Meet the Team
The Element team comprises skilled professionals with a shared commitment to inclusion, growth, and innovation.
The Element team is a group of skilled, compassionate professionals dedicated to transforming the lives of young people. Together, they bring expertise in education, therapy, and pastoral care to create inclusive and supportive environments.
Paul McColgan
Director of Inclusion
Paul McColgan
Director of Inclusion
It is with immense pleasure and an honour to be the Director of Inclusion, serving our schools and supporting all the children across the Trust.
Having spent almost thirty years’ collaborating with schools, local authorities, and educationalists, I am passionate and excited to be working in catholic education with like-minded inclusive people who show unconditional support and a caring, empathetic approach with relational practice at the heart.
I have always been a keen advocate for inclusion with the firm belief of ‘every child having the right to an education and the right to a childhood’ and know firsthand the importance of investing in people with an open, honest approach, striving to bring the best out of everyone.
Outside of education, I remain a devoted season ticket holder at my beloved Everton FC and can often be found on the bank honing my angling skills or walking my dog Charlie in local country parks.
Andrea Deans
Head of Centres at The Element
Andrea Deans
Head of Centres at The Element
Hello, my name is Andrea Deans and I’m Head of Centre at The Element. I have been working at the Trust since September 2023. I’m a season ticket holder at Everton Football Club and love Elvis!
The team at The Element is committed to creating and providing a curriculum that is inclusive; offering therapeutic and academic support and I’m delighted to be a part of this! We are proud to support schools and young people across the North West and work with everyone to help transform the lives of our young people whilst presenting them with the best opportunities available.
Isla O'Donnell
Safeguarding and Pastoral Lead
Isla O'Donnell
Safeguarding and Pastoral Lead
Hello, my name is Isla O’Donnell, and I am Pastoral & Safeguarding Lead for Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust. I love my family, my job and Star Wars!
I know that when young people feel happy and safe, they can achieve and for many, school is a place where they can learn, develop and thrive academically and emotionally. However, at times some students need a little bit more support and at The Element we are proud to provide this on a daily basis. An engaging and inclusive curriculum delivered by kind and caring individuals and complemented by proven interventions means that students can find their place to learn, develop and thrive.
One intervention we offer is Rhythmic Movement Therapy, an intervention very close to my heart and one I am personally very passionate about. This intervention changed my nephew's life when he was diagnosed with a rare brain abnormality in 2014 and allows him to cope with the demands of an ever changing society. As a qualified RMT assessor, I am passionate about bringing this to our students and have seen firsthand the impact it has not just on our young people but their families as well.
Always pass on what you have learned - Master Yoda
Nic Dunlea
Progress and Aspiration Coach
Nic Dunlea
Progress and Aspiration Coach
Hello, I’m Nic and I am Progress and Attainment Coach at The Element. I love dancing and my favourite thing is a kitchen disco!
Part of my role is providing emotional support to students (and staff) in my work as Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA). I am passionate about the mental health and wellbeing of our young people and have dedicated my career to talking therapies and counselling. Having seen first hand the huge positive impact a good educational experience has on all aspects of the lives of our young people, makes me even more committed to encouraging them to be the best version of themselves.
Beckie Lee
Primary Lead and Teacher
Beckie Lee
Primary Lead and Teacher
My name is Beckie Lee and I work for Trust as an Inclusion Teacher. In my spare time, I’m a Cub and Scout Leader and enjoy spending time with family and friends. I'm proud to be part of our dedicated team at The Element, creating an inclusive and nurturing learning environment, helping our young people to engage and achieve positive outcomes. It is a privilege to work with our extraordinary young people, supporting them emotionally, spiritually and academically on their journey to finding their element & fulfilling their potential.
Becky Price
Secondary Curriculum Lead and Teacher
Becky Price
Secondary Curriculum Lead and Teacher
Hi, I’m Becky Price and I’m an Inclusion Teacher at The Element. I have three children and enjoy spending time with them and the rest of my family. I have the privilege of teaching amazing young people and nurture the thirst for knowledge that every child has. To be a part of re-engaging our young people in learning and achieving is a pleasure and something the team are proud of. We have implemented lots of new, exciting teaching and learning strategies to ensure our young people receive the best that education has to offer.
Donna Murphy
Vocational Tutor
Donna Murphy
Vocational Tutor
Donna provides hands-on learning opportunities, helping students develop practical skills and prepare for work placements. She is passionate about ensuring every child recognizes their potential and builds a brighter future.
Megan Parry
Teacher
Megan Parry
Teacher
Hello, I am the new Maths specialist and I am excited to be a part of the element, where we celebrate and nurture the unique strengths of every student. As a passionate maths specialist, I believe that mathematics is not just a subject but a powerful tool that shapes our world and can be applied to nearly every aspect of life. My goal is to help students discover the relevance of maths and the beauty of it in their everyday lives while supporting them to build confidence and excel in the subject.
Outside of the classroom, I have a deep love for musical theatre, and I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and especially my dog. I look forward to contributing to The Elements inclusive, supportive community and helping students achieve their full potential.
Laura Madden
Teacher
Laura Madden
Teacher
As a proud mum of three, I understand the importance of creating supportive environments where individuals can thrive. I am passionate about working with young people and have dedicated my entire adult life to supporting them across a variety of settings. Whether through education, community programs, or mentorship, my goal is to ensure that every young person has the opportunities they need to succeed and to feel heard.
I believe in the power of individuality, and I am committed to fostering an environment where each person can embrace their unique strengths and challenges. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and swimming, and am grateful for the wonderful and supportive family that keeps me motivated in everything I do.
Maria Langan
Inclusion and Belonging Mentor and RMTi Assessor
Maria Langan
Inclusion and Belonging Mentor and RMTi Assessor
Hello, my name is Maria Langan and I have had the privilege to work in primary education for over 25years.
Supporting children with barriers to their learning has always been my primary focus and is so rewarding. Ensuring all children feel that they are seen, heard, valued and that they matter is important to me.
Building connections and developing relationships are key in my role as an ELSA. Teaching how to recognise and manage emotions through therapeutic activities and having a nurturing approach enables children to feel safe and to be ready to learn.
Having good mental health and wellbeing are the foundations that underpins a child’s journey through education and life.
I am excited to be involved with Rhythmic Movement Therapy. These are movements that heal and help the brain to work more efficiently. I have seen the benefits this can have on the child both physically and mentally first hand.
Rhi Jones
HLTA
Rhi Jones
HLTA
I'm Rhi, a proud HLTA at The Element Primary. I'm passionate about creating a supportive and engaging environment where every young person has the chance to discover their Element—their unique interests, strengths and learning styles. I focus on helping children reconnect with their education journey, making sure they feel empowered, understood and ready to thrive.
With a positive, encouraging approach (and a bit of fun thrown in!), I love being part of a team that truly believes in inclusion, resilience and the power of second chances.
Outside of school, you will find me hiking, exploring art galleries, enjoying live music, or playing sports with my kids.
Tony Costello
Teacher
Tony Costello
Teacher
Tony comes with a wealth of experience. As an ex-headteacher, he completely understands how important positive educational experiences are for our young people. He demonstrates excellent relational practice in all aspects of his vocation.
Luke Cullen
Engage and Change Learning Mentor
Luke Cullen
Engage and Change Learning Mentor
Luke works closely with students to develop emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies. His mentorship fosters resilience and encourages students to embrace change.