Rebecca Perrin
Hi, I’m Rebecca and I am the Head of Centre at The Seeds of Change Alternative Provision, a specialist setting supporting children and young people for whom a traditional classroom environment is not always the right fit.
The Seeds of Change was founded by my mum over 20 years ago, and I have had the privilege of watching the organisation grow from a small idea and a passion for helping young people into a respected provision that changes lives every day. Growing up around the organisation inspired me to build my own career in education and alternative provision, with the ambition of one day helping to continue and develop the legacy she created.
I am passionate about supporting young people who may have struggled within mainstream education and helping them find alternative ways to engage in learning, build their confidence, and recognise their strengths. I firmly believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they may have faced in education.
In my role, I work closely with schools, local authorities, families, and professionals to create personalised programmes that combine education, therapeutic support, vocational opportunities, and equine-assisted learning. My focus is on ensuring that every young person feels safe, valued, understood, and empowered to achieve positive outcomes for their future.
Leading The Seeds of Change is both a professional responsibility and a personal privilege. I am proud to carry forward the values and vision that have been at the heart of the organisation for more than two decades, while continuing to develop innovative opportunities for the children and young people we support.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music, and going for walks. Family has always been at the heart of both my life and my career, and I value the balance and perspective these moments bring. They remind me of the importance of connection, wellbeing, and creating opportunities for others to flourish.
“Every young person deserves the chance to succeed; sometimes they just need a different environment in which to grow.”
Chrissy Gamble
Hi, I’m Chrissy.
I’ve been part of the TSoC team since November 2025. I’m a qualified teacher with a passion for helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and achieve their potential. My career has spanned education, safeguarding, mentoring, community engagement, and charity work, giving me a strong understanding of the challenges many young people and families face.
I spent 15 years teaching at a local college, and during that time, I supported young people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those facing barriers to learning such as SEND, autism, ADHD, SEMH needs, anxiety, mental health challenges, and behavioural difficulties.
Working closely with safeguarding teams and external agencies, I became a Mental Health First Aider and developed a strong belief that education is about far more than grades. For me, the most important part of the role has always been building relationships, understanding individual circumstances, and helping young people recognise their strengths and potential.
I also taught within a Secure Training Centre, working with young people with complex needs and challenging life experiences. This reinforced my belief that every young person deserves understanding, support, and the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.
Although I stepped away from full-time teaching classroom based in 2022 to write learning content, I continued to support young people through one-to-one mentoring and private tutoring. Helping students build confidence, resilience, engagement, and aspirations remains one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Nothing is more inspiring than seeing a young person begin to believe in themselves and their future.
Alongside my professional experience, I have gained valuable insight through supporting family members and navigating the education system from a parent’s perspective. These experiences have deepened my empathy and understanding, helping me connect with young people, parents, and carers on a personal as well as professional level.
Outside of work, I have a lifelong love of the countryside. Growing up around horses, farm animals, and livestock sparked a passion for nature that remains a huge part of my life today. I am an enthusiastic gardener and a strong advocate for outdoor learning, believing that time spent in nature can have a powerful impact on wellbeing, confidence, and personal development.
I believe in listening without judgement, treating people with kindness and respect, and working collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes. Above all, I am committed to helping young people and families feel heard, valued, and empowered to move forward with confidence.
Rachel Ward
Hi, I’m Rachel.
I have always been passionate about helping people to recognise their strengths, build confidence, and achieve their full potential. My journey into this field has been shaped by both my professional experiences and my lifelong love of animals and the outdoors.
Outside of work, I am a Mum to a 7-year-old and an 11-year-old – I enjoy spending time outdoors and making memories on family breaks. Horses have been a part of my life since I was young, and I have always believed in the incredible impact they can have on our emotional wellbeing, confidence, and personal development. I also have a real love for dogs and guinea pigs. Our black Labrador, Prince, is a much-loved member of the family, alongside our two guinea pigs, Badger and Pepper, who never fail to bring a smile to our faces.
My career began after completing A Levels in Health and Social Care, Human Anatomy and Psychology, followed by a BTEC Advanced Diploma in Health and Social Care. This led me to join the NHS, where I worked for several years within the Occupational Therapy team at the Northants Wheelchair Service. During this time, I developed valuable skills in assessment, communication, safeguarding, and person-centred care. I worked with children and adults, assessing individuals for wheelchair provision within their own homes. Visiting people in their home environments strengthened my ability to listen with empathy, build trust, and understand the unique challenges they faced.
Alongside my clinical role, I completed extensive professional training, including safeguarding and a City & Guilds Train the Trainer qualification. This enabled me to deliver manual handling and health and safety training across a range of NHS services, developing my confidence as both a trainer and mentor.
Although I genuinely loved my role within the NHS and had no plans to leave, an opportunity arose to join Seeds of Change, and it has proven to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Every day I have the privilege of supporting young people to overcome barriers, build resilience, and discover abilities they never knew they had. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a learner arrive with little confidence and leave standing taller, believing in themselves and their future.
I primarily work with Year 9 to Year 11 learners who are completing their City & Guilds Level 1 Employability Skills qualification. As the in-house City & Guilds Assessor, I feel incredibly proud to watch young people who doubt their own abilities achieve a nationally recognised qualification. Seeing the positive impact that horses and our small animals have on our learners’ wellbeing, confidence, and personal growth is truly inspiring, and it reinforces every day why I love what I do.
Helen McNally
Hi, I’m Helen.
After graduating from university, I began my career with the NHS, working on the frontline with the Ambulance Service. During this time, I developed invaluable skills in communication, teamwork, and building trusting relationships in high-pressure environments, along with delivering nine babies, all boys!
Following the birth of my children, I transitioned into education, initially seeking a role that complemented my family’s schedule. It quickly became clear that I had found a genuine passion for supporting young people. My career progressed into pastoral care, an area I believe plays a vital role in a young person’s development and wellbeing. Before joining The Seeds of Change, I served as the Pastoral and Wellbeing Lead at a large secondary school, where I was responsible for supporting students’ emotional health, safeguarding, and personal development.
Throughout my career in education, I have continued to develop my professional knowledge through specialist training. I am a qualified Drawing and Talking Practitioner and have completed training as an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), as well as training in LEGO Therapy, Emotion Coaching, and bereavement support with Child Bereavement UK. Alongside my work in education, I have also supported both adult and child survivors of sexual assault, further strengthening my understanding of trauma-informed practice and compassionate support.
Animals, particularly horses, have been a lifelong passion. Growing up, I was fortunate to own several horses and experienced firsthand the positive impact they had on my emotional wellbeing. Today, I feel incredibly privileged to combine my passion for supporting young people with my love of horses, enabling me to help others experience the unique therapeutic benefits these remarkable animals can provide.
Charlotte Taylor
Hi, I’m Charlotte and I’m an Equine Facilitated Coach here at The Seeds of Change.
I haven’t followed a typical path to end up here, having spent the first decade of my career as an Accountant. Whilst I could always get on well with the numbers, I tended to mostly enjoy speaking to a variety of people across different roles, both internal and external to the company. This has helped to ensure I always recognise the different needs and skill sets of others, learning the importance of adapting to a range of demands.
I decided to leave Accountancy in search of something new, and specifically a job that I could regularly feel was making a genuine difference to individuals who needed support – something that has always motivated me above all else. After completing my Level 3 certification in Teaching Support, I joined the Northampton Saints Foundation as a teaching assistant within their post 16 group. This gave me a great foundation and the opportunity to apply the theory I had been studying alongside my innate desire to help others to become equipped to fulfil their potential.
When I saw an available position at The Seeds of Change, I could not turn down the chance. I will always be incredibly grateful to The Seeds of Change for demonstrating faith in me, despite my fairly limited experience at the time, which is the same approach they apply to a number of our young people. Working with horses has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and being able to personally grow every day, alongside every student I have the pleasure to support, is incredibly rewarding.
Dan Price
Hi, I’m Dan. I am an Equine Facilitated Learning Coach at The Seeds of Change, where I support young people through hands-on sessions alongside horses and nature. My approach is proactive yet always child-led, creating a safe, welcoming environment where young people feel seen, heard and able to learn at their own pace. Through meaningful interactions with horses, I help young people build confidence, emotional awareness, resilience and trust, encouraging them to develop skills they can carry into everyday life.
I have a lifelong background working with horses and a deep understanding of equine behaviour, communication and horsemanship. Over the years, I have worked with horses in a variety of settings, including internationally as a horse trekking guide in Botswana, South Africa, Iceland and France. These experiences have shaped my calm, adaptable and intuitive approach, teaching me to read both horses and people with patience, empathy and understanding. I believe horses offer powerful opportunities for reflection, emotional regulation and connection, particularly for young people who may find more traditional environments challenging.
Before moving into therapeutic work, I worked as a chef, where I developed a creative, practical and adaptable mindset. I enjoy bringing these skills into my sessions whenever possible, using hands-on activities, cooking and creative tasks to encourage engagement, confidence and teamwork.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my own horses, riding, playing guitar, wild swimming and skiing. I am passionate about the outdoors and believe that time in nature, alongside animals, can have a lasting and positive impact on wellbeing, confidence and personal growth.
Emmie Hardy
Hi, I’m Emmie. I joined the TSoC team in February 2025. I quickly recognised the power of horses in supporting young people to achieve their full potential. Horses have a natural disarming, non-judgmental nature, which when using the unique TSoC approach, can truly make an impact. I strongly resonates with the company’s ethos of ‘Mighty oaks from little acorns grow’ as this highlights the importance of steady effort, perseverance and how a small idea can lead to remarkable outcomes for our young people.
I am trained and experienced in supporting individuals with SEND, SEMH, learning disabilities and difficulties, ADHD, ASD and cognitive/communication needs. I bring a wealth of experience, spanning over 12 years, with a particular interest in Sensory Processing, PDA and Dyspraxia.
I believe the horse is an incredible coach in assisting young people to accept and embrace their differences in an indirect way. The unique sensory system of the horse and their use of non-verbal communication is something I draw upon in my sessions, supporting young people with self-acceptance, self-awareness and personal growth.
Trained to Level 4 in Animal Management, I assist young people to understand the importance of animal welfare and correct animal husbandry practice. With Level 3 in Education and Training, I deliver City and Guilds qualifications, normally on a 1:1 basis.
I work in a person-centered manner, individualising and adapting my sessions to meet the young person’s communication and learning needs.
Vickie Wright
Hi, I’m Vickie. I am an Equine Facilitated Learning Coach at The Seeds of Change, where I support young people through gentle, hands-on sessions alongside horses. My work ethic is grounded in the belief that growth doesn’t always happen through words. Sometimes it unfolds in the quiet moments — in learning to be still, to notice, and to connect with the world around us.
I have 40 years’ experience with horses and believe deeply in the ability they have to help young people. My time with horses has given me valuable first-hand experience of their intuitive power to provide a grounded presence that creates a natural space for calm, connection, and emotional safety. Thus allowing young people to explore confidence, trust, and self-understanding without pressure or judgement.
With a background in Early Years SEND and qualifications in Mental health first aid, I have experience supporting young people who may find traditional environments overwhelming.
My approach is calm, patient, and rooted in empathy — meeting each individual exactly where they are. In sessions, I am passionate about focusing on cultivating a safe, nurturing environment where small steps are valued and every voice matters, even the unspoken ones.
I am particularly driven when trying to help young people feel seen, heard, and capable, drawing inspiration from the natural world and the intuitive presence of horses. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature and with animals, a grounding influence that continues to shape the way I support others.
Abby Kentish
Hello, I’m Abby!
I’ve been part of the Seeds of Change team for two years, working as an EFL Coach. I enjoy helping young people learn, grow, and gain confidence while creating a welcoming and encouraging space for them to thrive.
When I’m not at work, I love riding my horse, Billie, and spending quality time with my two dogs, Basil and Woody. Whether I’m out with the animals or enjoying the outdoors, I always appreciate the chance to stay active and connect with nature.
Becki Horne
Hi, I’m Becki.
My career has always been driven by a passion for supporting young people to achieve their potential, both academically and emotionally. Before joining TSOC, I worked for many years in mainstream education in a range of pastoral roles, including Family Support Worker, Year Team Manager (DSL), Deputy SENCO, and School Mental Health Lead. These roles provided me with extensive experience of supporting children, young people, and families facing social, emotional, mental health, attendance, and safeguarding challenges.
Throughout my career, I have become increasingly aware that many young people need more than academic support to thrive. They need trusted adults who will listen without judgement, advocate for them, and provide a safe environment where they feel valued, understood, and accepted. Supporting wellbeing, welfare, and safeguarding has always been at the heart of my work, and I am passionate about helping young people develop confidence, resilience, and self-belief.
My experience as a Family Support Worker strengthened my understanding of the importance of working holistically with families and highlighted the value of positive relationships, effective communication, and early intervention in achieving the best outcomes for young people. These principles continue to underpin my work as a coach today.
Alongside my professional experience, I am also a proud Mum of four boys and a Nanna. These roles have deepened my appreciation of the individuality of every child and reinforced my belief that young people flourish when they feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be themselves.
A lifelong love of horses has also shaped my approach. I have witnessed first-hand the powerful impact that Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL) can have on young people. Horses help develop trust, confidence, emotional regulation, communication skills, and self-awareness in a unique and meaningful way. Their honest and immediate feedback provides opportunities for learners to build relationships, overcome challenges, and experience success in a non-judgemental environment. Seeing a young person connect with a horse and grow in confidence as a result is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
I joined TSOC because I wanted to work in an environment where I could truly make a difference. The organisation’s person-centred approach, focus on wellbeing, and commitment to positive relationships strongly reflected my own values. Most importantly, I wanted to be that safe, trusted adult who a young person could turn to when they needed support.
As a TSOC Coach, I strive to create relationships built on trust, consistency, and understanding. It is a privilege to support young people on their individual journeys and help them feel safe, empowered, and capable of achieving positive futures.
Olivia Bean
Hi, I’m Olivia.
I have always been passionate about supporting children and young people to recognise their strengths and develop the confidence to thrive. Throughout my studies and professional career, I have been guided by the belief that every child deserves to feel heard, valued, and understood. I strive to create safe and nurturing environments where young people can be themselves, build meaningful relationships, and experience success in ways that are meaningful to them.
My journey began through volunteering with children and charities from a young age. During my secondary education and throughout my university studies, I regularly volunteered within my former primary school, supporting children with a range of needs and experiences. These opportunities helped me appreciate the importance of genuine relationships and reinforced my belief that young people thrive when they feel listened to and supported.
My interest in child development and education led me to complete a BA in Education Studies. During this degree, I became particularly interested in equine assisted therapy, with my undergraduate dissertation exploring the profound impact horses can have on emotional wellbeing, confidence, communication, and personal growth. This inspired a growing interest in alternative approaches to supporting young people and the value of experiential learning.
Wanting to further develop my understanding of children’s wellbeing, I went on to complete an MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. This deepened my understanding of children’s social, emotional, and psychological development while reinforcing the importance of listening to the voice of the child and recognising the many influences that shape a young person’s life.
My pastoral role within primary education gave me the opportunity to work closely with children on a one-to-one and small-group basis, many of whom were experiencing social, emotional, or educational challenges. Through this work, I saw first-hand how powerful trusted relationships can be in helping young people feel safe, understood, and able to succeed. Working alongside families and external agencies further strengthened my understanding of holistic support.
Following this, I completed my PGCE whilst teaching Reception at a different primary school. I loved supporting children at this early stage of their education, where imagination, curiosity, and exploration are central to learning. After completing my PGCE, I spent four years teaching within Key Stage One, working in both Year 2 and later Year 1. These experiences allowed me to develop strong relationships with children and families while supporting both academic and personal development.
Animals have always played an important role in my life. What began with feeding and stroking horses in nearby fields soon led to riding lessons, loaning horses, and eventually owning my own cheeky Welsh D pony, Merlin, who taught me many lessons in patience and perseverance. Horses have remained a constant in my life ever since and continue to bring both a sense of calm and purpose.
One of the many things I love about horses is their ability to respond honestly and authentically to us. They encourage self-awareness, reflection, and trust while helping us stay present in the moment. Their non-judgemental nature creates unique opportunities for young people to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and overcome challenges.
My role at The Seeds of Change allows me to bring together my professional experience, educational knowledge, and lifelong love of horses. Every day, I see the positive impact equine facilitated learning can have on young people, particularly those who may have struggled to engage within traditional educational environments. Horses provide immediate and honest feedback, helping young people develop confidence and resilience while improving emotional awareness, communication, and self-belief.
It is a privilege to support young people on their individual journeys and witness them discover strengths they may not have realised they possessed. My aim is always to provide opportunities for growth, reflection, and success while helping every young person develop a stronger sense of confidence, belonging, and self-worth.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my horses, two dachshunds, and four runner ducks, who certainly keep life entertaining!
Gail Edwards
Hi, I’m Gail.
My career began in the corporate world, culminating as Head of Online Content for Non-Food at Tesco. When the website closed, I took the opportunity to volunteer at a friend’s school — an experience that completely changed my path. Discovering a deep love for working with young people, I transitioned into education, first in an ASD unit in a secondary school, then as a family support worker in a primary school, and previously within a behaviour team in an educational setting.
I am passionate about helping young people thrive, guided by my belief that all behaviour is communication. I see every challenge as an opportunity for growth and transformation and firmly believe that with the right tools and guidance, change is always possible.
At The Seeds of Change, I am proud to be an advocate for young people — supporting them to achieve academically, personally, and emotionally. I love seeing students leave TSoC better equipped for the life ahead, confident and ready to take on new challenges.
Outside of work, I find peace in the outdoors. I tend to my allotment, growing my own vegetables, and treasures quiet evenings under my apple tree listening to the countryside — my happy place. I share my life with a rescued horse from Malta, a rescue cat from Spain, and my “rescued” husband from England, whom I joke is very lucky. Riding out with my daughter and her horses is one of my greatest joys.
Reflecting on my journey, I say that if I could live my life over again, I’d skip the corporate ladder and dive straight into alternative education — where I’ve found my true calling: making a real difference to young people and families.
This beautiful and tranquil environment provides a safe place for every client ‘just to be’ even for a short while, delivering Equine-Facilitated Learning and Therapy – our unique TSoC approach.
Call 07772 345573 or email enquiries@tsocequine.co.uk