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 now live in Belfast with my local husband. I have a BA and MSc in childhood psychology and my Level 5 in Playwork. As of September 2021 I have been awarded a funded PhD studentship through Queen’s University to study children’s playfulness in partnership with Venture Kids! 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 hold a Level 3 diploma in Playwork from Belfast Metropolitan College, and a degree in Early Childhood Studies Degree at Stranmillis University College. My favourite thing about Venture Kids is watching the children use their own imagination to create their play space. I’m always eager to get stuck into whatever crazy ideas the kids in Venture Kids come up with.

I hold my level 3 in CCLD and my Level 3 in Playwork. I’m enthusiastic, outgoing and love messy play. I love Venture Kids because they let children be children and we have no technological devices. The children can use their own imagination to explore the world of play.

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’ve been working with children for the last 6 years as a music teacher, classroom assistant and now a playworker. I love seeing children using their imaginations in play and hearing all the amazing things they create and invent! I love that Venture Kids gives the children space to explore and create and I’m happiest when that involves glitter, glue and paint!

I currently have my level 3 in supporting teaching and learning. I have been a classroom assistant at Belmont primary school for 12 years. Working in early years, I know how vital play is and that’s why I love Venture Kids! I love the fact that there are no screens and how so many materials are provided for the children to use their imaginations and play, play, play!

I moved over here to live with my girlfriend and I’ve lived over here for over a year now. I have a level 3 working with Autism and I am also a level 2 swimming teacher. I was a single dad before I moved here and worked at a primary school for three years as a classroom assistant in both mainstream and Autistic unit. I came to Venture Kids for an interview about a minibus driver position and talked myself into a Playworker role too – and don’t regret it for a minute! I love working at Venture Kids and the kids are great. 

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.

After working with children through summer camps and after school programs in California for over 10 years, I am delighted to continue aiding children in their development here in Belfast. Currently, I am studying at Queen’s University for Film Studies at Production. I enjoy watching children build their skills every day. Venture Kids is the perfect place for kids to use their imagination and skills and to have fun while doing it. 

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!

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 have experience working with children in youth groups in Monaghan/Cavan where I am from, mainly facilitating drama. I have a BA (hons) in drama (performance) and a MA in movement directing and teaching. My interest in children stemmed from having an extremely large extended family and looking after my little cousins from a very young age. Working at Venture Kids is a place where I can live out my childhood dream of being Peter Pan when I grew up.