Dawn Joseph.

Centre Manager.

Dawn started work at Burton’s finance department in 1987. By 1990, Dawn was a Team Leader and played a vital role in transferring the Finance Department from Bristol to Leeds. Over a number of years, Dawn worked between banking, control accounts and settlement before becoming a Settlement Team Leader at what is now Santander. She has undergone a lot of personal training and development, including accountancy and management.

In 2002, after having children, she began to work part time, and worked voluntary at her children’s primary school for four years. Dawn was made redundant in 2011, after 25 years of service. She followed her heart, and started working full-time in a primary school. In 2012, Dawn became Centre Manager of Aspire & Achieve, and has taken the company from humble beginnings to one of the leading alternative provisions in Leeds.

Rachel loved school. After finishing compulsory education, she continued her education at Huddersfield University, before moving to America to work as a Coach at a Summer Camp, a role which she thoroughly enjoyed. It cemented her decision to work with young people and on her return to the UK, Rachel worked for the Youth Service for the best part of a decade.

She then moved to John Smeaton School as a Student Voice Coordinator, championing the needs of challenging young people between 11-16. Rachel joined Aspire & Achieve in 2016 and leads on inclusion, teaching, planning and mentoring students within the centre. 

Rachel Brandon.

Inclusion Lead.

Ellie Cavanagh.

Learning & Wellbeing Support Worker.

Ellie studied Psychology at Leeds Beckett University whilst working for five years and Marks and Spencer, where she developed valuable communication and people skills. With a strong interest in family and child psychology, Ellie is passionate about supporting young people’s emotional wellbeing and development.

As a Learning and Wellbeing Support Worker at Aspire and Achieve, Ellie provides mentoring sessions, wellbeing checks, and learning support. She focuses on helping students build confidence, resilience, and skills in emotional regulation.