Our Team

"Alone we can do so little, Together we can do so much" - Hellen Keller

Judith Owen

Owner/ Manager

I am Judith and I have a BA in Early Childhood studies and am a qualified Early Years Teacher. I have been working as an early years teacher for 16 years. I was was originally the manager of Early Steps before buying the preschool in December 2017. I originally worked in insurance, before finding my passion for working in the Early Years sector. I have 2 of my own children (both who work for the preschool). When not working, I enjoys concerts, the theatre, reading... and watching Liverpool FC!

Lisa Hobbs

Early Years Practitioner

Hi, I am Lisa. I have a level 6 in childcare and I have recently completed my degree in Early Years Education. I have been working at Early Steps Preschool since not long after it first opened. I have 3 of my own children, one of which nearing the end of primary school and two in secondary. In my spare time I enjoy walking.

Emma Stevens

Early Years Practitioner

Hi, I’m Emma, i am training to do my level 3 in childcare with Jace training. I have 3 children, 2 of whom went to Early Steps, which is how I came to fall in love with it. I started working here 2 years ago and I really enjoy working in the setting because it has a lovely family feel. In my spare time I like spending time with my family and socialising with my friends.

James Owen

Early Years Practitioner

Hi, I'm James. I am currently working on my level 3 in Early Years through Jace. I have been working at Early Steps for nearly 4 years. In the future, I hope to progress and become a primary school teacher. Outside of work, I enjoy gaming, playing with my dog and playing or watching football, especially Liverpool FC.

Sophie Berry

Early Years Practitioner

Hello, my name is Sophie. I am level 2 qualified and i am currently working on my level 3 through Jace. I have been with the preschool for over 2 years. Outside of work, I am often babysitting or working on my level 3. I also enjoy listening to music, watching television and taking care of my pet hamster. I love thinking of different activities for the children, which are both fun and educational.

Claire Maguire

Early Years Practitioner

Hi, my name is Claire. I have a level 4 in childcare and I am currently studying for my Early Years Foundation Degree. I have been in childcare for over twenty years. I have two children who are in their beginning years of secondary school. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my two sons and I am also a very big football fan and enjoy going to watch my favourite teams.

Charlotte Owen

Preschool Assistant

Hi I am Charlotte and have been working at the preschool for around 3 years as a preschool assistant. I work in between going to college, where I am studying business, photography and textiles. I really enjoy doing the creative side of things. In my spare time I like to play Xbox and watch television, I also love to go to the theatre and concerts.

Samantha Allen

Early Years Practitioner

Hi, my name is Samantha. I have worked with children from the age of 15. I have my NVQ level 2 in early years care and education.

I have three boys and a step daughter, two are still in first school and the other two are in secondary school.

In my spare time I enjoy swimming and going to football with my husband and children as we are big time football fans and enjoy going to watch out favourite team.

Amanda Panchenko

Early Years Practitioner

Hello, my name is Amanda and I am a level 3 practitioner. I have worked in childcare for some time and recently became part of the team with early steps. I have 1 child and in my spare time I like spending time with my family and friends.