MEET THE TEAM
We’re only able to do what we do thanks to the support of our amazing volunteers, partner organisations and dedicated team of Trustees.
Phil Hawkins
CEO
Phil is the founder of Aprender. He has 20 years teaching experience in the UK working in schools in London. He holds a Post-Graduate certificate in Education, the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and a Diploma in Whole School Evaluation. He was Deputy Head Teacher for 5 years before moving to Brazil for 6 years, returning to the UK in 2016, where he now works in international education development.
Gary Bonilla
Trustee
Gary was born in Puerto Rico, but has lived in the USA and is now based in the UK. His focus has always been on cultivating organisations with high emotional intelligence, capable of leaving a lasting mark on society. With a background spanning over a decade in the non-profit sector, Gary has served as both trustee and founder, guiding numerous executives and spearheading fundraising efforts.
Recruiting Treasurer
We are currently searching for a treasurer to join our dynamic board. While we do this, Neil Walker is our interim treasurer.
Neil Walker
Interim Chair & Secretary
Neil used to work in Information Technology across many different industry sectors and brings business and corporate governance experience from the retail, financial services, information services and health industries to the Board. Now retired, he is also a trustee of a community charity, and volunteers across a number of other community groups where he helps with IT, communications and governance.
David Plummer
Trustee
David is an entrepreneur, experienced senior executive and turnaround specialist with a broad frame of reference and depth of experience gained within his own, private and public companies. He has held senior leadership positions in a number of public companies, worked in over sixty countries around the world and possesses a high level of functional expertise as well as thirty years experience of leading and managing change.
Rhiannon Corlett
Safeguarding & Child Protection Trustee,
EDI Trustee
Rhiannon is an experienced and dedicated Humanities and Social Science teacher. She's an outstanding educator, knowledgeable, charismatic, and highly motivated to achieve the best for both students and staff. Rhiannon has a passion for unpicking concurrent societal discourse while striving to empower those around her.
Rhiannon supports the Board as Safeguarding & Child Protection trustee, and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion trustee.
Mary Fowell
Volunteer - Social Media
Mary is a Product Marketing Specialist with solid experience working across the academic and commercial sectors. She has an extensive background in marketing products and services, driving marketing strategies with an integrated campaign approach, and maintaining a strong focus on communications, partnerships and digital engagement.
Joana Vidal
Volunteer - Marketing
Joana is a Digital Marketing and Communications Professional with over two years’ experience across B2B and B2C sectors, combining creativity with strategic thinking to deliver impactful campaigns and content. Skilled in developing and managing multi-channel digital strategies — including social media, email marketing, and web content — that strengthen engagement and drive measurable results.
Matt Hayhoe
Volunteer - Media and Communications
Matt's experience in his current role as Editor at Travel Bulletin, has helped him successfully develop and execute marketing strategies that increased audience engagement and brand visibility. He has experience managing social media platforms, crafting compelling content tailored to different audiences, and optimising the brand's digital presence through SEO-driven strategies.
Nikhila Ananth
Volunteer - Website and Data
Nikhila is a marketing professional with over four years of experience in digital marketing, ad sales, and business development. During a recent career break, she voluntarily supported an independent illustrator by managing client communications, social media, and website updates. She applies her skills, stays current with marketing practices, and contributes through volunteer work while gaining hands-on experience for future career opportunities.
Demi Stubbert
Volunteer - Social Media
Demi is a Head of Spanish at a UK school with a strong background in social media management and creative content creation. She has managed social media for her own jewellery brand, where she consistently created engaging content and grew her audience. She also had the opportunity to help manage her school's social media platforms, leading to a 200% increase in followers through targeted content and engagement strategies.
More volunteers needed
We are always on the lookout for volunteers who 'get' our mission and are passionate about helping Aprender achieve its goals. Do drop us a line if you can offer time and skills.