Our team
Individually we’re all passionate about the positive, life-affirming benefits of being active, and together we make it accessible to people across Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire.
We all believe in empowering communities and giving energy, funding and inspiration to those who need it most. Whether we’re at our HQ, working from home or out and about, we’re dedicated to advancing equality to access sports and physical activity.
Meet our team
Vicky Joel
Vicky has over 20 years experience working in the sport and physical activity sector. Roles have included project managing exercise referral projects, club and community development and facility programming and sustainability for a large Local Authority.
Vicky has also worked in the third sector supporting local infrastructure and community and voluntary organisations to become more sustainable and to help local people into sustainable employment.
Vicky is a sports enthusiast and physical activity advocate who represented Sheffield Hallam Hockey Club in the National League. She was also Head Coach of Sheffield Hockey Club for 6 years during which time she led the Men’s 1st team to promotion to the National Premier Division.
Vicky was the Assistant Coach for the Wales Senior Women’s programme between 2011 and 2017, helping the progression and development of female athletes.
Currently, Vicky coaches Olton & West Warwickshire Men’s 1s in the National League & Khalsa Leamington Women’s 1s as well as Girl’s Head Coach of the South Midlands Performance Centre for the England Hockey player pathway.
Abi Dixon
Abi has worked at ThinkActive since 2006, before which she worked for Warwick District Council as a Sport Development Officer and Sports Coach.
Abi is the Senior Partnership Manager responsible for the effective delivery of our ‘Inspiring Active Communities’ strategy, leading the team and supporting the Director in the development of the organisation in terms of growth and sustainability.
Abi is particularly interested in the positive contribution sport and physical activity can make in terms of improving physical and mental health and in particular how physical activity can help improve the lives of those living with Dementia.
Abi sometimes find it hard to make time to be physically active but she does try; by riding her bike to work (it’s only a 1 mile, but it all adds up), making herself go running and walking her children and dog to school.
Annette Prestidge
Annette has extensive knowledge and experience after working in a variety of organisations within the commercial and public sectors, most recently working
in Facilities Management for CBRE at various IBM sites.
As the Business Support Officer for ThinkActive, Annette is responsible for the smooth operation of all administration systems and processes required to support the team and the organisation. She makes sure the office runs efficiently and effectively
Annette used to be a Coventry City season ticket holder and still regularly supports them.
Annette enjoys going to the theatre and concerts, gardening and regularly walking her dog.
Kerry Luckett
Kerry comes from a varied background working on extensive projects for the banking industry, public transport, and private businesses.
As Think Active’s Event Manager Kerry is responsible for the planning, promoting, and ensuring the smooth running of events. Organising events that inspire our community and allow individuals to thrive.
Kerry has been involved in a variety of sports but now focuses on Hockey, currently playing for Khalsa Leamington Ladies 1’s at Midlands Premier level. Has represented England Mixed and England Masters Hockey most recently playing in the Masters 2021 home nation’s tournament. Currently also coaching at KL hockey club and the Warwickshire Academy Centre with the U14 girls, in addition to coaching and playing she is the Chairperson of Khalsa Leamington Hockey Club.
Lijana Kaziow
Lijana is the Partnership Manager for Children and Young People and the Coventry area. Beyond this, she is our Safeguarding Lead.
Lijana joined us from another Active Partnership and comes from a background in education, having worked across all educational phases as a teacher and lecturer. From a Sport and Physical Activity perspective she has worked in Sports Development for over 15 years which includes time at a National Disability Sport Organisation and multiple roles for National Governing Bodies of Sport.
Lijana likes to volunteer across all levels of sport, from grassroots at local clubs to elite at major events. Although from a multisport environment, Lijana is now heavily involved in the athletics sphere, predominantly around athlete and coach development. She likes to keep herself busy by wearing multiple hats when she is away from Think Active: from coach development to mentoring, and club admin to major events she is always buzzing around to help people to access sport at whatever level they are and support them on their journey to wherever they want to go.
Jordan Young
Jordan is the Partnership Manager for Health and the Solihull Area. Beyond this, he is our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead.
Jordan joined us having previously been the Community Manager for Wasps, where he originally started his career leading the Disability and Inclusion community programmes – putting to use his BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching Science with Disability Sport.
I like to keep myself busy when I’m away from Think Active through the multiple roles I’m involved in – from Club Development to leading on the Warwickshire U16 Girls Rugby programme.
I love coaching, and work with a range of teams – and enjoy the opportunity to support other coaches on their journey too.
Away from the field, I try and keep active through going to the gym, trying to learn to play new sports, and if nothing else I try and get plenty of steps in each day.
I love attending live events, whether that’s sporting, music or theatre – so if you ever want someone to go with you, let me know!
Lucy Wilkes
Lucy has a BSc Honours in Sports Development and Coaching from the University of Gloucestershire in 2017. Following this Lucy worked for Stratford-on-Avon District Council in the Active Communities Team as an Active Communities Support Officer and Leisure Officer working closely with the local leisure centres.
Lucy is the Partnership Manager for Warwickshire supporting Think Active’s priorities for the area. Lucy also leads on Think Active’s grants and funding and makes sure our funding gets to the right groups and clubs.
Lucy enjoys playing hockey, swimming and attempting to dance at a local Zumba group.
Rhiannon Lloyd
Rhiannon has a range of experience working with small businesses and social enterprises in Virtual Assistant, Project Manager and Marketing and PR Assistant roles.
In previous roles, Rhiannon has worked across finance, administration and marketing functions and has successfully improved efficiencies internally and increased reach and customer satisfaction externally.
Having seen the impact physical activity had on my mental health (Anxiety & Depression), I knew it was something I had to encourage amongst others. I enjoy walks and hiking, these became the chosen activity after rescuing my dog, Diesel. I am a firm believer that regular (as possible) exercise can help body and mind feel happier, healthier, and stronger.
I don't always find the time every day to exercise, but I do try to make it a priority wherever possible. Even if that is a longer than usual dog walk, a couple of extra laps around the supermarket, or bopping and bouncing around a concert floor or festival field!"
The Board
Sharon Lea - Chair
Denise Finney - Senior Independent Director & Chair of Audit, Governance and Finance Committee
Graham Nicoll
Liam Hope - Safeguarding Champion
Paul Joyner - Vice Chair
Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi
