Our Team

Get to know us

Diane Collinson

Managing Director

Working days: Monday - Friday

Gemma Parsons

Managing Director

Working days: Monday - Friday

Liene Abolina

Manager

I’m currently studying for my Level 3 Early Years Educator degree. Born and raised in Latvia, I moved back to the UK in 2007. I’m a mum of two and a step mum, so life is always busy! In my spare time, I enjoy baking, walks, reading, and family game nights. I’m the Room Leader in the Branches group and have been part of the Branching Out team for a while. I love watching children flourish, and the team calls me “Sonic” because I’m always on the move—though my real superpower is speaking four languages!
Working days: Monday - Friday

Evie Wrigley

Level 2 Apprentice

Working days: Monday - Friday

Christina Aro-Cain

Early Years Educator & Forest School Leader

Hi, I’m Christina! I’ve been with Branching Out since January 2024. I’m a trained horticulturist and Forest School Leader, passionate about the outdoors. I love giving children as many outdoor learning experiences as possible to build resilience, spark creativity, and maybe even find the biggest worm! I’ve lived in Austria and Lapland, where I worked in tourism and learned German and Finnish. Back in the UK, I trained as a primary school teacher before having my two children. I now live in beautiful Sabden and am thrilled to be part of the Branching Out family.
Working days: Monday - Friday

Rachel Pinder

Manager, Baby Room Leader

Working days: Monday - Friday

Katie Franks

Wraparound Playworker

Hi, I'm Katie. I live in Nelson, with my girlfriend and our little cat, Belle. I have been working in childcare for the past 10 years and have achieved both my level 2 and 3 qualifications in early years. I also have experience of working in wraparound from my previous role. I love observing children of all ages grow and learn throughout their years.
Working days: Monday - Friday

Amber Holt Manville

Nursery Cook

Angela Stansfield

Nursery Cook