Rachel put her toes in the EFL/ESOL waters, teaching as a CMS volunteer for two years in Kenya. She returned with two life-changing discoveries: firstly that teaching is her vocation and secondly with a soon-to-be-husband as a permanent “souvenir”. Since then she has taught in a wide range of contexts – from toddlers to 80+, from Derby to Chiang Mai, from Nepal to China.
She currently works as a CELTA trainer in Reading and thoroughly enjoys watching new teachers emerge, who have never taught before – or experienced teachers of other subjects develop their understanding of language teaching and catch the enthusiasm for a wonderful job. She also teaches (and trains others) as a volunteer for Reading Refugee Support Group. She has been part of the 2:19 journey for many years, speaking at the Forum and writing materials, including So to Speak and Start to Speak.
Her life in ELT can be summed up in the words of Fredierick Buechner: “Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.”
David Baldwin
CEODavid was born and brought up in the sleepy Berkshire countryside but soon discovered that there was a bigger world …
Maura Baldwin
Director of OperationsMaura, together with her children and her husband David, worked in Ethiopia with Serving In Mission for 11 years. On …
Diana Juckes
TrusteeDiana was born in Uganda & raised in Fiji. She worked for several years as a nurse/midwife in a …
Gav Delap
Comms and MarketingGav was born and raised in the vibrant, multicultural city of Birmingham, where he still lives with his wife, Becky …
Katharine Dryer
TrusteeKatharine works in the Financial sector in asset management where she has had a career working with clients across global …
Marina Swainston-Harrison
ESL Lead SpecialistMarina joined the 2:19 team in April 2017. She is based near Reading with her husband Grant and their …
Mike Sohn
TrusteeMyung, usually called Mike, is a British-born, South Korean; born and raised in and around London. After studying Economics …
Jonathan Norgate
Resource and Materials DeveloperJonathan, with his wife Zoe and three children, worked in Cambodia with OMF for several years before returning to the …
Katie Oliver
Administrator and Website ManagerKatie joined the team in November 2019 as the administrator for 2:19 and she is based in Rochester, Kent …
Peter Root
TrusteePeter, originally from the south London/Surrey border area, trained and worked as a legal executive before undertaking theological studies …
Sheila Stephen
Trustee - ChairSheila's academic background is in Biblical Studies, Social Theory & Institutions and Counselling. She is a professional counsellor, clinical …
Stu Ward
Midlands Resource and Hub developerStu helped to start English Club as part of his ministry at Grace Church Stirchley (Birmingham) during lockdown and has …
Vijay Pillai
TrusteeVijay is a pastor, having served churches in India, US and the UK. He has served in various socio-economic …