trusteducation.group

Meet The Team

Melissa Wainman

Director of TRUST Education DSL

Mel is a former Head of a SEMH school and an experienced curriculum leader and Designated Safeguarding Lead. She contributes expertise in HR, education leadership, safeguarding, and school premises management.

Katie Everson

Head of TRUST Education DSL

Kate is Head of School and specialises in children’s social care, safeguarding, and complex family assessments. She has significant expertise in supporting children with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and provides consultancy on safeguarding and SEND.

Matthew Derbyshire

Head of TRUST Sport

Matthew is a former professional footballer with over 20 years of experience in the sport. Now a UEFA A Licence coach and Head of Academy Football at a private school, he brings skills in leadership, mentoring, and promoting mental health and wellbeing through sport.

Leanne Barker

About Leanne Barker

Leanne brings over 20 years of invaluable experience to the beauty, hairdressing, and media makeup education sectors. Not only is she an educator, Leanne also owns and operates her own successful hairdressing salon, ensuring that her expertise is always grounded in real-world industry experience. Her active involvement in both teaching and the salon business keeps her connected to the latest trends and techniques, which she regularly incorporates into her lessons.

As a dedicated mother of four children, Leanne has firsthand experience of the challenges and rewards of raising children, particularly those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). This personal experience has given her a deep understanding and empathy for students who may face similar challenges in their own learning journeys. Leanne is particularly skilled in adapting her teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of her students, ensuring that every individual is given the support and encouragement they need to succeed.

Her student-centered approach blends technical expertise with creativity, ensuring every pupil is supported to succeed. Many of Leanne’s former students have gone on to flourish in the beauty, fashion, and media sectors, often crediting her mentorship as a key part of their journey.

Melissa Taylor - RVN, NCert (AnBeh)

About Melissa Taylor

Melissa has been caring for animals professionally since qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2003. Her love of learning led her to gain a qualification in animal behaviour in 2015, and she also holds first aid and Lantra animal transport qualifications.

Melissa is the heart behind Ark Education Barn, where her passion for animals meets her dedication to supporting young people with Special Educational Needs. She believes that animals can play a powerful role in education, wellbeing, and personal growth.

Together with the Ark team, Melissa is excited to offer pupils the chance to work towards ASDAN certificates in animal care and husbandry. These hands-on courses take place at the Ark Barn, with transport provided by TRUST, and are perfect for pupils who have a real interest in animal welfare.

Staff Spotlight

Tom Wood-Hulme

Elite Coach & Sports Mentor

About Tom Wood-Hulme & Signature Elite Coaching Academy (SECA)

I am a former professional rugby league and rugby union player with years of experience competing at the highest level of sport. My career in elite sport taught me not only the physical demands required to perform at the top, but also the importance of mental resilience, discipline, and personal growth.

After retiring from professional rugby, I founded Signature Elite Coaching Academy (SECA) to share that experience and help the next generation of athletes unlock their full potential. SECA works with elite youth athletes across a range of sports, providing tailored strength & conditioning, performance coaching, and mindset support.

What makes SECA different is our whole-athlete approach, we focus on building not only physical performance but also mental wellbeing, confidence, and life skills. We recognise that every young person is unique, with different strengths, challenges, and learning styles. 

That’s why our programmes are adaptable for all abilities, including those with special educational needs or additional support requirements.

We create safe, structured, and encouraging environments where students can:

  • Improve fitness, coordination, and overall health
  • Learn teamwork, communication, and leadership skills
  • Build resilience and confidence both in sport and everyday life
  • Experience success in small, achievable steps
  • Feel valued, understood, and supported

With my background in high-performance sport, my coaching qualifications, and years of mentoring young people, I am passionate about using physical activity as a tool for engagement, motivation, and personal development. Whether working with aspiring professional athletes or supporting students with special educational needs, my mission is the same, to help them believe in themselves and achieve their version of success.