Kryssy Hartley
Project Manager
Chris Allwright
Development and Activities Officer
Although these days I live with my partner in Matlock, I was born in a Polish refugee camp in Scotland and brought up by my parents on their farm in West Wales before deciding I wanted to work in education. At one time, I had been able to speak Polish, Welsh and English to carry on conversations with my family and friends!
My work background has covered a variety of jobs including stints working in a cinema, an insurance office, Primary and Secondary School Teacher, college Lecturer and in Management.
Aimhigher is the second project I have worked on to encourage people into further or higher education. For me, the best thing about working in schools and colleges is that it gives me the opportunity to keep in touch with young people and help them make important choices about their learning.
I went to school in Derby and, after a number of years selling TV’s and then pizzas I returned to education at the age of 23 and achieved a degree at The University of Derby. Since graduating I have worked for the Health Service, Social Services and, for the past four years, the University of Derby. During this time I have worked as a Student Advisor, assisting students with a range of issues including finance, hardship and disability. I have also been active in the areas of mentoring and peer support.
I have lived in Derby for most of my life and am a fanatical Derby county supporter. When I’m not punishing myself by watching the rams play I enjoy watching other sport on T.V. I like to get ‘out and about’; enjoy working, eating out and (occasionally) watching live comedy.
Marianne Sparrow
Development Co-ordinator
Mark Launchbury
Development and Activities Officer / Summer School Co-ordinator
I was brought up in Liverpool and was the first person in my family and of my friends to go to University. Going to University to study a psychology and management degree has given me many opportunities, which means I have always done jobs I thoroughly enjoy. All of these jobs have been in an educational setting and include careers adviser, higher education lecturer and personal counsellor.
My interests include watching football, seeing bands, and trying to understand new technology!
My main enthusiasm is for helping other people gain success against the odds.
I went to primary school in Birmingham and secondary school near Burton on Trent. I left school with no formal qualifications, and trained as an apprentice in the construction industry. After 15 years in the construction industry, I decided on a career change and completed an Access course at Burton College, before studying for a Sociology degree, here at the University of Derby. I graduated in 1999 at the very young age of 35. The very positive experience of gaining my degree at Derby has left me wanting to encourage others to do likewise. I have since worked on a number of projects that encourage people to achieve and progress through learning. I have also been very fortunate to coordinate and deliver the annual University of Derby Summer School Experience.
I am a loyal Aston Villa supporter (now we are good again), enjoy playing and coaching cricket for Tutbury Cricket Club. Any spare time is spent entertaining my 9 year old son Calum and watching him play rugby for Burton RFC.
