Meet the team

---

Rhean White is the Founder and Headteacher of Empowering Futures, where she leads with passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to making education accessible for all. She holds a degree in English and Education Studies, is the organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, and is fully first aid trained, ensuring that safety, wellbeing, and high-quality learning remain at the heart of the provision.

Before establishing Empowering Futures, Rhean gained valuable teaching experience in mainstream schools and later in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). It was through these experiences that she recognised the need for a more inclusive and flexible approach to education — one that truly meets the needs of young people who may not thrive in traditional settings. Her decision to set up Empowering Futures was fuelled by a belief that every learner deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Rhean’s own journey makes her especially relatable to students. Having been permanently excluded from school at the age of 13, she understands the challenges that young people face when they feel education isn’t built for them. Despite these obstacles, she rebuilt her path, achieved her degree, and went on to create a successful alternative provision that now changes lives daily. Her story is a powerful reminder to learners that setbacks do not define their future.

Outside of work, Rhean is a proud dog mum to seven much-loved companions: Miami-Rose, Mr Vegas, Scotia, Rule, Lil Kimberly, Casablanca, and Milan. Her fun, approachable personality, combined with her strong educational background and lived experience, makes her a unique and inspiring leader who connects with students on a real and personal level.

More about Rhean

From tragedy to trainer: Mum motivated by death of newborn son makes academy a success.

Read the full story here

TJ has experience teaching Functional Skills in Maths and English and holds GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science. He has also completed training in diabetes awareness and first aid, equipping him to support both the educational and wellbeing needs of learners.

He enjoys leading PE lessons and brings enthusiasm and energy into his teaching, encouraging learners to participate with confidence. TJ also has experience working 1-to-1 with students who have Special Educational Needs, providing tailored support that helps each individual thrive academically and personally.

TJ’s calm, approachable nature allows him to build strong, positive relationships with young people. He is dedicated to creating a learning environment where students feel supported, understood, and motivated to achieve their goals.

Away from the classroom, TJ enjoys staying active and bringing his love of sport into the learning environment. His ability to balance professionalism with approachability makes him a valued and inspiring member of the Empowering Futures team.

Ella is Empowering Futures’ dedicated Childcare and Early Years tutor. With a strong passion for children’s learning and development, she brings both knowledge and enthusiasm into her teaching. Despite being the youngest member of the team, Ella has already built up a wealth of experience in education and early years practice, demonstrating maturity and professionalism beyond her years.

Ella has a particular interest in nurturing the skills and qualities needed to work within the childcare and education sector. She is skilled at creating engaging, hands-on learning opportunities that prepare learners for future careers in early years and beyond. Her approach blends patience, creativity, and a genuine love for teaching, ensuring that every learner feels supported and encouraged.

Learners quickly connect with Ella’s approachable and down-to-earth personality. She brings warmth and positivity into the classroom, while also maintaining high expectations that motivate students to achieve their best. Ella’s youthful energy, combined with her depth of knowledge, allows her to build strong relationships with learners who see her as both relatable and inspiring.

Outside of teaching, Ella is a proud dog mum to two lively companions, Zeus and Nylah. Known as the youngest member of staff, she “packs a heavy punch” in what she offers — balancing fun, energy, and professionalism, making her a valued role model within the Empowering Futures team.

Kieran is Empowering Futures’ dedicated football coach and sports tutor. With a strong passion for all things sport, he brings both personal playing experience and professional coaching expertise into his role. His background in football, combined with his extensive knowledge of coaching, enables him to deliver high-quality and engaging sessions that inspire young people to get active and enjoy sport.

Kieran has delivered a wide range of coaching sessions for young people, from structured football training to broader sports education. He also plays football himself and has many connections within local football teams, which allows him to provide learners with valuable insights into the sporting world and potential pathways into the industry. His sessions are designed not only to develop technical skills, but also to build teamwork, resilience, and confidence.

Kieran’s approachable, energetic, and encouraging personality makes him a popular and relatable mentor for learners. He has a natural ability to motivate young people, creating an environment where they feel supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their potential. His genuine passion for sport shines through in everything he does, helping learners see the fun, discipline, and opportunities that sport can bring.

Outside of teaching and coaching, Kieran is a proud dog dad to his playful companion, Kit Kat. His down-to-earth nature, combined with his professional dedication, makes him a role model for learners both on and off the pitch.

Carla has worked alongside Rhean since the age of 17 and has been a valued member of the Empowering Futures team for the past seven years. As Rhean’s PA, she plays a vital role in the smooth running of the organisation, handling everything from enrolments and meetings to finances, student registrations, and essential day-to-day administration.

Carla is highly skilled in administration and organisation, ensuring that learners, staff, and partners are fully supported at every stage. Alongside her PA responsibilities, she is training to become a Teaching Assistant, which means she is often seen supporting in classrooms, assisting tutors, and working directly with students as part of her professional development. Carla’s background and strengths lie in hospitality and customer service — areas that she will specialise in teaching once she progresses further in her career. Her ability to balance multiple roles and responsibilities highlights her adaptability and commitment to the organisation.

Carla is approachable, dependable, and well-loved by both staff and learners. She has a natural ability to make others feel comfortable and supported, whether she’s helping students through the enrolment process, assisting in lessons, or ensuring the behind-the-scenes operations of Empowering Futures run smoothly. Her friendly personality, coupled with her professional skill set, makes her an invaluable member of the team.

Outside of work, Carla is a dog mum to her pet, Kit Kat. Known for being multi-skilled and versatile, Carla balances professionalism with warmth, making her a key point of connection within Empowering Futures for staff, students, and parents alike.

Keleigh has been part of Empowering Futures for the past five years, working closely with Rhean across a wide range of subjects. She originally started as a Teaching Assistant before completing her teaching qualification, and now teaches learners across multiple areas. Her specialisms are in Beauty, Nails, and Health & Social Care — subjects she is not only highly skilled in but also personally connected to.

Before joining Empowering Futures, Keleigh worked in domiciliary care, where she gained extensive experience supporting individuals with a variety of needs. This background has equipped her with specialist knowledge in areas such as catheter care and supporting learners with additional and complex needs. Her lived experience as a mother to a daughter with spina bifida further drives her passion for Health & Social Care, giving her a unique perspective that she brings into her teaching.

Keleigh also has a strong foundation in beauty, nails, and hair. Over the past three years, she has played a key role in delivering vocational tasters for young people through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. From beauty and nails to hair and aesthetics, she has helped countless learners explore career options within the sector.

Keleigh is known for her compassion, patience, and unwavering support for both learners and colleagues. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels understood, valued, and encouraged. Her ability to combine professional expertise with genuine care makes her one of the most approachable and supportive members of the Empowering Futures team.

Away from teaching, Keleigh is a proud dog mum to four furry friends — Skylar, Angel, Delboy, and Aura. She brings the same warmth, positivity, and care she shows at work into every aspect of her life, making her an inspiring role model for learners.

Donna is Empowering Futures’ catering and hospitality lead, responsible for ensuring every learner is provided with nutritious meals while studying. She is a fully qualified caterer with a wealth of experience in the catering and barista industry, having worked in the sector for many years. Alongside her role at Empowering Futures, Donna also runs her own successful catering business, bringing a high level of professionalism, creativity, and skill to everything she does.

Specialising in catering, hospitality, and bar work, Donna’s career has been shaped by her long family history within the industry — her mother owned a chain of pubs and clubs, which first inspired Donna’s passion for food, drink, and customer service. Today, she carries that legacy forward, offering meals and experiences that are both high-quality and memorable. Within Empowering Futures, Donna is the backbone of student wellbeing, ensuring that young people are fuelled, focused, and ready to achieve.

Donna’s warm, friendly, and down-to-earth personality makes her a key part of the Empowering Futures community. She takes pride in caring for students and staff alike, going above and beyond to create an environment where everyone feels looked after. With her natural ability to connect with others, Donna is not only a provider of meals but also a familiar, supportive presence for learners throughout their journey.

Outside of catering, Donna is a proud dog mum to four much-loved pets — Shaquille, Shola, Shadow, and Babybel. She is also a talented DJ who has featured on radio stations and performed at numerous events. Carrying on her family’s love for music and entertainment, Donna’s family sound system continues to play out at some of the UK’s biggest events.

Neil is Empowering Futures’ Holistic Tutor, bringing a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge in holistic therapies. Alongside his teaching role, Neil runs his own holistic therapy business where he delivers a wide range of treatments including physiotherapy, shockwave therapy, and more. His expertise allows him to provide learners with unique insights into alternative approaches to health, wellbeing, and recovery.

With years of practice in the holistic field, Neil has built up extensive knowledge of therapeutic treatments and the science behind them. His sessions with Empowering Futures introduce learners to new perspectives on health and care, broadening their understanding of the sector and potential career routes.

Neil’s calm and approachable nature makes him a valued mentor. His teaching is not only informative but also supportive, giving learners the confidence to explore new areas of wellbeing and holistic practice.

Outside of work, Neil enjoys hiking on the weekends and is also a talented drummer — yes, Neil really does play the drums 🪘.

Alisha is one of Empowering Futures’ dedicated part-time hair tutors. Alongside her teaching role, she is studying for a nursing degree at university, showing her passion for both education and care. Her dual experience provides her with a broad skill set and a unique ability to connect with learners interested in hair, beauty, and healthcare pathways.

Alisha has practical experience in hairdressing and enjoys sharing her creativity and technical knowledge with students. She inspires learners by combining industry expertise with her own journey of balancing professional training and academic study.

Friendly and approachable, Alisha is a supportive presence in the classroom. She understands the challenges of studying and training at the same time, which makes her particularly relatable to young people who are just starting out in their own career journeys.

Alisha is a dog mum to four — Barbara, Orangina, Lady, and Snowbell — who keep her busy when she’s not teaching or studying.

Jenny is a part-time guest tutor at Empowering Futures, specialising in hospitality and mixology. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, she brings a wealth of real-life knowledge and insight into her teaching. Jenny has owned and managed multiple pubs and clubs throughout her career, making her a true expert in hospitality management and customer service.

Her decades of hands-on experience mean that Jenny’s sessions are filled with practical advice, authentic stories, and invaluable tips. She adds real-world value to learners’ education, helping them understand what it takes to succeed in hospitality.

Jenny’s wealth of experience is matched by her warm and supportive personality. Learners benefit from her no-nonsense approach, which blends industry know-how with a passion for passing on her knowledge to the next generation.

Jenny is Rhean’s nan and Donna’s mum, making her a proud part of the Empowering Futures family legacy. At home, she has a dog called Clifford and a cat called Bentley — who is actually Rhean’s cat!