Kathy is a Major in The Salvation Army and also has overall responsibility and leadership for all areas of Strawberry Field. Kathy has been a Salvation Army Officer for the past eighteen years and prior to that she worked in the commercial sector as a Chartered Accountant. Outside of work Kathy, who arrived in England from South Africa in 1994 with nothing but a suitcase and her husband, enjoys watching cricket, participating in Zumba classes and likes to watch a good rom-com with her three daughters. Kathy also enjoys writing – finding the written word a source of inspiration and replenishment.

As the Fresh Expression Leader for Strawberry Field, Louise is developing a team as well as focusing on building relationships and missional community. She is looking at new ways of engaging with people and providing opportunities for them to explore spirituality and faith. Louise has been a Salvation Army Officer for just over four years and prior to that she was employed as a social worker. Away from work, Louise is learning to play the ukulele and has recently joined a ukulele band. She also has a love for African drumming, enjoys walking and going to the cinema.

Lauren has overall responsibility for managing and implementing the Steps to Work programme. After graduating from the University of Liverpool, Lauren worked for her local church on a project supporting refugees and asylum seekers – she then went on to work for the military and government, before returning to Liverpool, to take up this exciting role with Strawberry Field. When she is not in work Lauren enjoys being outdoors and spending weekends walking in the mountains with her dog and friends. She also enjoys visiting new countries and learning about different cultures. 

Kelly is responsible for recruiting and managing volunteers for the Steps to Work programme and across all areas of Strawberry Field. Kelly’s background is in journalism and PR, but more recently she moved into the charitable sector undertaking volunteer management. Outside of work Kelly enjoys spending time with her son and is a keen runner and tandem cyclist. She is a huge advocate of volunteering and is a volunteer counsellor as well as a national ambassador for Parkrun UK. She enjoys playing the piano and saxophone and has a passion for writing. 

As the Centre Administrator, Jessica has responsibility for all areas of admin across Strawberry Field. A Liverpool Hope University graduate, Jessica initially took up post with a solicitors firm where she was training to be a Fee Earner. Deciding this was not the career for her, she moved into the charity sector where she worked on a project supporting young people facing barriers into employment. Jessica, who is a lifelong vegetarian, has a passion for travelling and aims to see as much of the world as she can. She enjoys going to yoga classes and her favourite band of all time is the Beatles!

As the Employment and Engagement Coordinator for the Steps to Work programme, Andie is responsible for liaising and developing relationships with local employers in order to find suitable work placement opportunities for trainees. Having previously worked as a learning mentor in a school for children and young people with autistic spectrum disorder, Andie has extensive experience of learning disabilities. Outside of work Andie enjoys family time with her husband, their two boys and the dog. She also likes to swim and is very active within her church; where she is part of the worship team, as well as being a youth leader.  

As a work coach on the Steps to Work programme, Adele supports trainees to develop their work and life skills initially in a classroom environment. She also provides individual support to trainees once they are on placement, helping them to develop the skills and confidence necessary to secure future employment. Prior to this role, Adele gained over ten years’ experience in the employability sector. Outside of work she is training to be a person-centred counsellor and enjoys spending time with family and walking their dog Nelson on the beach.  

Alan supports trainees on the Steps to Work programme through the delivery of work related training and life skills sessions. He also provides one-to-one support to trainees whilst they are on placement and will assist them in finding potential employment at the end of the programme. His previous experience includes working on an employability programme for the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) and providing training in the pharmaceutical industry. Away from work, Alan enjoys walking and loves to spend time in North Wales.