Find out more about each team member and details to get in touch.

Mark Ormerod

He/Him/His | CEO

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Mark’s role as CEO is to strengthen and develop partnerships whilst interpreting national policy into deliverable action at a local level. Joining the team in 2012, Mark brought with him a wealth of experience from 17 years and 7 different roles at Sport England. 

Mark firmly believes we are stronger together and works across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in his role as Chair of the Buckinghamshire VCSE Partnership Board. 

Typical of most men in their early fifties Mark looks longingly back at his former sporting glories, and now keeps reasonably fit by cycling, skiing, and is also an avid supporter of the Welsh Rugby team. Perhaps no coincidence Leap’s dominant brand colour is red?

T: 07957361170
E: mormerod@leapwithus.org.uk

Abbi Mckane

She/Her/Hers | Participation Project Manager

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Abbi has a sixth sense for building relationships and making things happen. Having worked in the sector for over a decade and with experience of establishing both local and countywide programmes she is the key driver to many of our successful participation projects.

Abbi works hard in both the work and sporting arenas and recently qualified for international competitions in Hyrox. 

Abbi’s normal working days are Tuesday 9am – 5pm, Wednesday 9am – 2.30pm and Thursday 9am – 5pm

T: 01296 585658
E: amckane@leapwithus.org.uk

Andrea Healy

She/Her/Hers | Head of Finance and Investments

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Andrea works with partners assisting with funding advice plus looking after the financial management of the organisation.

Her first job in sport was as a swimming teacher and lifeguard whilst studying for a degree in Recreation Management. After graduating she started working at Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) as Swimming Development Officer, changing roles a few times to eventually managing the Sports Development Team. During this time Andrea was seconded to Sport England, Buckinghamshire County Council and Active Sports to deliver projects and write strategies.

Andrea is really active and enjoys cycling, swimming, fitness classes and particularly playing tennis, fitting them in around the family. 

Andrea’s normal working days are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

T: 07843311849
E: ahealy@leapwithus.org.uk

Anya Forbes-Phyall

She/Her/Hers) | Project Officer

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Anya joined the Leap team from a school background, working as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) in both mainstream and Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools.

Hugely passionate about how exercise supports our mental health, Anya is a keen runner and enjoys going to the gym.

Anya works across our workforce and children and young people programmes including Lead the Way, disability coaching programme, training opportunities, Play Their Way and the youth worker development programme.

T: 07890966904
E: anya.forbes-phyall@leapwithus.org.uk

Benson Miyoba

He/Him/His | Coaching Champion

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Benson joined the Leap team in 2022 in a specific Coaching Champion role. Bringing a wealth of experience to the Leap team, Benson started out as a personal trainer in 1996, going on to facility management and leading teams of health and fitness industry professionals for many years.

Moving his primary focus over to people’s personal development in 2005, Benson has worked with busy business executives, professional sports people and their coaches on their physical and psychological performance.

In 2019 Benson created a non profit organisation to drive the connection between commercial and community. The focus is to grow healthier and happier communities by empowering people through people.

E: benson@teamcic.co.uk 

Caroline Drake

(She/Her/Hers) | Marketing and Communications Manager (maternity cover)

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Caroline has been the expert behind Leap’s social media content for many years. Currently Caroline is leading our marketing and communications during Kirsty’s maternity leave. 

Using her excellent communication skills, Caroline is bringing the movement in Bucks and MK to life. With a keen eye for detail, she is always focused on putting people at the heart of what she does. Working with a broad spectrum of activity and sport focused projects and organisation Caroline brings a wealth of experience to the role.

A keen cyclist, Caroline enjoys exploring on her bike and has recently discovered a love of wild swimming.

E: caroline.drake@leapwithus.org.uk

Charlotte O’Connor

(She/Her/Hers) | Administrator

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Charlotte is our invaluable administrator, supporting all areas of work to ensure Leap runs smoothly.

Joining us in Sept 2023, Charlotte has been working with the Buckinghamshire County Council Culture team. She really enjoys walking with her family and taking part in walking challenges for charity. Charlotte’s proudest achievement is completing the Thames Bridges Trek: crossing 25 bridges across the Thames.

E: charlotte.oconnor@leapwithus.org.uk

Chris Gregory

(He/Him/His) | Head of Strategic Relationships

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Chris supports the aims of the team by making sure we are having the right conversations with the right people. Particularly with some of our key partners, including the Public Health teams and Clinical Commissioning Groups, local long-term condition charities, National Governing Bodies of sport and our Local Authority stakeholders.

Chris joined the team in 2010 to manage the Reactivate initiative, after spending 7 years at St Albans District Council and Leisure Connection, where he gained invaluable insight and experience managing and delivering interventions with young people, adults and disabled people.

You’ll find Chris keeping active by chasing after his three young son’s or going out for a run, and don’t be surprised if you see him standing or walking in meetings to get his movement fix.

T: 07841311624
E: cgregory@leapwithus.org.uk

David Haggart

(He/Him/His) | Disability and Inclusion Manage

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David aims to improve access to movement, physical activity and sport by bringing together organisations working with disabled people and those delivering movement, physical activity and sport.

He joined Leap in January 2023 and has a background in fundraising – from programmes in rugby, cricket and disability sport to harnessing sport to gain educational qualifications and improve employability.

David can often be found running, and as trained sighted guide, he has assisted blind and visually impaired runners through couch-to-5k courses, half-marathons and the London Marathon. He occasionally plays hockey, but he’s more likely to be holding a whistle than a stick these days.

The Disability and Inclusion Relationship Manager role was created by a partnership between Leap and the Berks and Bucks FA. David splits his time working together with both organisations to improve lives and tackle inequalities.

E: David.haggart@leapwithus.org.uk

Image of Hans Trivadi smiling
Hans Trivedi

(He/Him/His) | Data and Insight Partner

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Hans joined Leap to help develop the organization’s data strategy and insight capabilities. Our core vision is that by taking a data driven approach, Leap can better understand the complex challenges different people face to be active and improve the system of solutions and approaches used across the region, ultimately to make a difference to those that need it most!

Hans has always been passionate about sport and the importance of staying physically active. The data around the benefits to health, personal development and wellbeing are incredible and very compelling. Being able to support Leap’s team to leverage the power of data to support its mission is both exciting and deeply rewarding.

Email: hans.trivedi@leapwithus.org.uk

Kirsty Ingham

(She/Her/Hers)| Head of Marketing and Communications

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Creative and driven, Kirsty leads our marketing and communications work across the organisation as well as our approach to data, insight, evaluation and learning. Kirsty is motivated by really understanding our audiences and providing a high-quality customer experience.

Sport has always played a big part in Kirsty’s life and she represented England at Roller Hockey for 11 years, 7 of which were as captain of the England Women’s team. Kirsty joined the team in 2010, relocating from her home county of Cambridgeshire but now considers Buckinghamshire home.

Kirsty is currently on maternity leave, please contact Caroline Drake for all marketing and communications queries.

Louise Gillespie

(She/Her/Hers) | Evaluation & Impact Partner

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Louise is a dedicated professional working in Evaluation and Impact. With a background in IT and marketing, she brings a unique blend of analytical skills and creative ideas to the team.

Louise believes in the power of physical activity to transform lives and her role involves evaluating and tracking interventions aimed at fostering healthier, more inclusive communities. Using data insights to shape future work, she helps to ensure that initiatives not only promote physical well-being but also contribute to narrowing the gaps in access and participation.

Outside the workplace, you’ll find Louise on the tennis court, hockey pitch or enjoying leisurely dog walks.

E: louise.gillespie@leapwithus.org.uk

Mark Stokes

(He/Him/His) | Head of Children and Young People

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Mark joined the team in summer 2014 to strategically lead our work for Children and Young People, including the School Sport Premium, School Games and Physical Literacy.

Joining the Leap team from the neighbouring CSP in Beds and Luton where he was Coaching Development Manager, Mark brings with him a wealth of experience in both Sports Development and School Sport from previous posts as Development Manager for a School Sport Partnership and various other Youth Sport Development roles.

Mark originally came to England from Canada in the early 1990’s to play professional Ice Hockey and played on a number of successful teams, most notably Manchester Storm before retiring in 2005. He now gets on the golf course when he can, enjoys watching most sports and during the summer had his first taste of rounders during his debut for the Leap workplace rounders team!

T: 07738314190

E: mstokes@leapwit

Mel & Wes Ogle

Coaching Champions

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Mel and Wes joined Leap in 2023 as Coaching Champions, although they’re been delivery partners through WMPT Sparks for many years.

They both had very active childhoods and understand the importance of being active in day to day life, and decided they wanted to do something they love for a living. WMPT Sparks was created in 2014. The family run business encourages all abilities, particularly children and young people, to take part.

Mel and Wes are working across the Aylesbury area to support existing and new coaches and leaders. 

E: wmpt.sparks@gmail.com

Portia Simond

(She/Her/Hers) | Project 500 Coaching Champion and MK Movers Network Lead

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Portia joined the Leap team in January 2022 as our Project 500 coaching champion and she is also leading the MK Movers Network. A skilled coach and mentor, Portia is passionate about supporting women into coaching roles.

T:  07887745705
E:
portia.simond@leapwithus.org.uk

Rhiannon Smith

(She/Her/Hers) | Children and Young People Project Manager

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Rhiannon is passionate about giving all children and young people an opportunity to have a positive experience of physical activity.

Often referred to as the Leap matchmaker she works with youth organisations, charities and schools to provide more opportunities for young people to be active by matching them up to brilliant community physical activity providers to meet young people needs and wants.

Rhiannon is also Leaps deputy safeguarding lead.

Rhiannon is a massive netball fan and can be found at the weekend cheering on her two young sons playing football and rugby.

T: 07738314191
E: rhsmith@leapwithus.org.uk

Shay Fenlon

(He/Him/His) | People Development Manager

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Shay is a self proclaimed physical activity fanatic who is passionate about supporting people to be the best version of themselves. Shay’s role at Leap is as their Workforce lead, supporting the coaches, volunteers, clubs & professional workforce across Bucks & MK to be the best they can be.

T: 01296 585604
E:
sfenlon@leapwithus.org.uk

Wendy Couzin

(She/Her/Hers) | Children and Young People Project Officer

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Wendy is the driving force behind many of our children and young people projects, in particular the School Games. Highly organised and efficient, Wendy works almost as fast as she can run.
Passionate about running and boxing, Wendy has competed in two amateur boxing matches with her gym. With a young daughter who’s also keen on sport, Wendy is also kept busy as taxi and chief supporter.

T: 07890966931
E:
wcouzin@leapwithus.org.uk

Yvette Hockley

(She/Her/Hers) Sport Welfare Officer

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Yvette joined Leap in January 2024 to support local clubs and community organisations help facilitate an inclusive culture of safe sport for children, young people and adults.

She has been working to recruit, train and support volunteers in the community and voluntary sector for the past 20 years. Yvette is an experienced trainer and has delivered safeguarding and support to hundreds of volunteers.

E: yvette.hockley@leapwithus.org.uk

Mark’s role as CEO is to strengthen and develop partnerships whilst interpreting national policy into deliverable action at a local level. Joining the team in 2012, Mark brought with him a wealth of experience from 17 years and 7 different roles at Sport England. 

Mark firmly believes we are stronger together and works across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in his role as Chair of the Buckinghamshire VCSE Partnership Board. 

Typical of most men in their early fifties Mark looks longingly back at his former sporting glories, and now keeps reasonably fit by cycling, skiing, and is also an avid supporter of the Welsh Rugby team. Perhaps no coincidence Leap’s dominant brand colour is red?

T: 07957361170
E: mormerod@leapwithus.org.uk

Abbi has a sixth sense for building relationships and making things happen. Having worked in the sector for over a decade and with experience of establishing both local and countywide programmes she is the key driver to many of our successful participation projects.

Abbi works hard in both the work and sporting arenas and recently qualified for international competitions in Hyrox. 

Abbi’s normal working days are Tuesday 9am – 5pm, Wednesday 9am – 2.30pm and Thursday 9am – 5pm

T: 01296 585658
E: amckane@leapwithus.org.uk

Andrea works with partners assisting with funding advice plus looking after the financial management of the organisation.

Her first job in sport was as a swimming teacher and lifeguard whilst studying for a degree in Recreation Management. After graduating she started working at Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) as Swimming Development Officer, changing roles a few times to eventually managing the Sports Development Team. During this time Andrea was seconded to Sport England, Buckinghamshire County Council and Active Sports to deliver projects and write strategies.

Andrea is really active and enjoys cycling, swimming, fitness classes and particularly playing tennis, fitting them in around the family. 

Andrea’s normal working days are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

T: 07843311849
E: ahealy@leapwithus.org.uk

Anya joined the Leap team from a school background, working as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) in both mainstream and Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools.

Hugely passionate about how exercise supports our mental health, Anya is a keen runner and enjoys going to the gym.

Anya works across our workforce and children and young people programmes including Lead the Way, disability coaching programme, training opportunities, Play Their Way and the youth worker development programme.

T: 07890966904
E: anya.forbes-phyall@leapwithus.org.uk

Benson joined the Leap team in 2022 in a specific Coaching Champion role. Bringing a wealth of experience to the Leap team, Benson started out as a personal trainer in 1996, going on to facility management and leading teams of health and fitness industry professionals for many years.

Moving his primary focus over to people’s personal development in 2005, Benson has worked with busy business executives, professional sports people and their coaches on their physical and psychological performance.

In 2019 Benson created a non profit organisation to drive the connection between commercial and community. The focus is to grow healthier and happier communities by empowering people through people.

E: benson@teamcic.co.uk 

Caroline has been the expert behind Leap’s social media content for many years. Currently Caroline is leading our marketing and communications during Kirsty’s maternity leave. 

Using her excellent communication skills, Caroline is bringing the movement in Bucks and MK to life. With a keen eye for detail, she is always focused on putting people at the heart of what she does. Working with a broad spectrum of activity and sport focused projects and organisation Caroline brings a wealth of experience to the role.

A keen cyclist, Caroline enjoys exploring on her bike and has recently discovered a love of wild swimming.

E: caroline.drake@leapwithus.org.uk

Charlotte is our invaluable administrator, supporting all areas of work to ensure Leap runs smoothly.

Joining us in Sept 2023, Charlotte has been working with the Buckinghamshire County Council Culture team. She really enjoys walking with her family and taking part in walking challenges for charity. Charlotte’s proudest achievement is completing the Thames Bridges Trek: crossing 25 bridges across the Thames.

E: charlotte.oconnor@leapwithus.org.uk

Chris supports the aims of the team by making sure we are having the right conversations with the right people. Particularly with some of our key partners, including the Public Health teams and Clinical Commissioning Groups, local long-term condition charities, National Governing Bodies of sport and our Local Authority stakeholders.

Chris joined the team in 2010 to manage the Reactivate initiative, after spending 7 years at St Albans District Council and Leisure Connection, where he gained invaluable insight and experience managing and delivering interventions with young people, adults and disabled people.

You’ll find Chris keeping active by chasing after his three young son’s or going out for a run, and don’t be surprised if you see him standing or walking in meetings to get his movement fix.

T: 07841311624
E: cgregory@leapwithus.org.uk

David aims to improve access to movement, physical activity and sport by bringing together organisations working with disabled people and those delivering movement, physical activity and sport.

He joined Leap in January 2023 and has a background in fundraising – from programmes in rugby, cricket and disability sport to harnessing sport to gain educational qualifications and improve employability.

David can often be found running, and as trained sighted guide, he has assisted blind and visually impaired runners through couch-to-5k courses, half-marathons and the London Marathon. He occasionally plays hockey, but he’s more likely to be holding a whistle than a stick these days.

The Disability and Inclusion Relationship Manager role was created by a partnership between Leap and the Berks and Bucks FA. David splits his time working together with both organisations to improve lives and tackle inequalities.

E: David.haggart@leapwithus.org.uk

Hans joined Leap to help develop the organization’s data strategy and insight capabilities. Our core vision is that by taking a data driven approach, Leap can better understand the complex challenges different people face to be active and improve the system of solutions and approaches used across the region, ultimately to make a difference to those that need it most!

Hans has always been passionate about sport and the importance of staying physically active. The data around the benefits to health, personal development and wellbeing are incredible and very compelling. Being able to support Leap’s team to leverage the power of data to support its mission is both exciting and deeply rewarding.

Email: hans.trivedi@leapwithus.org.uk

Creative and driven, Kirsty leads our marketing and communications work across the organisation as well as our approach to data, insight, evaluation and learning. Kirsty is motivated by really understanding our audiences and providing a high-quality customer experience.

Sport has always played a big part in Kirsty’s life and she represented England at Roller Hockey for 11 years, 7 of which were as captain of the England Women’s team. Kirsty joined the team in 2010, relocating from her home county of Cambridgeshire but now considers Buckinghamshire home.

Kirsty is currently on maternity leave, please contact Caroline Drake for all marketing and communications queries.

Louise is a dedicated professional working in Evaluation and Impact. With a background in IT and marketing, she brings a unique blend of analytical skills and creative ideas to the team.

Louise believes in the power of physical activity to transform lives and her role involves evaluating and tracking interventions aimed at fostering healthier, more inclusive communities. Using data insights to shape future work, she helps to ensure that initiatives not only promote physical well-being but also contribute to narrowing the gaps in access and participation.

Outside the workplace, you’ll find Louise on the tennis court, hockey pitch or enjoying leisurely dog walks.

E: louise.gillespie@leapwithus.org.uk

Mark joined the team in summer 2014 to strategically lead our work for Children and Young People, including the School Sport Premium, School Games and Physical Literacy.

Joining the Leap team from the neighbouring CSP in Beds and Luton where he was Coaching Development Manager, Mark brings with him a wealth of experience in both Sports Development and School Sport from previous posts as Development Manager for a School Sport Partnership and various other Youth Sport Development roles.

Mark originally came to England from Canada in the early 1990’s to play professional Ice Hockey and played on a number of successful teams, most notably Manchester Storm before retiring in 2005. He now gets on the golf course when he can, enjoys watching most sports and during the summer had his first taste of rounders during his debut for the Leap workplace rounders team!

T: 07738314190

E: mstokes@leapwit

Mel and Wes joined Leap in 2023 as Coaching Champions, although they’re been delivery partners through WMPT Sparks for many years.

They both had very active childhoods and understand the importance of being active in day to day life, and decided they wanted to do something they love for a living. WMPT Sparks was created in 2014. The family run business encourages all abilities, particularly children and young people, to take part.

Mel and Wes are working across the Aylesbury area to support existing and new coaches and leaders. 

E: wmpt.sparks@gmail.com

Portia joined the Leap team in January 2022 as our Project 500 coaching champion and she is also leading the MK Movers Network. A skilled coach and mentor, Portia is passionate about supporting women into coaching roles.

T:  07887745705
E:
portia.simond@leapwithus.org.uk

Rhiannon is passionate about giving all children and young people an opportunity to have a positive experience of physical activity.

Often referred to as the Leap matchmaker she works with youth organisations, charities and schools to provide more opportunities for young people to be active by matching them up to brilliant community physical activity providers to meet young people needs and wants.

Rhiannon is also Leaps deputy safeguarding lead.

Rhiannon is a massive netball fan and can be found at the weekend cheering on her two young sons playing football and rugby.

T: 07738314191
E: rhsmith@leapwithus.org.uk

Shay is a self proclaimed physical activity fanatic who is passionate about supporting people to be the best version of themselves. Shay’s role at Leap is as their Workforce lead, supporting the coaches, volunteers, clubs & professional workforce across Bucks & MK to be the best they can be.

T: 01296 585604
E:
sfenlon@leapwithus.org.uk

Wendy is the driving force behind many of our children and young people projects, in particular the School Games. Highly organised and efficient, Wendy works almost as fast as she can run.
Passionate about running and boxing, Wendy has competed in two amateur boxing matches with her gym. With a young daughter who’s also keen on sport, Wendy is also kept busy as taxi and chief supporter.

T: 07890966931
E:
wcouzin@leapwithus.org.uk

Yvette joined Leap in January 2024 to support local clubs and community organisations help facilitate an inclusive culture of safe sport for children, young people and adults.

She has been working to recruit, train and support volunteers in the community and voluntary sector for the past 20 years. Yvette is an experienced trainer and has delivered safeguarding and support to hundreds of volunteers.

E: yvette.hockley@leapwithus.org.uk

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