Meet the Team
With the highest expectations and aspirations for each individual person who learns at the centre, the team are dedicated and committed professionals who are clear about their roles and responsibilities to keep young people safe, supported and catered for as individuals.The Pioneers' staff team are experts in their fields and have a range of experience dealing with alternative provision and special education. Every adult at The Pioneers’ Centre pledges to drive forward a mantra of positivity and progress, whatever this may look like for young people in their care.
Denise Henderson, Director of Alternative Provision, Lionheart Educational Trust
Denise is responsible for all of Lionheart Educational Trust’s alternative provision across Leicestershire, including The Pioneers’ Centre. Previously Assistant Principal at Judgemeadow Community College, Denise has experience of managing the school’s on-site alternative provision unit, The Meadows.
The rest of the Pioneers' Centre team comprises:
| Julia Patrick | Executive Principal |
| Richard Elderton | Head of Centre. Lead DSL. Careers Lead. |
| Claire Simpson | Head of Curriculum Teaching and Learning. Asst Director of Science |
| Daniel Quiones | Assistant Director of Maths |
| Marsha Joyce | Teacher of English , Literacy Lead. |
| Clair Saye | Behaviour Mentor |
| Shannon Osborn | Behaviour Mentor |
| Grace Ojo | Pastoral Mentor |
| Jasmine Williams | Emotional Literacy Support Assistant |
| Geraldine Hegarty | Administrator |
| Linzi Harris | Learning Support Assistant |
| Taisa Jackson | Learning Support Assistant |
| Jess Aliu | Learning Support Assistant |
| Katie Hawker | SENDCO |
| Liza Ricciardi | Design Technology Teacher |
| Jo Wilton | School Counsellor |
| Emma Ashford | Premises Officer / Bus Driver |
| Andy Smith | Construction Instructor |
| Audrey King | Bus Chaperone |
| Kelli Hackett | Operations Manager |
In addition, we use the expertise of a number of qualified Trust staff in various subject areas as required.