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.
Case Manager for ROOTS and Senior Training Manager
Kath Bowen
Hello!
My name is Kath and I am the Case Manager for CYCA ROOTS 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 and she now coordinates girl’s rugby in Llanelli. She is an avid Scarlets and Welsh rugby fan and has recently welcomed Beau to the family, their cockapoo puppy.
Acting senior finance manager
Barbara Evans
Barbara is Acting senior finance manager and has worked for CYCA for seven 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.
Acting 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”.
Operations Manager
Anette Kelly
Hi, I am Anette and I keep everyone here at CYCA safe.
I look after the policies and procedures and regulatory requirements. I also write and deliver the Digital safety courses .
In my previous life I was a lawyer in Llanelli and then a Foster Mum.
I have three grown-up children.
When I was in about for CYCA I enjoy the cinema, spending time with my friends but mostly enjoying the beautiful view from my home.
Counsellor
Donna Philpott
Donna is a counsellor at CYCA with over 5 years’ counselling experience working in primary schools, secondary schools, and adult services across different authorities and settings.
She is a BACP registered counsellor which is a professional body ensuring she works ethically and professionally. Before training as a counsellor Donna worked for the police force as a member of staff for 12 years.
Donna is passionate about supporting children and young people of all ages and abilities, which is what inspired become a counsellor. Some of my counselling qualifications include:
- Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling
- BA Hons in Counselling
- Advanced specialist training in counselling children and young people
- Sandtray training in counselling
- Ecotherapy, Walk and talk therapy
She loves adventures, learning new things, and spending time with people who make her smile.
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. My role in CYCA is varied and I never know what the next day will bring. 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.
I have recently taken on the role of Social Media Marketing officer.
I am an avid gamer and spend my free time playing games online with friends and reading.
Tedi Bach Nursery Leader
Amy
I have worked for CYCA for over going on 9 years I started my journey at CYCA as a paid apprenticeship through clybiau plant cymru in 2004. During my time with CYCA i havd completed many qualifications .I main goal and passion is the importance play has within the first years of a childs life. Also the earliest of intervention into a childs 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 am 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.
Mentor Mam
Carrie Howell
Mentor Mam/Volunteer Co-Ordinator
Lyndsey Hughes
Hi, I'm Lyndsey, and I'm fortunate to have two roles within CYCA.
I have been involved with CYCA for 5 years by starting off attending courses through my local children's centre. In that time, I have completed 14 accredited courses through CYCA.
In February 2021, I was asked to be a Mentor Mam, a volunteer role within CYCA which provides an opportunity to create, deliver, and monitor, Craft and Wellbeing sessions to local mums. The sessions also offer a free mobile crèche service to overcome childcare barriers that many mothers experience.
Alongside my volunteering, I have also been appointed by CYCA as a Volunteer Coordinator, a paid role which allows me to offer support to my colleagues and beneficiaries of our Dreigiau CYCA Dragons project.
I also have a degree in Animal Science and have a passion for animals.
When I'm not with my CYCA family, I spend time being a homemaker for my 4 beautiful young children and my partner.