Meet our Associates
Each of our associates has years of excellence in practice, using the theory and research that underpins our training and consultancy to inform their own work.
They come from a variety of backgrounds: foster care, early years, teaching, therapy, social work, psychology, health and justice. Many of them have moved between disciplines, as their interests have taken them in different directions. What they all offer is a wealth of practical experience, both in direct work with vulnerable people, and in sharing their knowledge and wisdom with others.
Brian Cairns
Brian is a former social worker and a qualified teacher.
Brian Roberts
Brian is an independent consultant and trainer on supporting vulnerable and traumatised children and young people.
Chris Stanway
As an Inclusion Manager, SENCO and deputy head, Chris spent years working with young people experiencing challenges, and seeing how caring, well-informed, human support made all the difference.
Christina Enright
Christina is a child and family psychotherapist specialising in work with attachment and trauma issues.
Hilary Smith
Hilary is a recognised national school leader in behaviour and attendance (NPSLBA) and a qualified teacher coach.
Janet Rose
Dr Janet Rose is the Principal of the Norland HE College in Bath which provides courses to degree level for Early Years Practitioners.
Jo McAndrews
Jo is a therapist, trainer and consultant who is held in particular regard for her direct work with children and families experiencing change such as divorce and bereavement.
Julie Hall
Julie is an experienced teacher, having changed career after over a decade working as a dietitian in the NHS
Julie Mellor
Julie has delivered services for children and families for over 35 years, much of her work has been with families who were deemed vulnerable and those with SEN/D.
Julie Revels
Julie's background is rooted in understanding and meeting the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities, (SEND) with a specific focus on social, emotional and mental health.
Maria Lawton
Maria's career has focussed on working directly with disadvantaged and troubled young people, and designing and delivering stimulating and relevant training to professionals and volunteers.
Nicky Spencer-Hutchings
Nicky is an Education and Family Support consultant specialising in SEMHD supporting primary and secondary schools, alternative providers and birth, adopted and foster families.
Nicola Axford
Nicola is an experienced and highly skilled education manager and trainer with thorough knowledge of teaching and learning and excellent inter-personal skills.
Polly Wright
Polly is an experienced keynote speaker, trainer, researcher and project manager.
Richard Waite
Richard started work in this field twenty-eight years ago when he founded a residential service for children and adults using innovative approaches to outdoor education and groupwork.
Ruth Barrington
Ruth has an extensive background in teaching with over 30 years of experience.
Sally Patterson
Sally has spent the last 13 years as Manager of Home-Start, a St. Albans based charity working to support vulnerable and disadvantaged families.
Sally Poskett
Sally is an experienced practitioner, trainer and speaker.
Sheila Mulvenney
During her career in Health, Care and Education Sheila has worked in a wide variety of settings and roles in the Community, schools, colleges and several local authorities.
Susan Fisher
Sue is an independent consultant working within Early Years and SEN.
Tom Laverty
Tom has devoted almost his whole working life to the children and families living on one of the most ethnically-diverse housing projects in North London.
Tom Pyne
Tom has had a distinguished career as a teacher, trainer, adviser and consultant for children with special needs, and has particular interests in adoption and therapeutic work.