Liberty College Advisory Board

Michelle Smith

My Role: Director Advisor

Michelle is 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.

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Jojo Rassekh

My Role: Director Adviser

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.

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Lauren Lawley

My Role: Head of College 

Lauren began her career in education as an apprentice Teaching Assistant in an infant school, where she developed a strong passion for supporting children and young people. Lauren later progressed into post-16 education and joined Liberty in 20215, where she has remained ever since. 

Lauren's career at Liberty has seen her progress through a range of roles including Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Coordinator and Pastoral Lead, Tutor, Assistant Head, Deputy Head and now newly promoted to Head of College.

Lauren is deeply committed to learner wellbeing and inclusive education. Having found school challenging herself due to health and personal reasons, Lauren brings a compassionate, understanding and learner-centred approach to her leadership.

Lauren is passionate about making a difference by ensuring learners have support, encouragement and opportunities they need to thrive in their education and to go on to achieve positive outcomes for their futures. 

David Neal

My Role: Chair of the Board

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. 

Chris Davies

My Role: Independent Advisor

Sub-Committee: SEND, Safeguarding and Teaching and Learning 

Chris Davies works as a Registered Manager for a children’s home. Chris has worked in the social care sector for over 10 years, specialising in residential childcare.

Chris began his career after following in his parents’ footsteps, both of whom have been experienced foster carers in the local area. He worked for a reputable organisation and progressed through multiple stages of residential childcare, including Support Worker, Team Leader and Deputy Manager before becoming a Registered Manager in 2015. This gives Chris over a decade of Registered Manager experience supporting young people with complex and challenging needs.

Chris is a passionate cook who once had a business in the local area, creating a bespoke take on Caribbean cuisine.

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

Gary Mayne

My Role: Independent Adviser

Gary previously worked at Liberty as Head of college, where they developed strong leadership experience and a deep commitment to supporting both staff and learners. Prior to this role, their professional background was rooted in the SEND sector, working as a classroom teacher and leading a sixth form department. This experience has given them a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within specialist education.

They are particularly passionate about supporting individuals with additional needs and are dedicated to ensuring that every learner achieves the best possible outcomes. Their approach is centred on inclusion, high expectations, and creating opportunities for all.

Gary is married and a proud father of three children. Outside of his professional role, he values family life and the balance it brings. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring new places, sightseeing, and meeting new people, making the most of opportunities to create meaningful experiences with his family. 

Reema Koyappalli

Role: Staff Adviser
Sub-committee: Finance and Health & Safety

Reema transitioned from a corporate working environment into the education sector in 2017. She initially took on the role of Business Manager, where she developed a strong understanding of operational leadership. However, her passion for finance remained central to her career aspirations, and when the opportunity arose to return to a finance-focused role within the college, she embraced it.

Born and raised in Kenya, Reema grew up in a multicultural community, which enabled her to become fluent in several languages, including English, Hindi, Gujarati, Kiswahili, and her mother tongue, Bengali. This diverse background has contributed to her strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Reema is a proud mother of three grown-up children and a devoted grandmother to two granddaughters. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys travelling and exploring different cuisines, which inspires her love of cooking. She also finds relaxation and creativity in knitting and sewing.

Bethan Lucas

My Role: Staff Adviser

Bethan is a Tutor of Employability and Cooking Skills. Bethan has been at Liberty for six (almost 7!) years and has worked in Education for over nine years, working with adults and young people with SEN and SEND needs. Bethan started studying Software development but found that this wasn't the right fit her.

After a few years of trying different things, education is where she found her purpose. Through this time, she has shaped the lives of many young people through motivation and inspiration. 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 writing her cookbook, practising cross-stitch , planning her next adventure or at the beach with her husband and son. 

Judith Cole

My Role: Parent Advisor

I am committed to representing the parent voice and championing inclusive, learner-centred practice at Liberty College. I bring experience in support teaching, ongoing study in mental health and therapeutic approaches, and lived experience of SEND. Guided by empath, insight and a strong sense of advocacy. 

I am dedicated to ensuring that every young person is understood, supported and able to thrive. 

Aeryn Atkins

My Role: Clerk

Aeryn is the Finance Assistant & PA at Liberty having joined the team last year after working in finance for a company that helps adults with Learning Disabilities. During her time at Liberty, she has grown both professionally and personally through her roles.

What began as an administrative position has allowed her to develop a deeper understanding of the support systems available to learners.

Building positive relationships with learners and colleagues has shown her how even behind‑the‑scenes work can have a meaningful impact. This experience has strengthened her pride in contributing to a team focused on guidance, opportunity, and learner wellbeing.

Aeryn lives with her husband & 2 black cats, Layla & Loki and loves taking her nephews out on day trips and baking cakes with her niece.

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