Meet the team

We’re like one big family here at Early Birds and our staff are dedicated to helping our children develop and grow.

Gillian Cadman

Manager

Lisa Mayers

Deputy

Hilary Armstrong

Administration

Denise Burleigh

Early Years Practitioner

Donna Greenwood

Early Years Practitioner

Gemma Williams-Goodman

Pre-school Assistant

Learn more about our staff

GILLIAN CADMAN

Pre-school Manager

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you, I am Gillian Cadman manager at Early Birds pre-school. I have had the privilege of working in the Early Years sector since 2003 and have been manager of Early Birds since 2008. Being a part of each child’s journey at the start of their school life really is a privilege. When I am not in pre-school, I enjoy spending my time with family and friends. I like going to the theatre and travelling, experiencing different cultures from around the world. At home I like cooking, baking and gardening which I also like to share this with the children in pre-school. Children can often hear me say – “Let’s get ready to rock and roll”

If you had a motto what would it be? “When you can’t find the sunshine, be the sunshine.”

LISA MAYERS

Pre-school Deputy Manager

Hi my name is Lisa, I have a little boy…well he’s not so little now as he’s just started high school, but he will always be my little dude! I have worked with children for many years now, which I love and enjoy. Watching the children have fun, laughter and progress in their next steps gives me such joy and happiness. In my own pass time I love to go for country walks with my dog, bike rides and meeting up with friends and family.

HILARY ARMSTRONG

Pre-school Administrator

Hi, I’m Hilary. I’ve worked at Early Birds pre-school longer than I care to admit. No two days are ever the same at EB’s and each day as I welcome the children they never fail to make me smile and brighten up my day. I’m fortunate to see them grow in confidence from their first visit to the day they leave for school. When not in pre-school I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love to cook and bake, those who know me, know I have a sweet tooth. I also love listening to music and can often be heard singing out loud to my favourite tunes whilst walking our dog Tess across the fields, albeit never in tune! Any questions my email is always open

DENISE BURLEIGH

Early Years Practitioner

Hello my name is Denise and I live in Calveley with Mike. We have three daughters and two granddaughters. I started working at Early Birds in October 2008 and love working as an early years practitioner as no two days are ever the same. The children make me smile on a daily basis. I like to travel abroad to Spain and manage a few trips there each year with my family. I also like to spend time in Saddleworth on a regular basis, especially when there’s lots of snow up there. My true passion is my family, friends and the countryside.

DONNA GREENWOOD

Early Years Practitioner

Hi everyone my name is Donna. I live in Calveley with my husband & have two grown up boys. I have been part of the Early Bird’s team since 2007. I really love settling the children into our pre-school environment getting to know all their little or big! personalities. I especially enjoy singing, free craft, playing outside and when we’re all worn out a cosy story time. When I’m at Early Birds I enjoy singing and storytime and listening to all the news that the children like to share. I really enjoy working at Early Birds with the lovely children and staff.

GEMMA WILLIAMS-GOODMAN

Pre-school Assistant

Hello, I’m Gemma – the newest member of the Early Birds team, joining in October 2022. I live in Cholmondeley with my husband and two children (who go to Bunbury Aldersey) and a very excitable Cocker Spaniel called Raffy! Early Birds is such a welcoming, fun and friendly setting, watching the children grow in confidence and develop their own personalities is a real privilege. I love all things art and crafts and when I’m not at Early Birds I can be found in my studio making family keepsakes as a Life Casting Artist. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, country walks, baking and of course holidays!