Rachel Mathers, Director of Operations

Rachel has worked at The Yard since 2014 and has been the Director of Operations since 2019. She heads up our play and operations teams, ensuring our current services are of the highest possible quality, and taking a strategic view on new sites and services. Rachel has worked and volunteered in the play sector for over 15 years, and has for the last nine concentrated on children’s rights and play for disabled children. She has an MSc in Childhood Studies, and a Postgraduate Qualification in Playwork Leadership and Management. She has worked in play and youth work all over the UK and Ireland, with her career covering areas such as adventure play, respite services and advocacy. Rachel is passionate about children’s rights, and ensuring all children have access to high quality, child-centred play services.