Our Team
Ben Skinner - Head of Finding Futures
"I have the privilege of leading Finding Futures and seeing the life-changing outcomes that our amazing young people achieve, supported by our brilliant team and various partners.
Having begun my career across various roles in the private sector, I moved over to Education in 2015 and haven't looked back. My experience has been focused predominantly on supporting young people with SEND to achieve quality lifelong learning outcomes, initially as a Lecturer in an FE college and then as a Teacher in a Special School. In 2019 I progressed into Senior Leadership positions and since then have spent time in Assistant Headteacher and Headteacher positions before joining Finding Futures.
I am passionate about supporting young people to unlock their potential and access amazing futures. I believe that with the right support and challenge, barriers that previously felt insurmountable can be navigated and overcome."
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) 2:1 , MSc with Distinction in Educational Leadership and Management, NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship)
Lisa Morris - Programmes Lead
"I have a number of years of teaching experience, working with a wide range of students with diverse needs. My fascination with how we learn and what helps each of us to succeed in both education and the workplace has led me to pursue further training in supporting learners with additional needs - an area I am deeply passionate about. I am qualified in autism education and how to teach students with dyslexia, barriers to literacy, and dyscalculia.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to genuinely enjoy my job. One of the most rewarding aspects is watching our interns make progress over the course of the year. They arrive in September feeling nervous and unsure of what to expect, but by the end of the programme, they have grown and blossomed into confident and work ready young adults. It’s a true joy and privilege to celebrate with them as they achieve meaningful employment outcomes.
I love to travel and experience new places and people. One memorable adventure was flying in a helicopter—previously used by the Queen—across the Isle of Bute, over the Lake District, and along the Blackpool coastline. An incredible sight!"
Shelly Cainey - Teacher
"I am an experienced SEND educator with over 25 years’ experience working across mainstream primary, specialist and post-16 education settings, including four specialist provisions. I have supported young people with a wide range of SEND, including autistic young people, helping them to recognise their strengths and develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need for adulthood and employment.
Guided by a person-centred and nurturing approach, I particularly value building trusting relationships by taking the time to understand each young person as an individual and support their wellbeing. My PGCE specialising in Special Educational Needs, BSc (2:1) in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and current NPQSL studies have strengthened my professional knowledge and understanding of SEND, attachment and emotional wellbeing.
I am passionate about creating opportunities for young people to discover what they are capable of and to develop a positive sense of themselves and their future. Every achievement matters, and that for a young person with SEND, taking a small step towards trying something new or becoming more independent can be a significant milestone.
I am genuinely excited and proud to be part of the Finding Futures ‘Works for You’ programme from the very beginning, as we support young people to recognise their achievements, overcome barriers and take meaningful steps towards employment, independence and adulthood."
Nishtha Nagpal - Higher-Level Job Coach
"I’m excited to have recently joined the Project SEARCH team at Finding Futures. My academic and professional journey has been shaped by a deep interest in psychological studies; I studied clinical psychology in India before completing a master’s in health psychology at the University of Bath. Along the way, I worked as a social communication and language therapist in India, using play therapy to support children with ASD develop social communication skills.
After moving to the UK, I became a SEN teaching assistant, which gave me a new perspective on supporting neurodiverse young people and deepened my belief that the world is better when it’s accessible and inclusive. I feel lucky to be part of a team working toward exactly that.
Outside of work, I’m usually chasing languages (and occasionally being chased by Duolingo reminders). I speak Hindi, English, and Punjabi, and I’m at an intermediate level in Japanese and Korean. Right now, I’m taking on Mandarin Chinese - progress is slow, but I’m stubborn! In my free time, you’ll probably find me enjoying a game of chess, binging TV shows, playing video games or eating good food!"
Erin Blyth - Job Coach
Information to follow soon!
Ali Herrick - Job Coach
Information to follow soon!
Maddie Furay - Job Coach
"I have a background in Psychology, having completed a BSc (hons) in Psychology before recently completing my MSc in Applied Clinical Psychology. Throughout my studies and previous experience, I have developed a passion for supporting young people to recognise and achieve their full potential by building confidence and independence.
It's a pleasure to be part of the Finding Futures team as a Job Coach, and I particularly enjoy building positive relationships and nurturing opportunities where people feel valued, supported, and able to succeed.
Outside of work, I love travelling and hiking in the outdoors. Exploring new places with my dog is my favourite way to spend a weekend."