Meet the Team

Helen Casson

Chief Executive Officer

Helen has more than two decades of experience in education, she has led schools, specialist provision and trust wide improvement initiatives, driving positive outcomes for children and young people. Helen has particular expertise in school improvement, safeguarding, governance and organisational development, and provides strategic leadership across the Trust to support high quality education and sustainability.

She is committed to  values led leadership, strong partnerships and ensuring every child receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive. Alongside her Trust responsibilities, Helen contributes to educational leadership at regional and national level through governance and system leadership roles. She is passionate about collaboration, ethical leadership and creating lasting improvement that positively impacts children, families and communities.

Gaynor Boyden

Chief Operations Officer

Gaynor qualified as a chartered accountant after studying for a degree in European Finance & Accounting and has worked in education since 1996, more recently as Head of Administration Finance and Resources, in industry in France as Head Accountant for a CD Mastering company as well as in practice in the UK. Her skills include financial management & analysis, leadership & management and devising and implementing continuous improvement strategies as well as speaking fluent French. Gaynor believes that her hands-on management approach builds excellent relationships helping both people and the organisation to prosper and flourish in a happy environment. When not constrained to the office she enjoys spending time with her extensive family & friends on the beach in the summer and around a rugby pitch in the winter

Lucy Holloway

Director of Education

Lucy has worked in education for 30 years across mainstream, alternative provision and special schools. As Director of Education for Wave, she provides strategic leadership across the Trust, supporting school improvement, inclusion and excellence in education. Lucy works both with academies and leaders within and beyond the Trust to support improvement and strengthen educational outcomes for children and young people. Lucy believes that every day is a learning day and is committed to building leadership capacity at all levels of the organisation. She is passionate about creating the conditions in which leaders can thrive, schools can improve and every child can access an ambitious education that enables them to succeed and be happy. 

Marc Boyden

Director of People

Marc is the Director of People at Wave where he leads the Trust's people strategy and oversees HR, payroll, recruitment, employee relations, workforce planning, learning and development, wellbeing, and organisational culture. Working closely with the CEO and senior leaders, Marc is responsible for ensuring that the Trust's people practices support its vision, values, and commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for children and young people.

Marc brings more than 15 years of leadership and people management experience spanning both education and adult social care. Before joining Wave, he held several senior operational and strategic leadership roles within a national charity, including Area Manager and Registered Manager positions, where he led large multidisciplinary teams, managed organisational change, oversaw safeguarding and compliance, and supported services for people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, and mental health needs.

Known for his practical, people-focused leadership style, Marc is passionate about developing others, building strong teams, and creating workplaces where colleagues can thrive. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, four sons, and dog, as well as carp angling and exploring the outdoors.

Paul Green

Director of Finance and Estates

Paul joined Wave in April 2022, bringing operational business and financial knowledge with experience in the manufacturing, service, software engineering and merchanting sectors. His previous roles include management accountant, project accountant, auditor and business owner. When not at work Paul is likely to be watching either cricket, rugby or spending time at the beach.

Chris Denley

Senior Principal

Chris started teaching at Greendown Community School in Swindon in 1997 as a History teacher. He became Director of Vocational Provision, organising work-related learning before being appointed to the Leadership Team as Assistant Head with responsibility for Curriculum, Assessment and ICT. In 2008 he moved to West Penwith to become Deputy Head, and then Head of School, at Cape Cornwall School. He was a Specialist Leader in Education for Truro and Penwith Teaching School and supported schools across Cornwall in developing teaching and learning. He moved into alternative provision and set up an education provider with colleagues, before joining Wave and teaching with CHES. He has continued to support Teaching and Learning, working with Stansfield Academy, and was appointed Associate Principal with Wave, based at Penwith Academy, in January 2023.

Outside of work Chris has a family with three children. He enjoys playing guitar, cycling, running and surfing. He loves watching football with his sons who share his love for the mighty Swindon Town and Liverpool. He also enjoys watching rugby with his Dad, and supports Dings Crusaders from afar. He has recently completed his MA in History and is an Outreach Team member of the British Association for Local History. In his spare time, he is researching a book about working-class religious affiliation and leisure in Bristol the end of the Victorian period.

Haydn Pearse

Senior Principal

Haydn has been in teaching for over 25 years. He completed his BSc Hons degree in PE, Sport and Human & Applied Biology in Liverpool before taking his route into teaching with a PGCE in Physical Education.  Haydn taught Secondary PE in Worcestershire for several years before relocating to Cornwall. Haydn joined Caradon Academy as a PE and PSHE teacher in 2011 before taking on the role of Principal, which he has been doing for over 10 years now.  Outside of work Haydn loves keeping active, rugby, mountain biking and spending time in the outdoors with his family and dogs.

Mark Ruffett

Senior Principal

Mark began his teaching career in Somerset in 2005 as a primary‑trained teacher before moving into leadership, holding headteacher and executive headteacher roles since 2015 across special schools in both Somerset and Plymouth. Throughout this work, he has remained a committed advocate for children and young people, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the support, stability and ambition they deserve. His professional journey has been shaped by a deep belief in inclusion and a determination to create environments where pupils can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Before moving into senior leadership, Mark spent time being an outstanding classroom practitioner, driving innovative approaches to technology while building a reputation for calm, principled leadership rooted in strong relationships and clear expectations.

Away from work, Mark is a keen golfer who plays off a single‑figure handicap and enjoys spending time with his family exploring zoos and animal parks, where his love of wildlife and conservation continues to grow.

Harry Welch

Trust Safeguarding, Attendance and Behaviour Lead

Harry started his career at The Brunel Academy in 2015 as a HLTA. He has work as an Advocate from 2018 until 2020 where he joined the extended leadership team in the role of Lead for Engagement. In 2021 was appointed the Lead for Behaviour whereby he has operational and strategic oversight of behaviour, attitudes and attendance as well as being the Designated Safeguarding Lead. 

Harry is a Trauma and Mental Health Practitioner and a Dialectical Behavioural Therapist and is passionate about supporting young people to overcome trauma and adversity to become the best possible versions of themselves. 

Before moving into a career in education Harry was an aspiring rugby player who was selected to represent England Rugby U19's. 

In his spare time Harry enjoys following local sport including 'The Fisherman' Brixham RFC and Brixham AFC. 

Tessa Claridge

Principal - Torlands Academy

Tessa brings over 20 years of experience in education, including senior leadership roles across further education and specialist provision. Her previous positions include Head of Department in Surrey, Head of College in Cornwall, and Head of Education and Pastoral Operations in Oxfordshire.

More recently, Tessa has served as Principal across three of our behavioural schools in Devon. She now joins Torlands Academy as Principal, bringing extensive experience in supporting learners from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and abilities.

Tessa is passionate about careers education and serves as the Trust Lead for Careers. She is committed to delivering an excellent student experience and creating an environment in which every learner can engage, achieve and thrive.

Lucy Stocker

Principal CHES Academy

 Lucy has been a teacher since 1995 and has worked in Primary Schools and at Cornwall College Camborne before joining CHES in 2008. Lucy started out as an English teacher with CHES and moved on to being the SENCO in 2012. She completed the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination in 2014 to help her support SEN pupils within CHES.

Lucy became the Principal at CHES in 2022.  Lucy believes that all young people should be entitled to a high-quality education that prepares them for the next steps in their education, and her goal is to provide this education and support. 

Russell Clarke

Principal - Shoreline Academy

Russell’s teaching career began in Birmingham after completing a BSc (Hons) in secondary design and technology Education at Nottingham Trent University in 1998. Much of his experience is in pastoral support within mainstream schools. His previous leadership roles have included Senior Head of Learning and Guidance, Assistant Head Teacher and Deputy Head teacher. Russell’s family relocated to Devon in 2016 and he was appointed Vice Principal at Shoreline Academy in July 2017, becoming Principal in Sep 2022.

Sam Gilronan

Principal - Glendinning Academy

Sam has been teaching for 26 years and has a wealth of experience in mainstream and alternative provisions having undertaken the role of SENCO over 18 years in settings across Kent and Devon. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of young people with SEND. She holds a Masters Degree in Speech and Language Difficulties and has utilised this to support children, families and schools over 4 years working across East Devon as an Advisory Teacher for the Communication and Interaction Team. Recently she was seconded by NASEN  to work as the Deputy Regional Lead for SEND in the South West and carried out this exciting role for 2 years alongside working as an Assistant Headteacher and SENCo at a specialist provision in North Devon. While not at work Sam enjoys spending time with her family and dog making the most of the beautiful coastline and scenery of Devon.

Jacqui Hanton

Head of School - Nine Maidens

Jacqui has worked in education for over 20 years within both further education and secondary teaching Computing, Computer Science and Business Studies. As well as teaching she has taken up positions such as Head of Department in a large secondary school in Cornwall and Head of Faculty in further education. 

Jacqui is passionate about supporting young people to have high aspirations for their education and future careers. With a keen interest in diversity and inclusion in computing education. 

She is passionate about safeguarding and supporting children and their families to ensure that everyone has different opportunities to be successful. Outside of work Jacqui enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Robert Finch

Head of School North Cornwall Academy

With over 25 years dedicated to education, including 19 years in senior leadership across Cornwall, Robert brings a deep commitment to championing vulnerable children and young people. Holding the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and grounding his expertise as a former Maths and Science teacher, he has remained a passionate advocate for inclusion throughout his career, guided by the belief that if we get it right for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, we get it right for everyone.

His professional journey is rooted in strong, principled leadership, high expectations, and an unwavering focus on teaching and learning. As an Outstanding-rated practitioner, Robert has driven curriculum design, clear teaching structures, and staff wellbeing initiatives—drawing on the principle of removing unnecessary bureaucracy to help both educators and students to thrive. Alongside his leadership within his own setting, he has contributed widely to system improvement as an Ofsted Inspector, regional consultant, and partner with organisations such as Challenge Partners and PiXL.

Whether leading on SEND reform, attendance, or behaviour systems, his approach combines ambition with empathy. Robert is excited to step into the role of Head of School at North Cornwall Alternative Provision Academy to improve the lives of those in the community. 

Outside of work, Robert enjoys family life and has four children. In his spare time, he enjoys travel and many sports including surfing. 

Jessie Bell

Head of School River Dart Academy

Jessie began her career as a Teaching Assistant, supporting children and young people with profound, multiple and specific learning disabilities. Her passion for supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities has remained at the heart of her career since.

After training as a teacher, Jessie taught across both mainstream and specialist school settings, working with children and young people from ages 4 to 18. She has also worked as a SENCO in both primary and secondary school settings, supporting pupils with a wide range of additional needs.

Jessie is a strong advocate for inclusive education and firmly believes that every child and young person should have the opportunity to access education, with learning thoughtfully adapted to meet their individual needs.

Jessie joined WAVE as SENCO at River Dart Academy and has since taken on a range of roles, including teaching PSHE, Vice Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), before becoming Head of School. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to creating a safe, nurturing and ambitious environment where every young person is supported to thrive.

Outside of school, Jessie enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her two dogs — a miniature poodle and a miniature dachshund.

Gemma Phillips

Head of School - Restormel

Gemma graduated in 2011 from the University of Plymouth with a BSc (hons) in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies. She then went on to work with offenders and their families, as well as creating educational opportunities within in a Prison setting. Following this Gemma worked with children and young people in a secondary school in Kent, launching an alternative provision setting. Gemma is currently studying a Masters in Advanced Child Protection with the University of Kent. She is passionate about safeguarding and supporting children and their families to ensure that everyone has different opportunities to be successful. Outside of work Gemma enjoys spending time with her family and friends.  

Janine Nelson

Acting Head of School - Restormel

Janine has been a teacher since 2013. She earned a BA (Hons) in Philosophy and Religious Studies from the Open University in 2011 and completed her PGCE in Secondary Education (RE) at Marjon in 2013.

She began her teaching career at Helston Community College, teaching Religious Education and PSHE. She later became the Head of Progress for a year group of 250 students, overseeing their transition from Year 6 to Year 7, monitoring academic progress, providing pastoral support, managing behaviour, and working with external agencies to support students. During this time, Janine developed a strong interest in supporting students who found mainstream education challenging. She focused on meeting individual pupil needs and helping them succeed in a way that worked best for them.

In September 2023, Janine joined Penwith Academy as a Humanities and PSHE teacher before becoming the Subject Advisory Lead for Humanities within the trust. She prides herself on building positive relationships with pupils and ensuring they receive a high-quality education tailored to their needs.

Outside of work, Janine enjoys spending time with her husband, teenage daughters, and their cockapoo. She enjoys music festivals, concerts, crafting, reading and travelling.

Kerrie Lenehan

Trust Lead for Primary and SEND

After graduating from Reading University with a degree in Primary Teaching and Music, Kerrie started off her career teaching in primary schools in Berkshire. She then relocated back home to North Devon in 2006 where she became deputy headteacher and acting headteacher in a large primary school as well as being fortunate to become one of the first Thrive Licensed Practitioners in the area. Kerrie took a career break to raise her two young children. Upon returning to teaching, Kerrie completed her SENCO qualification and, after 20 years in mainstream education, moved to Alternative Provision. 

Kerrie is now Trust Lead for Primary and SEN and has been instrumental in ensuring there is a rich and varied curriculum in place with reading at its heart. She is passionate about ensuring pupils feel a sense of safety and belonging through relational and restorative approaches, and where pupils are curious, empathetic and have high aspirations for their future.

Kerrie enjoys spending quality time with her family, usually over a home cooked meal or cheering on the side of the rugby pitch. She also loves travelling, reading, the gym and windy beach walks.

Jonathan Gates

Trust BTEC/Vocational & Exams Lead

Jonathan’s early career in hospitality included international cruise ships and commercial operational management including business ownership. After successfully completing a PGCE at Greenwich University, he has been in the education sector for the past 21 years; working in a multi-site FE College in Wiltshire as a Programme Manager, for a national work-based learning provider as an Internal Quality Assurer, for the past 10 years in an Alternative Provision in Devon and most recently leading the BTEC provision across the Wave academies. Passionate about raising aspirations, developing knowledge and skills, and creating high-quality opportunities that enable young people to realise their potential. Outside of work Jonathan’s interests include music, gardening and enjoying the countryside and beaches of North Devon with his family and two dogs.

Sam Wells

PE Subject Advisory Lead

Sam grew up in Wimborne, Dorset, and moved to Plymouth in 2015 to study Secondary Physical Education at Plymouth Marjon University, where he has lived ever since.

He joined Wave in 2017 at Caradon Academy, where he became PE Lead and PSHE Lead, set up the academy’s nurture provision, and developed a strong interest in trauma-informed and nurturing practices.

In 2023, Sam became the Trust’s first PE Lead, working with colleagues across Wave to develop inclusive approaches to physical education, which contributed to the Trust receiving the Youth Sport Trust Award for Outstanding Inclusive Practice (2024).

Outside of school, Sam follows AFC Bournemouth, plays as a goalkeeper in the South Devon Premier League, and enjoys cold-water wild swimming and cooking.

Nathan Gristy

Outdoor Lead Devon

Having graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Land Resources, Nathan undertook a PGCE at Leicester University and went on to teach geography in a number of mainstream schools. It was during this time that he became increasingly interested in the reasons behind the poor outcomes for students with additional needs. This lead Nathan to a career change where he worked for the Youth Offending Service, championing the importance of education for young people at risk of offending. In more recent years Nathan has worked with the young persons' charity, Young Devon, managing a busy drop-in centre and an accommodation project supporting young people leaving the care system. Prior to starting with Wave, Nathan worked with excluded students in the Torbay area, developing his interest in use of the outdoor environment as a resource to support young people with social and emotional needs. When not at work, Nathan enjoys being in the outdoors, ideally in or on the water.