Who we are
Our team is made up of passionate experts and ambassadors for food education, with experience in practical teaching, community building, sustainable food systems, and business development, all united to bring food and growing education to Hackney.
Board of Directors
Our directors provide pro bono support and invaluable skills from across the education and food, as well as experience from both charity and business sectors.
Louise Nichols
Louise is the Executive Head of the LEAP Federation of Schools and a National Leader of Education. She has over 20 years of experience in Hackney schools and is a co-founder of Hackney School of Food.
Marc Thompson
Marc is the Headteacher of Mandeville Primary School, where Hackney School of Food is located. He is dedicated to ensuring all children have access to free, high-quality school meals and sustainable food education integrated into the curriculum.
Naomi Duncan
As CEO of the charity Chefs in Schools, Naomi champions child health through improved access to quality school meals and food education. She is also a Co-founder of Hackney School of Food.
Melanie Neill
Melanie is a chartered accountant and our treasurer. Formerly at UBS, she brings financial expertise and a passion for growing impactful community start-ups.
Vicki Webb
Vicki brings 25 years’ experience in UK Government with expertise in strategic planning, development and partnerships. As a Hackney resident, she’s a keen gardener and passionate about community impact.
Zoe Brewster
Zoe leads grant programmes at Wellcome Trust, tackling urgent health challenges to support a healthier future for all. She has extensive experience in funding across health, food systems, and environmental sustainability.
Our Team
We’re a small, dedicated team passionate about bringing a love of growing and cooking food to all.
Zoe McIntyre
Managing Director
Tom Walker
Head of Operations and Food Education
Tash Hyman
Programme Coordinator
Lidka D’Agostino
Head Gardener
Flor Cortes
Kitchen Assistant
Mallika Basu
Commercial and Marketing Lead
Our food and garden educators
Our work is also supported by freelance chefs, educators, facilitators, and volunteers.
Camila Barboza
Garden educator
Dee Pascal-O’Mahoney
Garden Educator
Keshia Sakarah
Food Educator
Michelle O'Mahoney
Food Educator
Nicola Nzuza
Garden Educator
Theo Findley
Food Educator
Yvonne Poon
Food Educator
