Meet the Durham NCT Branch Team

Johanna - Interim Branch Coordinator

Johanna is our Interim Branch Coordinator, Johanna took on the role to save the branch from closure after leading the Nearly New Sale team alongside Jen for 4 years.

Johanna is also a Project Manager with over 8yrs experience in Project Management across Engineering, Energy and Nuclear, Heritage, Charity and Higher Education sectors. Specialising in non-profit and community projects, Johanna is currently working on a project to train women from minority groups in tech roles.

At home Johanna loves crafts and sci-fi and spending time with her husband and two children, Johanna also has a keen interest in reducing waste and protecting the environment which is what initially drew her to the NCT Nearly New Sales.

Rachel - Twins and Multiples Group Leader

Rachel runs the Durham Twins and Multiples play group on a Monday morning in Neville’s Cross. She trained in performing arts working in the theatre before changing career paths and becoming a Drama and English teacher. Rachel attended the play group with her twins before taking over 3 years ago.

Sarah - Walk and Talk Group Leader

Sarah is the walk and talk coordinator, a new role for the branch. Sarah moved to Durham a year ago (January 2020) for her husbands job, just 2 months before lockdown, so it has been an interesting year to get to know Durham. Sarah is a stay at home mum to an 18months old little girl, they love to go out for walks as much as possible, go to soft play (when it’s open) and sit in coffee shops drinking tea and eating cake.

Mamatha - Branch Parent Support Coordinator – Events & First Aid

Mamatha has recently joined the NCT Durham team as Parent Support Coordinator – Events. Having attended numerous playgroups with her now 5 year old son, it helped her during her child’s initial development, she is passionate to volunteer with NCT and give back to the community which helped her.

Mamatha is also a civil engineering graduate with over five years of experience as a project coordinator for a leading construction company in India. Currently is a stay at home mom, looking for opportunities to resume her career.

Shakirah - Branch Web Coordinator

Shakirah is our Branch Web Coordinator with a demonstrated history of working in Government Agency, Non-profit organisation, HR Consultancy and Technology Industries. She helps businesses increase brand awareness by implementing inbound marketing practises that drives key business objectives. Her qualifications and experience in research and writing reflect her passion for delivering compelling content. From advocating actively for women in STEM roles (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Shakirah has a keen interest in teaching and enjoys volunteer tutoring in her spare time.

Rebecca - Branch Social Media Coordinator

Rebecca is our Social Media Volunteer and runs the Twitter and Facebook accounts. This pretty much mirrors her day job as she is a Freelance Social Media Consultant, supporting and training business owners across the UK through her company Socially Bonded.

When she doesn't have her head buried in her phone she is kept busy by her family, particularly the two children! Her eldest has picked up her love of recycling and regifting and often volunteers with Rebecca at our Nearly New Sales in the hope of picking up a bargain herself.

Nearly New Sale Team

Jen - Nearly New Sale Co-Coordinator

Jen has been on the Nearly New Sale team now for 4 years as one of the Nearly New Sale Coordinators. When not organising (& shopping at) the sales, Jen works at Durham University managing a postgraduate research partnership. She is also kept busy by her two young boys and baby girl, born at the end of 2020.

Nicola - Nearly New Sale Treasurer

Nicola is our Deputy Treasurer for the Nearly New Sales; a role she has been in for nearly 4 years now. She came from a background in finance after working in Local Government for 10years and is currently employed in an Admin role at Sunderland University. If she’s not working she’s spending time with her husband, 3 children and cockapoo. Her youngest daughter particularly enjoys bargain hunting with her at the Nearly New Sales

Claire - Nearly New Sale Social Media Coordinator

Claire has been working with the NCT Durham branch for about 2 years, helping to manage the social media promotion of the various branch Nearly New and Toy Sales throughout the year.

Claire is a Chartered Marketer and CIM qualified with over 18 years’ experience in marketing communications. She is a freelance Social Media Manager and runs her own company, Knight & Day Social Media Management, to help unlock the power and potential of social media for individuals and businesses of all sizes and budgets. She is based in Gloucestershire, is a mum of 2 and is passionate about helping and supporting parents of young children.

Julia - Nearly New Sale Business Volunteer

Julia is our Nearly New Sale Business Volunteer. She has worked within further education for 14 years mainly specialising in Apprenticeships. She has worked with a variety of businesses during this time providing advice, guidance and recruitment alongside supporting young people into employment. When not working she enjoys spending time with her husband and two girls aged 4 and 1. She also loves crafting when she has the time!

Susie – Bumps and Babies Group Leader

After completing a textile degree in Aberdeen, I moved to Durham for my partner's work. Became a pharmacy technician and then a high school lab technician. Put that on hold to become a full time mum to two bonkers children.  

Attended bumps and babies with both babies where I made all my mum friends and found so much support.  When not tearing around after the kids I love crochet, mountains, good meals and spas. 

Bryony – Branch Volunteer

Parenting groups were an essential feature when I became a new mum in helping me navigate parenthood, babies, breastfeeding and lack of sleep, and I really felt they supported my mental health and wellbeing! It was an NCT bumps and Babies group at which I met a group of parents and babies that I’m still friends with nearly 10 years later! Since then, I have always wanted to help support parents during these early days.

I have been an infant and nursery teacher for around 8 years and love working with children. At home I’m kept busy by my own brood of two boys and my new baby girl. My latest addition is introducing me to the hectic, but amazing job of Special Needs Mum, and keeping me super busy learning lots of new skills and meeting lots of new people. Whenever we can, our family loves to get out into nature to explore. I also love to dance, which is how I met my partner! 

Pip – Parent Support Coordinator Groups

Philippa has recently qualified as Chartered Legal Executive and works as a commercial lawyer in a renewable energy company. She is a mum to one and when not looking after her daughter she enjoys walking with her husband and golden retriever, running, and board games.                                                                                                                                                            

Jo – Bumps and Babies Group volunteer

Jo will be volunteering with the Durham Bumps and Babies group. After attending the group while on maternity leave with her son in 2018, she saw how much support the group gave local mums and jumped at the chance to be more involved during her current maternity leave with her daughter. 

Jo is a musician and Early Years teacher. She plays and teaches the cello all over the North East and beyond. She works with pre-school children in schools and takes Early Years music classes. Jo also loves baking (particularly cakes and sourdough bread) and running.