Daryn has been part of Zinc for over 10 years and is our CEO and Chair of Trustees. With a background in management consultancy and change management, he has helped grow Zinc into a thriving education centre, community hub, and creative safe space. He champions a transparent, collaborative culture that shapes everything we do.

Sonia has been with Zinc for over 30 years, progressing from participant to leading the organisation’s creative programmes. A trained actress, she delivers workshops in drama, art, graffiti and animation, alongside courses supporting wellbeing, independence and pathways into work or education. If Sonia doesn’t know the answer, then no one will! You’ll usually spot her by her signature red lipstick.

Mike joined Zinc in 2022 as Head of Education. With over 15 years’ experience in SEN and a background in performing arts, he combines high-quality education with creativity and fun. Previously a professional actor, Mike brings energy, humour, tasteless Hawaiian shirts and the occasional questionable dad joke to ensure Zinc is a great place to learn and grow. 

Graeme is Zinc’s Finance Manager and one of our longest-serving team members, having started as an apprentice. Now based in Doncaster, he still regularly visits the centre and plays an active role in mentoring students, sharing his knowledge of finance and building valuable life skills.

Kelsey has a background in interior design and interior design project coordination, working on projects across the UK and abroad. She now brings those skills into the day-to-day running of Zinc, coordinating the building and facilities, alongside managing admin and all the little moving parts that keep things ticking over smoothly. 

Ryan is a Team Leader within Zinc Education, with over five years’ experience in SEN. A passionate creative, he is completing a degree in illustration and leads impressive art-based learning across the curriculum. Outside Zinc, he runs D&D groups and continues to bring his brilliant, nerdy, creative brain to everything project he does.

Anthony has been Zinc’s Facilities Manager since 1999 and knows the building inside out - including all its quirks. From plumbing to carpentry, he keeps everything running smoothly. If something’s broken, chances are Anthony is already underneath it fixing it.

Louise is a creative community artist specialising in crafts and hands-on making. From paper mâché to large-scale projects, she brings ideas to life and inspires students to explore their creativity. With a background in Art History, she supports learners to grow with confidence and imagination

Before joining Zinc, Laura worked as both a full-time nanny and a healthcare assistant in operating theatres, supporting nurses and surgeons during procedures.

At Zinc, she combines her love of education, gardening, music, art, dance, and theatre. She is also a professional singer and performs with her 1940s/50s Rhythm & Blues band, Laura B and her Band.

Rhianna joined Zinc in 2024, initially supporting youth clubs in Ongar and Sheering. With a background in theatre and costume, she brought fresh creativity and ideas to Zinc’s arts projects.

Now a full-time member of staff, she helps deliver outreach programmes, workshops, respite weekends, and new community projects. She is passionate about making the arts accessible to everyone.

Alisha joined Zinc in 2025 and supports a wide range of outreach projects, with a particular passion for sport. Her background in professional dance and teaching has inspired her commitment to helping young people build confidence and achieve their potential.

She brings fantastic energy, positivity, and enthusiasm to the team every day.