The CYCA team
We have a great team at CYCA, from nursery staff to trainers, counsellors, mentors as well as the core team.
CEO of CYCA, Tracy Pike MBE.
Hi, I am Tracy Pike MBE, the CEO of CYCA.
I have a fantastic team of highly trained and dedicated staff working for the Charity.
Our CYCA trustees are also an invaluable source of support, they each come with their own experiences and have the best interests of children in the forefront of their decisions.
CEO CYCA
Tracy Pike MBE
Tracy Pike began her career as a senior teacher for two years in a secondary school with responsibility for pastoral care. When leaving teaching she set up her own stress management company and was responsible for training hundreds of staff across two health boards as well as in schools and other statutory agencies. During this time Tracy’s work was featured on the television and radio. Tracy set up the first Stress management on prescription project for Hywel Dda health board.
During this time, Tracy was also a development manager for Education Extra with responsibility for supporting charities with funding across 12 authorities in West Wales.
In 1997 Tracy joined CYCA as a learning clubs’ manager and became CEO in 2001. She has built the charity from a very small local play centre into a national wellbeing centre of excellence. CYCA now employs 22 staff which includes a range of wellbeing practitioners as well as two Flying start nurseries.
In 2018 Tracy received an MBE for 40 years services to children and families.
Project and Senior Training Manager
Kath Bowen
Hello!
My name is Kath and I am the Project and Senior Training Manager.
I have worked for CYCA for over 16 years I started my journey at CYCA as a student volunteer in 2004. Since then, I have gained a range of qualifications and experience of working within the third sector. My passion is to support early years, children, young people and their families to thrive. By providing and managing early intervention projects, developing and managing high quality Play and Nursery settings, Mentoring, Training, Resiliency and Safeguarding.
- I have BA Hons Early Childhood (1st) with University of Wales Trinity St David.
- Level 5 qualified in the field Health and Social Care Management Children and young people
- I am a trained Internal Quality Assurer and hold both IV and Assessor qualifications.
- And trained in Playwork, Youth Work and PACE
In my spare time I love spending time with my family and traveling.
Senior Strategic Business Manager
Lianna Davies
My name is Lianna,
Lianna has worked for CYCA for nearly 5 years, leading on two pivotal roles, Business Development Manager and Specialist Training Coordinator. Both roles are front facing and require leadership skills and a working knowledge of the sector. She has a teaching degree and a foundation degree in childhood studies.
Lianna is a mother to two children, and is a qualified tag girls rugby coach. She is an avid Scarlets and Welsh rugby fan and has recently welcomed Beau to the family, their cockapoo puppy.
Senior finance manager
Barbara Evans
Barbara is the Senior finance manager and has worked for CYCA for nine years, working closely with the Senior Resource and Finance Manager and Governance Officer.
Her career has been within an admin environment starting within the Construction Industry then moving into a Work Based Learning Training Environment, before joining CYCA.
Barbara is qualified in Business Administration, Customer Service, Advice & Guidance and Sage Payroll and Accounts; and she enjoys spending her spare time with family and friends.
Monitoring Officer
Rachel Selby
Rachel joined the CYCA team in January 2021. She assists in the day to day running of the charity in the finance department, she is also involved in HR and looks after new members of staff when they join our team.
Rachel really enjoys being part of the training team and has recently started delivering our Employability and Customer Service courses.
Rachel comes from a varied skillset background, having living abroad for 6 years, she started her journey in Moscow in finance which led onto working as head cashier on cruise ships, and was lucky enough to work from New York and Bermuda and all the Caribbean islands before settling for some time in Miami.
Rachel is also a trained makeup artist and has extensive training in skincare, which she now applies to some elements of CYCA training which enables her to share her knowledge with our wonderful learners.
Rachel is thoroughly enjoying her role at CYCA because of its diversity, fast-paced, and exciting; she enjoys the warm and welcoming atmosphere and the “amazing things CYCA does for every person they meet. I am proud to be part of the CYCA team”.
Family support officer Tutor and Personal Instructor
Julie Thomas
Julie is a qualified teacher and worked at a Llanelli Primary School for many years as a Class teacher and ALENCO. She has extensive knowledge and experience within the fields of Physical Education, Early Years and Primary Schools.
In 2018 Julie decided to change her career to pursue her passion for Wellbeing and Physical Fitness, she re-trained at Ty Coch College as a Personal Instructor in Nutrition and Physical Fitness.
Since joining our team Julie has also trained as a Pilates teacher to support the mental and physical wellbeing development of our beneficiaries. Julie is also a Welsh speaker. jthomas@cycaonline.org 01554 776178
Therapeutic Play Practitioner
Emma Harding
I have worked for CYCA for over 6 years, originally as a nursery/play assistant which is where my passion for supporting children and their families begun. I went on to complete a BSc in Psychology which enhanced my knowledge around child trauma and development, the importance of supporting children and young people’s well-being and building their resilience. I then completed a Masters in Developmental and Therapeutic Play and I have recently begun my new role as a therapeutic play practitioner with CYCA.
In my spare time I love playing football, going to the gym, and spending time with my friends and family.
Mentor
Luke Brown
Luke joined the CYCA wellbeing team in July 2021 where he began his role as a Mentor, as well as being involved in our Coop Bereavement support project, CIN Online safety and the delivery of training/resiliency. Prior to working at CYCA he spent 6 years working in the ALN department of a local secondary school, supporting young people with their academic, social and emotional needs.
Luke has a passion for supporting young people through the many challenges that life can throw at them whether that is ALN, trauma or mental health and looks to enable those young people to become the best version of themselves.
Along the way Luke has gained a degree in Physical Education, Youth work qualifications and is a qualified Gym instructor, although he is constantly seeking new ways of improving his skills to ensure that he can provide his mentees with the best support possible.
Outside of his work Luke enjoys the gym, playing rugby, being active outdoors and learning new skills.
Social Media Marketing Officer
Kirsty Henry
I have been working at CYCA since 2015 and am the ICT Support Lead. I was originally placed with CYCA as a placement through the Shaw Trust and was offered employment after my term had ended. I am enjoying my work at CYCA and am really grateful to them for employing me.
I have recently taken on the role of Social Media Marketing officer and am working towards a Level 3 Social Media and Marketing qualification.
I am an avid gamer and regularly spend my free time playing video games online with my friends, as well as group creative writing and reading.
Counsellor
Toria
Hi, my name is Toria, I’m an Integrative counsellor at CYCA which means I work with individuals to find the best approach to suit their needs. Counselling is not a one size fits all approach, and it is important that it is tailored to the individual. I have strong beliefs that positive changes can occur when you are met in a safe, warm, and non-judgemental space.
I have a creative background and enjoy bringing this into sessions – the more creative and messier the better!!
Outside of work I enjoy being outdoors and going travelling with my family.
Tedi Bach Nursery Leader
Amy Collins
I have worked for CYCA for over 9 years. I started my journey at CYCA as a paid apprenticeship through clybiau plant cymru in 2004. During my time with CYCA I have completed many qualifications. My main goal and passion is the importance play has within the first years of a child's life. Also the earliest of intervention into a child's life can be so life changing.
I have BA Hons Early Childhood (1st) with University of Wales Trinity St David.
Level 5 qualified in management and leadership
I have level 3 in playwork and a vast of outdoor qualifications.
In my spare time I love spending time with my two children.
Jellitotz Nursery Leader
Dee Harrison
I’m Davinia Harrison know to everyone as Dee.
I am the leader of Jellitotz nursery, one of CYCA’s Flying start nurseries.
Its been my pleasure to have worked for CYCA for over 26 years, I started as a student while my eldest children were small and progressed with the support of the management team, undertaking my Level 4 and level 5 in childcare and Education, Level 4 in Welsh & Bilingualism.
While working for CYCA I have completed resilience and trauma training to name a few.
I am married and have 3 grown up children and I am also a Grandmother. My children and Grandchildren have also benefitted from CYCA by using our own nurseries and holiday clubs.
Heart of the Community Co-Ordinator
Lyndsey Hughes
I'm Lyndsey, a project co-ordinator for CYCA's Heart of the Community project. I have been involved with CYCA for 6 years, starting off as a beneficiary, attending courses and accessing training while I was a stay at home parent. During this time I completed 14 courses through CYCA and in February 2021 I was asked to become a volunteer for CYCA's Mentor Mam project.
Since then I have completed my volunteer training and have become a member of staff, working with the local community and delivering workshops whilst I continue to develop professionally.
I also have a degree in animal science and have a passion for animals.
On my days off, I enjoy time with my 4 young children and my partner.
Community Ambassador
Carrie Howell
Ffynnu/Thrive CYCA Trainer
Sophie Chapron
Hiya, I’m Sophie!
I started off with CYCA in November of 2022 as a volunteer and quickly accepted the role of community ambassador.
As of January 2023, I work at the CYCA Hwb, but I am now a Ffynnu/Thrive CYCA Trainer. I’ve had plenty of jobs in my lifetime, but I can honestly say hand on heart “I love my job!” To the people I work with, the people I meet in the shop and the people I see in the workshops, they are just fantastic!
I’m a mammy to my handsome little man Alfie James who is 4 years old and wife to my hubby who has supported me throughout.
Mentor
Megan Lewis
Hi I'm Meg! I am a student counsellor and mentor in CYCA. I am currently completing my placement hours for my counselling qualification. I also mentor the children and young people in our service. I believe everyone has the right to have safety, support, acceptance, and empowerment. I aim to facilitate a space for this to flourish when working with clients, accommodating for their needs. I enjoy walking, all kinds of music and art, photography, gaming and learning as much as I can about people and the world!