Our Team.

This is our team of people who are dedicated to making a difference. We come from a range of backgrounds, but a common conviction: to leave a legacy that changes the world for the better.

Dr Johnny Wake

DL, MBBS, MIAgrM, ARAgS

Lead Trustee and Managing Partner at Courteenhall Estate

Dr Johnny Wake is an ex-medical doctor who was previously a local GP and working in Northampton General Hospital, as well as being the Department of Health’s Advisor on General Practice. As well as being Chair of the Trustees of NLL, his main role now is Managing Partner at Courteenhall Farms, based in South Northants. This has led to a strong focus on the environment and sustainability, with a pioneering stewardship programme at Courteenhall. Under his leadership Courteenhall was the first business in Northants to sign up to the Good Business Charter. He is also a co-founder of the Tove Valley Cluster Farm, and a regular speaker and media participant on sustainable farming, including the Today Programme, the Financial Times and BBC Radio Northampton.

In addition, he has established regular visiting by local schools, both directly and via charities like NLL and others, and is on a mission to improve local children’s access to and knowledge about the countryside.

Johnny is also a Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire and a Governor of St Andrew’s Healthcare.

Mr Mark Currell

Trustee and Executive Primary Principal at Raunds Park Infant School and St Peters Primary Academy

I am a National Leader of Education. Teaching and Learning is my passion, working with children, staff and families to support the development of the children is a real privilege. I believe strongly in ensuring that positive, happy, professional relationships are at the heart of the charity.

I love rugby and cricket. Music is a passion and I play a few musical instruments, love live performances and need no encouragement to join in with arty projects!

I am husband to Sally and father to a small dog called Sky, who came from Courteenhall and has been working as a school well-being dog! I am very proud to be a trustee of such an amazing and worthwhile charity, working hard for our children and families.

Trustee, and Executive Head Teacher

Councillor Louisa Fowler

Trustee, and Councillor for Roade

Louisa is WNC Councillor for Towcester and Roade, and Asst Cabinet Member for Education. Working in a local secondary school Louisa has seen first-hand the impact on learning when students experience social and emotional difficulties; she has been a strong supporter of the TRUST programme from its inception, recognising the value of a nature-based approach to nurturing children so that they can access education. As a councillor and previous Head of Careers Louisa will be able to help the charity to establish links with our local community and to build partnerships with local businesses.

Mrs Alex Preston

BA Hons, PGCE, SQC Psychology

www.linkedin.com/in/AlexPrestonTRUST

Lead Teacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead

Alex has worked as a senior teacher, SENDCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead for over 20 years in Northamptonshire schools. Alongside this career she has worked in a consultancy capacity supporting school leaders. Alex has been a facilitator on the Outstanding and Improving Teacher Programmes. Bringing together training in Theraplay, Drawing and Talking, Protective Behaviours and 123 Magic, Alex wrote The TRUST Programme after her study of Psychology and Educational Neuroscience. She brings The TRUST Programme to New Leaf Learning.

Mrs Lisa Greenough BSc, PGCE, Trauma-informed Yoga teacher and Counsellor

Lisa was a primary school teacher for 21 years, working in a special school in Northants. Her passion for yoga began 14 years ago.

Such was the impact on her, that she began introducing daily relaxation sessions to her SEND class. The children were more relaxed and could discuss and manage their own emotions, as well as those of their friends and families. She has been an Inclusive guest yoga teacher for teacher training in Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. In 2022 she qualified as a Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher and is thrilled to combine all these skills at Team TRUST for New Leaf Learning.