Meet the Team

Katy Rees

What did you do before recruitment?

Holiday rep and travel agent

Why did you move into recruitment?

Wanted a proper job in HR...

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

Working with people to achieve their potential.

When did you join Smile Education?

2009

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Completing the MBO and owning the business outright

What do like doing in your spare time?

Running, spending time with family, volunteering at Greyhound Trust, reading, jigsaws, walking, TV, wine, theatre, Sheffield United.

Mark Childe

What did you do before recruitment?

Is there life before recruitment?

Senior Finance Manager at a global Distribution company.

Why did you move into recruitment?

It was a city centre based job and allowed me to be lead a Finance team as N01 and have key input into strategic direction.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

Vibrancy, flexibility, energy and pace.

When did you join Smile Education?

2015

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Steering us through Covid, going through an MBO, increasing profits 3 fold

What do like doing in your spare time?

Fitness, the outdoors, family time

Mark Davis

What did you do before recruitment?

Clerical work in the Civil Service, then I was a postie for a few years and then I sold (or in fact failed to sell) photocopiers.

Why did you move into recruitment?

I was out of work and needed a job. A recruitment agency offered me one.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

Great back office team that I work with.

When did you join Smile Education?

7th May 2024

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Not killing anyone. Yet.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Mountain biking and road cycling are my biggest things. I also love hiking and wild swimming. Big football fan (watching, not playing) and on a more sedate note, I'm an avid reader.

Adam Price

What did you do before recruitment?

I was a Snowboard Instructor and worked in a travel agents

Why did you move into recruitment?

I had transferable skills and knew the money earning potential was extremely good

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

The buzz of a deal, seeing all the hard work, blood sweat and tears payoff

When did you join Smile Education?

May 2021 (never looked back!)

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

I have a number of achievements I am proud of but I think gaining a promotion to Head of Talent Acquisition on a personal level and on a professional level supporting the business in expanding out into new regions

What do like doing in your spare time?

Anything active, I play a lot of sport, mainly football and golf and love nothing more than being in the snowy mountains snowboarding or on a hot beach surfing; you will also find me in a nice country pub with the dog and a good old fashioned pint of British ale.

Sat Singh

What did you do before recruitment?

I have always worked in the educational sector but something in the technical space was my forte.

Why did you move into recruitment?

I liked the concept of education in recruitment.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

Enjoy working in an interesting role and Smile as a brand goes a long way.

When did you join Smile Education?

Joined in January 2020

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Building processes and procedures around payroll

What do like doing in your spare time?

Enjoy going on scenic drives and working out.

Louise Wilkinson

What did you do before recruitment?

The majority of my working career has been within recruitment, so I'm not sure!

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

Building relationships. I'm always on the phone to the schools or internal team members, I love to talk.

When did you join Smile Education?

May 2023

What do like doing in your spare time?

Being a nana to my 3.5 grandchildren and going away in my campervan!

Jami Hill

What did you do before recruitment?

I worked in the social care sector for over a decade, specialising in children and young people with SEND

Why did you move into recruitment?

I previously worked for Smile back in 2009

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

I love networking and meeting with clients

When did you join Smile Education?

Previously 2009-2011 then I re-joined the team last Oct 24'

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Helping secure our 7th MSP partnership

What do like doing in your spare time?

Spending time with my family or reading a good thriller novel

Ayanna Allen

What did you do before recruitment?

Before working with Smile Education, I worked in various business development/sales/digital marketing roles across charity, education and professional services sectors.

Why did you move into recruitment?

It was mainly about how Smile came across - it seemed like an exciting team to be part of. I thought it would be interesting to pivot and support recruitment efforts from a digital marketing point of view as opposed to doing the BD myself.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?
Recruitment can look a little intimidating from the outside, but with Smile I saw big personalities, big achievements and good vibes! I love the energy in recruitment, it truly feels like everyone is striving towards one goal. I love that through digital marketing I’m able to approach the recruitment industry through a creative lens.

When did you join Smile Education?

May 2026

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Getting a Marketing Strategy in place. This will allow me to have clear goals and help the team achieve what they need to, too.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I love hiking, yoga, dancing (I shake my hips at any given chance!), listening to music and attending every possible good DJ set I can find.

Amy Gudgeon

What did you do before recruitment?

Working for a luxury stone company as Business to Business Sales Consultant, across the South. Before that, I worked as an estate agent.

Why did you move into recruitment?

I was drawn to recruitment because it shares many similarities with estate agency – both involve working closely with people, understanding their needs, and matching them with the right opportunity, whether it’s a new home or a new role. I enjoy the dynamic nature of the work: visiting clients, building relationships, and negotiating outcomes that benefit everyone involved.

What particularly appealed to me was the chance to focus on public sector recruitment. Supporting vital services that make a real difference in people’s lives is something I find deeply rewarding. Recruitment also aligns with my ambitious nature – it’s a fast-paced industry with plenty of opportunity for personal and professional growth, which constantly motivates me to develop and succeed.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

What I love most about recruitment is the opportunity to build meaningful connections -not just between candidates and roles, but across businesses, teams, and individuals.

As Partnerships Director, I bring together people, processes, performance, and MATs to build meaningful partnerships that make a real difference. That involves aligning internal teams, strengthening relationships with clients, and making sure everything we do adds value for both Smile and Create.

Seeing those partnerships grow, knowing we’re helping people thrive in the right environments, and contributing to long-term success on all sides - that’s what makes this role so fulfilling for me.

When did you join Smile Education?

November 2024

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

One of my proudest achievements has been developing the vacancy function within MatchMaker to enhance how we match candidates to roles. By optimising the system’s automation and improving how emails are sent to candidates, we’ve made it easier to search, track activity, and maintain meaningful contact across both Smile and Create. It’s had a real impact on efficiency and the candidate experience.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Walking my dog, watching my boys play football, travelling and going to the gym.

Nomvula Fokazi

What did you do before recruitment?

I was a customer service agent at Asda and JD Williams UK.

Why did you move into recruitment?

I enjoyed the idea of recruitment, especially the fact that I’d get to speak new people. It was time for a change, and needed to step out of my comfort zone.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?
I love speaking and meeting new people and being able to bring change by placing them in the role of their dreams.

When did you join Smile Education?

April 2026

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Being able to adapt to the culture.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Relaxing, cleaning, cooking and trying new meals.

Louise Horan

What did you do before recruitment?

I was a qualified Hair Stylist working and also a part-time Radio Host for a local community radio station.

Why did you move into recruitment?

I wanted to challenge myself and decided I had more to offer than being a hair stylist. I started my Business Administration apprenticeship at the age of 18 and was given a work experience placement in an engineering recruitment agency. I performed really well and was offered a permanent role, where I was able to complete the rest of my apprenticeship and stayed for an additional 2 years following this.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

It has to be the people - The variety of people you get to meet, from all walks of life really adds to your character.

When did you join Smile Education?

I joined in June 2016

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Possibly winning the Special Achievement Award where I was taken to Dubai with Kash, Emma McD and Emma Sheldon. I've had many proud achievements, but this is one that just came into my head.

What do like doing in your spare time?

In my spare time I practice meditation, as I'm a qualified Meditation Practitioner. I also enjoy going to the gym, spending time with my fiancé and step-daughter doing family things and watching anime and taking photos of my tortoise, Sheldon.

Demi - Rae Jackson

What did you do before recruitment?

I have always worked in the recruitment sector since I have left school.

Why did you move into recruitment?

I have always loved recruitment as I am a bubbly person who loves to meet and talk to new people. In recruitment, you do this all the time, so it was perfect for me!

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

Meeting new people, it's very rewarding to know you have helped someone to find their job and made them happy, which makes me happy.

When did you join Smile Education?

January 2023

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

So far, my proudest moment was seeing on the stats that I had made a candidate live, it was a nice feeling to have my name on there for the first time.

What do like doing in your spare time?

In my spare time I like to travel, go to different places and try new food, spending time with my family, friends and my boyfriend.

Amber Mahmood

What did you do before recruitment?

Worked as an auditor and accountant

Why did you move into recruitment?

Wanted to try something new!

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

My favourite thing is getting to speak to a diverse range of people, as they'll always be a few interesting calls each day! And in terms of my role, it's the fulfilment that comes from the purpose of the role- ensuring the people that are going into schools are safe to be around children!

When did you join Smile Education?

Feb 2022

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Clearing 12 candidates for work in one week, as well as winning a few awards!

What do like doing in your spare time?

I love to shop and go out to eat with my family & friends. I also love doing something creative, which mainly tends to be baking!

Sandeep Boparai

Emma McDermott

What did you do before recruitment?

I was running a pub in Ireland. Before that I was a travel agent

Why did you move into recruitment?

I always had sales type jobs and recruitment always appealed to me. I liked the idea of it being fast paced and the potential to earn good money

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

The people that I work with. I also love that no day is ever the same. Its a bumpy ride at times but it is so worth it

When did you join Smile Education?

I was working for another education agency and wasn't very happy there. I used to see Smile all over socials having a great time so I got in contact and the rest is history!

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Building a successful desk that is still growing and hitting my double million

What do like doing in your spare time?

Spending time with my family, friends and dog. Visiting new places. Drinking Wine

Hannah Maiden

What did you do before recruitment?

I was an 18-30 rep in the summer and sold cars in the winter.

Why did you move into recruitment?

Smile found me as I didn't know what I wanted to do as a career.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

The buzz of filling a booking!

When did you join Smile Education?

February 2015

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Becoming a double millionaire

What do like doing in your spare time?

Spending time with my sausage dogs

Charlotte Stevens

What did you do before recruitment?

I worked in retail management, for a famous chocolate retailer!

Why did you move into recruitment?

I had worked in retail for many years and had held management positions. I wanted a change to showcase my skills in a different environment but still remain people-focused so recruitment is the perfect fit!

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

I absolutely love talking to passionate candidates who make a difference to children's lives day in day out. It brightens my day and i enjoy being able to support them with finding roles perfect for their needs.

When did you join Smile Education?

I joined 20/06/2022

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

I won the special achievement award twice since being with Smile.

What do like doing in your spare time?

I love nothing more than relaxing, binging a good tv series, with my cats.

Fraser Anderson

What did you do before recruitment?

Electrician 

Why did you move into recruitment?

I was always interested in customer interaction and was always told I work well with people and build good rapport.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

Speaking to new people everyday and having people rely on me for work!

When did you join Smile Education?

February 2025

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

It's tough for me not being here long, but for me it was getting a new client on in the second week of being here.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Olivia Bakewell

What did you do before recruitment?

Before working in recruitment I studied Maths at University of Birmingham whilst working behind the bar at the student union!

Why did you move into recruitment?

Smile was my first trainee graduate role - I was attracted to recruitment because I wanted to work in a social environment where I was speaking to candidates and clients every day. I saw the job as a being a professional matchmaker, matching people with their perfect job - which sounded exciting!

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

I love the feeling you get from making a successful placement, and also seeing your team do well - even after 9 years the buzz is still the same!

When did you join Smile Education?

September 2013

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Still successfully servicing long standing clients of over 10 years!

What do like doing in your spare time?

Spending time with my friends & family!

Stella Dryhurst

What did you do before recruitment?

I worked in a call centre before I joined Smile Education!

Why did you move into recruitment?

I was particularly interested in recruitment for the earning potential, as well as the opportunities for progression

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

Since starting work in recruitment, no day is the same as the other, and things are constantly changing!

When did you join Smile Education?

I joined Smile Education November 2020

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Hitting 3 promotions!

What do like doing in your spare time?

I really enjoy travelling, exploring new places, having fun and looking after my feral dog

Megan Glynn

What did you do before recruitment?

I worked in Insurance

Why did you move into recruitment?

I think like a lot of people, I fell into recruitment and now can't imagine doing anything else.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

Being able to talk to and meet new people! I love getting to know people, their hobbies, interests!

When did you join Smile Education?

October 2023

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Booking two interviews in my second week here :)

What do like doing in your spare time?

I love to bake, have picnics and go on day trips

Nicola Howells

What did you do before recruitment?

Worked in Retail or 5 years then worked in Early Years Settings as a Nursery Nurse whilst training as management

Why did you move into recruitment?

Wanted a new challenge and the opportunity to earn more money and progress in my career

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

I enjoy the fast pace environment and the varied parts to my job It's never boring!

When did you join Smile Education?

June 2016

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Creating a successful early years desk and hitting 4 promotions

What do like doing in your spare time?

spend time with my family, swimming, spa days and weekends away

Sam Lawless

What did you do before recruitment?

I was a Warehouse Supervisor

Why did you move into recruitment?

I moved into recruitment after conducting large assessments for new starters in my warehouse role. Following each induction, I would regularly spend time in the office speaking with the recruitment team, and over time they invited me to join them in working in a recruitment position.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?
My favourite thing about recruitment is helping people secure their ideal roles and making new relationships with both clients and candidates. I joined Smile Education because I wanted to get stuck into the education sector and support my local Schools whilst also doing a job I really enjoy.

When did you join Smile Education?

2026

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

My proudest achievement is winning consultant of the month!

What do you like doing in your spare time?

In my spare time I like to go fishing and upload some of my better sessions to YouTube on my channel River Fellas, this helps me look back on good times and track my best catches.

Patrick Jones

What did you do before recruitment?

I worked in various hotels and restaurants.

Why did you move into recruitment?

I actually kind of fell into it and haven't looked back since!

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

I enjoy helping newer consultants train and develop.

When did you join Smile Education?

September 2023

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Becoming a TikTok legend.

What do like doing in your spare time?

Cooking, listening to music and spending with my kids, mountain walking

Kash Singh

What did you do before recruitment?

I was at University!

Why did you move into recruitment?

I wanted to be financially independent and take advantage of the opportunities there were to progress within my career.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?

I enjoy the pace of work, the energy and earning potential!

When did you join Smile Education?

I joined way back in 2015.

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

I hit 500 days!

What do like doing in your spare time?

I enjoy hiking, running and spending time outdoors.

Jakson Dodds

What did you do before recruitment?

I worked in sales

Why did you move into recruitment?

I've always enjoyed profiling people and understanding what makes them successful. I originally explored football analysis, but I didn't want to turn something I love as a hobby into a career. Recruitment gives me the same opportunity to assess people and identify where they'll thrive, but with the added challenge of selling that profile and creating real opportunities for them. I also liked the performance-driven nature of the industry and the chance to positively impact people's careers.

What is your favourite thing about recruitment and your role?
My favourite thing about recruitment is the combination of responsibility, creativity, and the impact it has on people's lives. I particularly enjoy the 360 side of the role because I get to see the full journey, from initially speaking to a candidate through to helping them secure a position that genuinely suits them.

I've always enjoyed understanding people and identifying their strengths, and recruitment gives me the opportunity to do that while also finding the best way to present them to schools. There isn't one correct way to recruit. Different consultants have different approaches, which allows you to be creative and develop a style that works for you.

I also enjoy working within education because you're speaking to people who are genuinely passionate about what they do. Teaching isn't just a job for most candidates, it's something they care deeply about. One of my favourite parts is seeing candidates become more animated and enthusiastic as an interview progresses and they start talking about the parts of the role they love. It's rewarding knowing that you're helping place the right people in front of children and schools, and I think that gives the role a purpose that you don't always find elsewhere.

When did you join Smile Education?

March 2026

What is your proudest achievement at Smile Education?

Securing a vacancy in my first meeting and filling it.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Going out to watch football, chatting rubbish on Twitter about football, cooking.