Meet Our Team
The passionate people behind AOYM driving youth mentoring excellence globally.
Elaine Thomas
Founder & CEO
Key Achievements
- Founded The Mentoring Lab Training and Development Ltd
- Established the Association of Youth Mentors (AOYM)
- Developed the Youth Mentoring Quality Standards framework
- Created accredited youth mentoring training programmes
- Built a global network of registered youth mentors
Elaine Thomas
Founder & CEO
Elaine Thomas is the visionary founder of the Association of Youth Mentors and The Mentoring Lab Training and Development Ltd. With years of experience in youth development and mentoring practice, Elaine has dedicated her career to professionalising the youth mentoring sector.
Under her leadership, AOYM has grown into the leading professional association for youth mentors across the globe, setting quality standards, providing accredited training, and advocating for the recognition of youth mentoring as a vital profession.
Elaine's passion for empowering young people through mentoring has driven the development of comprehensive training programmes, quality standards, and a global network of registered youth mentors committed to making a difference in young people's lives.
Our Values
Excellence
We pursue the highest standards in youth mentoring practice and professional development.
Integrity
We operate with transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct in all our work.
Inclusion
We believe every young person deserves access to quality mentoring regardless of background.
Innovation
We continuously improve our approaches through research, evidence, and creative thinking.
Collaboration
We work together with practitioners, researchers, and communities to strengthen mentoring.
Impact
We measure our success by the positive difference we make in young people's lives.
Want to work with us?
Connect with us today and take the first step towards making a difference.