Meet The Team
CEO
Lesley Schwartz
I have worked in the third sector for the past 28 years and I have seen some changes not in my opinion the for best! I was part of a forum in 2005 of providers in Hammersmith & Fulham and from this forum, Play Association Hammersmith & Fulham was born.
Over 13 years later, I’m still here and just as committed to the charity as I was from the beginning. I have acquired a Level 5 in Management, NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development and Level 3 SENCO, Designated Safeguarding officer etc. I believe every child, no matter their race, gender, age, abilities and needs, has the right to play in a safe and secure environment, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Service Manager
Katie O'Brien
My journey started with this organisation in 2008 I just left school and started as a sessional playworker.
I Have worked my way up from playworker to being the project manager. I have a level 3 diploma in childcare, safeguarding training, first aider, talking mats, dysphagia, manual handling and much more. I also work in a local school for children with disabilities.
I have 14 plus years of experience in childcare , most of this is focused on working with young people with disabilities.
Working with these children and young adults has really opened my eyes to a different way of the world. I definitely enjoy what I do and find myself learning from them everyday. If I could make a difference in a few of these young people lives then I would be doing my job properly.
Office Admin
Danica Soda
I started working for PAHF in 2014 as a sessional playworker. I have recently completed my Diploma in SEN awareness. I was asked if I could do some additional hours to help with the project paperwork in the office.
I hope to develop my role within the organisation.
Operations Manager
Melanie Schwartz
I started working for PAHF in 2008 as a sessional playworker and became a deputy playworker in 2012. I have worked with children since leaving school in 2005 and went to college to study for this. I hold NVQ and Certificate in Children's Care, Learning and Development at levels 2 and 3 and have 11.5 years’ experience in childcare. I'm a first aider as well as safeguarding trained. Working with children with disabilities has improved and adapted my practice with all children and I am continually learning from them.
In 2011 I volunteered my time to help with office work and came in weekly to help with the project's paper work and staffing. When my predecessor Rachel left us in 2013 I took on part of her job. Over the last 3 years I have developed and expanded on my role within the organisation and in Sept 2016 was named Operations Manager, with a speciality in SEN and disability due to my experience.
Service Manager
Marcus Begg
I came into the employ of PAHF (now LEO) back in the summer of 2008 having spent a number of years working in schools and ancillary services. Over the years with the company I feel very fortunate (in my humble opinion) to have been afforded the opportunity to build relationships and play some part in the development and well being of a number of our service users.
Staff
Staff pool
We have a very diverse and skilled staff team. A lot of our playworkers work in schools, nurseries and colleges as teachers or teaching assistants and the rest work for care agencies, after school clubs and youth clubs. We have had many young people volunteer with us, that have become staff members and gone on to work full time in care, play and/or education. Our playworkers come from all over London and some live in neighbouring counties. Their breadth of experience and knowledge benefits not only the children, but the organisation as a whole.
Meet The Trustees
Chairman
Gary Sweetman
As a parent of a child with Autism, Gary first came into contact with LEOs through his son, who attended our Antony Lillis provision for children with complex needs.
Gary firmly believes that the services we offer need to be protected and rolled out to more children, young people, and families, and it was this belief that motivated him to join the charity as a Parent Trustee in November 2012. Today, the very same motivation to support children and young people with complex needs makes Gary, our Chair of Trustees, an extremely important member of our organisation.
Trustee
Jessica Quinn
Jessica joined PAHF as a trustee in October 2020. She has lived within the borough of LBHF. Jessica is a Data Protection practitioner working for a Local Authority for many of years. Jessica also has experience in fund raising for the local community.
‘As a mother myself I see how important play is in a child life. The services that PAHF provide are nothing less than outstanding and I hope to help continue and help expand the charity to more children in need’.
Trustee
Jade Rawlins
I have been a carer for my brother, who has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, KCNT1 genetic epilepsy, ODD (opposite defiance disorder) and SDS (Sudden Death Syndrome). I joined the trustees to be able to share a younger person/carer perspective and contribute to help a club my brother adores.
Trustee
Dawn Rawlins
Dawn joined PAHF as a trustee in October 2019. As a parent of a child who has additional needs, Dawn is passionate about our work and she is keen to ensure that we continue to offer a high quality play provision for the families and children of Hammersmith and Fulham and the surrounding boroughs.
As well as providing general support on the board, Dawn offers important insight to the challenges faced by children with additional needs and their parents on a day-to-day basis.
Dawn's passion and experience make her a great addition to PAHF!
Trustee
Kerry Clifford
Kerry joined as a trustee in 2021. he has lived within the borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Kerry has worked in multiple schools across Hammersmith and Fulham and has multiple qualifications accross the education sector. Kerry has also worked for our old company play association where he was a manager of our projects.
Kerry then started to work with our complex needs project where he gain experience and knowledge about complex needs.