meet the team
Dan Curtis
Dan is the founder and Director of Active Hope. He was a primary school teacher who retrained as an outdoor instructor. Dan is passionate about giving children and young people new opportunities, and he loves the challenge and excitement of our work.
Director of Operations
Paul Cannell
Paul has been part of our team for over 13 years, first as a volunteer, and now as a staff member. Although he started off as an instructor, Paul now spends his time behind the scenes, organising our events, and fundraising.
Projects Manager
Lynsey Atherton
Lynsey is our Office Manager. She has worked with Active Hope for more than 14 years. She initially started volunteering on our Adventure Academy project and got hooked! Lynsey now works as our Office Manager - providing the essential admin and organisation behind all of our projects.
Office Manager
Alex Worthington
Alex has had some previous experience working in an outdoor centre, where he began his journey into the outdoors!
Already a keen archer, we are excited to welcome Alex onto team, and watch him develop his skills further
Instructor
Josiah Whiffen
One of the newest members to team, Josiah has relocated to join us as part of our instructional team. Having previously worked for a church in Devon, Josiah brings a lively dynamic to the mix.
We are excited to welcome him onto team, and watch him develop
Instructor
Mark D'Sa
Mark is an experienced Instructor.
He is quite happy on the water, around a climbing wall, riding bikes or up a mountain - and his cool, calm approach to instructing is awesome to have around
Instructor
Mike Ryder
Mike is an extremely well qualified instructor who specialises in watersports. He not only works with our children and young people, but is also a recognised coach - teaching other instructors. As well as his love for all things aquatic, he loves our small group mentoring sessions.