Meet the Staff

Jane Shann

Jane is an experienced Teacher of the Deaf who is herself hearing-impaired. She is passionate about promoting deaf children's skills for independence and confidence, and being able to manage their hearing loss successfully, and works closely with a range of professionals and families to develop workshops and resources that meet these aims.

Julie Bayford

Julie has worked with Children and Young People for many years, this included managing a pre- school, working in schools and delivering youth work with Youth Connexions. She worked at Stevenage Borough Council as a Community Development Officer for 6 years before joining us at Phoenix. She is a busy mum of 3 children, 2 horses and a mad Labradoodle called Freddy!

Gail Munro

Gail started her working life in IT in London, after 25 years became a house mum to her three children. Several years ago she decided to gain experience in childcare NVQ3 and BSL sign language level 1 & 2. Gail joined Phoenix as a volunteer in 2013 and became a permanent member of staff in 2014.

Val Reed

Val has worked as a Family Support Officer for a number of disability charities over the last 15 years including Mencap, Scope and Contact a Family.  She has supported both children, young people, adults and their families.  She also has experience in disability advocacy field working with Reconstruct and NYAS. Val also has also held a voluntary role as Vice Chair for Leighton Buzzard Mencap for a number of years. Her role is to offer support to families of children with a hearing loss and by setting up a network of parent forums across Hertfordshire. Val is married with two grown up children one of whom has a disability and a mad Maine Coon cat called Teddy.

Steve Churchill

Steve has been involved with Phoenix since 2012, initially as a volunteer. Steve loves working with the Deaf community and seeing Deaf people achieve, learn new skills and become independent.  When Steve's not at Phoenix, he enjoys being a husband and dad, making curries, running, cycling and watching sport.

Sarah Munro

Sarah started her working life as a learning support assistant in Australia and Hertfordshire and then became primary school teacher.  After completing BSL level 1 and 2, she started volunteering at Phoenix in 2016 and officially joined the team a year later.  Her hobbies include swimming and art - though not at the same time!