Executive Director

Charlotte

Having worked in various social care settings prior to founding Elysian in 2015, Charlotte initially gained extensive knowledge in supporting individuals with complex needs across different age groups. Throughout her career, she has held diverse positions and managed multidisciplinary teams in numerous settings. Charlotte dedicated many years to children’s residential care, and possesses over a decade of experience in children’s rights, participation, and user involvement, advocating for their voices to be heard in decision-making processes.

Charlotte has also served as a Family Specialist, contributing to various commissioning roles and collaborating with families, children, and young people across diverse needs, ages, and dispositions. She has assumed responsibilities for projects, environments, and strategic initiatives aimed at improving the lives of individuals and families. Charlotte has managed services across the sector, and leadership roles have encompassed team and service management, training, supervision, quality assurance, and overall administration.

Charlotte champions the rights of children and young people. Charlotte has a strong belief in the transformative power of animals, which has fueled her passion for incorporating animal-assisted interventions into an informal therapy and educational setting.

Charlotte has participated in a plethora of training courses, and her more formal qualifications are listed below:

• PHD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Management
• MA – Master of Arts in Leadership in Education
• PG Cert – Postgraduate Diploma in Management in Health and Social Care
• PG Cert – Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Practice with Children and Young People
• BSc – (Bachelor of Science) Foundation – Psychology and Counselling
• BA (Hons) – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology and Youth Studies
• BA (Hons) – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work
• Adv Dip – Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
• Level 3 Practitioner – Animal Assisted Therapy Level 3 Practitioner
• Advanced Certified EAP – Certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAGALA)
• PRINCE2 Practitioner – PRINCE2 Project Management Advanced Practitioner
• CAFCASS Parenting Course Trainer, Planning together for Children and Co-Parenting programme
• Crisis Intervention Trainer, First Aid, Health and Safety Level 2, various Safeguarding, supervision, and other relevant certified training in health, social care, and therapy areas.

Director

Dene

Dene, one of the Directors of Elysian, also holds a position as a Proprietor and Governor within the organisation. As an active Senior Leader, Dene plays a vital role in overseeing the financial and estate aspects and governance of the provision.

With a wealth of experience in social care, Dene’s journey began with several years working in children’s homes and Surrey County Council Children’s Services. This invaluable experience laid the foundation for Dene’s passion for making a difference in the lives of children and young people.

Dene holds a Diploma in Social Work and has undergone extensive training in working with children and young people, and their families through family assessment and intervention work. The early stages of Dene’s career were dedicated to working in therapeutic children’s homes, specializing in attachment and providing support to individuals with complex needs and behaviours. Dene has also worked with children and young people displaying sexually harmful behaviours and a diverse range of complex needs and presentations.

During Dene’s role with Surrey County Council, he served in various roles, including a Senior Family Support worker in a Children in Need team and an Assessment team. These positions provided a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable children and families, as well as valuable insights into the assessment and support processes. In 2015, Dene made the decision to shift focus and fully commit to establishing Elysian, driven by a strong desire to create a positive impact in the lives of individuals and their families.

Dene has a Diploma in Social work, and an MA in Leadership in Education, along with having undertaken a range of relevant training relevant to working with children, young people and families.

Head of Education and Learning, Shamley Green

Jo

Jo Nunn is our Head of Education and Learning at Elysian. Jo has a wealth of experience as an education leader, working with children and young people across ages and needs. Jo has previously provided Education consultancy to Elysian and becoming the Head was a natural choice, given her fantastic passion and experience that fits in very well with the Elysian Ethos.  Jo is a Registered Nurture group Practitioner and is currently studying an MA in Leadership in Education.

Jo is a former SEN professional and Head Teacher and has always enjoyed “thinking outside the box”.  She has 24 years of experience behind her and loves the unique therapeutic approach Elysian has to learning. Jo’s passion,  knowledge and experience will continue to aid in the support provided to young people at Elysian. 

• BA Professional Education Studies
• QTS
• MA Leadership in Education (currently completing)

Operations Manager

Tima

Tima is our Operations Manager and supports children and young people as well as the staff day-to-day. Tima ensures children and young people’s day runs smoothly, that they feel safe and supports engagement.

Tima specialises in working with a wide range of complex, challenging behaviours. Tima has been working with young people with complex needs emotional and challenging behaviour for 15yrs. Her vast amount of experience, including working in a range of children’s homes where she has built up a great deal of knowledge and expertise in how to work with children and young people in a therapeutic, person centred flexible way, utilising effective communication skills with colleagues, outside agencies, children and families. Tima has an undoubtedly excellent understanding of the needs of young people.

Tima has PACE training and a range of other training such as safeguarding, first aid, Team Teach and football coaching. 

Tima enjoys walking playing football and spending time outdoor.

Tima’s qualifications are:

• Diploma in children and young people
• Diploma in health and social care children and young people
• Level 2 Diploma in Equine-Assisted Learning

Integrated Services Coordinator

Kay

Kay is our Therapeutic Support Worker at Elysian. He works closely with young people and staff at Elysian. His role is centred around increasing access and capacity for children & young people alongside improving and developing what we offer.

Kay is passionate about making a difference to children and young people’s lives. He has a wealth of experience working with children and young people, most recently for many years as a as a Pastoral Care Manager at an SEMH school, working as part of the Senior Leadership team and as a hand on advocate for the voice and care of children and young people with a whole range of needs.

More on Kay’s Bio coming soon!

Therapeutic Support Worker

Demi

Demi supports Learning and Therapeutic sessions at Elysian. She is multiskilled, as she has lots of different passions and skills that support her in her role with children and young people and their families. She has previously worked as a Coach, including a Lead Sports Coach and SaintsAbility Instructor. Throughout the day programme Demi adds enthusiasm, energy and significant skills and abilities to motivate everyone. Demi has also got lots of animal and horse knowledge and leads the Saturday programme at Westland Farm.

Demi’s Qualifications

• BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Development
• BTEC Extended Diploma in Sports and Exercise Science
• A wide range of training over the last year including various Safeguarding training, Fire training, food hygiene Level 2, PACE, working with visual impairment, working with Diabetes and many more.
• Demi also attends regular workshops around Equine Learning and have various animal care workshops.
• MAPA trained

Deputy Head, Liss

Graham

Graham Hockley is our Deputy Head of Education and Learning at Elysian. Graham is a skilled teacher with extensive experience in using the outdoor environment as stimulus for exciting and engaging learning. He founded North Devon’s only ‘Sea School’ and spent several years developing a unique curriculum, teaching a wide range children and young people through the context of the coastline. Graham is a Science Subject Leader and sat on the Science Advisory Panel for the Southwest Region. Additionally, he chaired the Science Hub for Teachers in North Devon, focussing on developing good practice.

Graham has a great deal of experience in supporting children with SEND and helping them to engage with their learning, by building trusted relationships and facilitating next steps towards good progress. He has worked a great deal with young people with ASD, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

With years of operational management experience, he has collaborated with different teams ensuring efficiency in daily processes as well as delivering training to new staff and apprentices. Graham understands the need for clear communication and adaptive practices to best meet the needs of individuals and groups.

In his spare time, if Graham is not walking up the biggest hill he can find with his family, he is more than likely to be found at the beach in a wetsuit, either in or under the water.

Graham’s qualifications are:

PGCE Primary specialising in Science and PE

BSc Hons Degree in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology

Science Subject Leader – Level 3

Sea Green Schools Qualification – Level 3

Teacher

Bernie

Bernie is a teacher at Elysian. Bernie has a wealth of experience working with children and young people with autism and other special educational needs.

Bernie has a passion for creative arts, particularly dance. She’s a specialist in working with KS4 and KS5 SEN pupils.

Bernie has experience with ASDAN and OCR qualifications.

Bernie’s qualifications include:

• PGCE Art & Design
• MA Dance Science and Education
• MEd Curriculum Design and Instruction
• Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
• QTLS

Maintenance & Grounds Worker

Sean

Sean is our Maintenance, Grounds Worker and Carpentry Assistant and is part of the Maintenance team at Elysian.

Sean loves the outdoors and thoroughly enjoys his time at Elysian along the variety of work.

He was previously an Art Technician at a prestigious school, which included print making, installing exhibitions, wood working and sculpture building. His experience also extends to construction, gardening and site maintenance.

Sean has a keen eye for detail, and lots of experience working directly with children and young people with SEND in a range of creative and supportive ways.

Teaching Assistant

Sue

Sue is a TA with Elysian. She has previously worked in several education settings, including as a Senior Teaching assistant and HLTA, and has many years experience in support students and young adults with severe social communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities and challenging behaviours. She has used her experience and compassion to help them to learn and to achieve relative to their individual needs and to reach their full potential.

Regular CPD has ensured that she has continued to learn and improve her practice, in both the classroom and in any other tasks that she has undertaken. She takes a lead as required, has a nurturing nature and a proactive approach to working with a whole range of needs.

Qualifications

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant Status  March 2020
• BPhil Special Education Autism (children) 2017
• University Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders 2015
• Understanding the Autism Spectrum 2010
• NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools 2010
• Diploma in Preschool Practice 1996
• Diploma in Radionuclide Imaging 1988-1989

Therapeutic Support Worker

Claire

Claire is a support worker with Elysian. Claire has extensive experience in residential childcare, working with autistic and vulnerable young people. 

Claire is organised, proactive and able to think outside of the box. She is a good problem solver even under pressure and enjoys working as part of a team. Claire has worked in residential childcare for over 10 years and understands the impact therapeutic work can have on young people and their mental health. 

Claire’s qualifications are:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and management in residential Childcare
• Level 2 Diploma in Mental Health
• Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young people’s workforce
• First Diploma in Health and Social Care

Maintenance Manager

Phil

Phil is our Maintenance Manager, and he is in charge of all things Maintenance and Development at Westland Farm. Young people enjoy getting involved in Phil’s projects, from building works, to fencing and all the associated farm duties of running a medium scale farm. 

Phil has been in the building trade his whole life, and there is nothing he cannot do. Phil is an independent building contractor and he used to oversee house builds from scratch as a site manager, and many other builder and carpentry roles that has made him the expert he is today.

Phil has been involved in developing Elysian since its origin in 2015, and Elysian would not be what it is today if Phil had not been part of the team, his skillset has allowed us to utilise space and buildings in the best possible ways.

Maintenance and Grounds Worker

Duncan

Duncan is our Maintenance and Grounds Worker and has a wealth of experience in fencing, maintenance, groundwork and gardening. Duncan can put his hand to anything

Duncan is confident and hardworking at his job, and an excellent team player, which ensures maintenance is kept to a high level at Elysian.

Duncan loves the countryside and spends a lot of time walking. He also has an interest in falconry and photography. 

Animal Instructor

Ella

Ella is a learning support assistant at Elysian. Ella is a fountain of knowledge regarding the farm and our animals and is involved in all activities at Elysian, especially those involving animal care.

Ella is hard working and is always happy to answer questions regarding the animals, answers to which she communicates with the greatest of ease and enthusiasm. 

Ella has completed an apprenticeship with Elysian to further her knowledge of education and the supportive element required within these sessions. 

• Diploma of Higher Education in Animal Management Level 2
• CPD in SEN Teaching Assistant
• CPD in British Sign Language Level 1 & 2 
• CPD in Animal Assisted Therapy Level 3 
• CPD in Horse Care & Stable Management Level 3 
• Makaton Level 1 & 2 
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (Completed May 2023) 

Supports the Saturday program

Abi

Abi supports the Saturday program and sometimes in the holidays at Elysian, at Westland farm. 

She started as a volunteer and now supports the weekend volunteers to make sure people have lovely visits, animals are well looked after and birthday parties run smoothly. 

She is super multi-skilled and knows all the animals at Elysian inside and out.

Abi is also a good rider, and aspire to study to become a vet in the future.

Therapeutic Support Worker

Karen

Karen supports therapeutic and Learning sessions at Elysian. She is very passionate about making a difference to the lives of children and enjoyment of the outdoors. She has lots of experiene working with children and young people, and this has included working as an LSA, supporting children and young people with a variety of needs, and also teaching dance and drama. 

Karen has studied childhood and youth studies, and has a solid track record of experience and training to equip her to work with a whole variety of needs, with compassion, understanding, warmth and skill. She has training in both mental health and behaviour management, as well has Horse Care and management training.

She has previously run her own doggy day care service. She has lots of passions and skills in utilising the outdoor pursuits regardless of what the weather brings, including cycling, hiking, horse riding, dog walking, swimming/paddle boarding, dancing; tap/ballet.  Karen has also completed the London walking marathon and even a Tapathon TWICE. 

Karen is experienced with equine of all types, and also enjoys reading, painting, drawing and photography.

 Qualifications:

• LSA Diploma with distinctions 
• Skilled in behaviour management/ safeguarding/PACE 
• Higher Education in child and youth studies. 
• NCFE CACHE level 2 in understanding Children and Young people’s Mental Health 
• NCFE CACHE Level 2 in behaviour management 
• Diploma Horse care and Management with full distinctions 
• BHS Challenge Award in Horse Health 

Head of Education and Learning, Liss

Jo

Jo is the Head Teacher at Elysian Liss. She  is an experienced teacher and head teacher with over 7 years of experience in providing the vision and leadership to ensure high quality of education for learners. Jo has a proven track record of securing  the best environment to achieve learners full potential. Jo has bundles of enthusiasm, vision, drive, and adaptability. Jo values and celebrates diversity, inclusion, and achievement.

Jo’s Qualifications include

• BEd Hons 2:1 in primary education with English as my subsidiary subject.
• Programme of Professional Development and Recognition of Teaching PSHE with SRE, certificate of achievement in PSHE.
• National professional qualification in middle leadership (NPQSL) passed.
• National professional qualification in senior leadership (NPQML) passed (credits towards a Masters).
• Developing Pedagogy and Learning (as part of an MA in Education) Passed (credits towards a Masters)

 Additional Training

• Safer recruitment training (completed through Hampshire Services) – 2022
• Designated safeguarding leader training – refresher training completed online 2022
• Senior Mental health leader training 2022

Therapeutic Support Worker

Vicky

Vicky is a Therapeutic Support Worker here at Elysian and supports with all learning and therapeutic activities. She is also part of the Equine team and supports with the Equine based learning sessions.

• She is very passionate about making a difference and believes that animals can have a hugely positive influence on young people’s lives.
• Vicky is particularly interested in the unique therapeutic approach that Elysian offers, especially equine therapy.
• Vicky is horse mad and has a passion for all animals.  She loves being outside with her horses and dog and has lots of equestrian experience.
• She is positive, pro-active and loves working in a team.
• Vicky has a BSc Sociology degree.

Independent Chair of the Elysian Advisory Board

Angela

Angela Sargeant is the Independent Chair of the Elysian Advisory Board.

Angela retired from Surrey County Council in December 2015.  She held a professional social work qualification and her career spanned 37 years working as a front line practitioner and as a manager.

Angela has specialised both in children’s and mental health services. For many years she worked as a member of Surrey Social Services Emergency Duty Team undertaking crisis work at nights and weekends.  This experience highlighted for her how important it is to develop the right services for children and young people who experience mental health difficulties.

For the 15 years leading up to her retirement Angela worked for Surrey County Council as CAMHS Service Development Manager.  This role entailed working in partnership with health, education, the local authority and the 3rd sector to develop mental health services across the county covering all ages and spectrum of need.

As well as the development aspect of her role Angela was the senior manager responsible for the therapeutic services delivered by SCC one of which was the HOPE service – an integrated multi-agency and multi-professional therapeutic and education service for young people with serious mental health difficulties.  Angela continued to chair the HOPE Management Board until 2018.

Angela is passionate about improving services for children and young people so that they experience the very best to support them and maximise their potential.

Executive Lead Administrator (Surrey)

Katie

Katie is our Executive Lead Administrator for Surrey, helping with the smooth running of Elysian. She is a hardworking, organised and passionate individual with an ever-present smile. Previously a teacher, Katie has over 13 years of experience working with children and young people with autism and other special educational needs. Outside of work, she enjoys theatre, reading and going on adventures with her young family.

Learning Support Assistant

Bex

Bex had been fascinated with animals for as long as she can remember. Passionate about animal welfare, behaviour, husbandry, and environmental enrichment, she chose courses at Sparsholt College that encompassed all these aspects. 

For many years, Bex worked in various roles within the animal industry. More recently,  driven  by her natural gravitation towards helping people, and appreciation for the human animal bond, she became an LSA at a secondary school. This enabled her to gain experience with young people to complement her long established animal knowledge.  Bex is enthusiastic about combining her skill sets to support young people and aspires to enhance her understanding of children’s mental health. 

In her spare time, Bex enjoys spending time with her family and has a dog, 2 cats and 2 guinea pigs to keep her busy. Reading, swimming and Clubbercise are among her favourite activities, and she has a love of giraffes and everything about them. 

Qualifications include:

Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Animal Management 

National Diploma in Animal Management – triple grade (distinction)

Other online or employment-based training specific to understanding Autism, Aspergers and ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance, Developmental Language Disorder, Behaviour Management, Prevent and safeguarding.  

Level 2 course – Understanding Children and Young Peoples Mental Health

Systemic Family Psychotherapist

Elena

Elena is a psychotherapist who specialised in relationships, whether they are with others or with oneself. She is trained to work therapeutically with children and young people, young and older adults, parents, couples, families and even with bigger systems, such as groups in schools or other communities. 

She is passionate about creating safe spaces for exploring and making sense of emotional experiences because of their potential positive impact on triggering wellbeing, healing, and growth. She firmly believes that these spaces need to be built collaboratively and is always curious to hear other’s experiences, wants and hopes.  

Elena, with a trauma, person-centred and systemic informed approaches at the core of her practice, places attachment, social and cultural contexts at the centre of her work. She is a believer in the power of playfulness, humour, and creativity – in their multiples shapes and forms in creating and developing healthier and meaningful relationships. 

Elena has much experience working therapeutically, in the mental health field, within the third sector, statutory services and privately. She has experience working multiculturally, trans and intergenerationally, and with neurodiversity, eating difficulties, anxiety and depression, challenging behaviour, school related difficulties, parental difficulties, loss and grief, trauma, …  

She is trained on safeguarding, risk prevention, suicide awareness, domestic violence and abuse, neurodiversity awareness, animal assisted therapeutic interventions, early years training, family constellations, transparent communication, behavioural and compassion focused approaches to therapy, meditative practices, and spirituality, focusing… and embodied approaches to working with trauma. 

What others say about her is that she loves messing around and having fun, that she is kind, caring and compassionate, and very resilient and hopeful – always motivated and determined to support others to get where they want to and/ or to figure it out; and that she has an inherent skill to be self-reflexive and to stimulate this in others/with others.  

Elena is passionate about being outdoors and with horses. She has volunteered for the last couple of years looking out for the Dartmoor ponies that live in semi-wild conditions in a Natural Reserve as part of a Wildlife Trust program promoting biodiversity and wildlife. She also loves dancing, reading, music, listening to podcasts, food, reflecting spaces and ‘just’ being together with others. 

Elena’s qualifications include: 

MSc in Systemic and Family Therapy 

Postgraduate Diploma in Systemic Therapy 

Postgraduate Certificate in Person-Centred Counselling 

Diploma in Coaching 

Diploma in Cranio-Sacral Therapy 

Diploma in Nursing 

Groom and Rider

Meg

More to come on Meg soon…

Teaching Assistant

Sophie

Sophie has over ten years experience working with young people. She has been HLTA since 2020, covering classes and working with small groups and individuals. Particularly, specialising in helping those who have difficulty with speech language and communication skills.

Sophie loves working with animals, she enjoys going on long walks with her husky.

She also has a passion for creating all sorts of things from arts and crafts to cakes and preserves!

Qualifications

BA(Hons) Textiles

HLTA

ELKLAN Speech and Language

B/TEC General Art and Design

Paediatric First Aid

Emergency First Aid at Work

Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering

More to come on Sophie soon…

Learning Support Assistant

Ellie

More to come on Elena soon…

Teacher

Grant

More on Grant coming soon…

Teacher

Kathrin

More on Kathrin coming soon…

Head of Education and Learning, West Horsley

Catherine

Catherine has 29 years’ experience in education, with 7 of that as a headteacher and Executive Headteacher, in varied and diverse communities in Surrey and Hampshire.  She has a proven track record of ensuring quality education for young people and has been through 2 successful Ofsted’s as a headteacher. Catherine has vision, loves working as part of a high-quality team and wants to ensure quality for all learners regardless of background or circumstance.  Catherine has been a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for over 10 years and it MAPA and TEAM TEACH trained.    

Catherines Qualifications include 

B.Ed. (Hons) 2:2 with History as a main subject 

Leadership Pathways- The National College for School Leadership- 2008 

National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)- 2016 

National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) 2022 

Additional Training 

NCFE Level 2 CACHE in understanding Children and Young Peoples Mental Health-2020 

Prevent Awareness Course- 2022 

Prevent referrals Course 2022 

Paediatric First Aid- expires June 2024 

An introduction to Core coaching skills- 2021 

Workplace Risk assessor training- 2023 

TEAM TEACH expires 2025 

Safer recruitment – updated 2022 

Educational visits- updated 2022 

DSL refresher training- 2022 

Day Coordinator and Safeguarding Lead

Chantal

Chantal is Day Co-ordinator and Safeguarding Lead at Elysian, West Horsley. She ensures that the day runs smoothly for young people, supports with engagement and any challenges that may arise throughout the day. Chantal believes in a trauma informed approach and that all learning should be child led. She has experience working with children and young people with learning needs, anxiety and significant trauma. Chantal believes in the importance of working with animals to build confidence, self-esteem and resilience in young people.

Chantal enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs and horses.

Qualifications:

BA in Anthropology

NCFE Accredited CSE Specialist

Equine Assisted Therapeutic Coach

Safeguarding Children Training

Cleaner

Zoe

More to come on Zoe…

Builder

Andy

Carpenter. Andy can build anything and everything. He likes fishing, walking in the Welsh Mountains and walks with his rescue staff.

Executive Lead Administrator (Hampshire)

Fliss

Fliss is our Executive Lead Administrator for Hampshire. She has had a 13-year career in
administrative roles within the Advertising industry in London; providing support to senior team
members on both large and small scale ad campaigns.

She is a Mum to two young children and enjoys going on lengthy walks with her Husky Odin. She is
qualifying as a spin instructor in her spare time and cannot go a day without jumping on her Peloton
bike!

Equine Lead Coordinator

Ella

Ella is our Equine Lead and oversees the day to day running of the yard and riding sessions for the young people at Elysian. An experienced coach having worked both in professional yards and freelance, alongside owning horses from a young age herself.  

Ella is passionate about helping our young people to develop connections with the horses and understanding the therapeutic benefits that come from spending time with the animals. She has extensive experience working with riders of all ages and abilities and is eager to enhance our young people’s learning experiences with the horses. In her spare time Ella enjoys competing on her own horse, dog walks, singing and playing piano. 

Ella’s qualifications are: 

• UKCC Level 2 Coaching Qualification 
• NVQ Level 2 in Horse Care with Haddon Training 
• Equinology Equine Bodyworker (EEBW) 

Learning Support Assistant

Jo

Jo is a Learning Support Assistant.  She has a Zoology degree and a postgraduate diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling from Southampton University.  She has worked for the RSPCA and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and has seen how valuable animals are and the strength of the human-animal bond.  Jo has also worked in a school for children with speech, language and communication difficulties on the behaviour team and always wanted to combine her passion of working to support children and her love of animals.  She is passionate about the environment and is working to turn her garden into a wildlife haven for bees and butterflies.

Learning Support Assistant

Sarah

Sarah is passionate about supporting young adults and animals that may need that little bit extra help.
She has a long history of working with young people as a teacher helping them to gain functional skills, work and life skills and general support throughout the tough teenage years. Sarah has also managed a learning centre for reluctant learners, within a deprived area encouraging them to embrace education again.

For the past 15 years, she went back to working within the NHS Working throughout COVID on a hot ward and recently senior on a secure dementia unit.  Sarah also volunteers at an alpaca farming all weathers!

She is a complete soft touch for any animal that needs that little bit extra. Hence why her house is Noah’s ark! Sarah enjoys all outdoor activities, be it camping, walking Scooby (my shitzu cross) or volunteering at the alpacas.

Deputy Head, Shamley Green

Nick

Nick has a thirty year experience in education. Prior to joining Elysian Nick was in senior leadership positions for 17 years, most latterly as the Head of Secondary School at the British International School of Washington DC.  Nick is also a registered inspector with COBIS and BSO. When not working he loves his music and sport, and his favourite animals are cows and ducks.

Business and Finance Manager

Mike

Mike is our Business and Finance Coordinator and is part of the team that helps support Elysian in meeting its goals.

In his own words, Mike had spent too many years in a large corporate environment and is excited to be part of the Elysian team.

When not in the office, Mike enjoys family time, walking and being out in the countryside.

Teacher

Shannon

Shannon has been working with children and young people in various capacities since
2017 after completing Ba hons drama degree to a 1st class level.
She achieved her Qualified Teacher Status in 2020 specialising in English and has
experience teaching English, Drama and PSHE.
In her spare time, she enjoys the arts – particularly crochet, water colour and acting – as
well as live music events, theatre, festivals and comedy.
Qualifications:
1st class Ba Hons Drama.
QTS
Level 2 understanding children and young people’s mental health
Level 3 Speech, language and communication difficulties in Education.

Teacher

Georgina

Georgina has worked in secondary education for 5 years after training to become a teacher of Art and Design qualifying with QTS in 2020. She has experience teaching Fine Art, Photography and Textiles up to GCSE level with AQA.

Before becoming a teacher Georgina worked as a Commercial Interior Designer for nearly 20 years and has a 2:1 degree in Interior Design.  

She is a keen camper and has previously volunteered with the Scouts.  As well as camping Georgina enjoys all arts and crafts, photography, gardening and sewing.  

Therapeutic Interventions Specialist

Tabitha

Tabitha is our Therapeutic Interventions Specialist. She is a passionate educator who has worked in special educational needs for the last 20 years, supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, language and communication challenges, and profound autism. Growing up on various farms in South Africa, fostered her love for animals and nature.

Driven by a passion for empowering individuals, Tabitha transitioned from education to occupational therapy. Over the last decade, she has focused on supporting and improving the function and independence of children and young people with autism. 

Tabitha’s dedication to children and young people has remained strong. As she continues in her role in occupational therapy, Tabitha eagerly anticipates bringing together her passion for supporting young people and her love for animals at Elysian.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Pashmena

Pashmena is our Occupational Therapy Assistant. She specialises in Psychology and Mental Health Wellbeing. She has vast experience working in settings that focus on Psychotherapy and Special Needs Education. 

Her research work represents her special interest in Attachment Theory and Complex Childhood Trauma. 

She provides a creative approach using her love of art, animals, and poetry in her work as a form of expressing and healing. 

Her Qualifications include:

Master’s in Psychology 

Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology 

Bachelor’s in Psychology 

Therapeutic Support Worker

Issie

Issie therapeutically supports the young people at Elysian. Issie is passionate, motivated and strongly believes in the importance of advocating for young people’s emotional and mental wellbeing. Issie has come from working at a social emotional mental health school, supporting with Therapy Interventions, using a fun and creative approach to all of her work. Issie spends a lot of her time outdoors, usually with a camera snapping away. 

Issie’s qualifications:

Level 2 & 3 in Counselling

Mental Health First Aider

Emotional Literacy Support Assistant

Ba Honours in Drama

LGBTQ+ in Young People

Teaching Assistant

Alex

More to come on Alex soon…!

Learning Support Assistant

Rachel

Rachel is a learning support assistant at Elysian. As well as graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she has a history of working with children with special educational needs as a play worker and an LSA. She is passionate about making education accessible and fun for young people of all abilities.

Rachel has previously worked with small animals and dairy cattle, and loves all the animals at Elysian. Throughout cat-sitting and volunteer work, she has earned her reputation as a cat-whisperer.

She enjoys a range of creative hobbies in her free time, and loves to share her enthusiasm for arts and crafts with children and young people.

Qualifications:

-BSc in Psychology
-Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health
-CPD training in SEND support, behaviour management, safeguarding and first aid

Learning Support Assistant

Richard

More to come on Richard soon…!

School Receptionist and Administrator

Victoria

Victoria is our Administrator/Receptionist at Elysian and likely to be one of your first points of contact with us.
Systems, organisation and a kind, but thorough approach, get the job done! She has worked for several years in NHS settings, latterly in CAMHS as an administrator and believes that support for mental health and development are fundamental to general well-being and a positive learning environment (she holds a Level 3 in counselling).
Having grown up with a sibling with ASD who faced various challenges in school settings, she is keenly aware of the impact education may have.
In her spare time, Victoria loves walking her in-law’s dog, the outdoors, flora and fauna (trained florist), drawing and sketching, baking and cooking and spending time with her 1 year old niece.

School Receptionist and Administrator

Phillipa

Phillipa is our Administrator at Elysian based in Liss. Phillipa has over 15 years of experience working in administration in a large corporate environment, including training staff overseas. She is friendly, organised and enjoys helping others. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, walking Ellie the family dog and visiting new and exciting places in the UK and abroad.

HR & Recruitment Administrator

Sylvia

Sylvia is our Recruitment and HR Administrator. She was a high school teacher and has a degree in Psychology.
Sylvia has experience working in mental health and with special needs individuals. She has also spent time
working in the NHS. She is well organised, friendly and enjoys working with people and helping others.

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Lisbeth

Lisbeth Kaiser is our HLTA at Elysian, based at our Shamley Green site. She has worked as a SEN teaching assistant and worked with a community SEN drama group for older adults. She is currently studying Occupational Therapy at university but has a Level 3 and 4 SEN Teaching advanced and early years qualification with over a decade of experience. She likes to work in a holistic, creative and student-centred approach, allowing students to discover. Lisbeth enjoys working at Elysian as she is an animal lover and believes they can bring all sorts of therapy and learning to our young people. Outside of Elysian, Lisbeth enjoys road trips, walks with her

German Shepherd and listening to music. Her favourite animal is a cow. 

Learning Support Assistant

Owen

More to come on Owen soon…

Occupational Therapist

Tamsin

Tamsin is one of our on-site Occupational Therapists. She recently received her degree in Occupational Therapy from Bournemouth University and has had placement experience in SEN. She is HCPC registered and is a member of RCOT. She is friendly, organised and enjoys helping others. Outside of work, Tamsin enjoys cooking, walking her dogs and meeting up with friends.

Maintenance and Grounds Worker

Adrian

More to come on Adrian soon…!

Occupational Therapist

Jemma

More to come on Jemma soon…!

Business and Finance Assistant

Mel

More to come on Mel soon….!

HR & Recruitment Administrator

Jo

Jo is our HR & Recruitment Administrator.  She is hardworking, determined, and passionate.  She worked as an Executive Assistant, mainly within the Financial sector, supporting the C-Suite for the past 20 years and gained a wealth of experience, including HR, Events and PR.  Due to Jo’s love of all things HR related, she has spent the past 5 years of her career focusing on HR.  She has a degree in Psychology, a love for children and worked as a teacher in Taiwan during her gap year.  Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and friends, reading, cycling and camping.

Deputy Head, Shamley Green

Kirsty

Kirsty has 25 years teaching experience and latterly has been the head of a large special needs Centre for children with social communication needs. 

Kirsty has been a SEND teacher and a senior leader. She loves Elysian’s therapeutic ethos which compliments her trauma informed training. 

Her favourite animals are cats and horses.

Equine Groom

Gabrielle

Gabrielle is an equine groom at Elysian. She is passionate about horses and has a love for all animals. Gabrielle has owned horses from a young age and has previously worked at a livery yard as well having experience working in a childcare setting.

In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors with her horse and dogs as well as going out freediving.

Gabrielle’s qualifications:

Diploma of higher education (FHEQ Level 6) in Anthropological Studies Full Paediatric First Aid

Deputy Head Teacher

Nicole

Nicole joined the team in January 2025 and is a Deputy Head of Education and Learning at Elysian Westland Farm. Nicole is incredibly passionate about education and Outdoor Learning has been a core value of her teaching since she began her career. Prior to joining Elysian, Nicole has worked in a variety of different educational settings both nationally and internationally and has been heavily involved in curriculum design and revamp in her managerial roles. Nicole has taught a wide age range of young people and advocates for the importance of building trusted relationships with young people and their families and has been strongly involved in encouraging parent engagement in her previous job roles. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys running, swimming, and cycling and is currently training for the London 2025 Marathon!  Nicole is a massive music fan and loves going to concerts, festivals and gigs with her family and friends. 

Teacher

Rebecca

Rebecca has been working in education for the past six years. During her first year in education, Rebecca worked as a 1:1 teaching assistant supporting KS3 pupils with autism and other special educational needs. For the past five years, Rebecca has worked as a Primary School Teacher spending most of her time teaching Year 6. Rebecca was the subject lead for Design and Technology and Art at her previous school as these are her favourite subjects, but she also loves teaching Maths and English.

In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys reading and camping in her campervan with her dog Rocket.

Rebecca’s qualifications include:

BA (Hons) in Education Studies

PGCE in Primary Education (with QTS)

Teacher

Jane

Jane moved to Hampshire in 2023 having worked at an International school in London for 9 years as an English, French and Drama teacher.

Jane worked as an actor in her 20s, solicitor in her 30s and retrained as a teacher in her 40s. She lived in France for 5 years loving the space and food.

Jane continues to love acting, singing and dancing and takes part in local amateur productions.

She’s grown up with cats and dogs since childhood though her latest animal friend is a rescue tortoise called Gus!

Teacher

Vicky

Vicky has worked in education since graduating from Sussex University, 2013, with a Psychology degree.

She began as a learning support assistant in a special needs secondary school. She then completed her Initial Teacher training in primary, achieving QTS with PGCE in 2017. She taught in a primary setting for 7 years across all subjects, and lead computing and online safety for 6 of those years.
In her spare time, Vicky likes to read and enjoys dance classes at the gym.

Teacher

Krissie

More to come on Krissie soon…!

Teacher

Lucy

Lucy is a teacher with over 20 years of experience with a mix of mainstream children and children with additional needs. She has a wealth of experience working with children with a large variety of neurodiversity, developing many different cross curricular approaches, using relationship building, fun and creativity as a key for engaging young people in their learning. Having run a childrens art club for 15 years, she is enjoys creating and crafting with textiles and multimedia resources. She is trained in Makaton, Team Teach, co- regulation, de-escalation, Attention for Autism and Woodland Trust fire lighting with children. Lucy is very interested in the link between body and mind, looking after your body through food and movement and the benefits for your mental health and well-being. Having grown up surrounded by animals, they have always been a part of everyday life and a natural link for working with young people and learning. She spends lots of time and miles walking with her silly, fluffy Cavachon Ralphie. Her happy places are at the beach with her family, cozying up with a good book or using yoga to relax and replenish.

Training and Development Coordinator

David

David Boxall is the Training/Development Coordinator at Elysian. As an experienced teacher and training facilitator, David has worked in a range of schools and settings including the Harbour School, Portsmouth,  Autism Hampshire and the National Autistic Society. David was also on the steering committee of Cambridge University’s Autism Centre of Excellence.

David has worked with children and young people that have additional needs for many years and has written and delivered training to schools and businesses around the UK. David has also worked with young people and Animal Assisted Interventions as an education officer at Staunton Farm in Hampshire.

Qualifications:

BA Ed Primary Science

MA Autism Studies

Level 3 Counselling skills

Emotional First Aider

Animal Assisted Therapist

Nova

Nova is a therapist at Elysian. She is a qualified BACP counsellor specialising in working with children and young people. Nova listens to each child and young person’s needs and tailors her work by drawing from different counselling models. She does her very best to provide a safe and healing space with warmth and understanding.   

Having worked in both a school setting and as a private practitioner, Nova has gained experience in working with children and young people with a variety of emotional, social and behavioural difficulties, including additional needs. With a background in a creative profession, Nova loves to bring creativity and play to her work.  

Travelling the world and living in different countries, as well as working in diverse settings, have deepened Nova’s understanding of equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion, which supports her work. She aims to help children and young people be who they want to be and feel safe, respected, heard and valued.    

Nova spent her childhood holidays at her grandparents’ farm helping them take care of the animals, so she knows how healing spending time with animals and being outdoors can be. Gardening and walking in nature with a dog and a friend by her side is her favourite way to spend her spare time, as well as painting and working creatively.  

Nova is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Her qualifications include a Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and a Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People. She has training on safeguarding, suicide awareness, domestic violence and abuse, unconscious bias, and neurodiversity, and she has a sound understanding of child development theory, attachment theory and theories of working with trauma. 

Therapeutic Support Worker

Joseph

More to come on Joseph soon…!

Teaching Assistant

Imogen

Imogen is an Equestrian specialist SENTA with Elysian.

She has worked for over a decade in the international independent education sector making her very adept at supporting young people going through periods of extreme sometimes sudden change. 

Imogen loves animals she has two dogs, one crested gecko ‘Aurora’, a timor shield mantis ‘Paphos’ and an Irish sports horse ‘Lily’. Imogen was part of the Chiddingfold Pony Club and now does less gymkhana games and more cross country and fun rides.

Imogen studied at the University of the Arts London, the University of Sheffield and the University of Buckingham. She has a BA in Landscape Architecture with Planning, specialised in Arts and 3D design at UAL and a PGCE from Buckingham. Recently Imogen has been supporting students communication using her learning gained from the Elklan training program.

She has had the wonderful opportunity to follow her passions and be the Artist in Residence and take Forest School lessons in another educational setting, creating many exciting pieces with the young people including a world mural.

She has a true love for creative learning outside. 

Imogen hopes to inspire a love for art, nature, and animals.

Equine Groom

Sarah

Sarah is an Equine Groom at Elysian, Liss. 

She has recently moved to Hampshire after working as a Riding Instructor in London for the past 6 years.

She has many years’ worth of experience working with horses as well as having her own from the age of 7. Sarah currently has her BHS Stage 1 Ride and care also, Stage 2 Ride, Lunge and Care.

Sarah is very passionate and caring, in her spare time Sarah enjoys exploring new places with her daughter, walks with her family’s dogs and baking.

Teaching Assistant

Nickie

More to come on Nickie soon…!

Teaching Assistant

Laura

Laura is an Equine Specialist TA at Elysian. Laura has come from mainstream primary school where she worked with children with a range of complex needs to enable them to access mainstream education. Previously, she worked at other schools where she gained SEND experience for a variety of difference age categories.  Laura obtained a BTEC in Animal Care and has been around horses since the age of 10, when she began horse riding lessons. As an adult, Laura has part loaned many horses and has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is confident in the handing as well as riding of them. 

In her spare time Laura spends time studying for her BA Hons degree in Primary Education.  When not studying she likes to spend time with her friends and family and enjoys nothing more than making memories with them all. Recently, she can be found on stretches of water with her paddle board which is her newfound love and of course when given the opportunity will be at the stables around the horses. 

Learning Support Assistant

Sonja

Sonja has a wealth of experience, supporting young people with additional needs and their families. She completed her ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) training in 2007, making her one of the longest practicing ELSAs in the UK. This enables her to help young people with behavioral, emotional & social problems, supporting them to recognise, express and manage their emotions in a positive way.

Sonja is also a Forest School Level 3 Leader. This experience covers a combination of practical skills (tool use, fire lighting, campfire cooking, knot tying, identifying and using natural materials) and theoretical skills (holistic development, self-esteem theory, learning theory, learning through play).

Sonja has achieved a range of other qualifications, including 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training and a BA (Hons) in Humanities with Philosophy.

In her spare time, Sonja enjoys yoga, cycling, walking, foraging, gardening and camping.

EHCP Administrator

Paula

I have an extensive background in Education and Administration from mainstream to special needs schools.  Having realised that there is a great need for SEN learning and therapeutic approach, I am excited to be part of the Elysian team.  In my free time; I am an avid reader, I enjoy getting lost in a good book and exploring new genres and authors. I love spending time with my family and dog, and pottering around in the garden.

Teaching Assistant

Lauren

Lauren is a British Horse Society accredited professional equestrian coach and has worked at a wide number of equestrian centres with riders of all ages and abilities. These jobs involved training staff for BHS exams, overseeing Horse Owner courses and organising Pony Club and riding club activities. Lauren has a special interest in natural horsemanship having been lucky enough to work closely with some highly regarded natural horsemanship trainers during her career. Owning and loaning horses from a young age, Lauren has also competed in a wide range of equestrian disciplines.

Lauren has recently completed a BSc degree in Educational Psychology with first class honours and is passionate about helping young people to develop their emotional and social skills from time spent on and around horses.

In her spare time Lauren enjoys long walks with her dog, days out with her family, being in the mountains, yoga, mountain biking and drum and bass.

Laurens qualifications are:

BHS complete stage 3 coach

BSc Educational Psychology (hons)

Deputy Head, West Horsley

Gill

Gill is an experienced teacher and school leader. She has been a SENDCo for many years and in her previous role she was Head of an Infant and Junior School for 8 years. Gill obtained a degree in Psychology prior to gaining her QTS and then her NPQH. Gill grew up on a farm in South Africa and loves spending time outdoors. She identifies strongly with the Elysian approach of providing therapeutic intervention using animals, enabling Young People to reconnect with nature.  

Business and Finance Assistant

George

George is our Business and Finance Assistant here at Elysian, based at our new offices in Godalming. George joins us from an interesting and varied background, with roles ranging from customer service and sales to recent years spent honing his skills in the world of business administration. 

Outside of work he enjoys spending time with friends and family, music and film, walking and exploring the British countryside, and playing tennis when the weather is kind!

Enquiries, Admissions & Referrals Administrator

Karin

Karin is our Enquiries, Admissions and Referrals Administrator at Elysian. Karin has 8 years experience working in Hampshire schools. She also has many years of administration experience in the corporate sector. She has a teenage daughter and enjoys walking her cocker spaniel Lando. She also enjoys reading and baking.

Learning Support Assistant

Ben

Ben is a former volunteer who has been working at the Liss site since it first opened. He’s passionate about animals and loves being outdoors, using his knowledge to keep the farm animals happy and healthy, Ben is an animal-oriented Learning Support Assistant. He’s also an artist who loves painting the outdoors, using watercolours to create both portraits of animals as well as landscapes of the surrounding area

Teacher

Krissie

Krissie has been working as a teacher for over 12 years in KS2 and KS3 settings, and also worked as a home tutor for pupils with additional needs such as ASD and anxiety. With a level 1 in BSL, she has worked with Deaf children, those with hearing impairments, and limited vocal communication. She is committed to sharing her love of learning with others, and has extensive experience as a subject leader in mathematics, computing and music. 

She is passionate about delivering forest school sessions, especially looking after nature and the role of humans in protecting the environment. She has a diploma in Practical Habitat Management from Merrist Wood College, and loves learning new skills.

An avid horse rider from a young age, she has completed several BHS silver challenge awards, and even taken part in horseback archery! Always on the lookout for ways to engage others in conservation efforts, she worked at Birdworld, delivering talks and education to the public about the animals on site. Her favourite animals are the goats, and she loves their cheeky behaviour and watching the herd dynamics at feeding time. 

Alongside teaching, Krissie enjoys going for interesting walks with her greyhound, or relaxing at home with her two cats, two rabbits, fish tank and a book.

Learning Support Assistant

Rosheen

Rosheen is a Kiwi who has recently moved to the UK. She has a long history of working with those who need a little extra support, be that human or animal. Spending the last 5 years working in Cardiology with adults and paediatric patients, Rosheen has a lot of experience supporting children with SEND and helping them feel safe and comfortable in a new environment.

With a BSc in Zoology and Physiology, she loves to explore how things work and is passionate about learning.

Rosheen also worked as an actor, ran DIY workshops, was president of the drama society, volunteered at wildlife sanctuaries, and advocates for people in the rainbow community. 

Advisory Board Member

Alison

Alison is one of our Advisory Team Members

Alison is a Built Environment Specialist Nurse who has a particular interest in disability access and neurodivergence. She also has personal experience of caring for a young person with autism and the school SEN process.

She loves animals and horse riding and occasionally rides Elysian horses.

She strongly believes in the Elysian therapeutic approach and the impact that animals can have on peoples’ lives.

As well as being a Registered Nurse, Alison has a BA (hons) in Health Service Management, a Diploma in Nursing and is a qualified Emergency Nurse Practitioner.

Advisory Board Member

Isabel

Isabel is one of the advisory Board team members. 

Isabel is a qualified SEND tutor who specialises in working with students to support their successful transition into the wider world of employment and/or an independent life post education. 

Isabel also holds an Equine degree, an assessor’s qualification and a background in the education and training of stud staff working in breeding racehorses throughout Newmarket. 

Isabel is passionate about animal welfare and the benefits of animals in therapeutic work and sparking student engagement. She is proud to be an advisory board member and has seen the benefits of Elysian’s approach across their sites. 

Isabel enjoys spending any free time in the great outdoors walking her dog and traveling to new and remote places in her campervan! 

Advisory Board Member

Emma

Emma is the Owner and Director of Duty of Care Pet Services UK and Principal at the Animal Academy.  Emma graduated in 1999 with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Science.  Whilst completing various Further Education Teaching Qualifications, she went on to enjoy a 17-year career as a College Lecturer, specialising in Animal Science, Behaviour and Welfare.  During her time in Further Education, she undertook a variety of senior management roles, including Director of Merrist Wood (Land-Based College) and Harmonisation Director.  Emma is the former Training Director for the Hybrid Breeders Association, promoting ethical breeding of dogs, and was also a Standards Verifier for Pearson/Edexcel Animal Care Courses.  She also volunteered for The Blue Cross as an Education Officer.  Her passion and enthusiasm for education, involving animals, is well-founded and long-lived.   

She appeared on Channel 4’s It’s Me Or The Dog as Britain’s leading dog intelligence expert, and also featured on BBC Radio’s The Barking Hour launching the Pet Alert Scheme. She regularly represents “Vet On Set” as a Welfare Officer, monitoring the use of pets on film, commercial and TV shoots.  Emma’s primary “day” job is providing a Veterinary Ambulance service throughout London and the South East.

Deputy Head, Shamley Green

Nadine

Nadine has 30 years of experience in primary and secondary education, including 13 years as a primary  headteacher in diverse inner London schools. She has a proven track record of driving school improvement and has successfully navigated numerous inspections as a headteacher.

Nadine is passionate about ensuring that all children receive the support they need to access education. She also has a deep love for animals, particularly horses, and has enjoyed equestrian sports since the age of five. She really values the importance of animals in the education of young people and has actively promoted this in her  schools as a key therapeutic approach .

With her extensive leadership in education, Nadine is fully qualified and totally committed to supporting the success of all the young people at Elysian .