I have a brilliant team (of fellow overachievers), without whom the work that we do and the impact we make just wouldn’t happen –
and I’d get on the wrong train more often…
Meet the team…
Claire Rackham – Speaking Manager
Claire is the director of Inspirational Speakers Ltd and manages all my training engagements for me, we’ve been working together for nearly 4 years.
There was certainly some uplevelling and rites of passage for me in 2023, as the impact of my work expands.
Claire has stood by me every step of the way. Never questioned my integrity or my mission. Protected me from unfortunate, unsavoury things. Believed me unquestioningly when I have experienced discrimination and harassment in work settings. Lovingly and supportively given me reality checks when needed. Dealt with logistic pickles with ease.Always been on the phone for a cry and a laugh.
She understands my passion for equality and education for ALL of our pupils.
And yet she has a whole skills set that I don’t!
Hannah John – Operations Manager
I met Hannah as a fellow winner (for her work in the Charity Sector) at the Rising Stars Award in 2022. In a room full of 350 people – she was the one I needed to meet. Having got to a bottle neck stage in the business where I was struggling to do e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. – with systems built on intuition, joy and fear, Hannah’s expertise has revolutionised (and still is) both the running of the business, and my own fulfilment within it. She is an unending source of knowledge, expertise, practical pep talks who strongly and lovingly holds a huge vision for the positive impact we can make.
Keith Bates – Associate Trainer
Keith is not related to me.
Since 2022 the demand for ABE services has been over the capacity I can individually do, so it’s been an exciting move to bring in an additional Associate Trainer who works directly with schools, colleges and education organisations.
This means that at ABE we can now offer long-term collaborations of behaviour support for schools. Get in touch here to find out more.
I couldn’t imagine how this would look when we began the search, but in finding Keith, we found not only someone with a huge amount of experience with Behaviour – 30 years of teaching, twenty in senior leadership and Headteacher of special SEMH schools for eight – but also someone with the same drive and values as me around supporting children and schools (he gives a sh*t).
Having completed an in depth induction process with us, you know you’re getting all the same enthusiasm, engagement and realism that I bring (plus a Welsh accent and very impressive Metallica’s Ride themed van).
In particular, Keith covers Wales and the North of the UK for in person training and speaking.
For more info on working with Keith have a look at his Associate Profile here.
Susan Outlaw – Marketing & Communications Manager
The newest addition to our team, Susan, brings a wealth of global marketing experience to ABEducation. She left sunny California over 7 years ago and has made London her home. From leading huge campaigns to crafting impactful strategies, she’s helped some seriously cool companies shine!
At ABEducation, she will be focused on harnessing our voice, message, support and inspiration as we continue to grow in supporting Education, Edu-businesses and increasingly workplaces with Inclusion, Behaviour and Social Justice – yes, still from me, as well as the rest of the team.
Susan has an old doggie called Bowser who often sits in the back of our very important meetings.
Dan Edwards – Accountant
Dan has been my accountant now for a couple of years. His company, d&k Accounting have supported me to get my ducks in line with the numbers. Dan has a skill for explaining accounts, cashflows and taxes in easy to understand ways, and supporting my business to be sustsainable. With teens in his own family, he is very supportive of the work we do for education.
As you can see from his photo, he is also a character from Lord of the Rings.
Свободка Bates – Bodka
Bodka is the latest member to the team. She has been my biggest teacher this year when it comes to behaviour and my own beliefs and coping strategies! A new puppy and a rescue – in the first two weeks I thought I’d never work again! She has been with me now a year in March 2024. Slowly we are working things out together, as she ensures I go outside 3 times a day – and don’t travel *too* much for work, as she needs snuggles at home too.
She attends most meetings with the team and is a constant source of distraction.
Engage with challenging behaviour in your school and support staff effectively;
For Teaching Staff
Free Video Series: How to manage challenging behaviour in the classroom.
When you request these videos you’ll also receive emails and offers from Adele.
For Leaders & Policy Makers
Free Video Series: How to support teachers to manage challenging behaviour.
When you request these videos you’ll also receive emails and offers from Adele.
Other blog posts that might be of interest
A Night to Flourish – Support Flourish Mentors’ First Annual Fundraiser
On 6 March, we’re proud to attend and support our charity partner, Flourish Mentors as they host their first annual fundraiser, A Night to Flourish. Every ticket and donation moves them closer to their £10,000 goal.
Let’s Talk About Mental Health
Did you know that according to NHS 2024 data, more than one in three young women aged 16–24 live with a mental health condition—36.1%—twice the rate of their male peers? Flourish Mentors exists to respond to this urgent and often unmet need.
Our First Charity Partnership
Thank you so much to Adele Bates and your wonderful ABE community and team for welcoming Flourish Mentors as your first Charity Partner!