Abbi Caliandro

I am currently the Education and Community Director at Bore Place, overseeing the Education department, funded programmes, public events and volunteer opportunities across the 500-acre organic estate.  Prior to this I worked for Hadlow College for over 12 years, most recently as the Group Head of Faculty role working with local schools and other organisations to plan, establishing and delivering inclusive and supportive programmes to the local community.  My role also included managing the SEN provision across West Kent and Hadlow colleges, the NEET (not in education and employment) learners and the adult social care provision at Princess Christian Farm, the part of my role I enjoyed the most and I am keen to support the exciting developments through KASBAH.

There is nothing I enjoy more than working as part of a team of people to help others learn and gain new skills in an alternative environment to that of the classroom.  I am driven by making a difference to those that face challenges on a daily basis and supporting them in achieving their aspirations.  I believe that not all classrooms should to have walls and to educate people you need to inspire them to enable them to reach their full potential and beyond.

On a personal level my family are avid Volkswagen enthusiasts and we own two camper vans and a VW Beetle, frequently spending our weekends camping or participating in VW festivals and charity events.  Alongside this my husband and I have raced on a Dragonboat team for a number of years, raising money for Demelza’.