The Collective

An experienced international team, each member bringing a unique skillset and the ability to foster a collaborative environment.

Co-founder

Co-Founder

Teacher, artist, potter
Pippa is a qualified Arts Educator with over 30 years of teaching experience. In addition to her teaching, she is a ceramic artist who has exhibited with Warwickshire Open Studios and sells her work at craft fairs. “I believe creativity is vital for our mental health and well-being needs. I have witnessed first hand how Art can transform lives and bring about a sense of identity, purpose and achievement.”

Meet Prerna, a devoted early childhood education consultant with 39 years of experience, driven by a heartfelt mission to enhance the world for children. As a nationally and internationally recognized keynote speaker, Prerna has inspired thousands of educators through impactful workshops. Six years ago, she founded "Together We Grow," a platform offering professional development, behavior coaching, and NAEYC consulting, aiming to empower educators. Guided by the belief that knowing better leads to doing better, Prerna's philosophy centers on play and social-emotional development. Personally, she's a loving mother and grandmother. She is deeply committed to making a difference. In 2020, Prerna's outstanding contributions earned her the Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year Award from TXAEYC, a testament to her dedication and excellence in early childhood education.

Design, Making Plans, Woodworking
Alan was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in a family of architects and engineers. He studied architecture at Bristol University, earning a BA and Diploma in architecture. Since graduating, he has lived in India, Scotland, Hawaii and currently in Dallas, Texas. Alan has worked on large scale aviation projects as well as smaller projects with an emphasis on adaptive reuse, historic preservation and sustainability.
Alan enjoys a hands-on approach to design. He is passionate about learning and finding the connections between things.

CREATIVE FREEDOM
Founder of Angeli Studios - the home of Creative Freedom - for you to experience how your own innate creativity can change your life radically for the better.

Leadership Transformation Facilitator
From advising Ministers as Head of Strategy for the Scottish Government, to running national-scale change programmes in Renewable Energy, I've been immersed over the past 3 decades in leading complex, multi-stakeholder change.

I learned early in my career what teams under pressure are capable of, leading expeditions in South America and Mongolia - lessons that hold today.

Now in my 50s, I could not have done this work with the same sensitivity and depth a decade ago. The 40s can bring some tough reckonings, and painful learning. From a "burndown" triggered by a failed start-up, mine certainly did.

As Jung asked: "how can I be whole if I do not cast a shadow"?

I'm throwing a little light on some of mine here to let leaders know all of you is welcome, and because - whilst useful - our professional masks can also get in the way of the genuine connection that performance breakthroughs so often rely on.

I live between Rome and London, with my Italian wife and our 3 daughters, and our Scottish Labrador, CocoBear.

Carpenter
With a passion for transforming wood into works of art, Lorenzo is a creative carpenter who brings unique visions to life. Armed with a keen eye for detail and a skilled hand, they specialise in crafting bespoke furniture, custom cabinetry, and one-of-a-kind pieces that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. From rustic farmhouse tables to sleek modern designs, each creation reflects Lorenzo's commitment to quality craftsmanship and personalised service. Whether you're seeking a statement piece for your home or a functional solution for your business, Lorenzo is dedicated to creating enduring pieces that exceed your expectations.

Andrew Brooks is a multi award winning filmmaker with over 30 years of experience. He has run a Cable TV Channel, worked in education, developed 3D and VR experiences, advised on micro-budget filmmaking and has worked with clients including the BBC, ITV, NHS and the National Theatre to mention a few. Andrew is a determined environmentalist and has built his “I Met A Pixel” film studio at Brookside Farm almost entirely from discarded wood and materials thrown away in skips.

Sharon Brooks is a writer, filmmaker, up-cycler and people connector. She has a degree in Business Administration and Psychology and is a keen environmentalist. Sharon ran a “writing for wellbeing” group for three years, starting during Covid and has created a series of short story and poetry books. She also wrote and directed virtual Pantomimes with Headway, the Brain Injury charity as well as working with members to create a film exploring their personal experiences.

Educator, natural creations, reflexologist
Mother Nature - the healing, abundance, and creativity we receive from her. She inspires me to be more creative and connected every day. The language tutoring, reflexology practice, kindergarten teaching, care work, season tables, foraging, seasonal crafting, all are thanks to my connection with nature. We ARE nature, and the most precious thing of all is our joyful connections to each other. It’s such an honour to be part of this incredible project.

Best professional flower arranging classes, courses & workshops in traditional and contemporary floral art and design.
Inspirational confidence giving tuition. Relaxed Master classes. Diploma and Certificate courses.
Winner Flower School of the Year 2020.

The Founder’s Story

We've witnessed firsthand, through our own children, our friends' children, and their peers, the immense support and guidance today's youth require to navigate their school, university years, and transition into adulthood.

We're passionate about assisting them during this crucial phase of their lives. Years of personal experience and a dedicated team have positioned us well for this endeavor. Our strong partnerships with Together We Grow, the Natural Academy, Commando Joe's, and Garden Organic provide us with the necessary resources to expand our efforts.

I personally had a challenging childhood, but the full impact didn't become apparent until later in life. It took me fifty years to reach a point where I could confidently present myself to the world. Recognizing the challenges this can pose, I'm driven to create a space where young people can come together, connect with themselves, others, and nature.

As I delve deeper into the natural world, I'm increasingly amazed by how much we, as a human race, have forgotten about its significance. We are, of course, part of nature as members of the animal kingdom. However, what we observe daily here is the profound energy of nature. It's evident in its sights, sounds, smells, and touch. This energy has the power to unwind tense, anxious, and depressed souls. It rekindles their curiosity, interest, confidence, and ability to interact. It brings them back to life.

That's why we've named our project Ecodemia - a different approach to education. By placing nature and well-being at the heart of everything we do, we've proven that young people can achieve their dreams. Listen to their stories on our website, and you'll be amazed.

Currently, we're facing an unexpected challenge. Our next-door neighbor, whose plot shares our cesspit, needs to sell their house quickly. We've already invested all our available funds and borrowed as much as possible to develop Brookside Farm and its facilities. However, if we unite with your support, we have an opportunity to secure a building and four acres of land dedicated to young people. This is crucial because our current lack of accommodation limits our reach.

This space will enable us to host groups of young people for events, short courses, or longer programs. By offering accommodation, we can expand our reach to anyone in the world interested in visiting our little corner of Warwickshire. This international aspect is essential for broadening our perspectives and understanding the similarities and differences in challenges faced by others.

Our vision is to have small groups of young people spending time learning to connect with themselves, others, and nature. They'll acquire new skills, forge friendships, and discover new ways to approach their days and lives.

For those seeking internships or diplomas, we offer valuable qualifications in partnership with other organisations. We also provide opportunities to learn about land skills and nature-based crafts. And for those needing time and space to regain balance and develop resilience, Ecodemia offers a safe and supportive environment where they can blossom at their own pace.

Our experience has shown that young people are like plants. Some bloom early and long, while others bloom shorter or brighter. Some are darker and more resilient, while others are strong and tall. Each is unique and beautiful, with its own flavour. Unfortunately, many are being distorted by the system they're growing up in. We aim to help them straighten up and find their footing.

If this resonates with you, please support us. Any contribution, large or small, is a vote of confidence in nurturing the nature of our young people and brightening their future.

-Anthony, Founder

We're establishing a Community Interest Company (CIC) to purchase the property. This non-profit structure will enable us to secure community and grant support as we grow. If we don't reach our fundraising goal for the property itself, we guarantee that all funds will be used exclusively to support activities for young people. This will be transparently accounted for and shared with all contributors regularly.