplift’s goals, bringing creative solutions and a passion for reaching those who need support most.
Outside work, she’s a proud, busy mum of two boys.
Christine
Employment Advisor
Christine is passionate about supporting individuals to overcome barriers and find their path into employment. A compassionate listener, she understands the challenges of returning to work and is always approachable and open to any concerns.
She’s also known for keeping the office stocked with treats and is affectionately seen as the “mam” of the team.
Jo
Tutor
Jo delivers wellbeing and employability sessions, focussing on promoting a positive mindset and developing key life skills.
She loves getting outdoors, visiting new places and trying out the latest restaurants.
Stephanie
Office Operations Coordinator
Steph organises staff events and celebrations, and is often the first point of contact for learners and work coaches, as well as the friendly voice answering your calls.
Outside of work, Steph is a proud mum to two young boys and loves spending quality time with her family.
Charlotte
Volunteer
Whilst Charlotte is away from Uni she volunteers for Uplift to help out and meet new people.
She loves music, going to concerts, spending time with family and friends and enjoys reading. Charlotte is also a huge Harry Styles fan, if there's a Harry Styles concert anywhere in the UK, there's a good chance Charlotte is already there, front row, singing every word and planning the next one!
Zoe
Head of Operations
Zoe assists in overseeing the day-to-day running of the organisation with the front of house team. Zoe supports key HR functions and assists with the diligence processes, ensuring all requirements are met for funders and compliance is maintained across the organisation.
Zoe loves keeping active with yoga and sea swimming, and you’ll often find her watching football at the weekend. She enjoys a good drive with her favourite music playing, especially on sunny summer days!
Grace
Business Relationship Manager
Grace is our Business Relationship Manager and trainee tutor, passionate about building confidence and supporting people every step of the way. Grace works closely with organisations to promote Uplifts services and develop new business opportunities.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to concerts, and is a very enthusiastic Taylor Swift fan—maybe a little too enthusiastic at times!
Lauren
Learner Engagement & Development
Lauren helps learners to access different opportunities, connects with local companies, and promotes community development.
Lauren enjoys cooking, exploring new places, and spending time with her family.
Lauren
Tutor
Lauren is a versatile member of the team who supports a wide range of programmes and learners. Known for her bubbly personality and positive attitude, she enjoys building strong relationships with learners and helping them achieve their goals.
Outside of work, Lauren loves staying active with her husband and three boys. Much of her free time is spent cheering from the side lines as her boys play football. She also enjoys cooking, reading, travelling, and keeping in touch with her friends and family in the US, where she originally comes from.
Tanya
Curriculum and Quality Lead
Tanya is quality focused ensuring teaching meets the highest standards, with a passion for supporting others.
Outside of work Tanya loves walking her dog Alfie on the beach and weekends away in her campervan.
Sam
Data Operative
Sam is a new member of the Uplift family. He is responsible for ensuring key information is accurate and kept up to date. He prints, scans, organises, and types away in the back systems, making sure Tutors have all the paperwork they need to deliver their courses smoothly.
In his spare time he loves his video games and anything cyber, alongside walking the dogs each day.
Carl
Tutor
Carl is a passionate Vocational Tutor in Lean and Warehousing, bringing real-world experience into the classroom to make learning practical, relevant, and engaging. He is focused on continuous improvement and efficiency. Helping learners develop skills that translate directly into the workplace.
Carl also delivers employability and functional skills, supporting learners to build confidence, strengthen core abilities, and take the next step in their careers.
Jed
Trainee Tutor Support
Jed supports both tutors and learners by fostering a welcoming environment and adapting guidance to suit individual learning needs.
Outside of work, he is an enthusiastic gamer with an interest in tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons!
Stella
Volunteer
Stella is a volunteer who supports our tutors with day-to-day tasks, providing an extra pair of hands when learners need additional help or guidance. Although she’s new to the team, she’s already loving her role and hopes to build a long future with Uplift.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 children and is a huge fan of Gary Barlow!
Megan
Volunteer
Megan has been a volunteer at Uplift for almost a year. She has a strong passion for helping others, building confidence, and supporting people to recognise their true potential.
Gillian
Volunteer
Gillian is our volunteer, she is passionate about making a positive difference and believe small, thoughtful actions can have a big impact.
Outside of volunteering, you’ll usually find her reading, cross-stitching, baking, crafting, or getting far too competitive at a pub quiz. She cares deeply about people and love being part of something that brings warmth and joy to others.
Steph
Office Operations Coordinator
Stephanie supports coaches and learners by processing referrals, managing bookings, and coordinating parking. Friendly and organised, she helps connect people to the right courses for them.
Michelle
Business Operations Manager
Michelle works with the team to drive Uplift’s goals, bringing creative solutions and a passion for reaching those who need support most. Outside work, she’s a proud, busy mum of two boys.
Christine
Employment Advisor
Christine is passionate about supporting individuals to overcome barriers and find their path into employment. A compassionate listener, she understands the challenges of returning to work and is always approachable and open to any concerns.
She’s also known for keeping the office stocked with treats and is affectionately seen as the “mam” of the team.
Lauren
Learner Engagement & Development
Lauren helps learners to access different opportunities, connects with local companies, and promotes community development.
Lauren enjoys cooking, exploring new places, and spending time with her family.
Grace
Business Relationship Manager
Grace is our Business Relationship Manager and trainee tutor, passionate about building confidence and supporting people every step of the way. Grace works closely with organisations to promote Uplifts services and develop new business opportunities.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to concerts, and is a very enthusiastic Taylor Swift fan—maybe a little too enthusiastic at times!
Zoe
Head of Operations
Zoe assists in overseeing the day-to-day running of the organisation with the front of house team. Zoe supports key HR functions and assists with the diligence processes, ensuring all requirements are met for funders and compliance is maintained across the organisation.
Zoe loves keeping active with yoga and sea swimming, and you’ll often find her watching football at the weekend. She enjoys a good drive with her favourite music playing, especially on sunny summer days!
Adam
Head of Quality & Curriculum
Adam leads the development & improvement of programmes, ensuring quality teaching standards, strong learner outcomes and meaningful progression.
Outside of work, he loves football & is a huge Sunderland AFC fan
Carl
Tutor
Carl is a passionate Vocational Tutor in Lean and Warehousing, bringing real-world experience into the classroom to make learning practical, relevant, and engaging. He is focused on continuous improvement and efficiency. Helping learners develop skills that translate directly into the workplace.
Carl also delivers employability and functional skills, supporting learners to build confidence, strengthen core abilities, and take the next step in their careers.
Jo
Tutor
Jo delivers wellbeing and employability sessions, focussing on promoting a positive mindset and developing key life skills.
She loves getting outdoors, visiting new places and trying out the latest restaurants.
Lauren
Tutor
Lauren is a versatile member of the team who supports a wide range of programmes and learners. Known for her bubbly personality and positive attitude, she enjoys building strong relationships with learners and helping them achieve their goals.
Outside of work, Lauren loves staying active with her husband and three boys. Much of her free time is spent cheering from the sidelines as her boys play football. She also enjoys cooking, reading, travelling, and keeping in touch with her friends and family in the US, where she originally comes from.
Charlotte
Volunteer
Whilst Charlotte is away from Uni she volunteers for Uplift to help out and meet new people.
She loves music, going to concerts, spending time with family and friends and enjoys reading. Charlotte is also a huge Harry Styles fan, if there's a Harry Styles concert anywhere in the UK, there's a good chance Charlotte is already there, front row, singing every word and planning the next one!
Jed
Trainee Tutor Support
Jed supports both tutors and learners by fostering a welcoming environment and adapting guidance to suit individual learning needs.
Outside of work, he is an enthusiastic gamer with an interest in tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons!
Stella
Volunteer
Stella is a volunteer who supports our tutors with day-to-day tasks, providing an extra pair of hands when learners need additional help or guidance. Although she’s new to the team, she’s already loving her role and hopes to build a long future with Uplift.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 children and is a huge fan of Gary Barlow!
Tanya
Curriculum and Quality Lead
Tanya is quality focused ensuring teaching meets the highest standards, with a passion for supporting others.
Outside of work Tanya loves walking her dog Alfie on the beach and weekends away in her campervan.
Gillian
Volunteer
Gillian is our volunteer, she is passionate about making a positive difference and believe small, thoughtful actions can have a big impact.
Outside of volunteering, you’ll usually find her reading, cross-stitching, baking, crafting, or getting far too competitive at a pub quiz. She cares deeply about people and love being part of something that brings warmth and joy to others.
Sam
Data Operative
Sam is a new member of the Uplift family. He is responsible for ensuring key information is accurate and kept up to date. He prints, scans, organises, and types away in the back systems, making sure Tutors have all the paperwork they need to deliver their courses smoothly.
In his spare time he loves his video games and anything cyber, alongside walking the dogs each day.
Megan
Volunteer
Megan has been a volunteer at Uplift for almost a year. She has a strong passion for helping others, building confidence, and supporting people to recognise their true potential.
