Name:
Elise Stewart

Job Title:
Director (CEO)

e-mail:
elisestewart@canllaw-online.com

Contact no:
029 20 887868

What I do at Canllaw Online:
A little bit of everything! I love everything we do so I like to stick my beak into most things! My main official role is overseeing and being accountable for the activities of the organisation, planning future strategies and funding, networking and sustainability (i.e. making sure we do what we do well and making sure we can continue to do it)…

Why I’m the best person for this job:
I don’t know that I am the best person, but I have a wealth of experience and expertise in this area – most of my adult working life has been dedicated to this kind of work and every day is a learning experience.  I have a burning passion and enthusiasm for the work that drives me forward despite unimaginable challenges and I’m extremely proud of what Canllaw Online has achieved from scratch to date, but this is really only the beginning; there is so much more to do.

Why Canllaw Online and information for young people:
This is simple: I believe very much that better information leads to better life choices for young people and Canllaw Online’s ethos emanating from a Youth Work based methodology is by far the best way to develop and deliver information services for young people. I’m proud that there is an organisation like Canllaw Online that can take this work forward for young people.

What I did before Canllaw Online:
I worked for the Wales Youth Agency for 10 years where I started as the first development officer in Wales for youth information; when I left the Wales Youth Agency I had progressed to Head of Service. I also have 9 years experience of teaching part time in the FE sector. When I was young I did a whole range of different temporary jobs from production lines in crisp and baby powder factories to cleaning large super stores and industrial factory units. I’ve had experience of self employment too. All of the work I’ve undertaken has helped me to be the person I am today.

What I want to do, but haven’t done yet:
When I was very young I wanted to write and illustrate simple story books that reflect everyday life; I still have that kind of desire at the back of my mind, but it’s finding the time…maybe one day

What I wanted to be when I was little:
Thin, pretty and popular (I considered rich too but this wasn’t a priority!)

Favourite holiday spot:
Most places in France – of course I love Paris.

Favourite dish:
Good question! This is quite difficult for me; as I love all food finding one I don’t like is impossible and equally so deciding on a favourite is difficult. It depends on whether you mean starter, main or dessert and which season. Here’s a quick round up. I love everything from simple dishes like beans on toast to more complex dishes that take a lot of preparation. I love chicken and when it’s grilled with steamed vegetables it’s particularly nice. Pasta is fab especially good old spaghetti simply served with pesto. I love salmon and most fish – poached salmon with salad is lovely in summer. I love old fashioned home made dishes like cawl, faggots and peas or pea and ham soup in the winter. As far as afters go anything chocolaty hits the mark but I really enjoy fruit especially berries and a wide range of cheeses. Does that cover it or do you want me to go into more detail?

Favourite cartoon character:
It has to be Scooby Doo – I’ve grown up with him. Thinking about it, he’s a bit of a foodie too – his tower block, multilayered sarnies must be worth a try?

Favourite Album:
Avalon by Roxy Music

Favourite Music Artist:
Sir Tom Jones of course.

Favourite Book:
The British Museum is falling down by David Lodge – I read it years ago and remember it made me laugh continuously.

Favourite Film:
Bambi.

Any weird phobias?  
Luckily not.

What I would put in room 101:
A lot comes to mind – let’s stick to something simple like rubbish and rid the world of unnecessary litter.

The opinions stated in this interview belong to the interviewee and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Canllaw Online.