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:
Hello, I’m Liv. I work in the baby room and have been a member of the Evergreen team since we first opened in 2023. I started as an apprentice and have now completed my early Years Educator Level 3 qualification. I work in the Robins room (babies) and I love watching them grow, learn new things and thrive in our setting. In my spare time I visit the gym, love to travel and socialise with friends.
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.
Natalie Stoddart:
Hello, my name is Natalie/Nat and I’m Third in Charge at Evergreen Lodge, as well as Wrens (Toddlers) Room Leader. I have worked with children since leaving school in 2011. I lived abroad for nearly 3 years, private nannying and worked within schools and day nurseries. Since joining Evergreen, I have taken on the role as one of the nursery SendCo’s and Designated Safeguarding Leads, which are both passions of mine that I have always enjoyed working hand in hand with. I am currently on maternity leave with my little boy, who we welcomed in October 2025, but when I do have some spare time, I love walks in the Peak District, spending time with my family and going on holiday.
Rose Hallas:
Hello, my name is Rose. I work in the Wrens Room (Toddlers) and have been part of the Evergreen team since it first opened. I recently completed my Level 3 Apprenticeship in Childcare and am now a fully qualified Level 3 practitioner. I thoroughly enjoyed my training and am currently working towards becoming a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Childcare has always been my passion, and I find it so rewarding to watch the children learn and grow each day. Over the years, Evergreen has provided me with so many valuable experiences and opportunities and i am so grateful for them.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking and hiking—especially across the beautiful Peak District. I also love travelling around the UK, with Cornwall being one of my favourite holiday destinations.
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 and Abbie 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 of 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 a 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.
My Evergreen Lodge journey started in January 2024. 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 have 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 being part of such a brilliant team.
Tori Hadfield:
Hello, I'm Tori and I have 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, surfing as much as I could. Now,
I like to keep busy, exploring as much of the UK as possible (occasionally venturing abroad) and taking plenty of photos.
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 can probably find a song for any occasion!
I have a strong interest in Speech and Language development. In the Wrens room, we see so much exciting speech growth, I love finding and planning ways to build their language and vocabulary.
Mental health is something I’m deeply passionate about. At Evergreen, I take pride in finding meaningful ways to support our staff’s happiness and wellbeing—because happy staff create happy children!
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 baby room. I have working in childcare for 8 years and hold a level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. During my time in childcare, I have worked at a childminder’s and then a busy nursery chain for several years.
My favourite thing about Evergreen is working alongside all the lovely team and providing the children with fun and exciting activities to help them learn and grow, this includes interacting with the amazing outdoor space we have on our doorstep.
In my spare time I enjoy walking my three dogs, Bella, Archie and Nellie. I love to take them to 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 going for days out and nice meals. I also enjoy exercising and going to the gym.
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.
Chloe Sorrell:
I have been working in childcare since I was 16 years old and I have loved the journey I have taken so far.
I qualified as level 2 in 2018 at college I then went on to complete my level 3 at a local nursery which was incredible I loved every minute of it.
I enjoy visiting new places and engaging in the activities around. My last adventure was in Belgium where I took part in driving race cars round the Belgium formula 1 race track, you will always find me watching the formula 1 over the weekend and routing for my team!
I also enjoy catching up with my friends who I don't see very often by siting in the garden with a bonfire going keeping us nice and toasty in the colder weather.
Tammy Brownlow:
Hi, I'm Tammy, mum to 2 sons aged 11 and 19. I decided on a career change after my 2nd son was born and loved the idea of working around children and seeing them grow and thrive so I worked as a volunteer in a local primary school and did my level 3 in supporting teaching and learning certificate alongside working as a lunchtime supervisor within the same school. I passed my qualification and decided to go into working within a nursery/preschool with younger children which i loved, I am also interested in cooking and learning new recipes and enjoy seeing the children's opinions be it love it or hate it lol !! Evergreen is a great place to work with an amazing, kind, supportive team and children who always put a smile on your face !!
Shan Koops:
Hello, I am Shan and I work in pre school (Sparrows). I am blessed to have two grown up sons and four lovely grandchildren.
My journey began when I became a volunteer helping at my two sons' schools. Later I helped set up and become the Chairwomen of the PTA. During this period, I realised working with children was definitely the career path for me.
I went on to study at college and then onto university, where in 2004 I gained the qualification of Bed (hons) with qualified teacher status. I have worked across all of the key stages in primary school. However, I have always expressed a preference for teaching younger children.
I thoroughly enjoy working with children. I firmly believe that the early years of a child's life are fundamentally the most important years of their life. Setting the foundations on which to build life long learning and behaviour. Where they can grow into happy confident children prepared for the next stage in their learning.
Shona Kidd:
Hello, I'm Shona and I have recently joined the evergreen team, working within the preschool. I am a Level 3 qualified practitioner with over 6 years experience and have wanted to work with children for as long as I can remember. I just love the preschool age, helping them prepare for their next adventure, big school. Early childhood is a crucial part of a child's development, and I love that I get to be a part of that journey for them. I love being creative both inside and out of work and spending time with my two little sausage dogs.
Lucy Callis:
Hi, I'm Lucy. I am a proud mum to three, Hugo (9), Amiya (5) and Arley-James (1). Arley has recently joined Robins room and has gained many wonderful experiences already. I completed my level 2 and 3 qualifications in early years at the age of 16 and have since worked in nursery settings, and also as an LSA within a school; whilst becoming a mum in between. I always knew my passion and love would be working with children. Being a part of their learning and watching them grow is a huge privilege.
I love to dance and be creative and always have music on. At home, I am very busy being a football and dancing mum, but we also love exploring new places, adventuring on walks, to parks, farms and soft plays, and our favourite thing is being with family and friends.
Jess Banton:
My name is Jess and I am 22 years old. I am around half way through my level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship, which I am really enjoying. I am currently based in preschool, but I also cover in all of the rooms when needed. Although this is my first time working in a nursery setting, I grew up with lots of younger siblings who I helped look after, and then a few years ago I was a support worker with children and young adults with severe learning disabilities and complex behaviours, which I absolutely loved doing! I am passionate about caring for others and making a difference to peoples lives. I have had lots of training around SEN, Makaton, Safeguarding and First Aid. I studied health and social care as a GCSE in school and health and social care level 2 in college after I finished school, which I also really enjoyed. I then completed some work experience as a teaching assistant in my local primary school which was when I realised I wanted to work with children. In my own time I like to catch up with tv series, spend time with my family and friends, watch films, listen to music, read books and travel :) This time next year I will be fully qualified and hope to be studying further as I love to extend my knowledge at every opportunity.
Jess Richards:
Hi! My name is Jess and I am new to Evergreen Lodge. I've wanted to work with children ever since I was young, as I was the proud older sister of 4 children. After leaving home, I went on to study Education and Early Childhood studies at University in London where I developed a particular interest in children's Personal, Social and Emotional Development and wellbeing. I am extremely passionate about Children's Mental Health and love nothing more than empowering children to be their most authentic, happiest selves encouraging them to shoot for the stars.
Upon graduating, I spent some time travelling the world from North Africa, India and Nepal to South East Asia where I gained some invaluable life experience.
When I returned, for the next 6 years I found myself working for some amazing, fully outdoor nurseries. Here I gained some fantastic Forest School experience, that I hope to continue to use and develop with the children at Evergreen Lodge.
In my spare time, I love to go camping with our daughter and our Aussie Shepherd, Joey, travelling the world (Norway next) and enjoy practicing meditation!
Holly Lees:
Hello! My name is Holly, and I’m delighted to be part of the team at Evergreen Lodge.
I began my childcare journey in 2014, gaining my Level 2 qualification in Childcare at college before completing a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship in a local primary school. I loved my time there and went on to work full-time in the Foundation Stage after qualifying in 2016.
In 2020, I joined a SEND school as a Learning Support Assistant, where I gained valuable experience working with children with a wide range of additional needs. During this time, I also learned Makaton, which I continue to find a very helpful communication tool in supporting all children.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors — especially going on long walks with my husband and our English Springer Spaniel, Maisie. I also love swimming, photography, and spending quality time with family and friends, creating lasting memories.
I’m excited to have recently joined Evergreen Lodge, where everyone has been so kind and supportive. I look forward to continuing my professional development by completing my Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification in the near future and using my skills and experience to help the children at Evergreen thrive and succeed.
Andrea Astle:
Hello, my name is Andrea. I am married to my husband, Jonathan, and I am mum to three grown up children: Ben 22, Thomas 20 and Emily 16, and I am also doggy mum to Amber and Ebbie who are both rescued Japanese Shiba-Inus
I have worked with young children for my whole career. I began as a primary school teacher back in 1998, working in schools across Leicestershire and Derbyshire. When my own children came along, I started working part-time doing job shares and supply work. I then worked at Kimbles Music and Movement for 7 years and then went to work at a SEN school, where I worked for 5 years until I fancied a change and was fortunate enough to be offered a job here at Evergreen Lodge.
I love working with young children and watching them grow. I am so inspired to be working in a child-led environment, where the children are at the heart of everything that happens.
I love being outdoors and around animals, reading and spending time with my family and friends.
Manuela Segorean:
Hello! My name is Manuela, and I’m delighted to be part of the team at Evergreen Lodge as the nursery chef. I joined the Evergreen Lodge team in August 2025 and have thoroughly enjoyed becoming part of such a caring and dedicated environment. I hold a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, completed through Measham Baptist Church, where I also gained extensive experience preparing and serving meals for community groups. From cooking for over 30 people at the church’s Lunch Club to supporting Friday Breakfasts, I’ve developed strong skills in allergen awareness, batch cooking, and meal planning — all of which are essential in a nursery kitchen.
Beyond cooking, I enjoy volunteering with Sunday School and supporting Age UK, which has given me the chance to work with both young children and older adults. These experiences have strengthened my empathy, patience, and ability to create nourishing meals that bring comfort and joy to others.
I graduated from De Montfort University with a degree in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science, where I worked as a Student Learning and Teaching Consultant and as part of the Student Leaders team. These roles allowed me to see how young students develop into young adults — a process that continues to inspire me. Witnessing that growth has deepened my appreciation for how care, encouragement, and nourishment shape every stage of development. That same belief guides me in the nursery kitchen, where I’m proud to support children’s wellbeing by providing healthy, home-cooked meals that fuel their learning and play.
Cooking has always been my way of caring for others. Whether I’m preparing nutritious meals for the children at Evergreen Lodge or baking desserts for family and friends, I find joy in knowing that food can bring people together, spark happiness, and support growth. I take great pride in maintaining a clean, organized kitchen and upholding the highest standards of safety, care, and nutrition in everything I do.
Rosie Goss:
Hi, I'm Rosie and I have recently joined The Evergreen Lodge team. I found my passion for childcare through looking after my nephews and starting off with work experience and placement in primary schools.
I am working towards my Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, and I am thoroughly enjoying every part of it and looking forward to progressing further. I am based in Robins, and I love watching the babies learn and grow. All the staff at Evergreen have been extremely welcoming and I look forward to working more with everyone.
Jenna Hoyland:
Hi, I’m Jenna. I started off doing my level 1 & 2 Early Years qualification at college and then went on to do a level 3 Apprenticeship within a nursery setting. I have worked in childcare for around 5 years now and love being outdoors and getting messy. I enjoy working with a variety of age ranges. In my spare time, I like reading and spending time with my family. I love animals and exploring.