My name is Lenya and all my life I have loved art!
From the moment I could hold a pencil or paintbrush I just consistently practiced my passion which eventually took me to art college where I completed a HND in graphic design specialising in illustration.
After college, I became a freelance illustrator producing greeting cards for the UK and t-shirt designs for the US Market. I also illustrated my father's publications as well designing packaging for his mechanise.
I have also worked in a desk-top publishing bureau as a Graphic Designer.
I can now bring all my art experience to our club Doodlebugs and my passion for art will certainly project and radiate out to all the kids that come to our club!
Creating calm at Doodlebugs 🧘🏽🐞
My name is Mandi and I love all things crafty!
My background is very much admin based spending the majority of my time working in sales, marketing and advertising.
I have worked within a classroom setting working 1:1 with children with specific learning difficulties, have run group interventions concentrating on gross motor skills and have also worked on the playgrounds and lunch areas.
Above all I love to see children and young people use their imagination, creativity and unique style to bring arts and crafts alive - it’s amazing what you can do with a box and a loo roll!
I am passionate about children’s well-being, their self-esteem, resilience and development. Most of all I am passionate about Doodlebugs and how we aim to support all children in a calm and creative space.
There is no right or wrong way at Doodlebugs, just creativity! 🧶🐝
Meet Liz our Doodlebugs 'Nanny'!
As a volunteer at Doodlebugs, I've had the most delightful experience imaginable! From engaging in craft activities to sparking conversations with the children, every moment has been filled with joy and excitement. Having spent nearly my entire career as a primary school teacher, I can confidently say that the atmosphere at Doodlebugs brings back the same joy and fun I experienced in my profession.
With my background in art and design; including a degree in Textiles and Fine Art, I've found immense satisfaction in contributing to the various projects the children undertake. The creativity and enthusiasm they exhibit when presented with new activities are truly inspiring. What's more heartwarming is how they encourage each other to participate, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
I must commend Doodlebugs for running such a fantastic club dedicated to the care and development of children. The atmosphere here is nothing short of amazing – calm, full of joyful chatter, and brimming with creativity. It's truly heartening to witness the children leaving with smiles on their faces, proudly carrying their projects of the day.
Meet Julie our Minibugs Mentor!
When my son started school I volunteered to help out in his class and on school trips, I also became a parent-governor at the school. I loved being in the classroom with the children so much that I decided to train as a primary school teacher.
I taught years 3-6 for a few years then when my son was older I changed track and worked as a children’s librarian for many years until I took early retirement in 2023.
As a children’s librarian, I worked with children from birth to 18 years. I ran Baby Rhyme Time and Toddler Read and Rhyme groups, visited nurseries and schools to promote literacy and also organised visits to the library from schools and nurseries. My library activities for children
included: craft sessions, reading groups and weekly Lego and board games clubs.
Meet Helena
My background is graphics, working originally on drawing boards to working on the first AppleMacs. I have been a swimming teacher, a home tutor, a child minder and a teacher for art as well as an occupational therapy assistant in a provision for autism. I have worked in education for over 20 years and have used my art background and creative skills to support learning. I love creating things whether it be knitting or making jewellery or just designing a card for a special occasion. I am really looking forward to being part of the Doodlebug Team.