Delivery team Facilitators Board of trustees Champions

  • Anna Chripko - Development Assistant

    After moving to London from Hungary in 2012, Anna began her career in the arts working across the West End whilst studying for her Master’s Degree in Arts Policy and Management. Prior to joining the iOi she worked as a Senior and Events Assistant at the Donmar Warehouse, where her passion for the importance of creative learning and participation, as well as her interest in furthering her career in fundraising, deepened.

  • Alex Rodriguez - Volunteer Manager (Volunteer)

    Alex began originally volunteering at iOi events and in 2016 became our first Volunteer Manager. Her role is to find passionate volunteers to make events unforgettable and to support our network of 250+ volunteers. Alex brings exceptional communication skills to the role from account management at Saatchi & Saatchi and entrepreneurial spirit from setting up and running an independent shop in central London. Alex is passionate about preparing the next generation to be ready for their future through a focus on developing imaginations.

  • Damian Griffiths - Director of Finance and Enterprise (part-time)

    Since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant at the London office of EY, Damian spent over 10 years as a director of innovation firm, New Solutions. Following this, he engaged with a number of growing businesses in the creative and consulting sectors, taking a particular interest in organisations with a purpose beyond profit.

  • Emma Callow - Imagination Lab Creative Lead (part-time)

    Emma has worked extensively with under-privileged children and young people, many with special needs, using the arts, creativity and therapeutic communication to promote well-being and personal development. She has helped deliver Pop Up Parks events, coaches individuals and groups, and has won an innovation award for her work with students at Kingston College.

  • Fiona Wright - iOi at Home Programme Manager (Lambeth)

    Fiona has a wealth of experience in working with children and young people in schools, community projects and supportive interventions. She has been working in the charity sector for over 10 years as a children’s and youth worker and delivered therapeutic art programmes in schools across London. She now brings to the iOi her passion for empowering children to be curious, playful and to explore their potential. With a firm belief that healthy wellbeing provides the platform for successful learning, Fiona is also currently studying to become a child psychotherapist.

  • Gareth Binns - Senior Adviser

    After 10 years at iOi, five years as the organisation’s CEO, Gareth remains part of the iOi family as Senior Advisor, working across specific projects. Gareth brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about developing learning environments, programmes and resources. A Fellow of the RSA, he was formerly Head of Education and Interpretation at the National Trust, Director of Learning at Nesta, Keeper of Learning and Information at the British Museum, and CEO of the Sorrell Foundation. As well as other trustee roles, Gareth is a governor at an academy for 11-18 year olds.

  • Isabel Palmstierna - Team Operations Manager (part-time)

    Originally from Sweden, Isabel moved to the UK in 2011 to begin her studies in English Literature and History at the University of Edinburgh and later completed a Masters in theatre text and performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She has worked extensively within the arts, contributing to a range of productions throughout her career in both an artistic and an events management capacity, instilling a strong belief in the importance of imagination, creativity and play.

  • James Brown - Imagination Lab Events and Facilities Manager

    James has worked with SEND children and their families across a variety of initiatives and organisations for several years. He has a background working with children with additional needs through experiential therapies and sensory play. His expertise helps the iOi team ensure that SEND children are able to have their strengths recognised and nurtured. Alongside his work with children and families, James makes excellent use of a background in property development to meticulously manage events and ensure our tech is tip top.

  • Jess Joyson - Imagination Lab Manager (maternity leave)

    Joining us from Teach First, Jess has ample experience in child and adult education. Prior to Teach First, Jess was a secondary school teacher and a learning assistant in a cultural organisation. She champions educational equality both in and out of the classroom, and is currently studying for her Masters in Leadership in Education at UCL Institute of Education.