Meet Preslava Nacheva, Senior Assistant House Coordinator

Our 'Meet the Team' series aims to highlight the exceptional staff and volunteers who work hard to make Camphill School Aberdeen the wonderful place that it is. Next up in our 'Meet the Team' series is Preslava Nacheva, who joined as relief staff in 2020, and now works as Senior Assistant House Coordinator at Cherrywood House which is home to 7 young adults. ‍

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How long have you been working at Camphill School Aberdeen?

I joined Camphill in the summer of 2020. The pandemic had just hit, and I was about to start my fourth year of university, studying for my social work degree. I started as relief staff, working weekends, which gave me a nice break from writing essays! I then transitioned to a full time ASN worker role in 2021.

What did you do prior to joining Camphill School Aberdeen and what attracted you to the organisation?

During the summer breaks from university, I worked as a children’s entertainer abroad in Bulgaria, Egypt and the Canary Islands. In 2020, I wasn’t able to travel due to lockdown restrictions. A friend who was working at Camphill at the time told me they were looking for relief workers. I really enjoyed working with children and felt the role would be relevant to my studies, so I decided to apply.

You started as temporary staff and are now Senior Assistant House Coordinator. Can you talk us through that journey? 

After graduating from university, I transitioned from relief staff to a full-time ASN worker. I did this for a few months before progressing to senior care worker. A few years later, I applied for the Assistant House Coordinator role at Cherrywood House, which then naturally progressed into my current role as Senior Assistant House Coordinator.

What support or opportunities helped you develop and progress into a senior role?

I learned a lot from Ashley, the Senior House Coordinator at Cherrywood, she’s been like a mentor to me. Ashley has been a massive support, encouraging me to grow, learn and take every opportunity.

What does a typical day look like for you at Camphill?

Every day is different! In my current role, I support young people with day-to-day life, from getting up and having breakfast to coming back to the house for dinner and social time. Managing timetables, liaising with different professionals involved in the life of the young people, and all of the paperwork associated with running the house is also a big part of the role. I really enjoy spending time with the residents at Cherrywood House. My favourite part of the day is sitting down for meals together, hearing about what they’ve been up to and seeing them progressing.

What has been your most rewarding moment in the role?

One of my fondest memories was taking the young people on a house holiday to Glenshee, where we stayed in a lodge for the week. It was really special to take them out of their usual routines, enjoy a break and explore somewhere new together.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Camphill?

Be ready for anything, have an open mind, and don’t take yourself too seriously!

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

Working in Cherrywood House is very lively, so I enjoy relaxing with a book in the peace and quiet when I get home. I also got into yoga last year, which is a great way to unwind. I love going on holiday, my favourite places are Fuerteventura and the Outer Hebrides.