Julie Foster - Chief Executive Officer
Julie joined Lighthouse Learning in September 2009 as the Chief Executive Officer. Julie has worked for over 20 years in the informal education sector across 5 Local Authorities.
She was involved in one of the first Connexions pilots in Lincolnshire in 2000 and went on to become the Operations Manager of Leicester City Youth Services, achieving their first Ofsted inspection with a satisfactory grade. Julie was the Leicester Children and Youth Services Strategic Officer for Participation developing the City's first Young People's Charter. She also established the now thriving Young People's Council and wrote the City's first Participation Strategy. Julie has worked closely within a range of partnerships and organisations.
When Julie isn't working you will find her at her allotment where she enjoys growing her own veggies. Julie's dream is to have a small holding and be self sufficient, as well as leading Lighthouse Learning into a strong and sustainable future.
Karen Troughton - Business Manager
Karen was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, and moved to Leicester in her late teens. She started her working life in the Civil Service, moving through the ranks to become Finance Officer and Administration Manager for the then gas regulator, Ofgas. She then moved into the voluntary sector, looking after the finances of the Leicester Education Action Zone before becoming Business Manager for Lighthouse Learning.
Karen brings over 30 years experience in finance, administration and office management to Lighthouse Learning, has a first class degree in Applied Accounting and is a part-qualified accountant.
Karen’s interests include as much international travel as well as good food, good wine, beer and football! She has also been Editor of a local community magazine and a proof reader for a book printer.
Cathy Collings - Strategic Project Leader
Cathy has lived in many areas of the country but has now settled in Leicester, where she has been since 2005.
Cathy joined Lighthouse Learning in May 2007 as an Academic Coach in Science and Maths and has worked with young people across the city as they approach their GCSEs. She now manages secondary education projects at Lighthouse Learning; these projects include coaching young people with their academic work and providing innovative learning opportunities away from school.
Prior to training to become a science teacher, Cathy had a background in pension administration and computer programming. She maintains an interest in information technology and also enjoys sweets and cakes.