Our directors

Natalia Lema, founder and executive director 
Natalia is the founder and executive director with 15 years of experience in early years education, having taught in both state and private schools. She brings expertise as an early years consultant for nurseries and is highly skilled in building connections within the community. Natalia is deeply passionate about family engagement and advocates for the positive impact of early intervention and family support as key to social change. As a mother since early 2017, she draws on her personal experiences to provide practical insights into parenting challenges. Her hands-on approach is evident in her active involvement in delivering community services.

Matina Karastatira, director 
Matina brings nearly 20 years of experience in music therapy, specialising in working with children who face learning, emotional, and behavioural challenges in Primary and Secondary Special Needs Schools. She is passionate about supporting neurodiverse children and creating inclusive, nurturing environments for early childhood development. Matina also manages a private practice focused on adults, where she provides therapeutic services for individuals facing mental health challenges, grief, stress, anxiety, and those seeking personal growth and self-understanding. In addition, Matina teaches Greek language and Music at a church-run school, blending her passion for education with her therapeutic skills. Since becoming a parent in 2016, Matina has expanded her approach through courses in positive, attachment-based, and aware parenting, enriching both her personal life and professional practice. With her holistic and compassionate approach, Matina is committed to helping families and young children thrive in a supportive and understanding environment.

Jolanta Jankauskaite, director 
Jolanta has 12 years of experience in speech therapy and early years education, working as a speech therapist and teacher in nursery and primary schools with children who face diverse speech, language, and communication challenges. She holds SEND Qualified Teacher Status in the UK and is deeply interested in innovations within special education and speech therapy. Jolanta also plays an essential role as a consultant and advisor to parents, offering valuable recommendations for language development and helping children acquire correct speech and communication skills in the early years.

Kerris Bunting, director
Kerris brings extensive experience in executive support and governance, having provided high-level assistance to CEOs and senior management, including managing diaries, overseeing corporate governance, and recording minutes for multiple boards. She excels in driving efficiency and precision in office operations, with a proven track record of streamlining administrative processes, organising conferences, and managing high-profile meetings. Kerris’s expertise extends beyond traditional executive support to include project management, event coordination, and communication strategies, showcasing her ability to manage complex tasks, facilitate collaboration, and enhance communication within the organisation. She also has experience in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning, demonstrating a strong commitment to optimising office functions and implementing effective communication strategies.

Tanya Kelly, director
Tanya has 20 years of experience in customer service, excelling in engaging stakeholders and addressing their needs—a vital skill for managing community relations. Her current role demands strong communication and problem-solving abilities, allowing her to assist customers and resolve issues promptly, which is crucial for understanding and addressing stakeholder concerns in a community interest company. Tanya's background in office administration showcases her multitasking skills, including managing emails, distributing tasks, and updating information, demonstrating her capability to efficiently oversee administrative functions within the organisation. She is also proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, equipping her with the technical skills needed to manage and organise information effectively.