Meet Our Facilitators

Meet our unique team of experts who bring together lived experience and professional sector knowledge

The CareLeaders Online Team

Luke Rodgers

CEO, The Care Leaders
& Lived Experience Leader

Awarded the British Empire Medal for services to youth, Luke Rodgers brings a dynamic approach to youth participation. With his unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise, Luke champions the voice of young people in social care, ensuring their stories and perspectives are at the heart of our training.

Karylle Phillips

Trauma-informed practitioner and Social Worker

Karylle has extensive experience working for over a decade within children's social care and in education settings, promoting children's rights, spreading awareness of youth participation strategies, and raising the educational attainment, expectations and creating diversionary pathways for children in care and care experienced young people.

Dez Holmes

Director, Research in Practice

Dez Holmes, renowned for her leadership at Research in Practice, brings a wealth of knowledge in linking research with real-world practice in children’s services. Her dedication to evidence-based practice ensures her training is grounded in the latest insights and methodologies.

Jade Barnett

Co-Founder of Power2Prevail Community, Lived Experience Leader
Jade overcame significant challenges, including school exclusion and entering care at 15, to become a passionate advocate for disadvantaged young people. She has led high-profile campaigns with Mission 44 and Become Charity, was a finalist for the 2024 Young Entrepreneur Award, and served on the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit’s Young People’s Action Group. Through Power2Prevail, she delivers the Journey2Adulthood programme and the LOVE 'OUR' YOUTH event, supporting care-experienced young people in their transition to independence.

Rebekah Pierre

Deputy Director at Article 39, Author and Registered Social Worker, Lived Experience Leader
Rebekah is an author, journalist and social worker with a second language, communication is at my core. She is passionate about campaigning on social justice issues, the universal right to information & engaging with diverse audiences.

Ric Flo

Founder of Mantra Music, Lived Experience Leader

Dez Holmes, renowned for her leadership at Research in Practice, brings a wealth of knowledge in linking research with real-world practice in children’s services. Her dedication to evidence-based practice ensures her training is grounded in the latest insights and methodologies.

Lucy Barnes

Pupil Barrister | CEO & Co-Founder @ Lawyers Who Care, Lived Experience Leader
Lucy is a 27-year-old future pupil barrister and scholar of Middle Temple Inn. She is a passionate advocate for care-experienced young people and enjoys speaking to them in schools to help them discover the strengths they may not yet see in themselves.

Kate Cairns

Founder of KCA, Trainer Consultant
Kate is a distinguished author, esteemed speaker, and seasoned trainer renowned internationally for her expertise in attachment, trauma, and resilience, particularly concerning vulnerable children and young individuals. With an illustrious career spanning five decades as a social worker and three decades as a consultant and trainer, Kate's professional journey is marked by a commitment to improving the lives of those in need

Ian Thomas

Practice Development Consultant, Lived Experience Leader
Ian is a qualified Social Worker with an MA in Criminology and over 19 years of professional experience supporting children in alternative care across the UK and internationally. With both lived and professional expertise, he has worked with local authorities, NGOs, and governments. Ian’s research and publications explore key issues such as self-inflicted deaths in custody, fostering teenagers, and anti-oppressive practice. A passionate activist and speaker, he shares insights on trauma, marginalization, and children's rights on platforms like TEDx and global advocacy movements.

Scott King

Founder and Director
Section 31 Training

With a personal journey through the care system, Scott King offers an authentic and powerful perspective. His role as a lived experience facilitator helps bridge the gap between theory and real-life, enriching our training with real-world insights and empathy.

Mary-Anne Hodd

Founder Vital Voice Training, Lived Experience Leader

Mary-Anne Hodd, a PGCE teacher with a specialism in Psychology, brings a unique blend of educational expertise and a passion for changing the narrative of 'kids in care'. Her sessions leverage her experiences to foster positive change and understanding in children's social care.

Jerome Harvey-Agyei

Founder Topé Project, Lived Experience Leader

Jerome Harvey-Agyei, a care leaver from East London, embodies a spirit of love and communication. As a Co-Founder of 'The Tope Project', Senior Children & Youth Participation Officer at the Greater London Authority, and a radio host, Jerome’s sessions are infused with creativity and a deep commitment to youth participation.

Dr. Janet Rose

Principal, Norland College

Dr. Janet Rose, Principal of Norland and an accomplished academic in early years education, brings a wealth of knowledge to our training. With experience in both education and children's services, her sessions provide valuable insights into early childhood development and education.

Prof. Maggie Atkinson

Trustee at UN & former Children's Commissioner for England

Prof. Maggie Atkinson, former Children's Commissioner for England, brings an extensive background in education and public service administration to our team. Her expertise in children's services is invaluable in shaping training that addresses the complex needs of children and youth.

Andy Smith

Co-Founder, SmashLife, Lived experience leader
Andy and Matt Smith, Directors of Smash Life and brothers with lived experiences in the care system, bring a powerful narrative of resilience and advocacy. Their journey, marked by challenges post-care, informs their approach to supporting others who have faced similar experiences.

Steven Russell

Director, Elements Support CIC & Elements Education and Training, Lived experience leader
With 18 years of care experience and over a decade of professional expertise championing young people, I’m dedicated to making a lasting impact in the care and education sectors. Proud winner of the 2025 Global Inclusion SEMH Award, I’ve built my career around helping professionals create authentic and meaningful connections with vulnerable young people.

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Huge savings available
Purchase seats and distribute across your organisation
  • Multi-user
  • Ongoing
  • Custom Community Spaces
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  • Access all Live Events

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per course
  • 1 user
  • Available for 30 days
  • Resource Hub (Basic)
  • Community Space
  • Access all Live Events

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per person / per month
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