Meet the ORT UK team
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Mia Lyons
Programme Manager
Mia was the ORT JUMP coordinator from 2013-2018. The programme grew from 80 mentor and student partnerships to over 250 during this time and Mia also oversaw the introduction of 5 local community schools. After spending some time working on a Careers Education Programme for Y7-Y11, Mia is now working on the expansion of the ORT JUMP programme into three new community sectors. Mia began her career working in account management for a large advertising agency and went on to run her own fashion business.
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Anna Black
Programme Manager
Anna began her career journey as a corporate liaison manager for the Science Museum. More recently she has worked for Jewish charity Jnetics, while also fulfilling the role of governor at her daughters’ primary school. Anna hopes to continue the ORT JUMP Mentoring Programme’s success, giving students opportunities and insight into their potential future careers.
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Julie Cohen
ORT JUMP Employability Skills Programme Manager
Julie spent many years teaching in Scotland before relocating to London in 2019, where she taught at an outstanding primary School for three years. In 2022, driven by a passion for education and a desire to explore a new direction, she joined the ORT JUMP team. Since then, Julie has developed a suite of Employability Skills Programmes, now delivered to over 700 students each year. She is deeply committed to helping young people prepare for life beyond school and is passionate about equipping them with the confidence, insight and skills they need to thrive in the world of work.
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Hayley Costa
Fundraising and Events Manager
Hayley brings over 20 years of experience in the Jewish charity sector to her role as Fundraising and Events Manager at ORT UK. She leads a variety of events and fundraising initiatives, working closely with supporters, including major donors, to help raise vital funds. Known for her energy, creativity and attention to detail, Hayley is passionate about building strong relationships and creating meaningful experiences that connect people to ORT UK’s mission. Her deep understanding of the community and long-standing commitment to the sector make her a valued member of the team.
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Debbie Lightman
Communications and Marketing Manager
Debbie joined the team in 2017, swapping a career in feature writing for national publications for charity marcom. At ORT UK, she oversees digital content, promotes programmes and events and hopes to continue raising the charity's profile and impact.
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Karen Shooter
Creative Director
Karen joined the team in early 2023 as Creative Director, managing the development of all ORT UK brand collateral and heading up creative & operational support for all events, campaigns and projects. Karen has 30 years experience designing in publishing, branding, entertainment, events, hospitality and charities in both digital and print.
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Ivan Rozhanskiy
Trusts and Grants Fundraiser
Ivan joined ORT UK in July 2024, bringing over a decade of experience in the charity sector. An ORT Moscow alumni, Ivan has a background in supporting vulnerable communities, having led a charity foundation for adults with special needs in Russia before moving to Israel. There, he launched a successful informal educational project for teenage immigrants. Now based in London, Ivan focuses on securing vital funding for ORT’s programmes, continuing his mission to create impact through education.
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Natalie Lieberman
Finance and Database Manager
Natalie joined us in 2014 as maternity cover and has been with us ever since. She runs the office looking after all the finances and administration. She previously worked for CST and prior to that spent 17 years as an exhibition designer.
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Ruby Peiser
ORT JUMP Administrator
Ruby started her career in the affiliate marketing world as an account manager. More recently she worked at King’s College London supporting academics and students in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, and organising student events. In June 2025, Ruby joined ORT UK where she works closely with the ORT JUMP Programme Managers to keep the day-to-day operations running smoothly and to help the ORT JUMP programmes reach even more young people across the country.
At ORT UK, we are part of ORT’s global network empowering young people through life-changing education.