About us
Directors
Tanya
Tanya combines her knowledge of teaching and learning with a desire to help combat climate chaos through regenerative farming. Tanya has previously been a foster carer for children with additional needs and a support worker for adults with autism and learning disabilities.
Sylvia
Sylvia has worked in education all her working life. She is currently a teacher at Leeds City College including teaching SEND students that attend Living Potential. She has a deep understanding of the issues our members face and a desire to help them succeed.
Reeta
Brings her experience in HR and the Refugee Council, supporting people in difficult circumstances to assist LPCF to continue having such a positive impact on people’s lives.
Chris
Chris ran a successful professional dentistry practice for 20 years and is now in garden maintenance for fun. Chris knows LPCF well and has supported its growth since the beginning.
Gurmit
Having previously been Principle of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance he has also served on many educational and arts boards. He believes in the transformative value of all educational opportunities.
Team Members:
Tanya
A qualified teacher, Tanya aims to improve the quality of people’s lives through a work-based, supportive environment. Everybody is valued and has a meaningful role to play in the success of our community farm.
Katie
Katie has worked in mainstream and additional needs education as well as in being an activities coordinator in a psychiatric setting. Katie has a farm of her own and brings years of expertise to Living Potential.
Keith
Keith is an experienced teacher having previously worked in colleges. He is a permaculture practitioner which means he balances care for the earth and it's inhabitants and care for people.
Matthew
Matthew ensures members’ records are up to date and all aspects of the farm are running smoothly. He is committed to helping people achieve their potential and environmental sustainability. He is a qualified archery instructor.
Sarah
Sarah has previously been head of a charity for older people and worked in community services for the NHS. She is our Service Development Manager for the Community Gardens and Woodland Cabin.
"We help you reach your potential using the living resources of the farm"
Tanya (Learning and Development Manager)
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Duncan
Duncan is adept at using the outdoors to raise people’s personal expectations. Bushcraft and foraging are a few of the aspects of outdoor learning Duncan draws upon.
Jackie
Jackie is a skilled arts and crafts practitioner and cook with a background in advocacy. She uses resources from around the farm to create products to sell or take home for our members.
Kirsty
Having worked in a variety of settings, Kirsty combines her trauma-informed experience and horticultural knowledge to engage and support people from all walks of life at the community gardens.
Andy B
Andy is our Animal Welfare Coordinator as well as an activities instructor. Andy has a degree in Animal Care and a background in supporting disadvantaged people to gain skills in rural settings.
Itzella
Itzella is running calm@thefarm for neurodiverse young people to experience animal therapy, arts and crafts and time out from the hustle and anxieties of modern life.
Susan
Susan is a horticulturist and is experienced in working with schools and community groups. Susan also enjoys leading forest school activities.
Cath
Cath has a background in education and a love of horticultural therapy. She is a Forest School Leader and enjoys passing her learning on to others.
Chris
Chris has previous experience in supporting vulnerable people with dementia. He enjoys working on the farm and helping others to develop their skills and achieve their full potential.
Rajesh
A qualified teacher, Rajesh spent much of his life studying and teaching in countries such as the Netherlands and China. He hopes to bring people together through a love of the great outdoors and a passion for music and percussion.
Leon
Leon is a former teacher with a background in culinary arts, bringing years of experience as a chef to his work. Leon has been involved in various community projects, always seeking to foster growth, connection, and a love for learning.
Zola
Zola has taught children with additional needs for many years. Those skills are being transferred to guide adults through learning animal care, horticulture, arts and crafts and cooking.
Jake
Having started as a volunteer, it was clear Jake had potential. He is currently a Farm Worker apprentice at Askham Bryan and is also working at a mixed farm near Tadcaster to increase his animal welfare knowledge.
Additional team members:
