Our Team

Meet our dedicated, hardworking and trustworthy team. Fully insured, DBS checked plus with L3 Designated

Safeguarding Lead, First Aiders and Specialised Training. Find out more below...

Kimberley Vallis

Director and Mentor

With a nurturing, fun personality and hands-on approach towards learning, Kimberley is incredibly excited to have started The Edventure Project CiC with co-director Kara. Her commitment to childhood education and being a mum to three active, home educated boys makes her the perfect director and learning mentor.

Kimberley was an educator in mainstream secondary school until January 2022 after several years supporting neuro-divergent, pupil premium, "looked after" and children with behaviour that challenges. She has been a youth worker since 2007 when she was an Engagement Worker with Connexions WofE and is still currently employed with local CiC Make it Mentoring based in Yate.

With a keen interest in nature, outside learning and holistic approaches as she is also a Reiki and Sound Healer as Serendipity with Kimberley. Kim is looking forward to developing The Edventure Project into an incredible community. She has a passion for horses, dogs and most animals and is keen for this to become part of the setting for all.

Kimberley is Forest School Leader L3 trained, Paed First Aid holder, Safeguarding L3 DSL trained, Food and Hygiene L2 Trained, Youth Mental First Aid Trained, Autism L2 trained to name a few of her qualifications.

Kara Penney

Director and Mentor

With a keen interest in sports, health and fitness, Kara was inspired to help Kimberley create a learning community that encourages children and young people to follow their passions and stay fit in body and mind.

Kara runs her own fitness business and runs cardiac rehabilitation classes at her studio Vibrocise fitness.

She has a beautiful daughter and is also a step-mum to a teenager meaning she has hands-on experience with children and young people.

Kara is a qualified and specialist fitness and nutrition coach, gained her First Aid at Work certificate and is keen to expand her knowledge on neurodiversity she is undertaking training courses. She has also gained a GNVQ in Health and Social Care.

Tony Vallis

Monday Mentor

Possessing a contagious enthusiasm, Tony has been an amazing asset for The Edventure Project. His warmth, relaxed and calm approach makes him a great colleague and a perfect fit as mentor. With an expertise in gardening and a passion for sports coaching whether football or kickboxing, Tony can motivate and engage all our young people with his activities.

Tony is a Dad of three and step dad to another who is home educated and with personal experience of children with autism and anxiety. He is a fantastic role model and a valued member of the tribe.

Tony is DBS vetted, Safeguarding Trained L2 and with other professional certifications.

Carly Riordan

Mentor - Tuesdays and Cover

Carly joined our team in August 2023 following her instincts to support and mentor young people in a more holisitc, natural and exciting way.

With several years experience as a specialised SEN-D TA, running her own Tiffin business, being a busy mum and thinking outside of the box, Carly's expertise, enthusiasm and energy will be a great fit for our Tribe.

Lucy Rogers

Apprentice Mentor - L3

Following a passion and interest working with children and young people, Lucy applied to Edventure to further her knowledge and experience. Successfully completing her L2 childcare course in 2021 with a focus on mainstream education, Lucy is enthusiastic about furthering her own experience and knowledge with home education.

With experience in Forest School, Early Years in Primary Education and baby-sitting, Lucy's calm, problem solving and positive nature will complement the team.

Kate MacDonald - Collaborative Colleague

Frome Valley Growing Project - Site Manager

The Frome Valley Growing Project is run by the amazing Kate and is based on permaculture principles and provides food and seeds for the local community, increased biodiversity and a space for learning. In addition to her life at the growing project, Kate has 2 decades of experience of working therapeutically with marginalised young people both as an Assistant Psychologist and Yoga Teacher.