Meet the Team

Taryn Torien Respect ME Team Leader

Taryn having previously worked with ‘Youth With A Mission’ has been involved in youth work since she was 15 years old. She loves working in schools and has a great passion for young people. Taryn has completed her Esteem training with Acet UK. She is also part of KineticIV band, a performance collective that uses music as a platform to share stories of hope. Taryn now leads the Respect ME team in South Africa.

“I love what I do because I get to meet different young people and tell them that they MATTER! I get to hear kids stories and counteract every lie that was ever said over them, by reminding them of who God says they are their purpose and their potential.“

Gilead Engelbrecht Guest Tutor

Gilead has been involved in youth and schools work for over 8 years. In 2015 he had the opportunity to train in the UK with The Message Academy, Manchester. He returned to Cape Town as band member and dancer in KineticIV. KineticIV is a band that uses music as a platform to share messages of hope. Gilead also oversees our creative arts programme Genetik Sessions teaching the arts in communities across Cape Town.

“I love what I do because I get to be a part of something that empowers young people to uplift one another and to strive for a better society”

Casey Solomon Guest Tutor

Casey, who is a former Academy student at The Message Trust SA, fell in love with Respect Me during her placement at Academy. Going into schools and prison for the first time made her see how influential Respect Me is for young people. She’s involved with the youth at her church and is passionate about young people knowing that they have value and are worthy.

“I love Respect ME because it speaks about things that don’t get spoken about. It’s so important for our youth to be educated about such serious and very real things that are happening to and around them. Young people need to know that they are a masterpiece and that their lives matter and it should be respected.”

Tevio September Guest Tutor

Tevio, a former Academy student at the Message Trust SA, has always admired Respect ME despite that his placement was with another project. Respect ME thought him so much about himself and it even affected the way he lived his life for God. Going into schools brings him much joy because he gets to impact young people. His involved in youth ministry, his a one of the worship leaders in his local church and he loves demonstrating the love of Jesus through every platform he gets.

“I love Respect ME because we get to engage and allow young people to be transparent. I also love that it shows them that God has created them for greatness and that they have the potential to overcome temptation.”

Christina Tucker Guest Tutor

Christina Tucker, originally from the UK has over 15 years experience as a schools worker, formally a part of a band called Twelve24. She became involved with Respect ME as a guest tutor in 2016. Christina is also an artist ‘ChrissyT’and a dynamic communicator.

“I love what I do because I believe every young person no matter what stage of life they are at or have experienced need people around them to motive and encourage. I believe that every young person is loved and has purpose.

It is not easy for young people when they are surrounded by so many negative things that take their attention away from the gifts and potential they have in them. I feel my Job is to empower the younger generations to reach for great things and do great things that would shape their communities and country in a positive way.”

Respect ME is a growing national and international team, with locations across South Africa and the UK.

The team is supported by trained and excellent guest tutors when needed.

Cape Town, SA : Taryn Torien

Manchester, UK : Emma Owen, Lauren Jubb, Adam Styles and Rachel Silvester

Cardiff, UK : Shunita Barry

Lincoln, UK : Lydia Daubney

Teeside, UK : Joe Winterchladen

To book our UK based teams go to respectme.co.uk

Taryn Torien Team Member

“I love what I do because I get to meet different young people and tell them that they MATTER! I get to hear kids’ stories and counteract every lie that was ever said over them, by reminding them of who God says they are their purpose and their potential.”