Sam Purnell
CEO
Sam created the Ghost Academy back in 2012. Her career began as a cutting technician in West & Central London and was promoted to manageress and then Area manageress by 21.
Sam took on her first independent barber shop at 26 and launched the first Ghost salon at 28. She met Chloe, her inspiration for Ghost Academy at 31. Sam achieved her teaching qualification, assessor award and IQA by 33. Ghost Academy was launched 38!
Sam is the founder of Ghost Academy and is very proud of her amazing team and fantastic board.
Andy
Meditation
Sam
Hair tutor and Well being support
I started with Ghost 5 years ago now. I initially completed the course and loved being at the salon. I teach and I also support the other tutors in our team. My strength is the well-being aspects of the academy. I attend partnership meetings to help make a difference in our learners lives.
Emma
Hair tutor
Emma has been with Ghost now for 4 years. Her career started as a commercial stylist before Emma joined a non surgical hair replacement team based in Warren Street W1.
Emma is a tutor at Ghost and delivers her sessions with pure passion. Our learners love Emma as not only is she a fabulous tutor but she creates an amazing learning experience that is welcoming and fun.
Ellie
Hair tutor & Administrator
Ellie is the administration lead and tutor for our young persons activities. She is qualified in Hairdressing and Beauty treatments. Ellie’s real eye is in the media detail creating exciting and current social media pieces that promote our good work and highlight the talents of our fabulous learners. Ellie gives a young perspective to our solid team.
Johnny
Barbering tutor
Johnny is a NVQ level 3 qualified celebrity barber. He was a Barbering tutor for Total Barber in central London before he opened his salon JK The Barber in 2015 in Edgware North West London. JK The Barber was proudly awarded TMP Best Barbershop London Region Winner in 2018.
Johnny is a stylist to the stars most recently working on the sets of the Marvel movie “Morbius” and “Fast & Furious 9”.
Joining Ghost in 2020 Johnny delivers our barbering courses level 1-3. His lessons are delivered full of passion for the art but in a fun professional way.
Neil Taylor
Chair
Strategic Directorate
Neil Taylor is Head of Insight and Analysis for Lloyds Banking Commercial Bank, where he has worked for the last 6 years. He brings over 20 years experience in leading large scale strategy and transformation programmes in financial services and consulting in the UK and overseas.
Neil has lived in East London for 20 years, and has worked with Business In The Community and the School for Social Entrepreneurs as an advisor and executive mentor to various charities over the last 15 years.
Louise Garner
Charity consultant
Louise currently works as a freelance consultant, supporting charities and social enterprises. She met Ghost Academy in 2015, through the School for Social Entrepreneurs. She was impressed by the impact they were having on women with complex needs and saw how they were changing lives. With 30 years experience in the sector, including managing homelessness provision and supporting charities working with ex-offenders, Louise is keen to help Ghost Academy extend their reach.
Kelly Cassar
Account and Finance Manager
Jane McIntyre
Risk Management Consultant
Tricia
Health and Social Care Management Consultant
Sue
Chloe
Young persons Board
Ghost are proud of our young people’s board. This board offers insight into the minds and challenges of young people in today’s society. It allows us to ensure our programs are current and actually meet the needs of our participants.
Dennis
