Our Team

Paul Fenton PFHEA

Interim Leader

Paul is currently acting in the capacity of Interim Leader for CYM, supporting the staff team and trustees during a period of transition. He is an experienced youth and community work professional, organisational leader, academic and consultant with thirty years experience in the social sector, having worked in public, private and charitable settings. He has a track record of leading organisational development, building sector-wide networks, facilitating learning and influencing public policy discussions. He currently manages a mixed portfolio of contracts across the social sector that support a range of national, regional and local organisations through short-term contracts that involve research, evaluations and strategic reviews. Paul is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Visiting Professor for Captiva Learning and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Robin Smith MA

Director of Training

Robin is an educator in community-based Practical Theology and has over 13 years of community youth work experience in various contexts. As Director of Training, Robin overseas our formal academic programme (currently in teach-out) and informal training and CPD programmes. Robin completed his degree at London Bible College and his MA in Youth and Community Work and Applied Theology (The Centre for Youth Ministry) from the University of Gloucester, Cheltenham. Robin has qualified teacher status in Secondary Religious Education from Leeds Trinity University and has tutored several ministry training courses over the past 15 years, including the Oasis College of Higher Education London and Nazarene Theological College, Manchester. Robin is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Distinction Advance HE: York and is currently completing his doctoral studies exploring the intersection of faith-based work and a broader application of spirituality in society. Robin also holds a part-time role at Leeds Trinity University in supporting students academic development.

Dr Sarah Holmes

Director of Research

Sarah is CYM's Director of Research, seeking to explore together how we can equip and empower the church to enhance ministry opportunities amongst children and their families through research-informed practice. Sarah has been involved in ministry amongst children and families for over 20 years, and has a passion to find innovative and effective ways to equip children to get closer to Jesus. After completing a Geography degree at Liverpool University (with the aim of being a weather girl or earthquake predictor!), she worked as a church-based children's worker on the Wirral, and then as a Children and Family Pastor in Altrincham, Cheshire. Alongside this work, she really enjoyed studying at Cliff College: First to gain a Level 5 Diploma in Children's Evangelism and Nurture, and then an MA in Evangelism Studies. She then took some time out of this work to be a stay-at-home mum, but in the midst of this season completed a PhD exploring the role of family in children's faith journeys. Sarah also holds a part-time role teaching Early Childhood Studies at Liverpool Hope University, and researching the topic of children's faith and spirituality.

Lyndsay Millar

Operations Co-ordinator

Lyndsay is the Operations Co-ordinator for CYM and manages the administration of the charities operations. Lyndsay is typically the first point of contact for enquirers and partners. She provides support to navigate your way through CYM training pathways, qualifications and CPD programmes. Lyndsay also supports the staff team and trustees with the operational requirements that keep CYM fit and healthy.

Dr. Graham Bright

Associate Fellow

Graham was formerly Director of Research, Senior Lecturer and Practice Co-ordinator with CYM. He has been involved in youth and community work for over 30 years and is a qualified counsellor. Graham has worked in schools, colleges and universities where he taught various programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including Childhood and Youth Studies, Early Childhood Studies, Counselling, Education Studies, and Sociology. He completed his PhD in Youth Work at Durham University in 2021.

He was part of a team which planted The Well Methodist Church in Darlington, where he now serves as Community Pastor. The Well is situated in an area of socio-economic challenge; it is a church committed to working creatively with its local community to bring change and to developing discipleship and expressing worship intergenerationally. Graham maintains a strong relationship with CYM, offering dissertation supervision, consulting on research and teaching occasional modules. His previous research and ongoing interests relate to Growing Faith, Intergenerational Church, Community and Youth Work.

Ali Campbell

Associate Tutor

Ali Campbell has worked in children’s and youth ministry for 27 years. After a career in the Ministry of Defence Ali studied for a Certificate in Youth Ministry with OASIS (1996 - 98). Ali went on to be a youth minister at a large church in West London during which time he was also leading children’s and youth work at the New Wine summer events. For nine years Ali was the Adviser for Children’s and Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Chichester, during which time he gained a Masters in Reflective Practice and Applied Theology. In 2014, Ali established The Resource - a Youth and Children’s Ministry Consultancy, to serve the local church through training, equipping events and mentoring and support for those working with children, young people and families. Ali has taught at various academic institutions over the last decade including, Reign Ministries, St Mellitus, Emmanuel College and Cliff College (where he was an adjunct tutor from 2019 - 2023). In July 2022, Ali was the founder of Paraklesis - The Association of Children’s, Youth and Family Ministers. Ali is married to Lisa and they have two teenage daughters."

Dan Hayter

Associate Tutor

Dan has taught theology on theological training courses for a decade. He is currently the LEAD course manager for Relational Mission’s Leadership Training course and leads the Biblical Theology component of the course. He also has local church ministry experience, and has regularly preached in local churches. Dan holds a first class degree in Theology and an MA in Biblical Studies with distinction, both from King’s College London. He is also finishing a PhD in New Testament at King’s College London.

Dave Horsfall

Associate Tutor

Dave has been leading on the development of our online modules in biblical studies. Dave is the Director of Leeds School of Theology, which delivers informal theological education to Christians in local churches. He also lectures at St Hild Theological College, teaching Introduction to New Testament, and previously taught a Level 5 Christology Module for CYM. Dave was in senior church leadership for seven years with Mosaic Church Leeds. In 2017 he completed a PGDip in Theology, Mission, and Ministry with Durham University and then an MA in 2020. Dave is a Ph.D. Theology Student at Durham University, focusing on New Testament studies.

Alia Pike

Associate Tutor

Alia is a youth worker and has over 25 years experience of working with young people in churches, open access youth clubs, education, and targeted youth work projects. Alia currently works for the National Youth Agency which is the PSRB for Youth Work in England and is employed as the Education and Training Standards Officer. Outside of work Alia is a marathon runner having completed over 25 marathons including three ultra marathons and recently ran a marathon in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan. Still involved in grassroots youth work Alia volunteers at her church and is part of the regional Limitless team supporting youth leaders in the North West and can be found walking around Limitless Festival as part of the pastoral team. Continuing professional development is important to Alia and she is currently completing her MA in Theology, Community Development, and Social Change.

Jaz Potter

Associate Tutor

Jaz is a seasoned leader with a distinguished career, currently serving on the senior leadership team at Gateway Church. With a wealth of experience in various leadership roles, she has demonstrated exceptional skills in guiding and inspiring teams towards achieving their goals. Jaz holds a Masters in Missional Leadership from Newman, showcasing her commitment to understanding and navigating the complexities of mission-driven organisations.

Currently pursuing a Doctorate at Asbury Seminary (USA), Jaz continues to deepen her academic knowledge, bringing cutting-edge insights to her leadership role. Her involvement in leading Christian organisations reflects her dedication to advancing the mission of faith-based initiatives. Jaz is a respected leader within her community and a sought-after speaker and host for Christian organisations and churches.