The Team
Julie Fernyhough (Chief Executive Officer)
Julie is the longest-standing member of staff 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. 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 Chemistry and has experience across a wide range of programmes in the sectors, as well as completing research projects, one of which was in conjunction with Glasgow University, in Mainstreaming Refugee and Migrant Guidance. She is a fierce animal lover and is also a grandmother in her spare time. She hates: mess! and loves: holidays.
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 a BBO lead Coach at JET. I returned at 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 the North of England Refugee Service. With previous Jobcentre experience, she has worked with JET's client group for the past eight years. Pauline is a Magistrate with a degree in Sociology and History. She loves to walk her dog and hates people who are disorganised!
Shamaila Riaz (National Careers Service Advisor)
Hi. I am Shamaila Riaz - National Careers Service Advisor at JET. I am originally from Pakistan and moved to live in the UK in 1992. Before taking up my position with JET in January 2017, I was working as a Community Engagement Development Officer at BECON. In 2001, I completed my degree in Accountancy at Northumbria University. Working with BECON as a Community Engagement Development Officer in 2014 was a great opportunity to work again in the voluntary sector after 8 years gap in my career. I really enjoy my new challenge at JET. This is another great opportunity to further enhance my existing skills and knowledge gained from previous employment. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading books, sewing, playing Candy Crush Saga and supporting family members.
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 (JET Advisor)
Hi, my name is Rahaf and I am 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 got my level 3 Community Interpreting certificate. Also, as a great opportunity, I have been a part of JET team as a Personal Advisor.
I am truly keen to contribute in helping people who are in need. I enjoy watching movies, jogging, socialising with friends and meeting new people.
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 qualification by the Career Development Institute (CDI). I worked as a volunteer careers adviser at JET. Its good being part of a supportive team. I enjoy watching reality TV shows, they are my guilty pleasure and would also like to read a bit more. I dislike being impatient but unfortunately I am.
Roxani Antoniadou (Lead ESOL Tutor)
Hello, I am Roxani and I am from Greece. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Education and a MSc in Governance and Public Policies and I am a CELTA certified tutor. I decided to move to Newcastle in 2017 and since then I have learnt more than I could imagine. I have worked as an Erasmus+ trainer, a facilitator and administrator in the lifelong learning sector and I thankfully got the opportunity to volunteer with JET, as an ESOL tutor, which is one of my greatest passions. Not too long after that, I started working in JET as an ESOL tutor which has allowed me to support and equip my learners towards their integration in the UK and to realise from first-hand experience the meaning and greatness of diversity and equality. I love writing short stories and lose myself in music! I strongly dislike ingratitude.
Justina Nedzinskaite (Finance Officer/Admin Lead)
Hi, my name is Justina and I'm from Lithuania. I have Bachelor's degree in Adult Education Studies and a Teacher’s Qualification. 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. A few months later, while still working as a Marketing Manager I decided to do a Master's degree in Project Management.
In January of 2020, I decided to come to Newcastle and try my best of living in here with my boyfriend 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 Administrator and Finance officer and I couldn't be happier.
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 Assistant)
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.
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.
İsmail Yapıcı (ESOL Assistant - Volunteer)
Hi, my name is Ismail, a volunteer member of JET. I am a German language teacher with a Bachelor's degree and worked in various positions at educational institutions as teacher, school director, manager and CEO in Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Upon arriving in the UK in 2020, I decided to change my career path and pursued several courses on IT and Salesforce. After gaining all the necessary certificates, I became a remote working Salesforce Administrator. Currently, I am working at Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) as a trainee admin while also volunteering at JET for their ESOL for WORK classes. I have been living in Newcastle with my family since 2020. My hobbies include playing chess, reading books and watching comedy shows. Values such as diversity, equality and open dialogue are very important to me.
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. I’m an active member of the parent teacher association at my daughter’s school and in my spare time make the most of my time with family and friends, along with my passion for Newcastle United and my 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.
