Meet the team
Charlotte Saunders
My childcare journey began 22 years ago, with me leaving school and completing a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. On qualifying, I started working in a local nursery as a Practitioner. Within two years I was promoted to Deputy Manager, and I had this role for eight years, mainly based with the toddler age group. Whilst here, I gained many qualifications and attended several Early Years training courses, which I have continued to update annually to keep in line with new EYFS regulations that are introduced regularly.
I have three children aged fourteen, eleven and three and whilst on maternity leave with my second child, I decided to train to become a childminder based at my own home. This business was very successful, and I gained a "Good" grade after my Ofsted inspection, which I was very proud of. In addition to my childminding business, I joined a preschool morning setting, looking after children aged 2–4 years old and, after being at this preschool for two years, I was asked to take over as joint Manager, which I found very rewarding. I helped to build this setting into a full-time, full capacity Nursery and Preschool, which also offered a breakfast, afterschool and holiday club provision.
This role encouraged me to undertake many new duties, gaining relevant experience in Recruitment, Leadership and Management, and I focussed on building a motivated, enthusiastic team. This setting also achieved a "Good" Ofsted grading whilst I was there, which made all the hard work worthwhile.
After the birth of my third child and following the Covid lockdown, my career took a different path when I went on to gain valuable experience managing an After School Club based in a busy local Primary School, which was a perfect way to learn new skills and enhance my portfolio.
Before registering Evergreen Lodge Nursery and Preschool, I held the position of Room Leader for a busy nursery chain, where I was able to continue to update all my qualifications in the Early Years sector, including numerous Safeguarding courses as well as Designated Safeguarding Lead, Paediatric First Aid, SEN training & Food Hygiene. During my time here, I was pleased to have received a nomination for "Practitioner of the Year" and "Teams Choice".
I am excited to now have the opportunity to share my skills and experiences within my own setting, and to create a professional, friendly and inspiring environment for everyone to feel they belong, made even more special by the fact I am starting this new chapter alongside my sister.
Rachel Bird
I see myself as a natural organiser - if something needs arranging, I'm the one for the job. I have an extensive Business Administration background, having spent 25 years working for a Swiss Machine Tool Manufacturer. During my time there, I covered the roles of PA to MD, Parts & Service Coordinator and Office Manager, with regular involvement in Business Management and Administration, HR Support, Accounts and Payroll Preparation, H&S and Marketing. Unfortunately, after Covid hit, the company closed and after 25 years of service, I was made redundant. I then moved on to an Admin role within a local primary school, where I gained lots of valuable, relevant experience and I know this will prove very useful in my new role.
I am also Vice Chair and Assistant Child Welfare Officer for Heather Juniors Football Club. We currently have 130 mini-kickers and 19 junior teams registered with the club. I love the social side of this role especially communicating with parents, recruiting players, assisting with coach education and ensuring all qualifications and safeguarding checks are in date. I really enjoy arranging social functions (we always host the best Halloween and Christmas parties). As a committee, we are very proud of our club's reputation and growth and regularly receive compliments and positive feedback on how the club is run.
Laura Doherty:
Hello, I'm Laura, Deputy Manager at Evergreen Lodge and based in the preschool room (Sparrows). I have worked with children since leaving school, completed many different training courses and have gained extensive experience over the years.
I absolutely love working with preschool age children and preparing them ready for their next stage – big school!! I have a daughter who is now 11 and has just started high school.
I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends and I also really enjoy crafting – making tableware, clothing, keyrings – all things personalised. I am thoroughly enjoying working at Evergreen Lodge Nursery & Preschool, the children have settled in amazingly and we are seeing lots of strong bonds forming. The staff are all lovely and really do work well as a team and Managers are fabulous, so caring towards staff and children.
Olivia Spencer:
I studied A-Level Health & Social Care, which is where I believe my passion for working in Early Years began. After learning about theorists who studied children, I was intrigued to find out what it would be like to work with children and when I completed my A-Levels in June, I decided to search for an apprenticeship in Early Years and work towards gaining my Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. I am happy to say Evergreen Lodge Nursery & Preschool is where I will reach this goal, surrounded by wonderful children and such positive staff.
Maia Whitby:
I have worked in the Early Years sector since 2020. During this time, I have worked with all age ranges. I am a Level 3 Early Years Educator, currently studying towards my BA (Hons) Early Childhood at the University of Warwick. My favourite thing about working at Evergreen is the staff, teamwork, and happy children.
Emma Robson:
Hello, I'm Emma and I work in our baby room (Robins). I have been at Evergreen Lodge since opening in September 2023 and have been in childcare for 7 years, holding a level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
I love extending my knowledge and learning something new and since being here at Evergreen Lodge, I have completed level 2 food hygiene, allergen awareness, fire health and safety, as well as undertaking the role of wellness warrior to support our staff members.
In my spare time I like to watch my partner play rugby in Loughborough, and I occasionally go and watch Leicester Tigers play. I absolutely love animals, growing up with cats, dogs and fish and I always aim to put my love of animals into my work. Recently I adopted some fish for our baby room and enjoy bringing my tortoises in to show the children and offer them hands on experiences and extended learning. I also enjoy city breaks and holidays, learning about different cultures and enjoying new places, as well as topping up my tan and relaxing.
Natalie Stoddart:
Hi I'm Natalie (Nat). I have worked within childcare since leaving school 12 years ago and hold a level 3 qualification. I am currently studying Childhood and Youth Studies at The Open University, where I hope to go on to study a Masters afterwards.
I have worked as a nanny for 3 families – two of which were in Europe, where I was able to travel and see some of the world. I have worked as a TA in a school and a nursery practitioner. I have a huge passion for safeguarding and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, I am a DSL, and I am currently doing a SENDco course to further my knowledge and understanding, as I have experience of working with SEND children already.
In my spare time I play hockey for Tamworth, spend time with my family and walk my two beautiful Rotties, Beau and Rolo. My favourite places to visit are the Peak District, Scarborough and Whitby and I try to go as much as I can!
Rose Hallas:
Hello, I'm Rose, and I work in preschool room. I started my apprenticeship off at Evergreen Lodge Nursery since they opened in September 2023. I am working towards my Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. Evergreen Lodge has taught me so much since I started, and I've even completed my Level 2 Food Hygiene and Allergy Awareness courses whilst I have been working there. The team have been so helpful and kind to me over these past few months and are really helping me develop and extend my knowledge within Childcare.
In my spare time I love going on long walks in the countryside and socialising with my friends. I also enjoy going away to the seaside with my family and we normally go to Cornwall every year.
I've always enjoyed looking after children with a passion and helping them grow and learn new things. I can't wait to learn more, and I am excited for the future ahead.
Kim Jones:
Hi, I'm Kim. I have been in childcare since 2001 and before that I have had several jobs including hairdressing and working for M&S.
I started working at my family's nursery in Glen Parva after becoming a mum to two beautiful daughters. After the nursery was sold a few years ago, I have worked in a few nurseries however Evergreen Lodge nursery feels like home.
I studied in 2012 at Northampton University gaining my level 6 in Early Years.
I love being outside, playing and exploring with the children, being creative, cooking and reading and spending time with my partner and daughters, eating nice food, going on walks, day spas and the theatre.
Carole Bolt (Caz):
Hi I'm Caz, I live at home with my husband, our 2 grown up children Ben (25) and Abbie (21) and our dog Reggie-Bob. My family is my greatest achievement and the reason I get up every day.
I have been around children my whole life as my mum was a childminder. She inspired me so much and I knew from a very early age that I wanted to work with children. I have 10 years experience in childcare, 3 as a childminder and 7 Co-owning and managing a Pre-school. During this time, I have attended many training courses and completed my level 3 in childcare and foundation degree in children and young people's services, (level 5). I was the settings SENDco, and covered as DSL for a year when my business partner was on maternity leave.
I am a real adventurer and in my spare time I enjoy going away in our campervan with my husband, long walks, exploring new places, spending time with family and friends, metal detecting, playing games and reading to name a few.
I have been working in a florist shop for the past nearly 4 years after we closed our Pre-school during Covid. However, I have missed the joy and chaos that working with children brings.
My Evergreen Lodge journey started in January this year. It is the most beautiful setting, filled with love and happiness, the children are not only happy, but they are thriving. I love everything that Evergreen stands for and the unique way that it is run.
Charlotte and Rachel have been amazing and supported me in every way possible. They are kind, understanding , approachable and inspiring, everything that I could hope for. I am excited for the future and of being part of such a brilliant team.
Leanne Milnthorpe:
Hello, I'm Leanne and I work in the baby room (Robins). I started at Evergreen in March 2024. I have worked in childcare for over 20 years and throughout the years I have gained lots of knowledge. Caring for children is my passion. Over the years I have worked with children of all ages in their time at nursery, but I feel my strengths are within the baby room, where I love. I enjoy watching the babies develop their first steps and first words. Over the years I have attended lots of courses relevant to childcare and kept all training up to date., I find this very rewarding for my own development.
I have 3 children of my own, aged 26, 20 and 13, so I also have lots of childcare experience within my home life, as well as within my working career. In my spare time I enjoy going shopping, meeting with friends and going for long walks with my dog.
I am very happy at Evergreen, the staff, parents and children have made me feel very welcome and part of the team.
Rebecca Radford (Becca):
Hi, I'm Rebecca and I'm based in the baby room at Evergreen Lodge. I have worked with children for over 30 years, taking time out to bring up my three boys who are all grown up now and one having a child of his own, my granddaughter who is 4 years old. Family is very important to me and we try and spend time together every weekend. Evergreen Lodge is a fantastic nursery, so friendly and homely. I have been made to feel very welcome here and look forward to continuing my journey here.
Victoria Hadfield:
Hello, I'm Tori and I've recently gained my level 3 qualification in childcare after joining the industry in 2022.
I love staying active and enjoy the outdoors. Before starting my journey in childcare, I was a high rope instructor and also lived in Cornwall, exploring and surfing as much as I could. Both hobbies I still try to enjoy now.
I like to keep busy, anything from concerts to mountain treks, to crafting afternoons and taking plenty of photos at every opportunity.
Among other areas in childcare, I enjoy learning and play that can be supported by music. I believe music and movement is so beneficial to children and staff, whilst being so enjoyable too. I like to stay updated on how it can help and have attended different training courses to support. I can probably find a song for any occasion.
It's so fulfilling knowing our purpose is to support children, whilst making sure they enjoy their day to day. I am excited for the next steps in my adventure, as part of the team at Evergreen.
Jess Grindrod:
Hi, I'm Jess and I work in the Pre School room (Sparrows). I have worked in childcare for 7 years and hold a level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. During my time in childcare, I have worked at a childminder's and at a busy nursery chain for many years.
My favourite thing about Evergreen is working alongside all the lovely staff and providing the children with fun and exciting activities to help them learn and grow.
In my spare time I enjoy walking my three dogs Bella, Archie and Nellie. I love taking them to lots of different places to explore. My favourite place to go is Calke Abbey and national parks as I love being outside and exploring new places. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends and going for days outs and nice meals.
Kasia Kowalska:
Hello, my name is Kasia and I have recently joined the Evergreen Lodge team.
I have worked with children since 2015 after gaining my Bsc in Psychology. Over the last six years I worked in SEND schools in Oxford as a teacher. I had a wonderful time!
I believe that a child’s first years of life are crucial to their mental and emotional well being later in life. So when I saw The Evergreen Lodge Nursery surrounded by nature, I knew it is a place for me.
In my free time I enioy exploring local villages as I moved to the area in May 2024 to live with my partner. We both like adventures, especially when we can take our converted Land Rover.
Music is my passion, I love to sing, dance and play African djembe drums.