About

Alresford Youth Association

Alresford Youth Association are a small charity, that has adapted over the years with the aim of helping the Youth of Alresford.

The AYA team

Emma Polglaze

My name is Emma. I am the Director of Operations and Development at the AYA as well as being the Designated Safeguarding lead and SEN lead. I have an Msc in Psychology and am planning to retrain as an Educational Psychologist. I have two children of my own, and a special interest in supporting families and children with additional needs. I returned to working with children nearly 3 years ago after 22 years of working in the Probation Service. I can often be found walking my 2 Bernese mountain dogs.

Gemma Cheyney

My name is Gemma and I am the manager at Breakfast and Afterschool club as well as being a part of the Early years team. I have a BTec National Diploma in Childhood studies and a Level 3 in Play work for Early years and Child care settings. I have over 20 years experience working with children. I have worked in nurseries, pre-schools and run a holiday club, with managerial and SEN roles included. I came to work for the AYA in February 2015 and became manager in 2019. As well as working for the AYA, I work as a lunchtime supervisory assistant at Sun Hill Junior School. I like to spend my spare time with my family and friends, walking my dogs, read and I support Southampton FC.

Anna Pearce

My name is Anna, I joined the AYA in 2014 and it has been lovely to see so many children go through our care. I have a Level 3 in Early years care and education and have worked in early years for the past 19 years. From November 2019 I joined the management team and have taken on some of the admin jobs, deputy safeguarding lead, as well as being a part of the EYFS team. I work at Sun Hill Infants School as a lunchtime supervisory assistant. At home I enjoy spending time with my family, taking our dog for walks and going on camping holidays.

Molly Wilson

My name is Molly, I hold a Level 3 in Childcare and Education, alongside many other childcare related qualifications. I have spent the past 10 years working within the local community as a private nanny, in nurseries, preschools and now as a lunchtime supervisor at Sun Hill Infants school, as well as being a key person in the EYFS team for the AYA, where I love to observe, plan and support the childrens growth. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 young children, going on bike rides, walks, being outside, baking and craft making.

Lisa Wilkinson

My name is Lisa. I have a BTec Diploma in Family and community care and a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification. As well as working for the AYA, I am also a full time LSA at Sun Hill Junior School. In my spare time I like to be outside, enjoying nature.

Maddie Burrows-Griffin

My name is Maddie, I joined the AYA team in December 2018. I am currently doing an apprenticeship with the AYA studying for my Level 2 and 3 in Early years childcare. I also work at Sun Hill Junior School as a 1-1Special needs assistant. In my spare time I enjoy being with my family and friends.

Sharon Townson

Dana Hruzova

My name is Dana. I came to the UK 3 years ago and became an Aupair. After this I applied to work at Sun Hill Junior school and became an LSA, which I continue to do as well as working for the AYA. In my spare time I enjoy long walks and a good sunset.

Leah Canaway

Jo Curtis

My name is Jo and I have worked as apart of the AYA team for 3 years. I have been married to my husband Ray for 38 years who I have two sons with, we have lived in Alresford for 36 years. Catering is my profession and I like to bake for Alresford Country market on Thursday mornings. I also enjoy reading and walking. Girl guiding has been a huge part of my life, I qualified at 18 to become an assistant Brownie leader, I went on to be a Brownie and Guide leader. In September 1986 I joined the 4th Alresford Brownie pack as Brown Owl and retired after 28 years. I am now a member of the 2nd Winchester Trefoil Guild, very close to where I began my Guiding venture.

Carol Brown

My name is Carol. I have worked for the AYA for 14 years. I enjoy my job, working as part of a team and being with the children. In my spare time I look after my Grandson; enjoy reading and doing puzzles.