Meet Our Team
Katie Bristow
Co Founder & Director of Operations & Wellbeing
Katie has over 30 years' experience in the Health & Social Care sector. Throughout her career, she has worked across a range of services that have strengthened her belief in the power of emotional safety, human connection and holistic support. Katie holds NVQ Level 4 qualifications in Registered Care Management and Leadership & Operational Management, and is also trained in a range of therapeutic practices including Yoga, Advanced EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), NLP, Reiki, Access Bars, Coaching and Mentoring.
Katie has previously led large-scale care services delivering over 8,000 hours of support weekly, and developed strong working relationships with Local Authorities including Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
Her passion has always been to create a provision where young people feel safe, inspired and free to be themselves. She envisioned Ascension as a nurturing, creative and wellbeing-focused environment where young people who struggle in mainstream education can rebuild confidence, feel understood, and start to thrive on their own terms.
With a deep belief that emotional wellbeing is the foundation for growth, Katie places self-awareness, emotional regulation and inner confidence at the heart of Ascension's approach. She believes that when young people feel emotionally safe and connected to who they are, it opens the door to learning, resilience and a positive future.
Katie is committed to empowering young people to recognise their strengths, nurture self-belief and step into their authentic selves. Her vision is for every young person who comes through Ascension to leave with a stronger sense of who they are, what they are capable of, and the confidence to shape their own path.
Barrie Laslett
Barrie has over 26 years experience in the Social Care Sector. As a Co-Founder of Ascension Alternative Provision, he brings a deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people facing complex challenges.
Before joining Ascension, Barrie spent nearly two decades at Barnardo’s, one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, and later served as CEO of The Wickers Charity for four years. At The Wickers, he played a key role in designing and delivering impactful services for young people at risk of exclusion, criminal exploitation, and a wide range of social and emotional challenges. Under his leadership, the charity significantly expanded its reach—engaging over 4,500 young people across London boroughs including Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest.
Barrie has also worked in close partnership with London’s Violence Reduction Unit, where he led a targeted programme in Hackney that contributed to a 15% reduction in youth violence over three years.
With his own lived experience, Barrie is a trusted mentor to young people navigating the criminal justice system. His work focuses on supporting high-risk individuals to make positive life choices and find a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
Giuseppe (Joe) Morena
Music Mentor & Producer
Giuseppe – known to many as Joe Morena – has been part of the electronic music scene since the early '90s, coming from the heart of the UK acid house movement. With decades of experience as a producer, remixer and DJ, he has always stayed true to what music is really about: connection, expression and making people feel something.
As one half of Self Preservation Society, Joe has remixed artists such as The Human League and Simply Red, with releases on labels including Perfecto and One Little Indian. He's also collaborated with well-known names such as Leeroy Thornhill (The Prodigy) and Darren Emerson (Underworld), and continues to create new music through projects like STARK x GIUSEPPE MORENA, a live techno-house collaboration with members of Nitzer Ebb.
Joe is passionate about passing on his experience to young people. He believes music is one of the most powerful ways to express yourself, release emotions and build confidence. Through his sessions, he helps young people explore music production, DJing, creativity and self-expression in a supportive space where they can try new things, discover their sound and find their voice.
Adam Whitaker
Designer, film maker and graphic producer. Brought up in the world of skateboarding. Excited to be sharing my knowledge and expertise in supporting these young people on their journey.
Michelle Humphries
Emotional Wellbeing Mentor
I'm Michelle Humphries, a qualified reflexologist and holistic practitioner, trained at the London School of Reflexology. I'm passionate about supporting both children and adults, especially those with neurodiversity and anxiety, helping them find calm and balance. With years of experience working with young people, charities, and Scouts, I offer a compassionate and down-to-earth approach that nurtures both body and mind.
I'm really excited to be working at Ascension Alternative Provision, where l'll be teaching emotional health and wellbeing, nutrition, and cooking skills in a fun and engaging way.
Sidnie Ward
Youth Support Worker
I'm Sid, a youth support worker for Ascension Alternative Provision, a personal trainer & fitness instructor for Asset Fitness. I will be teaching you guys about fitness, movement of the body & the importance of exercise & nutrition for your mental health. My passion to work with young people stemmed from my own personal experiences going through school & being a kid once myself, I can help people make better choices & push people in the right direction.
I specialise in functional movement & a well rounded, healthy lifestyle to benefit and progress people in a positive way! Whether I'm training or helping someone to become their best self. My goal is to bring positivity through exercise & mental health!
Nicky Hollingsworth
Emotional Wellbeing Coach
I’m Nicky Hollingsworth, the Emotional Wellbeing Coach at Ascension Alternative Provision. I have been supporting young people and adults with their wellbeing for over 25 years, working with private clients and organisations such as NHS Direct and Citi. My approach centres on helping individuals feel listened to, understood, and more confident in who they are.
I have experience working with a wide range of ages. I’m trained and qualified in a variety of holistic therapies, which I integrate into my wellbeing practice. In addition to leading wellbeing sessions at Ascension, I also provide 1:1 emotional wellbeing support for young people who need tailored guidance and a safe space to talk.
I believe that how we feel on the inside influences everything — our mood, choices, relationships, and the direction our life takes. My work focuses on building self-belief, developing emotional awareness, and providing practical tools that help young people feel calmer, more balanced, and more in control of their wellbeing.
My sessions are calm, supportive, and judgement-free. I help young people understand their emotions, respond rather than react, and grow confidence from the inside out. My goal is for every young person to recognise their worth, develop inner strength, and feel empowered to shape a positive future.
Thomas Church
Head of the Football Programme
My name is Thomas Church and I am Head of the Football Programme at Ascension Alternative Provision. I'm passionate about supporting young people through football and physical activity, and I believe that exercise plays a vital role in building confidence and maintaining positive mental health.
Harlow Town Football Club has been a huge part of my life. I have been involved with the club since the age of 10, growing up around the first team, and for the past three years I've had the privilege of being a First Team Coach. This experience has shaped my approach to coaching, teamwork, and player development.
I'm really excited to work with the young people at Ascension, helping them overcome barriers, build resilience, and unlock their full potential both on and off the pitch.