Meet the team
Carita Smith
Director/Fitness instructor/Support worker
I created funky fitness and fun in 2008. Over the years the group has gone from strength to strength and we have had some amazing experiences and lots of fun to.
I have been doing voluntary work for 20 years starting as a voluntary youth worker for adults with additional needs. I set up Allstars Drama Group 17 years ago with Joanne Wilson. We have performed many shows at theatre's including the Coliseum and various carnivals and events over the years. I have trained as a hair dresser at college then also gained an NNEB and worked in schools for 12 years supporting children in the classroom.
I have been a P.A through Shared Lives providing support and teaching life skills to a range of different adults with additional needs . I have been a childrens entertainer for 29 years. I am a Reiki master, a qualified Bach flower remedy therapist, a laughter yoga instructor. I am also trained in level 3 ho,opono,pono, balance therapy, intensive interaction, sign along and counseling skills. I am also a qualified fitness instructor and love providing fitness and fun dance routines with the group.
In my spare time I enjoy walking, reading, meditation, fitness, dancing, french, learning magic
Robert Burns-Dyson
Director/Support worker
I have worked with adults with additional needs for over 14 years. I began working with Shared Lives in Oldham where I worked as a PA for a few young men with additional needs. I am passionate about empowering people to make their own decisions and to support them through any worries or concerns where necessary. I continually develop my skills and experience by taking a very active role in supporting the members of the group with any difficulties they have either emotionally and/or physically. I learn from people and they in return learn from me. Its a team affort.
I have worked in a range of different jobs and at all times have been respectful honest and trustworthy. I believe the saying dont judge a book by its cover and feel pleased when friends family or people at the group come to me with any issues and want my help. I am a very creative person and enjoy problem solving. My interests are cars, motor racing, movies, video games, music,singing,guitar,filming and editing, art, joinery/woodwork and DIY.
Debbie Williams
Manager/ Support worker
I joined the team at Funky Fitness and Fun over 7 years ago now. Its been a great time so far learning about the needs and wants of our members and it has also helped me learn a lot more about myself and just how varied and brilliant life is. I often provide hand and foot massages to some of the members to reduce tension/stress levels and to increase joint flexibility and over all well being. Before I came to Funky Fitness and Fun I worked for 14 years in a women's refuge dealing with a broad range of scenarios and situations. I gained a lot of skills and experience dealing with all types of positive and negative scenarios and varying levels of challenging behavior.
I am a fully qualified holistic therapist and hair dresser. I enjoy going to the gym, reading, gardening and increasing my knowledge in alternative therapies. I love spending time with the group and love the challenges that are presented to us all from time to time.
Susan Hughes
Support worker
I joined the team at Funky Fitness again in early 2015 after having a few short breaks over the years. I began working at the group in 2011. It has been good to come back and see the group again and to also meet new staff and members too.
I have so much fun in my working day.
I enjoy walking with my dog “Pippa” in the various fields and parks around Oldham and Rochdale. I enjoy giving and receiving Reiki healing and enjoy other holistic treatments such as Sound Beam, meditation sessions and massage therapy. In all my working life so far I can say with certainty that this is the best job ever.
Catherine Moody
Secretary/Support worker
I joined the Funky Fitness and Fun team in early 2016. With a background in office management I joined initially as an Administrator and soon getting involved with the support work in the group. I am a fully qualified person-centred Counsellor and volunteer listener, and also a trainer and mentor with the Samaritans.
Working at Funky Fitness and Fun is the most fun I have had during a work day. I am loving getting to know the members of the group. They inspire me every day with their support of each other and their general enthusiasm. Everyday is different and always fully rewarding.
Karen Lent
Fitness Instructor/Support worker
I first started working with Funky Fitness and Fun back in 2008 when the group first came about. I am a fully qualified fitness instructor and have been running a variety of classes over the last 30 years. Since first working at FFF I have provided a variety of fitness sessions to the members from Zumba, to dance, hip hop, rock focused sessions and many more. Its the most rewarding and entertaining class I do. I make the classes fun, educational and safe for everyone. My aim is to build fitness levels, strength, balance, and most of all confidence building.
I enjoy keeping fit and creating new and interesting routines for my classes. I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children.
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