MEET OUR TEAM
Our team derive from a variety of professional backgrounds. Working together as a team, Salem's mission is to provide high quality activity breaks and therapeutic support placements for young people of all ages, creating a caring and engaging programme tailored with each young person in mind.
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Below, are just some of our extrermely valued team members, who are essential in the daily runnings of our company:
MANAGING DIRECTOR
MATTHEW LEAHY
Matt is a born again Christian, father of two, outdoors enthusiast & instructor who has worked with young people in social care for the last 7 years.
He credits the turn around in his life to his faith & aims to help as many people as he can and has a heart to help people conquer addictions and negative behavioural cycles with the use of the great outdoors, mentoring and self reflection.
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Matt has a great love for windsurfing, hiking and snowboarding!
MANAGING DIRECTOR
OLIVIA CREE
Olivia is a dedicated mother of two with over five years of experience in social care, specialising in human resources, care and compliance, recruitment, and youth engagement. She brings a unique blend of strategic expertise and a genuine understanding of the needs of both staff and young people, ensuring a supportive and high-performing environment.
Known for her drive, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, Olivia works tirelessly to maintain the highest standards of care, fostering a positive culture where everyone can thrive.
DEPUTY OPERATIONS MANAGER
LAUREN SLACK
Lauren brings over 12 years of experience in the healthcare sector, having supported older adults, individuals with learning disabilities, and vulnerable children and young people throughout her career. She began her journey with Salem working directly alongside young people, gaining invaluable frontline experience and developing a deep understanding of the challenges they face.
As a mother, Lauren brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her role. This, combined with her hands-on experience, has shaped her compassionate, person-centred approach, enabling her to build trusting relationships and provide consistent, high-quality support during times of crisis. She is passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments where young people feel heard, respected, and empowered to achieve positive outcomes.
Lauren's dedication, empathy, and commitment to making a meaningful difference makes her a valued member of the Salem team. Her combination of extensive healthcare experience and practical knowledge ensures that the wellbeing of the young people she supports remains at the heart of everything she does.
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HR & RECRUITMENT OFFICER​
AMY MYCOCK
Amy’s love for the outdoors isn’t just a hobby - it’s a way of life. She has always believed that some of life’s greatest lessons are learnt outdoors. Whether she’s paddle boarding, working on the family farm, gardening, growing her own food, caring for animals or exploring the countryside, she feels most at home surrounded by nature.
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She is passionate about helping people reconnect with the natural world and believes that time spent outdoors can have a powerful impact on confidence, wellbeing and personal growth. She is proud to be part of a team that inspires people to step outside their comfort zones, reconnect with nature and discover what they’re truly capable of.
In her role within HR and Recruitment, Amy enjoys meeting new people, building genuine relationships and finding individuals who share Salem’s passion for changing lives through outdoor adventure. She believes that the right people don’t just make a great team - they create experiences that leave a lasting impact.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
THOMAS KEMBERY
Tom brings a unique blend of compassion, organisation, and strategic insight to his role as Operations Manager. With a wealth of experience as a former social worker, he understands the importance of people-first leadership and clear communication. His background has shaped his ability to navigate complex situations, foster strong relationships, and ensure that every aspect of our operations runs smoothly and with purpose.
Tom’s dedication to both efficiency and empathy makes him an invaluable part of our team - and a driving force behind delivering the best possible experience for our clients and colleagues alike.
ACTIVITIES & EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR)​
ABBEY BARKLEY
Abbey is a Children's Support Worker and Outdoor Education Instructor with a passion for helping children and young people build confidence, independence, and resilience through meaningful outdoor experiences. Alongside her work, she is also a Triathlon Coach, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of an active lifestyle.
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Outside of work, Abbey enjoys training for triathlons, paddleboarding, exploring nature, and riding her motorbike. She believes adventure has the power to create lasting memories, inspire confidence, and help people discover what they're truly capable of.
PASTORAL LEAD
CHRIS BARLOW
Chris brings extensive experience in the childcare industry to his role as Pastoral Lead, supporting both young people and the staff who work alongside them. He is committed to creating a positive, nurturing environment in which young people can grow and thrive, while also ensuring staff feel equipped, valued, and encouraged in their work where young people.
Alongside his work at Salem Breaks, Chris serves as a firefighter, demonstrating his dedication to helping others and working as part of a strong team. Outside of work, he enjoys climbing, paddling, and walking - always finding time for adventure and fun.
ACTIVITY WORKERS
THE TEAM
Our dedicated professionals work extremely hard to achieve our mission and vision and form a crucial part of Salem. Our team members come from a variety of backgrounds within both the outdoor and care industry, and bring unique skills and experiences to the table.
With their passion, creativity, and expertise, we deliver an exceptional service.
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(If only we had enough space to fit them all into one photo!)