Executive Director

Charlotte

Having worked in various social care settings prior to founding Elysian in 2015, Charlotte initially garnered 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 (complete July 2024)
• 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 as 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

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)

Occupational Therapist

Emma

Emma is our Occupational Therapist with a great deal of experience from her time with the NHS, where she spent a number of years working in community paediatrics and adult mental health. Sensory work has always been a prominent feature in her practice. She has a special interest in trauma-informed working and is passionate about evidence-based practice.

Emma draws on her background in the arts to bring a creative approach to her work, and is a founding member of a small network of occupational therapists practicing in diverse settings. Emma has been deeply impressed by the impact of animals for health and well being throughout her career.

• MSc Pre-Registration Occupational Therapy
• MA Text and Performance Studies
• BA (Hons) English Studies

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

Curriculum Development Coordinator

Mim

Mim is our Assistant Head and leads on all things curriculum and assessment at Elysian. An experienced teacher with a background in Psychology, Mim has worked within primary mental health care settings and children’s services.  Mim has experience of using CBT based brief therapy; leading support groups for depression; and many years of experience supporting children under CAMHS to access education.

Mim is passionate about mental well-being and helping children to grow in confidence and drive their own learning.  She has extensive experience in helping children with SEND, behavioural and emotional difficulties, including ASD, ADHD, anxiety and depression. Mim has a particular interest in PDA approaches in educational settings. In her spare time, Mim enjoys dog walks, horse riding and countryside photography.

Mim’s qualifications are:

• BSc Psychology Hons First Class
• Postgraduate Certificate modules in Primary Mental Health Care
• Graduate Teacher Programme leading to Qualified Teacher Status
• Certificate in Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL)

Senior Therapeutic Support Worker

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 Teacher

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

Equine Specialist Support Worker

Mel

Mel is an Equine Specialist Support Worker, and she supports and facilitates a variety of sessions at Elysian, including Equine Learning sessions.

Mel has worked in lots of different roles, including being an Early Years Practitioner and working as Residential Support Worker in a children’s home. Mel has worked with  trauma and challenging behaviours as part of this role. Mel has a great rap[port with many young people at Elysian.

Mel’s qualifications include:

– Bachelor’s in Childhood Studies
– Foundation Degree in Early Years Childcare & Education
– BTEC National Diploma in Animal Care

Formal Training and CPD:  * QCF in Residential Child Care  * POP – Pillars of Parenting (the framework used to underpin the therapeutic model of corporate parenting used within Hampshire Children’s homes)  * First Aid at Work  * Safeguarding – level 3  * Lone working and keeping yourself safe  * Team Teach – Intermediate and advanced  * Working with Challenging Families  * Building Resilience  * Prevent – Radicalisation Awareness  * Food Safety – level 2  * Medication awareness  * Makaton Core vocabulary  * Supporting Children with EAL  * PATHS – Promoting alternative thinking strategies  * Schema awareness 

Therapeutic Support Worker

Katie

Katie is a therapeutic support worker for Elysian. She has over 15 years of experience working in the care sector with the NHS and county councils. Her work has included engaging vulnerable young people in learning activities, making sure young voices are heard and helping young people transition into adult life. She is trained in de-escalation and co-regulation techniques, grounding and breathwork and basic animal husbandry.

Away from the farm, Katie enjoys taking care of her pet chickens and frogs. She enjoys outdoorsy activities like paddle boarding and hiking.

Katie’s qualifications:

• Advanced Diploma in Children’s Nursing
• BSc in Acute Clinical Practice
• Diploma in Animal Assisted Therapy
• Connexions/ NCFE in Working with Young People
• Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences and Early Trauma
• Dices Risk Assessment Training

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. 

Learning Support Assistant

Abby

Abby is a Learning Support Assistant with Elysian. She has a passion for all things Equine and is involved in supporting all activities both learning and therapeutic at Elysian.

Abby is friendly and always has a smile on her face.. She has worked with children and animals for many years as she has conducted placements during her degree and has worked as an activities assistant at another farm ensuring safe handling and interaction between young people and animals. She has also recently completed a degree in psychology and is keen to utilise her skills and knowledge at Elysian.

• BSc Psychology (Hons)
• Four A Levels
• Eleven GCSE’s, including English, Maths and Triple Science, graces A* –  A

Learning Support Assistant

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 

General Administrator

Dora

Dora is our General Administrator. She is trained in a wide variety of digital softwares that extend from administrative to creative. Her background also includes working at farm provisions in London where she was active in educating local visitors about animal care and interaction. She has worked with several organisations in the childcare sector across a range of ages around the UK.

Outside of work, Dora enjoys riding horses and interacting with all the livestock on the farm. She loves sports such as rock climbing, kayaking and coasteering. Her creative passion lies in developing digital 3D artwork.

Qualifications

• BA (Hons) in Computer Games Art 1:1
• Additional training over the last year includes Curriculum Intent and Implementation, Self-regulation in Young Children, Safeguarding training, PREVENT training, Food hygiene Level 2, Fire Safety and Health and Safety within the Workplace

Learning Support Assistant

Stacey

Stacey supports children and young people in their sessions at Elysian. She started her career gaining a number of qualifications within the animal management sector. She has good knowledge of psychology and behavioural management and working with children and young people with a variety of complex needs and behaviours.

 Stacey has worked several years in variety of educational settings across a range of ages, including with children with SEN and challenging behaviours. She has delivered structured support as well as interventions including those to assist in speech and language development.  

Stacey’s qualifications are: 

• Level 3 BTEC Animal Management 
• BSc (HONS) Animal Behaviour & Welfare 
• Level 2 Employment Responsibilities & Rights in Health & Social Care in Young People’s Settings 
• Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship in the Children & Young People’s Workforce.  

Recent Additional Training: 

Full Paediatric First Aid – Mental Wellbeing in Children & Young People – Autism Awareness – ADHD Awareness- Understanding Anxiety- Understanding low mood and depression – understanding self-harm –  The Parent Factor in ADHD – Positive Behavioural Support – Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Early Trauma – The Send Code of Practice – Equality & Diversity – Child Protection in Education- Working Together to Safeguard Children– Safeguarding Children with SEN & Disabilities – The Prevent Duty and British Values- Level 2 Food Safety and Catering 

Therapist

Anna

Anna is a therapist at Elysian. Anna has experience working in a variety of school settings including SEMH secondary, SEN, and primary. She is passionate about using a range of therapeutic techniques and neuroscience to help individuals and families maximise their potential and wellbeing. Trained in Trauma-informed working and attachment theory, Anna loves using creativity, play and humour to explore deeper emotions. Anna is excited to be joining the team and exploring the benefits of working therapeutically alongside the animals.

She has also attended training on safeguarding, suicide awareness, domestic violence and abuse, unconscious bias, ecotherapy and the effect of trauma on early year development. 

Anna is a member of the Surrey Wildlife Trust and her local toad patrol which makes sure amphibians can cross roads safely to access the pond where they breed in early spring. She also loves collecting and sharing facts about nature with anyone who will listen. 

Anna’s qualifications include:

• Post Graduate Diploma in Integrative Child Psychotherapy
• Post Graduate Certificate in the Therapeutic Arts
• NCFE Cache Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
• Counselling Skills Level 2
• Foundation in Art Therapy
• BA (Hons) in Costume for Performance 
• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Head Teacher at Liss

Joanna

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

Learning Support Assistant

Vicky

Vicky is a Learning Support Assistant here at Elysian and supports with all learning and therapeutic activities.

• 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.
• 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.

Teacher

Rachel

Rachel is an experienced teacher with a background in Geography and with 20 years spent teaching in an SEN setting.  Within this time, she has had a range of roles including assistant headteacher, SENCO and DSL. Rachel has a wealth of experience working with students in secondary schools and with a range of needs including ASD, ADHD, PD and SpLD. She has also enjoyed leading a range of other curricular activities including work experience, DofE award scheme and a variety of outdoor based residentials and trips.

Rachel is keen to empower and inspire others to achieve their full potential and has a calm, compassionate and enthusiastic approach.  She is passionate about health and well-being and is currently studying Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy.  

Rachel loves cats and has one at home.  In her spare time, she enjoys riding her horse and learning about natural horsemanship as well as doing yoga, walking and exploring new places.

Rachel’s qualifications: 

BSc Geography

PGCE 

Post-Grad certificate in Professional Studies in Education (Speech & Language)

Certificate in Careers, Education & Guidance

Silent Counselling Practitioner training

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.

Advisory Board Member

Dave

Dave Sargeant has a background in leading and developing Learning Disability, Autism and Mental Health Services, within both Local Authority and NHS Commissioning and Operational delivery.

Dave has worked as a Strategic Director of Adult Social Care in three local authorities and was recently a Care and Health Improvement Advisor at the Local Government Association.

Dave’s passion is to support people to maximise their opportunities to have the very best quality of life where they live and full access to the wider community.

Advisory Board Member

Mandy

Mandy was a Registered Mental Health Nurse, family and play therapist by background. In 2010 she took up the role of Director for Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services for a large Foundation Mental Health Trust, a position she held until she retired from the NHS at the end of 2016.

Having qualified as a Coach Practitioner in Executive and Leadership Coaching in 2015, she works as an executive coach and NHS consultant. In both individual and team coaching she focuses on people’s strengths, development needs and leadership skills, plus works with teams on their collective development. She offers leadership coaching also through the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Leadership Academy. She has coached executive level and senior leaders across the NHS.

She has worked alongside Lis Paice to deliver both Effective Lay Partner, Mentoring skills for patient leaders, and Reaching Out programmes both in London and the south east.

She believes that effective partnership working is key to supporting real change for people and uses skills in motivating and empowering others to achieve lasting and sustainable change.

Mandy was previously a school Governor and currently works as a Trustee for Home-Start East Surrey.

Advisory Board Member

David

Since completing his PGCE David has worked as a sport coach at a range of state, independent and specialist schools.

David has in particular been able to indulge his passion for Mathematics and Sport in his previous role as Head of Sport and his current role as Head of Maths at Longacre School. David was recently appointed as the Director of Studies at Longacre and oversees all matters academic. David oversees the whole curriculum at Longacre and is responsible for monitoring pupil progress and ensuring a breadth of subjects across the timetable.

Administrator - SLT Support

Katie

Katie is our Administrator for the Senior Leadership Team, helping with the smooth running of Elysian. She is a hardworking, organised and passionate individual with an ever-present smile. 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 reading, going for walks and zumba. Katie also has a passion for creative arts, and runs drama and storytelling classes for 4-6 year olds. 

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Claire

Claire is one of our occupational therapy assistants. She has over 10 years of experience working in teaching and school settings. She has focused on responding to challenging behaviours and utilising outdoor spaces to inform lesson plans for most of her career. She also has extensive training in Safeguarding protocols, creative lesson planning and, welfare through mentorship.

Claire’s personal interests include a variety of creative activities like pottery, printmaking and knitting. She is an avid outdoorswoman, engaging in hiking, camping and scuba diving.

Claire’s qualifications:

• BA in Philosophy (Lancaster University)
• BA in Social Work (Lancaster University)
• PGCE: Education (University of Roehampton)
• Mentor for NQT and SCITT

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

Learning Support Assistant

Joey

Therapist

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 

Day Coordinator

Lucy

More about Lucy coming soon…

Learning Support Assistant

Lianne

Lianne is one of our learning support assistants at Elysian.

She has a wealth of knowledge about horse’s but specifically equine behaviour. Lianne knows that animals can play a vital part to wellbeing and have a positive impact on challenges that young people face in day to day life. Lianne volunteers at a teen gardening hub and has two allotment plots herself. She also provides support to a group of people of all ages with ADHD.

In her spare time she enjoys growing her own food with her young family at their allotment. Walking her dog, horse riding, wild swimming, foraging, kayaking and drawing realistic animals.

Qualifications include:

Safeguarding level 2

First aid

Level 2 hairdressing 

Edexcel BTEC Level 4: PTTLS

Animal assisted therapy diploma Intelligent horsemanship stage 1/2 and 3

PA to Directors

Vicky

More to come on Vicky soon…

Therapeutic Support Worker

Amanda

More to come on Amanda soon…

Animal Instructor

Chloe

More to come on Chloe soon…

Groom and Rider

Meg

More to come on Meg soon…

SEN Teaching Assistant

Sophie

More to come on Sophie soon…

Teacher

Hayley

More to come on Hayley soon…

Learning Support Assistant

Ellie

More to come on Elena soon…

HR & Recruitment Officer

Maria

Maria is our HR and Recruitment Officer. Maria has over 20 years experience working in HR within an Educational setting. Working at Elysian really appealed to Maria as this would enable her to combine her work experience with her life-long love of animals. 

Outside of work, Maria enjoys spending time with family and friends and keeps active through running, yoga and gym classes. Maria loves nature and long countryside walks with her dog. Maria also has a passion for music and is currently learning to play the piano.

Therapeutic Support Worker

Dani

Dani is a therapeutic support worker at Elysian. Graduating from University with a Psychology degree in 2016; she has since gained a wealth of knowledge and experience working and supporting young people with special needs with a particular focus on their mental health and well-being. For the past 5 years Dani worked in an educational provision specialising in autism.

Dani has a passion for all animals, especially dogs and horses and spends most of her spare time volunteering at her local Livery yard. Other hobbies include Equine and Motorsports photography and is a second degree black belt in Martial Arts with 16 years of training and 13 years of supporting youth classes.

A creative and enthusiastic motivator. Dani is able to connect with our young people to ensure they have a positive experience while at Elysian.

Dani’s qualifications:

BSc Degree with Honors in Psychology

A wide range of training in teaching, safeguarding and child protection

Assistant Instructor in Martial Arts”

Administrator Assistant

Barbara

Barbara has an IT background.  Having worked within education for a number of years supporting both Students and Staff with their IT issues. 

Farm and Programme Coordinator

Dan

More on Dan coming soon…

Teacher

Claire

Claire has extensive experience of teaching in secondary mainstream settings, including at a school with a Specialist Resource Provision for children with Speech, Language and Communication needs. In recent years, she has enjoyed working as a Deputy Headteacher and has led consistently on key areas such as Pastoral Care, Behaviour Management and Safeguarding.

Although her main subject is English, Claire has expanded her repertoire to teach Religion & World Views and PSHE; she likes variety and loves teaching because no two days are ever the same.

Claire is calm, organised and a good listener. She believes in bringing out the best in young people through creating an atmosphere of collaboration and trust; she is encouraging, supportive and empathetic.

Reading remains a passion of Claire’s and she loves learning about the world around her through books; she is always keen to recommend a good read. She regularly visits museums, galleries and the countryside; she also enjoys road cycling, walking and working out at her gym.

· BA Communication Studies

· PGCE

· NPQH

Teacher

Clare

Clare is a teacher at Elysian at our Shamley Green site. She taught in central London for over 13 years working in a variety of roles, including Deputy Head and Acting Head teacher.

During her teaching career, Clare specialised in supporting children with behavioural and emotional difficulties, as well as delayed communication and language in the Early Years.

Clare gained her Forest School Leader qualification in 2016 with the aim to incorporate outdoor learning into inner city schools.

When moving to Surrey, Clare qualified as a specialist teacher for children with additional learning needs, including dyslexia, ADHD, ADD and ASD.

Since adopting her daughter in 2020, Clare trained a swimming teacher and continued to further her knowledge in therapeutic parenting and support.

Clare is energetic and enthusiastic. In her spare time, she loves to trail run in the Surrey countryside and she swims with a triathlon club. Clare has a very friendly, bouncy Labrador who loves to run and swim too!

Clare’s qualifications include;

· PGCE Education

· MA in Education

· SpLD Level 5 (Specialist Dyslexia / Learning Difficulties)

· Forest school Level 3

Teaching Assistant

Dan

More on Dan to coming soon…

Teacher

Tarryn

More on Tarryn coming soon…

Teacher

Grant

More on Grant coming soon…

Teacher

Kathrin

More on Kathrin coming soon…

Deputy Head Teacher

Emma

Emma is our Deputy Head of Education and Learning at Elysian. 

Emma has spent all of her career in the education sector, working with children and families predominantly in Surrey. She has spent the last 15 years as a headteacher alongside consultancy work and supporting new teachers.

Emma has a passion for supporting children with mental health needs and working alongside families. She is a trained Senior Mental Health Lead and has trained with Surrey Educational Psychology Service on the Compassion Schools Programme. She has also completed Emotion Coaching with Surrey County Council.

Outside of work Emma enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and her very old but much loved cat.

• B.Ed Hons 
• QTS
• NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship)

Additional Training

First Aid

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Positive Touch

Safer Recruitment

Compassionate Schools Framework

Prevent