Jan previously worked as a bank supervisor for ten years in London, Reading and in Holland. Whilst bringing up her son, she embarked on an Open University degree in Psychology and Sociology resulting in a post at Exeter College teaching these subjects. She enjoyed teaching so much that she then went to St Luke's to take a PGCE in English and Drama and soon after decided to combine her interest in psychology with teaching by taking a further degree in Special Education. Jan has worked at Trinity in the area of special education since 1994 She has recently taken a further year long qualification in Special Educational Needs Coordination. In her spare time Jan likes to write, draw and paint and is learning to play/strangle the soprano saxophone!
Carole trained initially as a primary school teacher, studying English as a main subject and Maths and P.E. as secondary subjects. She taught initially in London , then West Sussex . During her time in West Sussex she began to develop an interest in supporting learners, working as a Literacy Tutor in a middle school and as a support teacher and SENCO in a primary school. Postgraduate study has included an Advanced Diploma in Special Needs and Masters Degree in Education Med (Open University) which was awarded in 2004. During the time when her children were growing up she became involved in youth work, an interest which continued for about ten years. Carole joined Trinity in January 2000. In her spare time she enjoys theatre, cinema, eating out, walking the dog, sailing and reading. She is also actively involved in church activities.
Chryssa graduated with a B.Ed. degree from Exeter University in 1986, having spent four years studying at Rolle College in Exmouth. She then taught Key Stage 1 and 2 children for six years at Woodbury Primary School in East Devon , before having a break from teaching whilst her children were young. During this time she became involved in Sunday School work. She also conducted a children's orchestra for several years, working with youngsters from the ages of ten to eighteen. In 1998 she joined the Learning Support department at Trinity School , initially helping with English. Three years later she changed to giving support in mathematics, which is a subject much closer to her heart! She successfully completed a modular course at Exeter University in 2001, entitled 'Mathematics and Special Educational Needs', which has given her further insights into enabling children to develop their mathematics. When not working, Chryssa enjoys walking, horse-riding, swimming and cycling, especially with her family. She is involved in many church activities, including Sunday School teaching and helping to run a youth group. She also likes to read when she can find the time!
Julia began her career, and spent many years, as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator, working from home and for companies such as the Devon Wildlife Trust in Exeter . In 1994 she moved to Brixham Community College to work within their Learning Resources Centre as a Desk-top-Publisher producing in-school resources for both staff and students and the College Prospectus. In this role Julia became more involved with the students at the College within a support capacity and using her computer knowledge. In 2000, after the arrival of her two children, Julia made a huge decision to move away from Graphics and retrain to work more specifically with children. In that year she moved to St.Marychurch C of E Primary School to become a Learning Support Assistant and after finding herself working with children with specific special needs began training and gaining experience within this area, working especially closely with children with Asperger's Syndrome. Julia joined Trinity School in 2003 to support children with individual special needs.