Justin Pimm BSc (Hons) ASCC, founder of Pouncing Panthers, has led a colourful life so far!

Born and raised in South Africa until the age of 16, Justin was always an active child growing up, with a burning passion for all things sports. He was thus an avid tennis player, cricketer, rugby player and runner to name but a few of the sports he tried his hand at... with varying amounts of success he might add!

Following a family relocation which saw him sail around the world from their home in South Africa to Canada, Justin rose to the challenge whilst still successfully completing 4 A-levels. Finally settling down in Canada after two years at sea, it was here that Justin’s passion for sport diversified, now including the likes of ice hockey, skiing and golf.

At the age of 20 Justin’s passion for travelling and moreover sailing, had not quite been fulfilled yet. He would then go on to spend the next two years working on a 172ft private yacht, travelling between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, honing his seamanship before finally residing in the UK.

Here Justin took on the position as a Senior Tennis Coach at Woodfield Grove Tennis Club in south London where he gained a fantastic reputation over his 7 years of working there, for being a dynamic and inspirational coach and mentor for aspiring tennis players of all ages.

Hard work has always been a prerequisite for Justin, which was indeed illustrated when, not wanting to rest on his laurels, he decided to undertake his Bachelor of Science degree in Strength and Conditioning at St Mary’s University in Twickenham. All this whilst simultaneously working full time at the tennis club, Justin’s strong work ethic and dedication meant that he would graduate with a 1st Class Honours degree.

Not one for mediocrity, Justin decided to get married in this year too!

During Justin’s degree he took on some invaluable work experience within several elite sporting environments including Surrey Cricket and The National Tennis Centre, working with notable names such as Jason Roy, Ricky Ponting and Jamie Murray. This in-turn led to Justin accepting the prestigious position as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at one of the LTA's High Performance Tennis Centres - the West Hants Tennis Academy, Bournemouth.

Justin’s continued passion for creating sporting opportunities for all children, regardless of ability lead to the creation of Pouncing Panthers. Justin is hoping that his own children, Jonty and Savannah, will inherit this same exuberance for life and passion for sport - and that they too can grow up playing... the way nature intended!

Hi! Im Victoria, I’ll be the one that will answer your phone calls and messages on email and social media.

You may also find me with your children from day to day assisting our managers and generally trying to keep up!! I set up Pouncing Panthers with my husband Justin in 2016 with a desire to provide outstanding childcare, where the children are desperate to go and once there, desperate to stay!

A little bit about me; my background is in fashion, graduating with a 2:1 from University before taking a vacancy at Jenny Packham and working my way up to Head Bridalwear Designer. After 5 years I made the bold decision to head off traveling the globe for a year, solo in 2005.

Spending the year visiting India, South East Asia, Australasia and South America I soaked in culture, experiences and new friendships. Bungy jumping, Sky Diving, sleeping under the stars at Uluru and climbing the Inca Trail in Machu Picchu were particular highlights but my time spent volunteering at the Tsunami Volunteer Centre in Koh Lak affected my outlook on life forever.

On my return I set up a successful lingerie design company in London called Fred & Ginger. My designs were featured on countless celebrities and in top fashion magazines such as Vogue and Elle. I directed a Fred & Ginger photoshoot on an hour long episode of Britain’s Next Top Model and my collections were sold in Selfridges amongst 70 other High End shops and boutiques around the world. I won ‘Cool Brand’ Status as well as Best Female Entrepeneur, South London, 2012.

Those years were quite the ride until I met Justin and everything changed! Boys eh?!

Married in 2012 it didn’t take us long before we were expecting Savannah, our first born, Jonty arrived just 20 months later! Buisness woman and mother of ‘two under two’ nearly broke me. That’s when we made the decision to close Fred & Ginger and move to the beautiful South Coast from the hustle and bustle of London... and we’ve never looked back!

We’ve absolutely loved getting Pouncing Panthers off the ground and meeting such wonderful local people that we can now call friends. We moved the family up to Southampton during lockdown to care for my elderly mother - we haven’t left yet!

If any of you are looking for a pad to host guests locally, check out our beautiful Bournemouth home on Airbnb - a perfect spot to make some beautiful memories! We love what we do .. and our kids do too!

Come and say hi sometime!

Sam Wilkes

Hi I’m Sam!

I’ve run after school French clubs in the local area for the last 8 years, formerly under Le Club Français, but more recently independently, as Club Amusons-Nous; delivering an active language learning programme, in a fun, club environment.

I have a wealth of business experience, having previously worked in the Bloodstock Industry and Telecoms and have used my love of the French language throughout my working life whether it be through translation, interpreting or liaison.

Pouncing Panthers was a natural path for me to take once my own children Ed & Mila had grown up, as it has allowed me to continue being silly around children, which I love! I also enjoy working during school holidays as it allows me continue with my French clubs in term time. However, I’m very excited to be involved in the new Wraparound Care at Mudeford Junior School and will be managing the Breakfast Club there.

I really look forward to meeting you and saying ‘Bonjour!’ at the gates of Pouncing Panthers.

Lisa Murphy

Lisa's a mindfulness, meditation teacher and holistic therapist. She's worked in a school with children age 8-19 for 22 years now. Specialising in autism, associated conditions & mental health. 10 years being in education and the last 12 years in the Therapy department (Well-being Clinical Team) delivering alternative therapies, teaching mindfulness and self-care strategies.

Some of her most relevant training/qualifications being:

• Incredible Years training
• Relaxation, Meditation & Mindfulness Instructor (Teacher Training Diploma)
• Mindfulness, CBT & Well-being Coach (Teach Training Instructor)
• Smart Young Minds, Mindfulness, Resilience & Well-being Schools Coach (Teacher Training Diploma)
• Heartfulness Healing Technique (Teacher Training Certificate)
• Mindfulness Practitioner Course
• Children Do Yoga Teacher Training (2021)

Her philosophy being to better support all children through positive praise, growth mindset & teaching ways in which we can bring balance to our lives from an early age.

Out in the community Lisa runs mindfulness workshops, meditation & relaxation evenings & mini retreat mornings for adults/parents.

Anastasia Maunder-Taylor

Hi, I’m Anastasia and I started working at Pouncing Panthers at the end of Summer 2022. I will be going to Chichester University in September 2023 to study Primary Teaching and so helping out here at Pouncing Panthers is wonderful experience.

In my spare time I enjoy dancing and have taken many exams in styles such ballet, freestyle and musical theatre. I am currently assisting two dance classes a week at my dance studio.

I cannot wait to see everyone again in the holidays as I absolutely love working with the Pouncing Panthers team and all the children!

Elsie Taylor-Saunders

Hello! My name is Elsie, I’m 25 and I’m joining the wonderful Pouncing Panthers team in April 2023!

I am currently a Learning Support Assistant in a special school located in Bournemouth. I have worked at multiple holiday camps and youth clubs in which I have supported children with special needs, disabilities & complex learning difficulties on a 1:1 and group basis.

I have gained a 1st Class degree in Sociology at the University of Sussex in which I had studied the ‘Sociology of Childhood’ and ‘Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Education’.

Previously, I had worked for HM Prison and Probation Service, coordinating Offending Behavior Programs and Interventions. Whilst working as a civil servant I had received ‘Adverse Childhood Experiences & Trauma Awareness’ training.

My interests include any outdoors-y activities, getting creative with crafts, listening to music and enjoying nature. More specifically, I have a personal fascination with the gut-brain connection, nutrition and its impacts on mental health and brain function.

(I’m also a loud and proud Dyslexic!)

James Bovett

Hi, I'm James! I am a local personal trainer and I coach after-school rugby at a couple of local schools, I also play rugby for Christchurch RFC. I'll be joining the Pouncing Panthers team for the summer of 2023.

With my fitness coaching and sporting background I'm looking forward to bringing some fun-filled, high energy sessions for all the children to enjoy!

Kelly Hares

Hi, I have been a nanny for the past 9 years, before becoming a nanny I worked within nursery settings. I am now a mum to my own little active 16 month old boy, and still nanny part-time locally all year round.

I'm looking forward to joining Pouncing Panthers for summer 2023 and having lots of fun baking, playing games and being creative. I love music and festivals and can’t wait to rock out at the Pouncing Panthers disco.

I will see you every Thursday over the summer... and beyond.

Zara Staines

Hi I am Zara!

I have been working in childcare since 2010 . I am very outgoing & bubbly. I’m really looking forward to joining Pouncing Panthers in October 2023 and working with a new team.

I will bring in new skills, using my experience in childcare to help the children grow and develop their own talents. I am looking forward to working with the Pouncing Panthers team to help and support each child to grow and develop new skills.

I have the following .

March 2011
Level 2 NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and Development (City and Guilds)

March 2013
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce: Early Learning and Childcare Pathway (City and Guilds)

I love watching children grow and develop giving them the opportunity to grow their personalities and watch them bloom. Giving them the best start in life is so rewarding and fulfilling.

In my spare time I love to dance, a hobby that I will bring into Pouncing Panthers. I not only love the great outdoors and exploring nature but I also love craft activities and getting messy.

Although I have dyslexia I don’t let it get me down, instead I use it to my advantage and spread love and understanding to each and every child in my care, encouraging them all to be the best they can be, regardless of their individual circumstances.