Tieu Pham
Tieu Pham
Head of Engagement, Partnerships and Events: Born in Saigon
Born in Saigon weeks after its fall. Escaped in a leaky boat and spent time in a Philippine refugee camp. Accepted to the coldest place on Earth (Harrogate in winter) in the late 70s. Had a grand tour of various (council) estates of England before living out my teens in London’s East End. In the 90s met my partner, in the more elegant environs of Bath.
Jude Evans
Jude Evans
Children's English Tutor: Born in Essex
I was born in Essex but grew up by the sea in Dorset. Teaching is my passion; I’ve worked in education for over twenty-five years, and have taught and trained all age groups, in lots of different settings, including stints in France, Italy and SW China. More recently, I’ve been working in primary education and my specialism is English, although I love teaching French too, as this was my degree and PGCE subject. I love making learning fun and interesting! I enjoy studying too, and am currently working towards a diploma in counselling. In my spare time, I like doing mindful art, walking on the beach and travel. I live in Poole with my two children and my cat.
Aimee Ling
Aimee Ling
Head of Engagement, Events & Partnerships: Born in Hertfordshire
Raised by two parents of mixed black and white heritage, both of whom were adopted into white families. My biological family spans the local Harrow Road area through to the USA and Ukraine. With a passion for connecting and understanding different cultures I've been fortunate to work and volunteer extensively overseas across Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Alex Coackley
Alex Coackley
IAG Adviser: Born in Rwanda
Born in Rwanda to English and Welsh Parents, spent time as a child in Yemen, Benin, Senegal, Indonesia and Wales. Now settled in London raising two daughters in the East End.
Matthew Barnett
Matthew Barnett
Head of Children, Young People and Families: Born in Germany
Born in Germany, to English and Welsh Parents, after an unsettled start I eventually spent my formative years in Yorkshire. My working class family did a fantastic job of instilling their values of decency, solidarity and compassion for others. They inspired me to take chances and not limit myself, encouraging me to follow a more unconventional – and unlikely - career in the arts and eventually make my way down South to the big city to chase my dreams! I’ve now been settled in London for over 20 years and a little prouder every day to be a small part of our diverse and vibrant community.
Marija Mirazic
Marija Mirazic
Enrichment and Family Support Manager: Born in Yugoslavia
Born in Serbia, Yugoslavia. In London since 1997. Moved to North Kensington in 2012 and found Nova. In my mother tongue, the word Nova means New. Nova has brought new opportunities to me - just like it says in its name.
Mayte Bologna
Mayte Bologna
Consultant: Born in
I am an experienced Designer and Creative Project Manager focused on creating compelling brands with memorable experiences and innovative projects that drive positive change. I have over 15 years of expertise designing for global clients across industries like luxury retail, hospitality, and non-profits. I am passionate about building brand strategies that create real impact and tell powerful stories.
I initially joined Nova as a volunteer, and have led the creative production of TEDxLadbrokeGrove, as well as boosting Nova’s social media presence and co-developed “The School of Humanity” events which have welcomed hundreds of attendees. When I'm not crafting brands, you can find me making art from non-recyclable materials, trying new recipes, reading non-fiction, or searching for inspiration through international travel.
Tom Charles
Tom Charles
Trusts & Foundations Officer: Born in Sheffield
Born in Sheffield to working class British, hippyish parents. I grew up in a city in managed decline, learning the importance of solidarity and loyalty, and the transcendent power of kindness. My journey has taken me to various stop-off points, geographically, ideologically and spiritually, but North Kensington, where I arrived in 2007, is the place I feel most at home because of its beautiful spirit: multicultural, diverse, vibrant and bohemian.
Katya Elina
Katya Elina
Head of Services: Born in Leningrad
Born and raised in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia, to a family with many generations of educators. While studying mathematics at university, fell in love with teaching and have been working in education ever since. London has been my home for the past 20 years - its diversity and bustle remind me of my home city.
Moira Conway
Moira Conway
English Tutor: Born in Geneva
Born in Geneva to British parents, with primary schooling in French leading to a lifetime's interest in languages and travel. I gained a degree in Modern Chinese Studies, followed soon after by a Shanghainese husband and an extensive second family in China. Now firmly rooted in London and recycling the language skills to throw a spotlight on English and explore the expressive potential of both the language and our lovely learners.