About us
Wolves Play Cafe was founded in 2018 by mum and daughter Helen and Lisa with a passion for play and Wolverhampton!
Helen
PLAY LEADER, CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
Helen is an Early Years Specialist (BSC, PGCE) with over 20 years’ experience teaching and leading Early Years in local Wolverhampton schools.
She also has 3 years’ experience as a Childline counsellor and a trained mental health first aider. She is committed to quality fun play sessions and support for young children, parents and caregivers in her home-town, leading on Early Years planning, training and delivery of play sessions, community partnerships and financial management,
Lisa
PLAY INVESTOR, PLAY EXPLORER, CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
Lisa has over 15 years’ experience of working with children and in operational management.
From enjoying Playwork in Wolverhampton, managing informal learning settings including Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, and receiving in MA Res. in Children’s Literature and welcoming her own little cub in 2021. She is committed to quality fun play sessions and support for young children, parents and caregivers in her home-town, working on developing partnerships, funding and income opportunities and organisational strategy.
Louise
PLAY EXPLORER, PLAY ORGANISER, CAFE LEAD
Louise first visited Wolves Play Cafe with her little cub in summer 2020.
Tia
PLAY CHAMPION
Tia first visited Wolves Play Cafe with her little one in Spring 2020.
Tia has experience working on creative community projects, in the education and charity sector. She heads up our social media channels as Play Champion, supporting our marketing strategy and our creative planning. Tia brings her parenting experience and enthusiasm for creative learning to the role since March 2023.
Gillian
BOARD DIRECTOR – BUSINESS LEAD
Gillian is an experienced School Business Leader who is passionate about supporting pupils and families.
She has been a Director since December 2019 and specialises in Finance, HR and Health and Safety in the Board , with over 15 years’ experience working within the Education Sector within Wolverhampton and Birmingham., including over 7 years’ experience volunteering as School Director / Governor in a local Multi Academy Trust.
Richard
BOARD DIRECTOR – STRATEGIC LEAD
Richard is a Wolverhampton father of two children who is passionate about supporting young children and parents in the City.
He has been bringing extensive business and strategic management experience to the Board since December 2018, with over 20 years in Engineering roles and is an active community citizen including over 20 years’ experience in coaching and playing in a local Hockey Club including role of Safeguarding Officer.
Karielle
PLAY LEADER
Karielle has recently completed a degree in Early Childhood Studies due to her passion for the Early Years. Alongside this, Karielle has 4 years experience working directly within the Early Years at local nurseries.
Karielle joined the team as a Play Leader at Wolves Play Cafe in May 2024 and thoroughly enjoys getting to know the parents and families of the little explorers that join our sessions and facilitating exploratory play that incorporates everyday items that anyone has access to.
Jillian
PLAY LEADER
Jillian is a Level 4 Early Years Practitioner with over 20 years’ experience of working with children aged 0-8 across a variety of settings including nurseries, schools and playgroups.
Jillian has experience in supporting SEN children in mainstream and specialist settings. She loves working in early years and providing play opportunities for all, especially in the great outdoors!
Rosie
PLAY LEADER
Rosie is a Play Leader at Wolves Play Cafe who first came to play with her cub in 2022.
As a qualified childminder, outdoor play leader and extensive experience working in both paid and voluntary roles with families locally, nationally and internationally, Rosie is passionate about early years play and recognising the power of play for all. Currently studying to become a Play Therapist, Rosie’s vast experience has been creating a welcoming, inviting play experience for little one and their big ones to enjoy since May 2024.
Nina
PLAY EXPLORER
Nina has experience in fundraising, operational and volunteer management as well as a passion for play in our city! She loves getting to know all our Wolves Play Cafe families and is committed to ensuring everyone is welcome and can take part.
She has personal and professional experience of supporting families with a range of additional needs, particularly through a previous role at the National Deaf Children’s Society.
As a mum of two young boys, Nina brings her parenting and play experience, enthusiasm and ideas to the Play Explorer role and the organisation since April 2023.