ABOUT US

Community First North East (CFNE) is a Community Interest Company. We work both within the community and with business organisations delivering a range of training programmes, many of which are designed and written to meet diverse needs.

"Focus on the person and all else will follow."

MEET THE TEAM

Judy Hunter

Director

I have been involved in education all my working life ...which is now unfortunately, a very long time. I started working as a teacher with 11-18 year old age range before moving into Local Education Authority and managing a project which particularly focused on developing student centred learning methods.

From there I established a training company and delivered training in 20+ countries as well as locally and nationally. Training ranged from teacher training through to working with hospital and dental staff, private and public organisations. It included supporting work in schools as colleges as well as helping organisations consider change and implementing a person centred approach.

In 2010 I established a Community Interest Company which particularly specialises in working with the most vulnerable post 16 learners although the company still also delivers a range of staff training. This has really brought me back full circle at the chalk face much of the time but now with experience and understanding that I wished I had had when I first started!

As a director, my main responsibilities are Finance, Health and Safety and Recruitment.As a tutor I am responsible for all maths provision and feel I can give learners an experience different to their previous ones in maths.

I have been in adult education for 20 years having previously taught in a secondary school and built ships in the good old days.

My interests are mainly watching and playing sports (more watching than playing these days), quizzes and bad jokes. I have also watched the complete 10 series of Friends through in order at least 4 times.

My daughter Alex and myself promote two charities at CFNE and have been involved in fundraisers for both Together Forever and The Relay for Life which involves completing a 24 hour event each year.

I learn useless lists and know a lot of information which is of no use to anyone unless I am needed as their friend on “Who wants to be a millionaire”.

Something a lot of people know is that my celebrity crushes are Kylie Minogue and Jennifer Aniston.

Something not many people know about me is that I sang at my wedding!

Dave Brown

Director

Alex Brown

Tutor

My role is tutor and lead for educational research. I have been involved now in a number of research projects and I eventually hope to complete my PhD in the future. Since working at CFNE, I have delivered a wide range of subjects but I particularly enjoy the teaching and learning courses.

After achieving a first class honours degree I decided to go on to complete my PGCE in secondary education and as this was school based it gave me some useful experience of the secondary education sector. I have also completed my Masters Degree in Education.

In my spare time I am engaged in dance teaching and I support the Together Forever charity in memory of Chloe and Liam who I knew personally. I also support the Relay for Life every year in Jarrow which is in aid of Cancer Research U.K.

A big bonus in working with CFNE is that I get regular cuddles from the babies in our Sunderland provision. I love Disney and my favourite character is Belle.

Lindsay is Curriculum Manager and number one fan of Robbie Williams! She has been working for CFNE for 6 years and is responsible for planning the courses that run and making sure everything is delivered to a high quality! She can easily be identified in the office by her very untidy desk!

At the moment Linz’s favourite courses to deliver are Supporting Teaching and Learning and Certificate in Education and Training as she really enjoys helping people develop their potential and sharing her various experiences from 15 years in education. Her favourite days at work are when she gets to observe staff and students in the classroom.

Out of the office, Linz is always busy with her very energetic little boy. She loves to shop and watch reality TV – especially Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Lindsay Usher

Curriculum Manager

Julie

Hi, I think I am the newest (and most creative?) member of the team who loves anything vintage!

My background and 5 years experience in primary education makes me the tutor for all our child related courses. I also love any opportunity to be in fancy dress or make a fool of myself! You will often find me walking up and down the corridor with my favourite children’s books and craft resources.

In my spare time I create art inspired by Andy Warhol (you can see these on my Instagram page and loves anything Harry Potter. I also love anything 90’s and my dream is to be a member of The Spice Girls!

I have been working for CFNE since 2017 after coming to the team on placement as a teaching student from Newcastle College.

My favourite subject to teach is Health and Social Care. This is my background and I feel it offers so many career opportunities for young and older people.

Previously, I have work in nurseries, schools, children’s centres and a hospital. I am is easy to recognise since I have a real love for tattoos and regularly changes my hair colour to keep everyone guessing!

I am kept VERY busy with my 5 lovely children and puppy Bruiser and loves visiting my family in Cornwall.

My claim to fame is that I has been on stage with Ant and Dec and can touch my nose with my tongue!

Chelsea

Lucy

Hi, I’m Lucy and I am the Pastoral Support Officer working closely with Gill. I joined CFNE in 2015 on a part-time basis to fit around my baby; now mam to two little girls. Outside of work I am kept busy with their social lives which includes lots of dancing competitions. Family time is very important to me.

My colleagues may well refer to me as the office clown as I can regularly be found trying to hide under desks or looking for mischief. Although of course my main role is to support learners, there is also always time to make a cuppa.

I enjoy chatting with the learners and seeing their progress. We have some wonderful learners come through the door and with help and support they leave with qualifications for life.

CFNE is really special to me. I provide Housekeeping support to the organisation.

It’s a pleasure working alongside CFNE teaching staff, who are so passionate and positive about the service they deliver to students, enabling them to widen their knowledge and achieve great results.

Diane

Housekeeper/listening ear

The pastoral system is led by me.

I oversee all of our support arrangements. However, all of our team are trained and able to give you support when needed.

gill

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