CEO
Ken Cowen devised the School of Hard Knocks concept in 2007, and has been CEO of the charity since is creation in 2012. His background is predominantly in the development of bespoke training solutions across a range of settings. He has worked in the private, public and charitable sectors and has a rich background in public speaking and communications.
Director of Programmes, England
Nathan Persaud is a trained sport psychology consultant with a background in sport for social change. Having also worked within education, he brings a unique knowledge of effective employability delivery and how to have maximum positive impact on a person’s behaviour.
Director of Programmes, Scotland
Rosa has worked in training, facilitation, fundraising and events management for a number of charities in Scotland. She joined SOHK as Programmes Manager in March 2017 and is responsible for executing the charity's strategy north of the border. She’s a terrible rugby player but loves cycling and tennis.
Director of Programmes, Wales
After a 10-year career in social housing, Catryn started work at SOHK in August 2016. Catryn recently retired from playing rugby for Pontyclun and Cardiff Blues, her focus is now on growing SOHK's presence and sustaining the work through partnerships and funding opportunities.
Schools Programme Facilitator
Hailing from Fife in Scotland, with a lifelong love of sport, Gavin served 15 years in the Royal Air Force but made a career change to become a coach to follow his passion for rugby. As Scotland Schools Facilitator Gavin oversees the Schools Programme and enjoys each new day with SOHK.
Behaviour Specialist
Kate has a background in psychology and substantial practical and research experience with young people and adults facing challenges in their lives. Kate was one of the charity’s first recruits, running pilot programmes in Scotland from 2014. After a stint away to work on her PhD, Kate returned to SOHK as a Behaviour Specialist.
Adult Course Facilitator
Megan plays rugby for Scotland and joined SOHK in 2019 after first getting involved with the charity as a sessional coach. After studying a Masters in Sports Management, Policy and International Development she is enjoying having a hands on role and seeing the positive impact rugby can have on individuals from all walks of life.
Senior Adult Course Facilitator
After leaving school Calum had lots of different jobs before stumbling into employability and personal development work. He has been in this field for over ten years now, working with homeless young people and for government welfare-for-work programmes before joining School of Hard Knocks in 2017.
Head of Schools Programmes
Since the tender age of six, Torran has been a keen rugby player. After completing a degree in sports coaching and becoming a Level Three RFU coach, Torran worked at a number of different schools and clubs as a freelance coach. In 2015 Torran started working for SOHK as a freelance Schools facilitator and has grown with the charity and its programmes ever since.
After doing his A-Levels Michael went to college part-time while being a lifeguard and rugby coach. After some hard graft, Micheal gained his degree in Sports Education and decided to teach maths, art, drama and P.E. in school. LOREM IPSUM
Cesca worked in both adolescent and adult mental health settings before embarking on a ten-year career in education working with young people with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. As Head of Inclusion in one of these settings she worked SOHK to deliver a Schools Programme and became SOHK's Behaviour Specialist for England in 2016.
With no academic background nor qualifications to speak of, Jim took the road less travelled to get to SOHK. Having been a beneficiary of a course very similar to the adult ones that he leads for us in London, he is uniquely positioned to work with our participants. He cites the drastic changes in thinking and attitude that we see occur on our courses as his primary motivator.
Senior Course Facilitator
Achieving her Black Belt in Taekwondo at the age of eight, and representing Wales in athletics, rounders, netball and most recently rugby league, Shaunni has always had a passion for sport. She joined the Pontyclun Falcons squad in 2017 where she learned about the true power of the Rugby Family and became part of the SOHK team in 2018.
Being a late starter to rugby hasn’t stopped Adam from enjoying a 16-year playing career at the top of the semi-professional leagues in Wales. Since completing his level one coaching qualification at the age of nineteen, he’s had a passion for coaching and helping people to enjoy the game that he loves. Adam joined the School of Hard Knocks in October 2020.
Elinor is passionate about using rugby to inspire and support young people. Alongside her work with SOHK, she also has an impressive sporting career. Elinor plays fly-half for Bristol Bears Women, has represented the Welsh national team 56 times over the past 12 years, has played twice for the Barbarians, and competed in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
After gaining his degree, Neil began a teaching career in primary education, something he enjoyed for 25 or so years before joining SOHK. His love of all sports has played a major part in his life. He has played for and captained numerous rugby teams within South Wales and now coaches various age groups. Neil is also an assistant coach for the ladies team at Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd.