I am a parent to 2 girls and owner/manager of Venture Kids. I hold a degree in Politics and a Level 5 Diploma in Playwork. I started Venture Kids because I wanted to offer the chance of affordable, quality childcare, based on giving kids the right to play. Play is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Happy kids = Happy parents.

Originally from Dallas, Texas, I’ve lived in Belfast since 2016 with my local husband. I have a BA and MSc in childhood psychology and my Level 5 in Playwork. As of August 2025, I have also completed my PhD in partnership with Venture Kids on the Developmental Psychology of Playfulness and Playwork through Queen’s University, Belfast. I love experiencing just how smart and creative children are, especially when given the independence, freedom and resources to create their own play at Venture Kids.

 After spending years in the catering industry, I decided to switch paths and follow my inner child (being a big kid myself!). I have recently completed my Level 5 Diploma in Playwork. At Venture Kids, we want to give kids the chance to play like we did when we were young. There are no screens or devices at VK, just lots of imagination and fun.

I currently have a foundation degree and BA(Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies from Stranmillis University. I also experienced working with kids when I spent a summer away in New York working at a summer camp. My favourite thing about working at VK is seeing how creative all the kids are, their imaginations are amazing, and being there to support them and join in makes every day fun at VK.

I have experience working with children in youth clubs for a number of years. My interest in developmental psychology was furthered in my BSc Psychology degree at Queens University Belfast. I am now pursuing my PhD in Psychology also at QUB. Working at venture kids is a fun and engaging environment that I genuinely enjoy!

I currently have my Playwork Level 3 and am now studying my level 3 in Autism awareness. I’m as enthusiastic as the kids here and I am the ‘group game queen!’ My favourite thing about Venture Kids is how every day is different and the kids always learn something new.

I started working with kids when a classroom assistant post became available at Greenwood for a few months… almost 10 years l’m still there! Kids in my class would excitedly tell me about the fun they had at their after school club so when I heard there was a playwork opportunity I had to apply. Venture Kids has completely deepened my appreciation for the importance of play, (especially screen free). I love seeing children using their imaginations and all the amazing things they create and invent, it’s fantastic to be part of such an amazing team helping to create a fun, engaging environment for the kids to be kids!

I have 15 years’ experience working with children and every day I am still learning myself. Gaining my level 5 Playwork has given me an opportunity to join the Venture Kids team. In doing so I have learned that every day is a play day! It is great to watch the children use their imagination in such a great play space.

I am currently completing a Degree in Early Childhood Studies with Stranmillis University, with an interest to progress to a PGCE and become an Early Years teacher. With recently becoming a part of the VK team, I have been thoroughly enjoying being a part of the children’s play opportunities and watching their imagination grow! I value how important play is to childhood, and that’s why I love Venture Kids!

After finishing my A-levels, I am excited to spend the summer with Venture Kids. I love playing with the kids and being able to relive my childhood with them. I am also a babysitter for many of the Venture Kids. I love how VK gives children the freedom to choose what to play with each day but also the well planned and detailed activities so many of the kids love. One of my favourite things is chatting with the kids, being amused and intrigued by how they think about the world and seeing where their wild imaginations can lead them in play.

After having recently completed my A-levels, I have enjoyed many summers working with kids at schemes and events. I am now taking a gap year, working in an internship which involves going out and encouraging kids all over Ireland. I have a diploma in Acting and I teach drama to children once a week which is the best fun. I hope to go into the Arts Industry in the future, where continuing to inspire others is at the forefront of my mind. I am delighted to be able to work (play) with the kids at Venture Kids, seeing them grow, smile, laugh and connect with others. It is truly a joy being able to reach into my inner-child and make long lasting memories for and with the children.

Growing up in a big family, having already lots of babysitting experience, it only made sense to volunteer with kids. This began as working with The Saturday Club providing respite for the parents and guardians of children on the spectrum or with a disability which has later evolved into becoming a playworker here at Venture Kids ! I am beyond grateful that I can assist the kids reach new heights in a safe and exciting environment.

During my A-levels I did lots of placements and volunteer work in school settings, this solidified for me that I wanted to work with kids. I am currently doing a Foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies. Working at VK has really helped with my understanding of how children think and their amazing imaginations. I immediately felt like I had created a bond with the children. I now look forward to each week to see what we will get up to!

I’ve just finished my A Levels and am currently on a gap year before heading to university to study physio next year. Over the past few summers I’ve loved helping to lead children’s camps so I knew I’d enjoy a job at VK — it’s such a joy to see the energy, creativity, and curiosity that children bring. I really enjoy the variety of activities the children get to try at VK and the fun we have!

After having just moved to Belfast to start my degree in history at Queen’s, I had no idea the highlight of every week would soon be working at Venture Kids! The atmosphere, staff and wee kiddos are a joy to be around. Being an older sister to 3 younger brothers, Venture Kids has given me a ‘home from home’ and allowed me the opportunity to both watch memories being made amongst the kids and make my own along side them.

I completed my Level 3 Extended Diploma in Children’s Care and Learning at SERC, and I’m currently studying Early Childhood Studies at Stranmillis University College. I spent the summer working in Canada at a children’s summer camp, which I loved and which strengthened my love for Early Years. I want to make a positive difference in children’s lives, and I enjoy supporting them through meaningful play experiences. I value play as a core part of childhood, learning and development and that is what makes me excited to work at Venture Kids!

I’m originally from the United States and just moved to Belfast to pursue a degree in History and International Relations at Queen’s University Belfast. Growing up with four younger siblings meant I was always surrounded by laughter, games and chaos! So, working at Venture Kids, surrounded by kids, feels like second nature! Every day with kids is different and the kids’ energy and imagination is what I love most about it.

I’m originally from the United States but spent much of my life living internationally. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Developmental Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast. I have always had a passion for working with children and am delighted to be part of the child-play-driven team at Venture Kids! In the future, I hope to continue supporting children and their families, with the goal of working in hospital settings with children facing illness and their loved ones.

While studying astrophysics in university, I discovered how much I enjoy spending time with kids through babysitting my niece and nephews. I think kids are endlessly creative, intelligent and see the world in a fascinating way, and I love helping to nurture that! I am currently pursuing a career as a pilot, but love working at Venture Kids as it allows me to have fun and reconnect with the child in me.

Whilst studying Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast, I developed a great interest in early childhood development. I worked over the summer at a children’s Summer Camp in Philadelphia, and have had experience of being a full time carer for my younger brother. Being apart of the VK team is very fulfilling and it’s great getting to make a difference in children’s day-to-day lives.

I recently graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a degree in Film and Theatre Production. During my studies, I specialised in educational drama, where I discovered a real passion for teaching and supporting young people in developing their creative skills. I found so much joy in watching children grow in confidence, imagination and self-expression. Seeing them build new skills, create their own ideas, and explore the arts in their own unique way is incredibly rewarding. Children have such a fascinating and inspiring way of viewing the world, and no two days at Venture Kids are ever the same. Being part of that constantly evolving creativity is something I feel very lucky to experience.