Ollie Kasper-Hope is the Founder and Chief Alkhemist and lead practioner for Alkhemy. He leads the organisation’s strategy and approach, designs Alkhemy’s training as well as developing other services. Ollie has 15 years experience in HE including 10 years working at 4 different Students’ Unions and has most recently worked as a senior manager at Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity. A self-confessed student voice geek and advocate for wellbeing, Ollie also enjoys following football and is a long suffering fan of Middlesbrough FC. He also likes to spend quality time with his wife and daughter.

Amy Kasper-Hope is the Managing Director for Alkhemy. She leads the organisation’s operational activities, branding & design as well as leading on projects such as the Alkhemy Adviser Programme. Amy has 10 years experience in Higher Education working at 3 different Students’ Unions and as the Peer Support Manager at Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity. Amy enjoys playing football, squash and going swimming. She also likes to spend quality time with her husband, young daughter and their dog and cat and exploring new places.

Molly Knight is our Project Alkhemist. She is highly passionate about improving the educational experience, creative problem solving and student voice, inclusion and representation. She has a range of experience within Higher Education, from working within student events and communication, student voice and democracy and Educational quality assurance, governance and policy. Molly believes in approaching everything with kindness,optimism and humility. In her spare time Molly enjoys the chaos of raising two fierce females, having adventures with her family, cooking and eating!

Andrew Bowie is our Student Voice Alkhemist. Andrew has worked with organisations representing students for the past 5 years, starting out as a volunteer, and holding several elected positions before transitioning into a staff role in 2020. During this time, Andrew has worked in several areas, representing students right across the tertiary spectrum from foundation and access courses, right through to PhD. Most recently, he has specialised in academic representation, and is passionate about trying creative and innovative approaches to make becoming and engaging with student representatives as easy, accessible, and rewarding as possible. He also has experience working with cross-sector agencies around enhancing the student role in quality and assurance processes within further and higher education. Away from work, you'll find Andrew at a gig, gaming, or being bossed around at home by the cat!

Barbara is our Delivery & Development Officer. Barbara is passionate about making a positive impact on young people’s lives and has dedicated over 5 years in doing so, both abroad and in the UK. Her journey into the Student Movement started back at University, only first getting involved with the Students’ Union as a course rep after an issue on her course. From there, she went on to become an active member representing students in several positions, namely as President during COVID-19. Since then, Barbara has completed her degree in International Relations, investigating COVID-19 through an intersectional feminist lens, exploring the impacts on women and marginalised genders in the UK. Most recently, Barbara has worked as a consultant, planning tailor-made educational trips for educational providers. However, the SU bug is still ever-present and she is ready to combine her experiences to truly make a difference for organisations supporting students again.

Sol is our trainee Executive Officer. She is passionate about student wellbeing and building strong communities. They believe in approaching everything from a place of authenticity, honesty, and empathy, and enjoy exploring things through a creative lens. Sol has always worked in people-facing roles and loves working with people from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences. She was a keen activist during university and decided to use this energy to create positive changes for students, going on to serve two years as UCASU President Kent. This led to a deep passion for the student movement, and she went on to do a lot of work around accessibility, student community, and rebuilding and maintaining useful relationships. Since then, Sol has also gained experience in people management and found a love for fostering healthy and positive working spaces, as well as training and developing people to be their best selves. In her free time, you might spot Sol drawing and writing, at heavy metal gigs, or simply enjoying life in any way she can!

I am currently training as a Case Advice Worker and have previously been part of my well-being advisory service at my alma mater. I'm very passionate about advocating for students whilst in higher education, and feel as much guidance as they need will ensure that their university experience is enhanced and more enriching. Having been a student recently in an economy where it can be difficult mentally, academically and financially, I find that working with Alkhemy is the best place to give back to students, and I'm excited to use my experience and enthusiasm to contribute to Alkhemy's core values.

Hannah Winslade is our Principal Advice Caseworker. Get her talking about student wellbeing, empowerment and liberation, and she might never stop! They have worked at three Students’ Unions and one university across a range of student advice, wellbeing and voice roles, including co-managing an Advice Team focussing on developing triage advice, social policy and ensuring a well supported team of effective caseworkers. Away from work you will find her on a walk along the beach, catching up with friends or watching some reality TV.