The Team

YDA Youth Club Management 

Mary Fallon

I am the Youth Club Manager at YDA and I have NVQ Level 4 in Youth Work, I am also a Home Communication Club (HCC) tutor and I have been teaching families signing and communication methods for over 15 years. I have Level 6 in BSL and I have taught classes in BSL Level 1 to pre-level 3.

I am a qualified First Aider and a Safeguarding Officer for YDA. I am also an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) acting on behalf of deaf children and adults including some clients in mental hospitals. I have enjoyed working with YDA for 23 years, and I look forward to continuing for many more years to come!

Shaun Thomas

I have been involved with YDA since the beginning of 2006. During this time I have thoroughly enjoyed watching all members socialise and enjoy time together, make friends, develop and progress towards the next stages of their lives.

I hold British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications in Levels 1, 2, 3 and 6 and currently working towards becoming a Trainee Sign Language Interpreter (TSLI). Alongside this, I enjoy mixing with the Deaf community both in a working and social environment.

In my spare time I like to paint landscapes; work on graphic design projects; photograph wildlife; go for long walks and play chess.

Helen Evans

I am a practising Ceramic Artist and have a degree in Three Dimensional Design. I have worked in the Arts for over 20 years and have run various workshops / community projects working with a wide & varied audience.

I have BSL Stage 2 and a City & Guilds Teaching Certificate of which I did at the City Lit with deaf tutors. I love a challenge and consider myself to be Facilitor / Educator. I have enjoyed the pleasure of working with YDA for over 10 years.

Home Communications Club and Parent Support Group Manager

Jade Costello

Come back soon to find out more about Jade. 

Yasmena Waris

I first started to work with HCC when I was training for my Teacher of the Deaf qualification, more than 12 years ago. I have a 10 year old son who wears hearing aids and communicates using speech
and sign language. I have always been interested in BSL and was awarded an NVQ level 6 in 2012.

I am passionate about deaf education and enjoy exploring ways to make learning interesting. In addition, I have a particular interest in supporting families from minority backgrounds and understand some of the challenges they experience in acquiring BSL to support communication in the family home.

Trustees

Cathy McGuiness

My name is Cathy McGuiness. I have two young children aged 10 & 13. I live in Haddenham, Bucks. I have been involved with Young Deaf Activities from a young age as I used to go to the events YDA organised in the past and I have enjoyed these activities immensely. When I was asked to become a Trustee for YDA, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to get involved in ensuring the support/services are offered to deaf children in Bucks. I’m also involved with Aylesbury Deaf Coffee Morning Club as well. Early this year I was asked to become the Chairperson of the YDA.

Joy Reilly

I am the parent of a young deaf adult who has attended YDA since the age of 6. YDA gives my son the chance to interact with other deaf youngsters at the weekends and over the holidays, he rarely misses it and enjoys the activities and fun trips. Being a Trustee gives me the chance to give something back to this charity.