Meet the GECCO team

Meet The Team

The passionate educators, sustainability leaders and trustees behind GECCO.

MEET THE TRUSTEES

Behind Greatness

Our trustees combine expertise in education, sustainability, environmental leadership, early years development and community impact. Together, they help drive GECCO’s mission to create a more sustainable future for children.

Cheryl Hadland

Cheryl Hadland

Founder of GECCO

Cheryl is the Managing Director of Hadland Care Group and founder of GECCO, with a passion for sustainable education and environmental action.

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Cheryl is an avid diver with many years of experience and has seen first-hand the damage that plastic can cause in the ocean. After learning about the consequences of everyday actions, Cheryl founded GECCO in 2017.

She completed a course in Sustainable Leadership at the University of Cambridge and works to educate staff, parents, children and the community on becoming more aware of the impact of their decisions and activities.

John Siraj-Blatchford

John Siraj-Blatchford

Education & Sustainability Advisor

John provides academic and practical pedagogic expertise, supporting GECCO’s education for sustainable citizenship work.

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John has worked for many years in teacher education and was most recently employed at the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education.

He has written widely on Education for Sustainable Development and actively promotes effective sustainability learning through play.

Diane Boyd

Diane Boyd

Early Years Education Specialist

Diane brings over 40 years of education experience, supporting children, students and practitioners in sustainable learning.

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Diane has taught children aged 3–11 and spent many years in Higher Education, supporting students in understanding child development and teaching practice.

Her work focuses on education for sustainability, climate action and giving agency to young children.

Barbara Chaitoff

Barbara Chaitoff

Trainer & Sustainability Lead

Barbara is a trainer with experience in Early Years, sustainability leadership and supporting nursery teams.

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Barbara trained in Early Years and has worked across nursery management, training, safeguarding and sustainability roles.

She supports learners and practitioners in embedding sustainability into Early Years education and everyday practice.

Micah Faure

Micah Faure

Legal Director

Micah is the Legal Director at Hadland Care Group and supports GECCO with a strong commitment to conservation and positive social change.

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Micah grew up in South Africa and developed a deep appreciation for wildlife, nature and conservation.

Her long-term goal is to be a leader in conservation and use her skills to achieve sustainable and positive change.

5

Trustees

100%

Volunteer Governance

2017

GECCO Founded

40+

Years Education Experience

“Small changes today create a better future for tomorrow.”
GECCO

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Help us educate, inspire and protect the future through environmental action, sustainability education and community projects.

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