Liberty College Advisory Board

Jojo Rassekh BSc

My Role: Director Governor

Jojo started Liberty Training with 6 years' experience working with children and young people in care environments. Jojo also worked for 10 years as a fire-fighter and in security work and achieved his private pilot license when he was just 17.

Jojo's career choices are born out of wanting to help other people. He set up and managed an outreach support service for children in care which gave him skills needed to set up and run Liberty Training.

Jojo is the co-founder and director of Ohana Homes (formerly Liberty Care Homes), which is an organisation with an Ofsted registered children’s home and two semi-independent living homes, and has directed these organisations since they were established in 2012. He is also a director of Liberty For All CIC (a not-for-profit organisation which aims to help and support young people) which was established in 2016.

Michelle Smith FdA

My Role: Director Governor

Michelle the co-founder and director of Liberty Training which was founded in 2013. Prior to this, Michelle had almost 12 years' experience in working with children and young people, in education and care settings and as a Personal Advisor for young people with Connexions.

Passionate about helping others, Michelle has dedicated her life to making a difference in people's lives. She organised and ran employability courses for NEET young people (not in employment, education or training), and worked with them on a one-to-one basis, helping them to overcome obstacles in their lives and progress into employment, education or training. Michelle has experience in management roles in different settings and is also the co-founder and director of Liberty For All CIC (a not-for-profit organisation which aims to help and support young people) which was established in 2016. She is also the co-founder and director of Ohana Homes (formerly Liberty Care Homes), which is an organisation with an Ofsted registered children’s home and two semi-independent living homes and has co-directed these organisations since they were established in 2012

Bethan Lucas

My Role: Staff Governor

Bethan is a Tutor on the second-year course and Cooking Skills. Bethan has been at Liberty for three years and has worked in Education for over six years. Bethan has always wanted to be a trainer and educator and has shaped the lives of many young people through motivating and inspiring them. Bethan is enthusiastic about justice and social mobility which she practices in her role as Tutor.

She has recently been appointed staff representative and takes the opportunity to be a voice for the staff on all issues.

When not at work, you can find Bethan cuddling her three cats, cooking up a storm, playing video games or doing a reluctant park run.

Chris Davies

My Role: Chair Governor

Sub Committee: SEND, Safeguarding and Teaching and Learning 

Chris Davies works for Ohana Homes as a registered manager for the company’s first registered children’s home.

Chris has worked in the social care sector for 10 years, specialising in residential childcare.

Chris began his career after following his parents’ footsteps of being experienced foster carers in the local area. Chris worked for a reputable organisation where he experienced many stages residential childcare has to offer, from a support worker, team leader, deputy manager and a successful registered manager with 5 years of experience, supporting young people with complex, challenging needs.

Chris is a passionate cook with his own food business in the local area, creating a bespoke take on Caribbean cuisine.

Chris is also a devoted father of two children, who enjoys cooking, watching films and playing sports.

David Neal

My Role: Staff Governor

David Neal is the Horticultural tutor at Liberty with over 10 years’ experience working in an SEN and SPI education provisions and setting. David has also worked as a youth worker, residential social worker and was the chairman of the original Little Oasis Skate Project. David has specialised in SEN, Mental Health in Young People and Counselling over his career with a vast CPD archive of training and qualifications. 

David has a passion for academia, science, natural history, and the arts, he has written two books in his free time on the philosophy of time travel and work in progress, a guide to life.

David is a husband and father to two young girls, who enjoys being outside, gardening and cooking with his family. 

Lynze Hillier

My Role: Community Governor

Sub Committee: Policies, Parent Liaison and Finance

Lynze Hillier has worked within Education as an Administrator for over 20 years.  Within that time she has worked within Higher Education, Further Education, Primary Education and within KCC.  Lynze has a broad knowledge of experience ranging from helping parents, students, and staff to promoting and fundraising knowledge.  

Lynze was a Chairperson for her son and daughters PTFA when they were at school and was part of a team that raised enough funds to buy a minibus of their own.  She has also spent many years being a dedicated member of her son and daughters Scout Group.

Lynze is a very holistic person, wellbeing is extremely important to her and you will find her walking barefoot at the beach with her dog in her spare time and enjoying time with friends.