We’ve grown the team!

First, Leah joined the team!

What have you been up to before joining the Gympanzees team?

Having been a student for the past 7 years, I have a psychology degree and am a couple of months off graduating as an Occupational Therapist (hopefully!!)…if anyone hears me say i’m going to do a new course afterwards…STOP ME PLEASE! 

What made you choose the role at Gympanzees?

I found Gympanzees early on in my Occupational Therapy degree and I was so keen to get involved. Working at the first Pop Up completely opened my eyes to the reality of living with a disability for the whole family. The strength, determination and resilience that the children/young people and their families show is so humbling and I love being a part of a facility that is clearly giving them so much. It’s the most rewarding job in the world and as Gympanzees expands and grows, it’s a joy to be a part of it.  

What are you most looking forward to about the Easter Pop Up?  

I love and look forward to every Pop Up we do. Being able to see the children/young people just ‘being kids’, playing, laughing and enjoying their holidays is so special, and continually reminds us all the reasons why we are working so hard to make Gympanzees a permanent centre. 

Next up, we welcomed Maddie to Team G!

What have you been up to before joining the Gympanzees team?

The opportunity for the Marketing Executive role at Gympanzees came up at the perfect time as I was looking to continue my career in a new setting based in Bristol. Alongside my role at Gympanzees, I am completing a Master’s Degree in Marketing.  

What made you choose the role at Gympanzees?

After looking at the Gympanzees website and researching more into the company, I knew that I needed to be part of the team! I Everything about Gympanzees is positive, welcoming and unique and the team behind it all are something pretty special as well! I’m so glad I get to wake up every day and come to a place where everyone really believes in the cause and it feels like we are doing something worthwhile and contributing something good to the world.  

What are you most looking forward to about the Easter Pop Up?  

I can’t wait to put faces to names and meet everyone that attends the pop up! I’m looking forward to seeing all the equipment in action and witness first-hand the positive impact that Gympanzees is and continues to have on children, young people and families.  

And finally, we welcomed Lotte!

What have you been up to before joining the Gympanzees team?

I’ve come to Gympanzees fresh from a career break, where I’ve spent my time caring for my two young children and indulging my art hobby by making and selling paintings. Prior to that I spent a good decade working for charities and social enterprises, in administrative and communications roles, as well as undertaking some freelance social media and marketing work.  

What made you choose the role at Gympanzees?

My son is Autistic, and I discovered Gympanzees last Easter when looking for holiday activities that he and his neurotypical sister would be able to enjoy together.  We had a really great experience and I have followed Gympanzees online since. When I saw my job advertised, I just had to apply. I’m proud to work for an organisation that is making such a positive difference. 

What are you most looking forward to about the Easter Pop Up?  

Selfishly I am most looking forward to enjoying the facilities with my family! My children both LOVE Gympanzees and have talked about it regularly since the Summer Pop Up, so we can’t wait to go back. I’m also looking forward to seeing other families spending time together; Gympanzees is so inclusive and it’s genuinely heart-warming to see everyone having fun.