Appointed 1 January 2022.

Olwen’s early working life included working in the retail sector, at both Tesco and then Marks & Spencer. Olwen went to university and qualified as an Early Years teacher when she was in her forties. From there Olwen has spent a number of years in teaching and became Head of Early Years. Olwen was always interested in Special educational needs and was SENCO for the school she worked at. Later, Olwen joined the county advisory team as an Early Years Coordinator/ Area SENCO. This role enabled Olwen to travel around (mostly) West Cumbria, visiting Nurseries and schools, offering advice in best practice and supporting settings and families with additional needs provision.

Olwen is a leaseholder in a general needs building and has been for over 16 years. During that time Olwen has always taken an interest in her home and surrounding area.

Olwen was a former Tenant Board member of Impact Housing Association Ltd and Impact Committee until full integration in October 2021 and was involved in a variety of Impact residents’ groups and has joined the Riverside Voice online group.