Meet the Team

  • Joanna Lawton

    Owner

  • Phil Lawton

    Owner

  • Annabel

    Owners daughter

    Hi i help to look after the animals and interview the volunteers for the quarterly newsletter.

    I run our social media pages and help with the general running of the office processes.

  • Edward

    Owners Son

    Hi I mow the lawns and fields at Maynards, chop wood and help to look after the animals.

  • Rachel

    Pawton’s Doggy Daycare Dog Handler

    Hello my name is Rachel, I started volunteering at Maynard’s Sanctuary in June 2024.

    Rachel brings a wealth of animal knowledge having worked at Folly Wildlife Rescue for a number of years and several animal qualifications including  dog behaviour.  

    Rachel looks after the dogs at Pawton’s Doggy Daycare making sure they have everything they need to be safe and happy dogs.

    Rachels love of dogs started when she grew up with labradors, and not only understands dogs but has a passion for them.

  • Lizzie

    Newsletter Editor / Volunteer

    Hi I’m Lizzie, I started volunteering at Maynards in 2022 after a long hospital stay for Crohn’s treatment. I was feeling anxious and struggling to get back to daily life. A family friend mentioned Maynards Sanctuary to me over coffee, as as soon as I found out about the alpacas I was sold! Since then, I’ve come to Maynards almost every weekend and my mental and physical health has improved immensely since I started. I love spending time with the animals and the quiet time in nature is extremely therapeutic. I’ve also had the opportunity to write the quarterly newsletter for Maynards. Having a space to contribute to the community and document all we do each year is really rewarding. Since I started volunteering, I’ve been able to get back to my studies at university and I feel more confident than ever.

  • Kelly

    Sanctuary Crew Member

    Kelly joined Maynard’s Sanctuary as a volunteer in January 2024 and quickly became an invaluable part of the team. Her hard work and passion for animal care led her to transition into a staff role, where she now plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of the sanctuary’s residents.

    Kelly’s responsibilities include:

    Daily feeding and care of the sanctuary animals.

    Maintaining clean and comfortable living spaces to promote a healthy environment.

    Monitoring the health and behaviour of the animals, ensuring any concerns are addressed promptly.

    In addition to her sanctuary duties, Kelly also supports the doggy daycare, bringing over 10 years of professional experience in daycare environments. Her love for dogs shines through in her work, and she is a go-to team member for both regular care and ad-hoc sessions.

    At home, Kelly shares her life with her two beloved dogs and two pet turtles, reflecting her lifelong dedication to animals. We are lucky to have her as part of the Maynard’s Sanctuary family!

  • Will

    Pawton’s Doggy Daycare Handler & Bushcraft Instructor

    Will joined our sanctuary in January and brings a strong passion for animals, especially dogs. With hands-on experience from working in a dog grooming environment, he has handled a wide variety of breeds and temperaments, as well as his own dogs, making him well-equipped to care for our dogs at Pawton’s Doggy Daycare. He holds an enhanced DBS certification and is currently studying Forest School while also furthering his knowledge in outdoor, nature-based learning approach that encourages children to develop confidence, resilience, and practical skills in a natural environment. This involves activities like bushcraft, fire lighting, shelter building, foraging, and tool use, all while fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and a deep connection with nature. He holds an Animal Management qualification from Plumpton College, showcasing his commitment to animal welfare and care. Beyond his love for animals, Will has extensive experience teaching bushcraft skills to children. He has instructed and entertained young learners in activities such as axe throwing, knife skills, fire building, shelter making, and survival skills, ensuring both fun and safety at all times. His ability to communicate effectively with both children and teachers makes him a valuable part of our team. His combination of animal expertise and outdoor education skills makes him a fantastic asset to our sanctuary!