Our Trustees

Nick is a consultant, coach, and author with a rich background in education and leadership. As the owner of Nick Burnett Consulting and a Non-Executive Director for Team Teach Australia & New Zealand, he has trained over 8,000 people. Nick is the creator of Becoming HumAIn and Myriad of Leadership Conversations, focusing on the intersection of humanity, AI, and education. A former teacher, senior leader, and principal, he is known for designing impactful learning experiences and writing extensively on educational topics.

Claire is motivated by teaching young people in Primary and Special Schools in the UK, she worked with young individuals on the verge of exclusion for a prominent UK-based charity. She also funded and managed school music projects. As International & Training Manager for SEND International, Claire recruits and headhunts for UK and international schools and is a Specialist SEND trainer

Paul has over 25 years of mainstream and SEND experience as a teacher and school leader. An internationally published author, SEND educational scholar and renowned tutor. He has spoken at many National and Global conferences, including the World Education Summit, two Global Education Solutions Conferences and was iCERi Inclusion & SEND Conference Chair, 2023.

With over 35 years of experience in education, Jody brings a deep and diverse background to their work supporting young people. As a licensed social worker and licensed school psychologist, they have dedicated their career to understanding and addressing the emotional, behavioural, and academic needs of students. For the past nine years, they have served as an international school psychologist, working across cultures to promote student well-being and inclusive educational practices. Their extensive expertise helps shape impactful mental health initiatives that empower young people to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Melanie is a multifaceted professional with a rich and varied career spanning psychotherapy, media, education, and community engagement. As a qualified psychotherapist and spiritual coach, she is passionate about supporting emotional well-being and personal growth. Melanie has worked extensively with children, combining her skills as a music teacher and therapist to create nurturing, expressive environments for young minds. Her experience in TV presentation and directing, alongside work in PR, has strengthened her ability to communicate and advocate for meaningful causes. Deeply rooted in faith-based and charity work, Melanie is dedicated to building strong, compassionate communities through both her professional and voluntary efforts.

Abdi is the Founder & CEO of Limitless Minds Group, a motivational speaker, and a leading advocate for inclusivity and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Born in Somalia and living with cerebral palsy, Abdi has transformed his lived experience into a powerful platform for change. With over 17 years of AAC experience and a decade in public speaking, he empowers individuals and organisations to embrace diversity through tailored mentoring, training, and consultancy. Through LMG, Abdi is breaking barriers and championing a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has the tools to thrive.

Toni joined Creative Education Trust as Director of SEND in May 2023, following his role as Assistant Director of SEND and Inclusion for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire local authorities. His career began as a residential care worker before training as a primary teacher, eventually returning to his passion for supporting children with special educational needs. Since 1998, Toni has worked across primary and secondary special schools, serving as headteacher in three residential settings specialising in SEMH, autism, and complex needs. He has chaired a national SEMH network and worked as a consultant, advising schools, academies, and local authorities on SEND and alternative provision. His expertise has extended internationally, supporting specialist education across Europe and with the Ministry of Education in New Zealand.

Andy Howard is Executive Headteacher (SEMH) at New Bridge Specialist MAT. With over 35 years in education, including two decades in leadership, he has led and advised schools internationally on SEND, SEMH, trauma, neurodiversity and deprivation. Andy has worked as a headteacher and consultant in the specialist sector, supporting innovation and inclusive practice for vulnerable young people. A Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and Distinguished Fellow of the International Forum of Inclusive Practitioners, he has received a Global Inclusion Award for his contribution to building inclusive education worldwide.