Meet the BRAVO! Staff

With extensive experience in both the fields of Dram and Teaching Learning Difficulties our Team is always on hand to ensure that our members receive the greatest care and encouragement.

Pina Griffin

Pina is a qualified PE specialist with dance and drama in her many years of teaching both in secondary schools where she was head of PE and head of Health, Social and Personal Education. She holds a Certificate in Education gaining distinctions in her specialist area and in the Theory of Education. She also holds a Bachelor of Education degree qualifying with honours. She has taught people with learning difficulties for over twenty years in colleges, staging performances to showcase her students' work on an annual basis. In addition she has been a school Foundation Governor and her love of teaching has eventually led to her commitment to run the Bravo! charity with Mandy.

Mandy Formosa

Mandy holds a Certificate in post 16 Education, coupled with her subject specific qualification of a professional Cooks certificate. Recently Mandy has also earned a Certificate for Teachers of Adults with Learning Difficulties. Since 1998 she has taught adults with learning difficulties at Barnet College in various areas. Having recently created a Personal Development Programme for students, she made a commitment in the spring of 2010 to run The Bravo! Charity with Pina. Using her experiences as school governor in two schools across the Barnet Borough, Mandy incorporates all her knowledge to create such a special project as this.

Cheryl Ferner-Reeves

Cheryl holds a BA(Hons) in drama and dance. With experience as assistant director and choreographer in Sheffield Theatre. She has directed performances at exciting venues including The Crucible Theatre. She has taught people with learning difficulties Performing Arts for ten years initiating students to progress into employment in the Arts. She believes in making the Arts accessible to all encouraging imagination and confidence.

Gary McCloughlin

Gary attended the Community Link course at Barnet College and worked in supporting students with Mandy, Pina and Cheryl. He has gone on to study as a student support worker and is a value member of The BRAVO! team,.

Christine Blythe

Christine is a valued Bravo! volunteer. She has NVQ background and has worked extensively with people with learning difficulties. She has supported in a 1:1 capacity in many situations over the years and has very many interests and hobbies. Christine feels privileged and excited to be part of Bravo!. Bravo! in turn are lucky to have such a caring and talented individual working with us.

Lorraine

Lorraine has extensive experience in working with people with learning difficulties. She has taught catering studies both in colleges and schools. She gives her time on a voluntary basis to provide home made refreshments for 'Tea with Bravo!' and helps each week with tea and coffee break for Bravo! sessions. Lorraine readily helps with all special occasions using her wonderful cooking skills. Lorraine has a Further Education Teaching Certificate along with Food and Hygiene Certificate and Diploma in Hotel Catering.