The Team

Sharon Smithers - Deputy Centre Manager

Sharon is the Children's Centre Deputy Manager who has worked with Nomad for a number of years. Initially as a volunteer, Sharon has seen the children’s centre services develop from the beginning. 

She is a valued member of staff not only being known for her pink hair, but as a creative and innovative person who brings delight to many children. Her love of ‘messy play’ in particular is legendry as the children enjoy wonderful tactile experiences with various mediums. Some parents are often sceptical of her ideas, but warm to them as they are drawn in by Sharon’s enthusiasm. She is loved and respected by many.

Sharon is mum to seven including twins and grand mum to nine. She loves her garden and enjoys visiting art galleries.

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Annie Byron - Deputy Manager Sonning Common & Area

Annie has been working with the Rainbow Children’s Centre in Woodcote, Sonning Common and Goring since June 2009. She is passionate about developing opportunities in the early years settings for children and parents. Her hard work and commitment are already evidenced in the quality activities being run and developed through the centre.

Living with her husband and two lovely children, Annie values family life. In addition she is studying for a degree in Children’s learning and Development, enjoys scrapbooking and singing. She is a vibrant character to have around.

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Olivia Nemes Administrator

Olivia started at the Rainbow Children's Centre in May 2012 and is covering maternity leave.  She is orginally from Hungary and has been living in the UK for 8 years.  She enjoys walking her dogs and strong coffee!

Christine Ullah – Part-time Administrator

I joined the team in September 2008 as an Administrator. A typical day for me might involve; paying invoices, inputting data onto the computer, or the typing up of Minutes, and I have recently completed an NVQ course in Business & Administration. I have had experience working with children in nursery settings in the past so I can relate very well to what goes on. What motivates me the most in my role is working alongside such an encouraging, supportive & committed team and getting to know some of the families who visit the Children’s Centre.

As well as my role as Administrator, I am married, have 3 children and live in Stoke Row.

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Ruth Elwell - Children's Centre Worker

Ruth is a dependable worker. She has worked with the Rainbow Children’s Centre since June 2009 and in her quiet way brings stability and assurance to our children and families.

In keeping with many on the team, family is important to Ruth which she shares with her husband and two children. With never an idle moment, her life is always very full and when not working with the children’s centre, she is often to be found doing voluntary work in the local church, her children’s school or anywhere they need an extra pair of hands.

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Andrew Bryant - Children's Centre Worker

Andrew has been working with the children’s centre since the summer of 2009. Together with the rest of the team he plans and facilitates the various sessions which are run for children and their families. His favorite parts of the job are being involved with the creative and imaginative elements of children’s experimental play and the happy smiling faces which always seem to abound at all the sessions. He is also a practicing artist who takes much of his personal inspiration from art designed by the children he works with.

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Jane Wojcicki - Children's Centre Worker

I have been working part time for the Children's Centre since 2008. Previously I worked in a local pre-school for 12 years and also as a nurse.

I love to see the children playing and exploring in a friendly atmosphere. I enjoy supporting parents in the challenging role of bringing up their children.

When I am not at the centre I am busy looking after my own family which includes Rusty our dog. I enjoy walking, painting and having coffee with friends.

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Sessional workers and volunteers:

They say it takes a community to raise a child and Nomad is fortunate enough to have a very willing band of people from the local community who help us and bring some amazing talents and gifting to the project.  Irene Chapman has been a loyal and constant helper in our drop in for many years and is known and loved by many of the children and families. We also have many students and volunteers on short term placements who help tremendously.