
Meet the Team

Director
Jay
Hi, I'm Jay. I grew up working alongside my parents, breeding dogs and showing at Crufts. I ABSOLUTELY love dogs!! I've applied all my years of experience in training Bale to help my own son, and it is so rewarding seeing our team of therapy dogs do the same for people in our community and the young people at Bale's Farm.
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Director
Alison
I'm Alison and I am the founder of Bale's Farm. The Farm grew from a dream for my son. Harry is now in his early teens and has been on a really tough journey through education so far. After trying different environments it really became obvious that school just wasn't going to work for him. I looked at all the things he needed and with the help and support of my husband and close friend we set about building the farm. I wanted a predominantly outdoor based learning environment offering a small peer group for Harry and for learning to be done organically and based around them and how they learn. It has been a dream come true to now see him and others benefitting from what we have built.

Teacher
Rachael
Hello, I’m Rachael and I’m a teacher at Bale’s Farm. I have worked in mainstream primary for four years and realised that I wanted to focus my teaching outside of the classroom. I really enjoy teaching at Bale’s Farm where the learning is child led, I also love being outdoors and around animals so Bale’s Farm is the perfect job. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach and walking my two dogs, Stanley and Alfie.

Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Rhea
Hi I'm Rhea! I work at Bales Farm as a Teaching Assistant. I have worked with children and adults with additional needs for the past five years and absolutely love my job. I really enjoy working with the young people at Bales Farm and being in such a beautiful setting. When I'm not working, my hobbies are singing and walking my two Dachshunds. I sing in a band at weekends and absolutely love music and musicals.

Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Sam
Hello! My name is Sam. I worked in a mainstream primary school as a teaching assistant for 19 years and as a forest school leader for 7 years, so coming to work at Bale's Farm brings all my passions together in one place - working with young people, animals and in the great outdoors! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time at the beach and with friends, sea swimming, walking, crafts, puzzles and performing and watching musical theatre.

Teaching Assistant
Susan
Hello, I'm Susan, I have worked as a Teaching Assistant in a Primary School for 25 years and the latter 5 as a Forest School Assistant. As a trained Forest School leader I love to share my outdoor knowledge with the children, seeing their progress and learning new skills. I am passionate about the outdoors ,the environment and the positive benefits of nature with children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, making craft items, sewing and walking on the moors and coastline.

Teaching Assistant
Mandy
Hello , I'm Mandy. I have worked as a Teaching Assistant for over twenty two years in a small catholic primary school, working with all age groups. I enjoy working outdoors surrounded by nature and animals. I enjoy pottering in the garden and my passion is walking my two fur babies, Merlin and Alfie, on the coast and countryside.
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Teaching Assistant
Natalie
Hi! I'm Natalie and I've worked within primary education for the last 24 years as both a general Teaching Assistant and as a 1:1 Learning Support Assistant. I'm also a fully qualified Swimming Teacher, which over the years has allowed me to equip both children and adults with such a vital life skill. I absolutely adore working with all the young people at Bale's Farm; seeing them learn new skills and watching them grow in confidence is a real privilege. In my spare time, you can generally find me taxiing my daughter to and from a dance studio or performing in musicals on a theatre stage!
My favourite places to be are by the sea with my husband, 2 children and Golden Retriever Bailey or sat on the sofa cuddling my 2 cats Huey and Louie with a cup of tea!

Teaching Assistant
Sarah
Hello my name is Sarah, before coming to Bales Farm, I have previously worked in the Animal Care industry and with young children in a Nursery setting. I love working with our young people, helping them to build their confidence and learn new skills. In my spare time I enjoy swimming, jewellery making and spending time outdoors walking on Dartmoor or the beach with my husband, three children and two dogs.
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Teaching Assistant
Owen
Hi, my name is Owen; I’m a Teaching Assistant at Bale’s farm. I have always loved being and teaching outdoors, so this job is very rewarding! I have experience as an activity instructor and group leader at outdoor activity centres. I have always loved teaching children about the outdoors and seeing them learn and develop new skills. This role at Bale’s has allowed me to combine many of my interests into one, so I couldn’t ask for a better place to work!

Teaching Assistant
India
Hi, I'm India. I started working at Bale's Farm, assisting with the care of the animals. I have a love for animals, especially horses, and being outdoors. I am currently working towards a Teaching Assistant qualification, and I look forward to putting what I learn into practice at Bale's Farm.

Teaching Assistant
Jodie
Hi, I'm Jodie. I love spending time with my dog, Bertie, horse riding, cycling and being outdoors, as I love nature. Animals have always been very important to me and the effects they have on your wellbeing.

Community Outreach Manager
Jessica
Hi, I'm Jessica. Dogs have always been a big part of my life and I am delighted to be working with them and the rest of the animals at Bale's Farm. I graduated University in 2019 and have since worked in the marketing and events industry. I am now focusing my skills on being able to support the young people at Bale's Farm and the wider community. You can usually find me spending time with my own dog, a Cocker Spaniel, Bramble.