Theo Piper-Griffiths
Todmorden,West Yorkshire
Summary
Attentive, compassionate, and versatile professional with over a decade of experience in supportive, people-focused roles. I specialise in relationship-centred care for individuals with complex needs, including autism and emotional regulation challenges. As a business owner, I bring strong self-management and reliability to my work, aligning with the co-operative values of autonomy and mutual respect.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Teaching Assistant (SEN)
Woodbank Special School
2024.11 - 2026.01
- Providing 1-to-1 support for students with autism, learning difficulties, and sensory needs.
- Focusing on emotional regulation and building trust-based relationships to help students feel safe and supported.
- Managing this role alongside a photography business, demonstrating good levels of organisation and commitment.
- Prepared classroom materials to facilitate efficient lessons.
Business Owner & Photographer
Theo Piper Photography
2022.01 - Current
- Managing all aspects of a professional photography business, from client consultations to high-quality project delivery.
- Developed strong observational and listening skills to capture authentic moments and put diverse clients at ease.
- Demonstrated the autonomy and reliability required to thrive in independent and self-managing work models.
Self-Employed Gardener (Sub-contractor)
Friendly Landscapes
2022.07 - 2024.11
- Provided reliable garden maintenance and landscaping services for a local business.
- Consistently followed specific job briefs to ensure tasks were completed to the customer's exact requirements.
- Maintained excellent time management to complete varied daily tasks across different locations.
- Operated and maintained a variety of machinery, including lawnmowers, strimmers, and wood chippers.
Teaching Assistant (SEN)
Woodbank Special School
2020.01 - 2022.07
- Supported non-verbal and sensory-sensitive children through 1-to-1 interventions and classroom support.
- Implemented tailored communication strategies, such as picture symbols, to assist with daily routines and transitions.
- Built up rapport with students to increase their confidence and engagement in learning.
Brewer & Quality Control
Equinox Flower of Life Brewery
2018.05 - 2019.12
- Managed high-standard production, temperature recording, and quality control in a fast-paced, evolving team.
- Operated heavy machinery and forklifts while adhering to strict safety and teamwork protocols.
- Note: Transitioned from this role to pursue a long-term career in person-centred work.
Self-Employed Gardener (Sub-contractor)
Friendly Landscapes
2015.05 - 2018.05
- Provided reliable garden maintenance and landscaping services for a local business.
- Consistently followed specific job briefs to ensure tasks were completed to the customer's exact requirements.
- Maintained excellent time management to complete varied daily tasks across different locations.
- Operated and maintained a variety of machinery, including lawnmowers, strimmers, and wood chippers.
Working Travel & Volunteering
2015.09 - 2016.05
- Taught English at a Thai school and volunteered on permaculture farms and at a dog shelter.
- Gained a broad perspective on diverse ways of living and enhanced communication with people from different backgrounds.
Behaviour Support Assistant
Ellar Carr PRU
2014.10 - 2015.09
- Supported young people with challenging behaviour in 1-to-1 settings, focusing on de-escalation and building trust.
- Supported on school trips
- Followed a consistent behaviour policy that applied to all level of pupils
- Assisted teachers to manage disruptive behaviours, ensuring a conducive learning atmosphere.
Education
BA (Hons) - Film and Media Production
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield07.2011
2-Year Shamanic Practitioner Course -
Julie Wise
2018.01 - 2022.01
A-Levels -
Xaverian 6th Form College
Manchester 2016.09 - 2018.07
GCSEs -
Trinity CoE High School
Manchester 2002.09 - 2006.07
TEFL - Teaching
I-to-i TEFL Teaching Course
Leeds04.2014
Team Teach Training
10.2014
Skills
- Relationship-Centred Support
- SEN & Behavioural Support
- Inclusive Communication Tools
- Self-Management & Reliability
- Collaborative Team Player
- De-escalation & Regulation Skills
Affiliations
- Walking
- Nature
- Sports
- Fitness
- Spirituality
- Cooking
- Photography
- Film and Cinema
References
- Jenna Port, Woodbank Special School (Current)
- Karen Muscat-Baron, Woodbank Special School (Current)
- Rupert Charles, Equinox Flower of Life Brewery
- Further professional references available upon request.
Timeline
Teaching Assistant (SEN)
Woodbank Special School
2024.11 - 2026.01
Self-Employed Gardener (Sub-contractor)
Friendly Landscapes
2022.07 - 2024.11
Business Owner & Photographer
Theo Piper Photography
2022.01 - Current
Teaching Assistant (SEN)
Woodbank Special School
2020.01 - 2022.07
Brewer & Quality Control
Equinox Flower of Life Brewery
2018.05 - 2019.12
2-Year Shamanic Practitioner Course -
Julie Wise
2018.01 - 2022.01
A-Levels -
Xaverian 6th Form College
2016.09 - 2018.07
Working Travel & Volunteering
2015.09 - 2016.05
Self-Employed Gardener (Sub-contractor)
Friendly Landscapes
2015.05 - 2018.05
Behaviour Support Assistant
Ellar Carr PRU
2014.10 - 2015.09
GCSEs -
Trinity CoE High School
2002.09 - 2006.07
TEFL - Teaching
I-to-i TEFL Teaching Course
Team Teach Training
BA (Hons) - Film and Media Production
Sheffield Hallam University