Our Team

Michelle Holgarth is an experienced author and editor who applies a methodical and vigilant approach to her work. With a first-class honours degree in Primary Education and an MA in Education, Michelle has been teaching for almost twenty years – from primary level to Further Education.

During her teaching career Michelle has undertaken the roles of teacher-training mentor for ITT students and of pedagogy leader at a large comprehensive school. Michelle is also an accredited coach with coachinginschools.com – enabling students and colleagues to realise their self-efficacy and impetus for change. Michelle’s passion to inspire people through education drives her to ensure WordUp delivers outstanding content.

Kariss Holgarth has twenty years of publishing experience under her belt, which explains the ‘can-do, stay calm under pressure’ attitude she brings to the WordUp office. Having gained a BA degree in Writing & Publishing, Kariss joined Pearson where she was employed for almost 10 years. Her last role in-house was Editorial Manager for Africa, Caribbean and The UAE, leading a team that produced and supplied millions of textbooks and digital components to schools and universities around the globe.

Kariss resigned from Pearson in 2009 to work as a self-employed editor, after 10 successful years Kariss and Michelle decided their combined experience and complementary skillsets would make the perfect publishing team and formed WordUp!

As colleagues and sisters-in-law, Kariss and Michelle have a connection that goes further than the office door. Their supportive relationship results in real job satisfaction and a passion to succeed, this is reflected in the quality of WordUp's work.