The Team

Julie Fernyhough (Chief Executive Officer)

Julie is the longest-standing member of the team here at JET. She has been with the organisation since 2003, watching it grow from a small project in the West End of Newcastle, to it gaining Charity status and serving the whole of the City and sometimes wider in other areas throughout the North East Combined Authority Area. She is involved with several strategic groups across the region, always championing equality and diversity and the need for the specialist support offered by the third sector. Julie has a BSc Honours Degree in Applied Chemistry and has experience across a wide range of programmes in the sector. Julie has been Vice Chair of the Community Led Local Development Partnership and latterly the Local Community Partnership since 2014. She is a fierce animal lover and is also a grandmother in her spare time.
Nasrin Ahmadi (Lead Coach)

My name is Nasrin Ahmadi and I studied Pharmacy in Iran.
I previously worked as an employment adviser at JET for 10 years up to June 2019 and was a member of JET’s Board of Directors from October 2019 until September 2020. I also had been working as a Senior Community Empowerment Co–ordinator at Regional Refugee Forum North East until end of October 2020, delivering an empowering programme of learning and development for Asylum Seekers and Refugees living across the North East region, who want to take action to improve the lives of their communities. 
I am currently working as Lead Adviser / Office manager at JET. I returned to JET in November 2020.
I love camping and spending my time with friends, I also enjoy cooking and hate being disorganised.
Pauline Banks (National Careers Service Advisor)


Pauline joined JET in November 2008, having worked as a Mentoring Coordinator for BTCV linked to JCP programmes and the North of England Refugee Service. With previous Jobcentre and training organisations experience throughout the region , she has worked with JET's client group for many years . Various in-house and external training including Level 4 Information , Advice and Guidance. Pauline's role includes various outreach venues, such as Newcastle College, Heaton Adult Centre and Newcastle City Library Work and Thrive. Pauline is also a magistrate with over twenty years experience with a degree in Sociology and History. She loves to walk and spending time with family and friends. 
Edgar Morales (National Careers Service Advisor)

Edgar Morales is from the Philippines and moved to England in 1998. He finished B.S. Psychology major in Industrial and Guidance Counselling at the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines. Before moving to England he also gained his M.A. in Education & Supervision. Since then he has achieved his NVQ 3 & 4 in Advice and Guidance. For 13 years he worked as a College Guidance Counsellor in the Philippines. Edgar has worked with CSV in Newcastle providing training and guidance to the unemployed under the New Deal Programme, Skillsfit programme and as a Nextstep Pathways Advisor and has also worked as an Outreach Personal Advisor in South Tyneside. Edgar loves to travel. He comes from a country which is described as the most beautiful place ever explored.
Rahaf Iskandarani (Senior Connect to Work Employment Specialist)

Hello, my name is Rahaf and I am originally from Syria. I grew up and lived in Damascus, the capital of Syria. I have a Master’s Degree in law from Damascus University, and worked as a family law solicitor. I moved to the UK in 2014. From that point on I have worked hard to improve my employability here. I have volunteered in many different posts and worked as an Arabic language and Islamic studies teacher for children of Islamic communities.
In 2019, I completed my Level 3 Community Interpreting Certificate and was delighted to have the opportunity to join JET as a Job Advisor. As part of my ongoing professional development, I completed a Level 3 Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) qualification in 2022 and a Level 4 Diploma Career Information and Advice (CIA) in 2023. I currently work as a Senior Employment Specialist, supporting individuals to achieve their employment and personal development goals.

Olimpia Calin (Link Worker and Administration Assistant)

Hello! I’m Olimpia from Romania! I recently came back at JET after a short absence. 
I have previously worked as a Primary Teacher in my home country, performing different school activities with children age 7 to 14 years old. I came to the UK in 2014 after getting a job for a famous Healthcare Company at that time!
I am also a graduate of ARU London-IBM, Bachelor’s Degree.
In my free time I like going to the gym, swimming, and I love long walks on the beach!
Farida Latif (JET Advisor)

My name is Farida Latif. I am a graduate in BA Hons Guidance and Counselling which is a recognised specialist full QCF Level 6 Career Development Institute. I started working for JET a few years ago as a volunteer adviser and now I am employed as an JET Adviser. It feels good being part of such a supportive team. I enjoy watching reality TV shows. They are my guilty pleasure!

Roxani Antoniadou (Lead ESOL Tutor)

Hello, I’m Roxani! Originally from Greece, I moved to Newcastle in 2017 and have since built a career focused on education, coordination, and community support. I hold an MSc in Governance and Public Policy and a BA in Philosophy, which help me understand the 'big picture' of how learning changes lives.
I first joined JET as a volunteer ESOL tutor—a role born from my passion for helping others. Today, as the Lead ESOL Tutor (CELTA Certified),  I am proud to support our learners on their journey toward integration in the UK. I am a firm believer in the power of diversity and equality, and I strive to make every learning experience inclusive and empowering.
Outside of my professional life, I am a creative spirit who loves writing (I self-published my first book in 2025) and losing myself in music. I value kindness and genuine connection in everything I do.
Abid Mena (ESOL Classroom Assistant - Placement)

Hello, my name is Abid and I am originally from El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America. I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Systems Engineering and Spanish is my first language. I have worked as a Math Teacher and as a Software Developer. I gained all my work experience in my country of origin and now in the UK I am looking for a new beginning for my career. I recently joined the JET team through the New Start programme. This allowed me to do an interesting change on the path of my career. Nevertheless, I am happy and willing to be successful doing my best and getting ahead taking advantage of this new opportunity!
I enjoy spending time with my family and hanging out with friends, and technology and football are my passions.
Justina Nedzinskaite (Senior Finance & Administration Officer)

Hi, my name is Justina and I'm from Lithuania. I have AAT Accounting Level 3, Bachelor's degree in Adult Education Studies and a Teacher’s Qualification and Master's degree in Project Management. I have worked in the Department of Psychology at Vytautas Magnus University as an Administrator and later I took a Marketing Manager's position in the Government Department of Rural Business and Market Development. 
In January of 2020, I decided to come to Newcastle and try my best of living in here with my now husband and I believe that it was the best choice I ever made. Not just because of the opportunity to improve my English, but also to meet amazing people, who introduced me to the JET.
The courses that they provided helped me to finally find my place in Newcastle. Now I work in the JET as an Senior Finance & Administration Officer.
In my free time, I like to make handmade bracelets from yarn, write poems (I finally managed to publish my first poetry book) and spend time with my friends.
Edouard Tshabola Kabeya (Digital Support Officer)

My name is Edouard and I am originally from DRC Congo. I started my voluntary work as a volunteer trainee adviser at JET from February 2024.I also worked as a trainee adviser at YHN employability team for one year which ended in June 2023.
Before coming to the UK, I used to work as a support officer with a collective of human rights NGOs in the DRC and helped people fleeing from the war zone.
I am always happy to help and have a great passion to help people develop their skills and progress in their life.  
I love spending time with my family. Traveling and watching movies is what I do in my leisure time.
I speak French, English, Lingala and Swahili.
Dave Boad (ICT Support)
 

I provide a wide range of ICT support services for small to medium businesses and charities based in the North East and have more than 25 years experience working in the IT sector. I’ve maintained JET’s ICT infrastructure since November 2015, ensuring their systems remain reliable and efficient. Working with the staff at JET has given me the opportunity to appreciate and learn about so many different cultures and traditions. In my spare time I make the most of my time with family and friends, along with my passion for non league football by watching Morpeth Town FC and also have secret love of cooking.

The Wicker Chair Coffee House and Bistro Team

 Kamila Duszenko (Café Manager)

My name is Kamila and I am from Poland. I have been  living in Newcastle since 2008.
I have been working for The Wicker Chair Coffee House and Bistro since 2016. 
 I am a happy mother to  my daughter, with whom I like to spend time actively and I really enjoy cooking. 
 El Hassania LEBBI (Catering Assistant)

Hello,
My name is El Hassania LEBBI. I am from Morocco, and I have been living in the UK for 4 years. I am a very social and friendly person who enjoys working with people and creating a positive atmosphere. I have a strong passion for cooking and hospitality, and I love preparing food and drinks that make people feel welcome and happy.
I feel very lucky to work you at The Wicker Chair Coffee Shop, because I truly found support, honesty, and a chance to gain great experience in this field. It’s a pleasure to be part of such a wonderful and kind team.
Genet (Catering Assistant)

My name is Genet. I am originally from Ethiopia and have been living in Newcastle since 2016. I studied accounting in Ethiopia and have experience managing financial records and preparing reports. I am now eager to use my skills in a professional role here.


Kayon Lynch(Catering Assistant Volunteer)
 
Hello, my name is Kayon Lynch and I have been living in Newcastle for 25 years. I live with three children, my daughter, my grandson and my granddaughter. I love going on road trips with my family especially to the Lake District. I work for Jet Jobs Education at the Wicker Chair Café in Newcastle. I enjoy working at the café where I learn so many interesting ways of cooking and I enjoy greeting and meeting people.