Meet The team

With a diverse range of skills and qualifications, each and every member of our team brings valuable experience and expertise to TST.

Not only do our team complement each other fully with their individual knowledge and life experiences, our team are keen to share that knowledge with each other, our students and the community. Their passion for sharing their expertise creates an enriching environment where knowledge and experiences are celebrated and embraced.

Find our Qualifications and Courses page here.

Nikki Markham

Nikki Markham Director

Nikki Markham MBE FIFL FSSE MEd is a social entrepreneur, educator, and environmentalist who founded three award-winning not-for-profit organisations. With over 25 years' teaching experience, she established TST to provide nature-based education for neurodiverse young people. She was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to communities across the South West.

Mark Claridge

Mark Claridge Head Of Education

Mark Claridge is Head of Education at TST, with over 15 years' experience across a range of educational settings. A qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead and teaching professional, he is passionate about inclusive education and creating supportive learning environments that enable every learner to reach their full potential.

Mark Ambrose

Mark Ambrose Deputy Head Of Education and Designated Safeguarding Lead

With over 20 years of leadership experience across education, the military, and cadet forces, Mark Ambrose specialises in curriculum quality, safeguarding, and outdoor learning. Passionate about developing people and creating positive learning environments, they enjoy mountain biking, mountaineering, and family walks in their spare time.

Richard Lawrence

Richard Lawrence PSHE

With six years at TST and a diverse background in hospitality management, financial services, marketing, and the arts, they specialise in delivering PSHE education. Passionate about supporting young people, they help learners build resilience, confidence, and independent living skills. Outside of work, they enjoy spending time with family, playing guitar in a band, painting, cooking, and the outdoors.

Kara Jackson

Kara Jackson Land Based & Environmental

An experienced educator with a passion for outdoor learning, specialising in geography, land-based education, and wellbeing, they are passionate about using nature to engage learners and support wellbeing. Outside of work, they enjoy spending time outdoors and wild swimming year-round.

Steve Guy

Steve Guy Multi-Skills Construction

Christine Hodges

Christine Hodges Sen Tutor

Helen Trevithick

Helen Trevithick Tutor

With over 15 years' experience in SEN further education, Helen has taught Agriculture, Animal Care, and Equine studies. Having lived and worked on farms from a young age, they bring strong practical experience to their teaching and enjoy seeing learners grow in confidence. Outside of work, they enjoy gundog training and dog agility with Toby, who is a regular visitor to TST.

Leah Coulton

Leah Coulton Sen Tutor

Leah teaches Entry Level Functional Skills and is passionate about helping learners develop confidence and essential skills. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, collecting rocks and minerals, and spending time with her dogs.

Ambria Walter-Fields

With over 10 years' experience in SEN education and specialist care, Ambria is passionate about creating safe, supportive learning environments where every learner can thrive. Their expertise includes supporting young people with SEMH, ADHD, autism, and complex needs. Outside of work, they enjoy camping, visiting the beach, and spending time outdoors.

Sue Dean

Sue Dean Animal Care

Sue is an experienced education professional with a background in further and higher education, vocational training, and programme leadership. Passionate about inclusive education, she is dedicated to supporting young people, including learners with SEND and EHCPs, to achieve their full potential. Her expertise includes curriculum development, safeguarding, and quality assurance.

Dave Hunt

Dave Hunt Multi-Skills Construction

A former Army serviceman, Dave brings discipline, resilience, and a practical approach to their role. Outside of work, they enjoy walking, listening to music, watching football, and are a dedicated Manchester United supporter.

Andrea Hickman

Andrea Hickman Functional Skills

Andrea is an experienced educator with over 18 years in teaching, specialising in English, Maths, and SEN. Passionate about making learning practical and accessible, she supports learners to develop confidence and essential skills. Outside of work, she enjoys running, fermenting unusual foods, and exploring the coast on long walks.

Jon Roberts

Jon Roberts Additional Learning Support

Sharon Pollitt

Sharon Pollitt Additional Learning Support

Sharon has been part of the TST team for around 10 years, working as an Additional Learning Support practitioner. She enjoys supporting learners, particularly in construction, and seeing their confidence grow. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her daughters, fossil hunting, searching for sea glass, and crafting.

Helen Gill

Helen Gill Work Skills Tutor and Work Experience Co-Ordinator

With 16 years' experience in education working with SEND learners, Helen is passionate about supporting students to achieve their potential. Outside of work, they enjoy horse riding and competing at county level with their horses.

Nicole Doidge

With a strong interest in animals and wildlife conservation, Nicole has worked as a zookeeper for many years and previously served as Deputy Manager at the RSPCA. They are passionate about animal care and welfare. Outside of work, they enjoy running, playing softball and cricket, stand-up paddleboarding, and hiking.

Sarah Bowyer

With over 20 years’ experience in SEND within secondary education and Autism Champion status, they are passionate about supporting learners with additional needs. After a short career break in a different field, they returned to education and now work as an Assistant SENCo, continuing to develop in the role. Outside of work, they enjoy time with their two dogs, horses, and visiting the Lake District.