The Oakdale Centre is run by a board of directors and a dedicated team of staff.
Managing Director
My background is in behavioural science and psychotherapy research, working on research projects in NHS teaching hospitals in London. My clinical training is in relationship and systemic therapy.
I founded the Oakdale Centre with a group of colleagues in 1998 with a commitment to working within strict professional guidelines ensuring that the people who came to us were able to access the appropriate kind of psychotherapy for the difficulties they were facing. As a management team, we believe strongly in providing a flexible and responsive service where we are determined to provide the best possible service we can to all of our clients and on behalf of our commissioners.
The Oakdale Centre has changed over the years but it remains important to me and my colleagues that we are all part of a team of highly skilled professionals with a desire to be of service to those experiencing emotional difficulties in their lives.
I’m proud of what we have achieved over the years, including the provision of large scale Primary Care Mental Health Services commissioned by the NHS.
Over the last few years we have developed a child and family therapy department with an outstanding reputation. We provide therapeutic services for families and children experiencing difficulties, including those who have an adopted or fostered child or children. We also provide psychological therapies, counselling and mindfulness in schools.
closeManaging Director
After first working with Oakdale in 2008 I was delighted to rejoin as a Director in 2019 – particularly so because of the organisation’s guiding values and fundamental commitment to doing the very best job possible for the people we serve.
In between, I have worked as Business Development Director, and then Operations Director, with Insight Healthcare; the UK’s largest non-NHS provider of primary care psychological therapies. For more than 10 years I worked at the forefront of the Department of Health’s flagship ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT) programme, having led the expansion of IAPT into 36 regions around the UK. I have written about mental health and psychological therapies, as well as broader health and social issues, for the Independent newspaper, and contributed to national forums shaping mental health policy in the UK.
Alongside my work with Oakdale, I am a Trustee of the registered charity North Yorkshire Sport; a role that compliments Oakdale’s mission in terms of the relationship between active, healthy lifestyles and good mental health.
Prior to this I trained as an economist and worked in the public sector with the Ministry of Defence.
closeClinical Director
I first joined the Oakdale Centre as a private practitioner in early 2019 and have been delighted to join the team as Clinical Director. My key role as Clinical Director is to support the clinical work of the practitioners, ensuring high-quality assessments and evidence-based interventions are provided. I am also the designated Safeguarding Lead and therefore the point of contact for all ethical and safeguarding dilemmas.
Professionally, I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Systemic Practitioner and EMDR Therapist. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Before joining the Oakdale Centre team, I worked as a senior member of staff within Leeds Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services where I led on an Autism assessment clinic. I was fortunate to be trained in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) at Great Ormond Street Hospital and have acquired vast experience supporting young people presenting with behavioural difficulties and/or neurodevelopmental conditions, and their families/networks. Prior to my work in Leeds, I was Clinical Lead within two newly developed services in London and South Gloucestershire which aimed at preventing home and/or school placement breakdown for young people with additional needs presenting with challenging behaviour.
I also have a post-graduate certificate in family therapy and systemic practice, professional training in numerous parenting programmes (Triple P, Family Links), completed level 1 and level 2 in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and completed training in Positive Practices in Behaviour Support by the Institute of Applied Behaviour Analysis.
If you would like to read more about my clinical practice, please click here.
closeDirector Special Projects
I first joined the Oakdale Centre in 2010 and was delighted to be invited to rejoin the team as Operations Director in 2017. I have been responsible for building and implementing a new database designed for the services we provide and also have responsibility for all systems, infrastructure services and finance. I am proud of the work we do at the Oakdale Centre and see my role as being that of supporting the clinical services provided by the organisation.
closeChairman and Finance Director
I was delighted to be invited to be the chairman and the finance director of the Oakdale Centre CIC when it was formed. My background is in finance and management and I’m enjoying the challenge of providing support and guidance to the management team as the CIC grows and develops.
At a personal level, I am particularly committed to the centre’s work with children and families because of the value that can be provided in terms of preventing psychological and emotional difficulties deteriorating, and the opportunity we can provide in helping children to have a better life.
closeConsultant Clinical Psychologist
I have over 17 years of experience working within mental health in the NHS; 12 years as a Clinical Psychologist, qualifying from Newcastle University. The majority of my post-qualification experience has been with children and families in Child and Adolescent Mental Health NHS services (CAMHS). I was the Clinical Lead in two newly developed services for children with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour in London and South Gloucestershire and have expertise with children presenting with behavioural difficulties and/or neurodevelopmental conditions and their families/networks. Re-locating to Leeds CAMHS in 2016, I was a Senior Clinical Psychologist on the leadership team and supervised several other clinical psychologists and multidisciplinary staff. Within CAMHS, I was also lead of the Autism assessment clinic. I am experienced in offering evidence-based interventions to young people and their families who are experiencing significant distress in their lives, which is having an impact on family life, school and overall wellbeing.
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Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Neurodevelopmental Clinical Lead
I joined the Oakdale Centre in March 2023 as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead in the Neurodevelopmental Service. Prior to this, I had worked in healthcare services in different roles for almost 20 years. I qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 2014 and have since primarily worked in services with children, young people and families. This has included CAMHS, learning disability CAMHS, a looked-after child service, and Neurodevelopmental Services for both ADHD and Autism.
Most recently, I worked in a Paediatric Neuropsychology Service. I have completed further training in paediatric neuropsychology and therapies, including acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and systemic approaches.
In addition to my clinical work, I am interested in research and teaching and also work as a senior lecturer on a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme.
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closePrincipal Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Lead for the Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service
I qualified as a Clinical Psychologist from the University of Edinburgh in 2011. In the 12 years, I have been qualified, I have worked predominantly for the NHS in various settings, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Specialist Learning Disability Teams (Child and Adult), as well as across community and in-patient services.
I have a strong interest in working with children, young people and adults with additional and complex needs, such as Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Conditions and other neurodevelopmental presentations. I provide comprehensive assessment, formulation and intervention to a range of developmental, behavioural and mental health issues. I have extensive experience in adapting and ‘tailoring’ evidenced-based therapeutic approaches, to meet the unique needs of the individuals I support.
As well as working with individuals, I also offer support to parents, carers and staff/ school teams on a range of presenting issues to ensure that a shared understanding is developed, which ultimately facilitates unified support strategies. I also have over 10 years experience of assessing children and young people for Autism Spectrum Conditions and am trained in the use of standardised assessment tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2).
I recently left the NHS to branch out into independent work and pursue a better work/life balance. I am delighted to be part of the Oakdale team and contribute towards the high quality, compassionate service that they are well known for.
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In my clinical practice, I use an integrative and collaborative approach, adapting and drawing from a number of evidence-based models including;
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closeActing Clinical Lead in Adoption Support and Trauma Service
I specialise in attachment and trauma work with children and families of all ages and I am a trained APCI assessor and trainer, having also co-authored the APCI training manual.
When working with families, I work developmentally and psychologically to support them as a whole. I have published several papers,
reflective music therapy blogs, and I am currently studying for PhD by Portfolio at the University of South Wales.
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Senior Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Lead for the Holistic Eating Disorder Service
I began working for the Oakdale Centre, Harrogate in early 2021 and in February 2023 was delighted to join the team as clinical lead in the development of a new eating disorder service as an exciting opportunity to offer a truly inclusive, holistic non-pathologizing service – bringing together clinical psychology, nutrition, mindfulness and creative and body-based therapies.
Before qualifying I worked in various assistant psychology posts in London, which was a great grounding in diversity and complexity and gave me access to different NHS trusts, leading the way, as we started to change the way we conceptualise and treat mental health difficulties. This ethos of progressive change, clinical excellence whilst respecting, prioritising, listening to and learning from the client, shaping services to fit these needs has stayed with me since.
After qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist, with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Newcastle in 2007, I have worked continuously in NHS adult mental health services, including 2 specialist eating disorder roles, involving in-patient and community work and the interface between the two services.
I have experience in service development, individual and group work, MDT work, teaching, training, supervision and consultation alongside specialist individual and family work. My work is integrative and trauma-informed. I am committed to recognising the strength of diversity and changing the way we view, treat and respond to mental illness.
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Senior Case Manager
I am a British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) registered Psychotherapist and Counsellor. I have worked in a variety of settings (voluntary and community organisations, educational settings and NHS) with adults and young people from diverse backgrounds experiencing a broad range of emotional and mental health difficulties.
My therapeutic approach is integrative and draws upon a person-centred way of being together with psychodynamic theory and cognitive behavioural principles. I have also completed training in Rewind Trauma Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (Level 1) and Transactional Analysis (101). My use of these approaches adapts with different clients, as I assess what would be most useful for the individual in front of me in relation to their personal issues and circumstances. I help clients explore their thoughts and feelings in a warm, non-judgemental and confidential setting so that they can understand themselves and their situation better, and support them in making changes if they wish to.
I receive regular supervision for my work in line with BACP guidelines and work within the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
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closeSenior Clinical Psychologist
I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adults and families experiencing difficulties related to mental health, neurological difficulties, or trauma. I have worked in a range of settings including in the NHS, schools, inpatient hospitals, and in individuals’ homes. Since qualifying, I have specialised in working with young people who have experienced early life trauma and those who are neurodiverse.
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Clinical Psychologist
During my training I have had experience working with children, adolescents, working age adults, older adults, and families experiencing a range of difficulties related to mental health, cognitive difficulties and neurodevelopmental difficulties. I have had experience working in different services to provide psychological support, from a variety of therapeutic models, to individuals experiencing psychological, physical, and cognitive difficulties. I have also had experience conducting neurodevelopmental and cognitive assessments with children and adults.
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I am a Registered Forensic Psychologist with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), and have completed a postgraduate qualification in autism. I have a passion for supporting individuals with neurodiverse needs, and have dedicated my career to supporting individuals with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), brain injury and co-existing learning disabilities.
The majority of my experience is in assessing and supporting adult males, however, for the last few years, I have been completing autism assessments, and offering post diagnostic support to children, teenagers and adults of all genders. I have experience of being the Clinical Lead of a secure inpatient unit, supervising other psychologists, and offering training and supervision to a wider, non- clinical team.
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Specialist Child Therapist
I am a qualified non-directive play therapist, parent – child therapist, and Senior Therapeutic Social Worker with over 20 years’ experience of working with children, young people and their families in a variety of organisations within Health and Social Care. I have worked at the Oakdale Centre for over 10 years and provide therapies for children, young people, parents and families.
I draw on a variety of therapeutic approaches in order to meet the needs of children and their families. These include talking therapy, creative therapy, play therapy, parent/child therapy and also individual work with parents in order to help them understand their children’s behaviour and emotional needs.
I have undertaken further training within areas including: Attachment and Trauma, Life Story work, Sensory Processing, Theraplay, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Filial Therapy, The Parent/Child Game, Video Interaction Guidance, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Non-Violent Resistance, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy.
I really enjoy working with children, young people and their families.
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closeHigh Intensity Therapist
I have worked in the field of psychological therapies since 1997. Preceding this, I had a successful career which encompassed managing and leading people. I was responsible for planning and implementing different types of projects including many in arduous, demanding, and hazardous conditions.
As a psychological therapist I have worked in a vast array of settings that include Government, as well as private organisations, Employee Assistance Programmes, private practice, and the NHS, including NHS Primary Care and Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Services. I also volunteer my services to charitable organisations.
I have experience as a therapist helping people from diverse backgrounds presenting with a wide variety of emotional and mental health difficulties. I can successfully provide brief therapeutic interventions as well as longer term psychotherapy addressing deep-rooted issues. I can draw on my experience and training in a wide range of therapeutic approaches to offer clients a flexible personalised programme of therapy uniquely tailored to the individual’s requirements to improve and support their individual mental health and wellbeing.
I am an experienced clinical supervisor and have an ongoing quest for ongoing professional and personal development and research pertaining to psychological therapies.
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Senior Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist
I have been working as a therapist for the past 10 years, starting as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner and then training as a High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Psychotherapist. I have also worked as a locality lead and clinical lead of an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service, but my heart lies in helping people reach their full potential.
Prior to becoming a therapist, I volunteered for several organisations, including working as a support worker for clients with alcohol difficulties, being chairperson for a women’s centre in a deprived area of the Wirral, and supporting people as a befriender with Wirral Mind for over 15 years. Ultimately, my passion is working with clients through their difficulties so that they can live their best life.
I have also trained to work with clients with co-morbid long-term health conditions and mental health difficulties so as to be able to treat the whole individual.
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Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist
I am a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with nine years’ experience of working in the health and social care sector as a Social Worker, Mental Health Practitioner, and Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. I work with children, young people, and families with a variety of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, complex trauma, and behavioural problems. I also have experience of working with people who are neurodiverse.
Previously, I worked in an NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service as an experienced Mental Health Practitioner providing assessment and treatment. I have also worked as an Adoption Social Worker in the voluntary sector and local authority, providing adoption support to young people and families. I have experience, in both previous roles, of liaising with education to support young people. I have completed Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy training Level 1.
I have always pursued study alongside my employment to keep up-to-date with developments in the field, in order to be evidence-based in my practice and to strive to provide children, young people, and families with the best possible service.
I have completed training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for adolescents. Being a teenager in today’s world is tough. ACT helps teenagers learn how to deal with changes and challenges, and how to grow into the person they want to be. It helps with forming positive friendships, managing difficult emotions, and addressing how to get unstuck from bad habits.
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closeCBT Psychotherapist
I have worked in mental health for 15 years; IAPT services, corporate services and the third sector. I have both operational and managerial experience in supporting clinical teams as well as offering clinical supervision.
My role as a CBT Psychotherapist emphasises building resilience, promoting good mental, physical health and wellbeing, prevention and early intervention for young people and adults.
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Art Psychotherapist
I have worked for over 20 years with children as a Social Worker, short breaks Foster Carer, and Therapist. I’ve worked in a children’s home, as a child protection Social Worker and a therapeutic Social Worker, and now manage a Therapeutic Social Work Team part-time. I have a small private practice, including some therapeutic work with children and families, and training to social care practitioners, adoptive parents and Foster Carers around life story work and fostering/adoption practice across the UK.
Writing is one of my passions and I have authored three books full of tried-and-tested creative activities for professionals, parents and Foster Carers. They are: Life Story Work with Children who are Fostered or Adopted: Creative Ideas and Activities, (Wrench & Naylor 2013), Helping Vulnerable Children and Adolescents to Stay Safe – Creative Ideas and Activities for Building Protective Behaviours (2016) and Creative Ideas for Assessing Vulnerable Children and Families (2018).
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Art Psychotherapist
I am a qualified and professionally registered Art Psychotherapist with experience of working in community and NHS mental health settings. For the past three years, I have worked within domestic abuse services, supporting women and children who have experienced physical, emotional and sexual abuse and violence. Alongside this, I have also led a group for women whose children live elsewhere and worked with mothers and children post-reunification.
I am driven by a strong sense of social justice, and a belief that all people should have a fair chance at a healthy and happy life. This can mean campaigning for systemic change at a community level, or working one-to-one and within family systems to support growth and stability. When working with adults and children involved in adoption and care arrangements, I bring sensitivity to the dynamics that can affect children living apart from their birth families. Often, this may mean working with feelings of confusion, powerlessness and rejection.
As an Art Psychotherapist, I am informed by research into the impact of therapeutic art-making on the brain and body. I believe strongly in working collaboratively and trusting in the therapeutic process to allow for exploration at a safe pace. If we work together, you can expect me to be compassionate, non-judgemental and focused on your needs.
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closeSenior Therapeutic Social Worker and Accredited BUSS Practitioner
I have worked with children, young people and families for 20 years. I began my career in youth work before working in children’s residential homes. This was where I became increasingly interested in children’s mental health, attachment-related behaviour and the impact of Complex Developmental Trauma.
Since that time I have worked as a Social Work Advanced Practitioner within child protection teams and a Senior Therapeutic Social Worker whereby I undertook a wide range of therapeutic interventions with children who are Looked After or subject to Child Protection Plans. It was within that team where I trained in Building Underdeveloped Sensorimotor Systems in Children with Developmental Trauma (BUSS).
I thoroughly enjoy working with children, young people and their families and hope my work can make a positive difference.
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I have undertaken continual professional development and have particular interest within areas including; – Attachment and Complex Developmental Trauma, child development, emotional regulation, harmful sexual behaviour, therapeutic life story work, self-harm, creative therapy, parent / child work, therapeutic parenting, resilience, loss, and working through shame.
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Neurodevelopmental Practitioner
I qualified as a social worker in 2007 and as a Dialectical Behaviour Therapist in 2016. I have worked in mental health services throughout my career. The majority of my experience has been in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) where I have experience specialising in neurodevelopmental (autism and ADHD) assessments, interventions for families and consultation with other services.
I am a part of the National Autism Training Programme and I qualified as a lecturer in 2015. I am also a specialist mentor for university students with disabilities.
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Speech & Language Therapist
I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2010. I have experience working with children and young people aged 2 to 17 years in a variety of settings, including mainstream primary and secondary schools, specialist schools, nurseries, and community clinics.
I have a passion for working with autistic children and adolescents with the aim of empowering them around their differences, whilst supporting those around them to understand and adapt.
I use a pro-neurodiversity approach and work with the Oakdale Centre as part of the multi-disciplinary team carrying out neurodevelopmental assessments.
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Speech & Language Therapist
I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2012 at Leeds Beckett University. Since then I have predominantly worked in the NHS, supporting children with their speech, language and communication skills in community clinics, at home, at nursery and at school. I specialise in autism and social communication differences, and I am trained in a range of approaches including Intensive Interaction, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (such as Makaton and visuals), Hanen More Than Words, and SCERTs. I am experienced in providing training on a range of topics for parents and professionals in health and education services. I am passionate about neurodiversity, and I joined the Oakdale Centre to focus on supporting individuals and their families to receive neurodevelopmental assessments so they can access the support they want.
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BSc (Hons) Clinical Language Sciences (Speech and Language Therapy)
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Mondays & Tuesdays
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Specialist Psychotherapist & Specialist Project Coordinator
I am a psychotherapist with more than 18 years of clinical experience. I started my career in mental health as an art therapist and since then I have continued with my studies and I have trained in other therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and Systemic practice. I have also enhanced my clinical skills through my professional development and I have completed further training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and therapeutic life story work.
Since qualifying, I have worked in various community and inpatient services with the NHS, and with third sector and private organisations. I have worked in forensic inpatient and community services with adults and young people, and I have spent a lot of my clinical practice working with families, parents, young people, as well as adults.
I have been involved with the local art therapy training programme, as a lecturer, supervisor, and placement coordinator, and I still offer lectures to the training course as well as to the British Association of Art Therapists. I also offer clinical supervision to other therapists who work in private practice or within organisations.
My training and experience has equipped me to work with a variety of primary and complex mental health and behavioural difficulties. Nevertheless, I have specialist experience in working with risk and forensic services, trauma, adoption, and neurodiversity. Furthermore, I have worked within schools, offering them consultation, training, and advice.
I have been working part-time for Oakdale since 2018, but since leaving my post with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in 2022, I have joined the Oakdale team on a full-time basis. I currently enjoy my post as a clinician, but I also assist in the service development by getting involved in various clinical projects.
I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council HCPC and am a full member, approved private practitioner, and supervisor of the British Association of Art Therapists BAAT. I am also registered with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy as an accredited CBT practitioner.
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Specialist Psychotherapist and Systemic Family Therapist in Adoption & Trauma Service
I am a highly skilled and qualified Systemic Family Psychotherapist and Social Worker. With over 20 years of experience working within a range of NHS, private and charitable services, I have worked extensively with children and families who are experiencing emotional distress. I have particular specialisms in working with neurodevelopmental differences and gender diversity.
As a Systemic Family Psychotherapist, I am experienced in applying this theoretical model and strengths-based approach to working with whole family groups, as well as with couples, and individually with adults and young people who are experiencing relational difficulties across the life cycle. This includes, for example, parent-child, sibling and couples relationship difficulties.
I use an approach to therapy which involves working closely with people to explore their lived experiences to better understand what patterns, beliefs and behaviours might be getting in the way of making relational change, as well as developing a greater understanding of their successes. At the heart of this, the values of being heard, respected and listened to are fundamental to my practice. I work collaboratively with people to develop a shared understanding of what they want to achieve and the changes they wish to make in therapy, as well as regularly reviewing my practice to ensure it is timely and appropriate.
I am interested in activism when working with marginalised groups.
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Occupational Therapist & Advanced Sensory Integration Therapist
I am delighted and excited to join the fantastic Oakdale Neurodevelopmental Assessment team in July 2023. I have worked in both NHS acute and community settings within the physical and mental health sectors. I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, working-age adults and older adults, to promote and enable their independence in meaningful activities
of daily living.
I qualified with First Class honours as an Occupational Therapist (OT) from the University of Bradford in 2015. Since qualifying I have had experience working in stroke rehabilitation, orthopaedics, community mental health (adults) and children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHs) in the NHS in Yorkshire and Lancashire, providing assessment, formulation, consultation and therapy/intervention for children and young people experiencing a range of mental health problems, including neurodevelopmental conditions.
I was a part of the CAMHs diagnostic Neurodevelopmental team contributing to a multi-disciplinary approach to assess for the diagnosis of Autism and ADHD. I am passionate about OT, neurodiversity, and sensory integration.
I have further developed my skills, expertise and knowledge and qualified with distinction in Advanced Sensory Integration (ASI) clinical practice in 2023. ASI is designed to improve self-regulation, sensory-perceptual function, sensory regulation, and motor skills, which can improve sensory differences in learning, social participation, and behaviour.
In addition to working with Oakdale and pursuing my master’s I also work within the NHS as a mental health lead facilitating group sessions for parents and their children with mental health challenges. I volunteer as a professional expert in the Leeds research ethics committee for the Health Research Authority and I am a specialist OT guest lecturer at the University of Bradford.
I have worked internationally in Sri Lanka as part of an OT project where I delivered skills-sharing workshops followed by teaching sessions on how to administer sensory assessments and I lectured first year OT students. This OT project was part of a collaboration project between an NHS Trust (BDCFT), Jaya Mental Health – a charitable organisation that works with South Asian countries around mental health – training for professionals and raising awareness about mental health, the Tropical Health Educational Trust (THET) NHS England, which helps form a global partnership to tackle health inequalities and the University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka – Colombo.
I am passionate about making a positive difference in ‘service users’ lives to enable them to reach their aspirations and OT goals and believe the core values and beliefs of OT resonate deep within me. I am keen to continually develop and grow both personally and professionally.
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Other languages: Urdu and Punjabi
closeHigher Assistant Psychologist
I joined the Oakdale Centre as an Assistant Psychologist. Academically, I have studied Psychology for the last 10 years, and I have a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology from Northumbria University. Following this, I went on to achieve a Masters degree in Foundations in Clinical Psychology from Newcastle University.
I was lucky enough to complete a placement programme at Friends Action North East, where I was able to work with and support young adults with Autism. I also worked as a Junior Psychologist where I provided specialist, one-to-one care for adults in the workplace. I also completed a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Essentials course which allowed me to deliver emotional and mental health support.
My role within the Oakdale Centre is to collaborate with the team to assist and support in psychological assessments (psychometric, cognitive, and neurodevelopmental) and observations. I will also be required to aid the preparation of clinical reports and to assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups.
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Higher Assistant Psychologist
After graduating from Newcastle University with a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology in 2021, I worked as a support worker in a care home for adults with physical and mental difficulties. I also have 10 years’ experience working with children as a forest school session leader, teaching them about nature and survival. I’ve had the opportunity to work with children with Autism and ADHD in the forest, watching them develop life skills outside the classroom.
I joined Oakdale in September 2022 and work in the neurodevelopmental assessment service as case holder for individuals undergoing Autism, ADHD and cognitive assessments. My role also includes working within the Holistic Eating Disorder Service, assisting the coordination of therapeutic support groups. I have always been interested in understanding why people think and feel the way they do, and I am working towards becoming a clinical psychologist in the future.
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Assistant Psychologist
I joined Oakdale in May 2023, after Graduating from the University Of Huddersfield with a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology in 2021. I then went on to gain my Masters of Science by Research in 2023. My research investigated the discrimination transgender people face in healthcare settings and the impacts and strategies people used in order to cope/build resilience.
Previously I worked alongside adults who had mental health difficulties and my job role was to help aid rehabilitation and support the Crisis Team in Calderdale. Additionally, working on a Support Nightline for adults in the community.
I am particularly passionate about working with neurodiverse children/young people and the LGBTQ+ community. I am working towards becoming a Clinical Psychologist in the future to be able to help and work with these populations.
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Assistant Psychologist
I joined Oakdale in August 2023 and am part of the neurodevelopmental assessment and support team. Prior to this, I completed a master’s degree in forensic psychology and mental health at Coventry University. During my postgraduate studies, I worked as a tutor in psychology at Coventry University’s satellite campus in Scarborough. Here, I gained experience supporting adults and young people, including students with neurodevelopmental conditions, within an educational setting.
Before this, I achieved a first-class honours degree in psychology from the University of Bath, which included completing a work placement as a research scholar. As a research scholar on a rehabilitation prisons project, I interviewed people in forensic settings about their personal journeys through the justice system and their mental health and well-being.
I am particularly passionate about working with neurodiverse people of all ages. I recognise the importance of receiving a diagnosis for self-identity and for accessing support, which I have seen first-hand in both forensic and educational settings. Ultimately, I am working towards and aspire to be a Clinical Psychologist in the future.
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Assistant Psychologist
I joined Oakdale in August 2023 as an Assistant Psychologist within the neurodevelopmental assessment and support team. Prior to this, I completed a Postgraduate degree in Mental Health in Children and Young People at Leeds Trinity University in 2022. This course inspired me to continue pursuing a career in psychology and work with like-minded professionals to make a difference to people’s lives.
I have also achieved a First Class Honours degree in Psychology graduating from the University of Bradford in 2021. I have experience working with and supporting young people living with complex mental health needs and/or with neurodevelopment differences in the community. In this role, I worked as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside clinical psychologists, clinical nurse specialists and psychiatrists. I have also previously worked in an adult rehab service supporting individuals with substance misuse difficulties. I worked alongside qualified counsellors and recovery coaches running sessions on emotional regulation and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
During my time at the University of Bradford, I volunteered as a ward volunteer with Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which involved spending positive time with the patients and offering them company during their admission. I am delighted to be part of Oakdale’s experienced multidisciplinary team in offering high-quality assessments and evidence-based support.
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Assistant Psychologist
I joined Oakdale in August 2023 as an Assistant Psychologist within the Neurodevelopmental Service. Prior to this, I completed a postgraduate degree in Foundations in Clinical Psychology at Newcastle University in 2021. This course inspired me to continue pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology and to help make a positive difference to people’s lives.
Before this, I achieved an upper 2:1 class honours degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle. I have experience working with individuals with complex mental health needs and/or neurodevelopmental differences in the community. In this patient-facing role, I not only worked closely with the service users to implement positive changes in their lives but I also worked with a wider team of like-minded professionals (Mental Health Nurses, Neurologists). I have also previously undertaken work experience with a chartered clinical and forensic psychologist.
I am passionate about working with neurodiverse individuals of all ages and I am delighted to be working as part of Oakdale’s multi-disciplinary team to offer high-quality assessments and evidence-based support.
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Assistant Psychologist
I work in the Adult Neurodevelopmental Assessment at Oakdale. After receiving a First Class Honours degree in Psychology (BSc), I started working in Special Educational Needs (SEN) support in first a mainstream primary school, and then an SEN school. I have supported pupils with Autism, ADHD, attachment disorders, complex medical and physical conditions, global developmental delay, learning disabilities, and down syndrome. There, I saw how important diagnoses are within educational settings for children and young people to access the support they need.
During my degree, I supported adults with disabilities in a residential setting. I am passionate about supporting neurodiverse people of all ages in a way that celebrates neurodiversity.
I am also passionate about using nature to help with wellbeing: my undergraduate research project examined how mindful engagement with nature helped improve wellbeing by increasing self-compassion.
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Assistant Psychologist
I am delighted to work as an Assistant Psychologist within the Children and Young People Neurodevelopmental Service here at Oakdale. Prior to this, I graduated with a First-Class degree in Psychology from the University of Leeds. Alongside my degree, I worked as a SEN teaching assistant in SEN schools across Leeds. I was able to support children with developmental and learning disabilities to better access their education via 1:1 support. To be a part of this was extremely rewarding.
After graduating, I worked in a high-dependency rehabilitation unit for adult males with complex needs. This experience gave me knowledge of several developmental disorders, learning difficulties, and mental health conditions, as well as how they manifest and interact in different individuals. Working alongside Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Mental Health Nurses allowed me to see the importance of a multidisciplinary team.
Additionally, I previously volunteered for an organisation in Sheffield where I provided support and activities for adopted and looked-after children. With particular interest in Neurodiversity in children and young people, I am dedicated to providing high-quality support with the long-term ambition of working as a Clinical Psychologist.
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Honorary Training Clinical Psychologist
I am currently completing a Clinical Psychology Doctorate at the University of Hull and I am in my second year of the three-year course. I am on placement with The Oakdale Centre for six months, focussing upon neurodevelopmental assessments and carrying out therapy with children and young people. All aspects of my work are supervised by Clinical Psychologists in the team.
Whilst on placement I am looking forward to developing my therapeutic skills with children and young people and expanding my knowledge on different neurodevelopmental conditions and how a neuro affirmative approach can be utilised following assessments to facilitate individuals to be supported to live fulfilling and empowered lives.
I previously completed a six-month placement at a Community Learning Disability Team where I worked with families and carers of individuals and developed my skills in psychometric testing which I hope to apply during this placement. . I also completed a nine-month placement within an adult Community Mental Health Team where I built the foundation of my therapeutic skills and approaches delivering one-to-one therapy to adults in the community.
Prior to the course I volunteered for SHOUT’s crisis text service during the COVID-19 pandemic whose demographic was mostly young people. I also carried out a nine-month placement with the Mental Health Foundation in which I collaborated with young people to produce an informative body image project and presented and facilitated mental health psychoeducation workshops to secondary schools during Children’s Mental Health Awareness week.
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Clinical Manager
I first joined the Oakdale Centre Team in 2008, and was Clinical Director from July 2016 to January 2020.
I have more than 35 years’ experience working within psychological services both in the NHS and the public and private sector.
Professionally, I have worked as a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Senior Clinical Manager, Safeguarding Officer, and as a coach and mentor for senior leadership teams in a variety of business settings, including schools.
Following an early career in nursing, I began my psychotherapy training at the Westminster Pastoral Foundation in London in 1987, qualifying in 1995 following an intensive training and personal analysis. I have a PG Diploma in Supervision, a PG certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy skills, and a Level 1 training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. I have also attended an introductory training on Building Underdeveloped Sensorimotor Systems.
I am a member of the Foundation for Psychotherapy.
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Governance Lead
My role as Governance Manager is to work collaboratively with Oakdale Group staff, associates, Service Users and commissioners to develop and embed policies which meet best practice and legislation and support the delivery of high quality safe services. I also collate and use information and feedback we receive to support continuous improvement in our services.
I have worked in social care for 32 years in many roles starting as a carer and developing my career to work in senior operational management of care for people with learning disabilities and or autism, older people and those who require mental health support. I have also worked as an inspector for the Care Quality Commission where my knowledge of the sector was used to regulate services.
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Head of Operations – NHS Talking Therapies Adult Services
I have gained over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, where I worked for Local Authorities in health development and NHS Commissioning.
I am a passionate, innovative peoples-person, and have an accomplished leadership ability and a proven track record in commissioning services for many target audience.
I provide direction and guidance for senior management teams, ensuring that clear cost effective and correct clinical plans and procedures are implemented for the client groups they serve and support.
I am really excited to be working for Oakdale at this interesting time of expansion and remain positive about implementing and leading on commissioned services to improve the lives of the people we serve.
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My role as Service Development Lead and National Right to Choose Coordinator is to contribute to strategic planning, continued development and innovation within the Neurodevelopmental service at Oakdale, ensuring the best outcomes for all our clients.
In my previous role, I supported the development and implementation of the Right to Choose offer in Calderdale, supporting individuals and families, collaborating with commissioners, assessment services, primary care and a wide range of professionals to establish and ensure smooth running of processes, proactively promoting local and regional understanding of NHS Right to Choose and ensuring local access to high-quality, personalised care.
As a former teacher, inclusion and excellent provision and support for children and their families remains close to my heart and I continue to be actively involved in local organisations who provide this. I’m proud to be a part of a growing and dynamic service that puts supporting clients at the heart of their decision making.
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Neurodevelopmental Admin Team Leader
I first worked for Oakdale as the Evening and Saturday Receptionist in 2014 and was delighted to rejoin as an Administrator in 2020. I have since progressed to Admin Team Leader for the Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service.
My role as Admin Team Leader is to provide guidance, support and management to the administration team. I strive to develop the service and the administrative processes and procedures, to provide efficient and high-quality assessments.
I find working for Oakdale very rewarding, and value the development opportunities that Oakdale offers.
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Senior Neurodevelopmental Assessment Coordinator
I undertake a full range of duties within my role, including being the first point of contact for clients, managing reception tasks, coordinating practitioners’ diaries, booking appointments for families, and responding to client enquiries.
I have 13 years of previous experience working in an Educational Psychology and a Looked After Children environment, and more recently, I spent three years working in the Adult Safeguarding Department for West Yorkshire Police.
I am passionate about delivering the highest quality of service to clients and making a difference, and I find working at Oakdale a very rewarding experience.
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Neurodevelopmental Assessment Coordinator
My role involves processing new referrals to our services, booking client appointments, responding to queries, updating client records, monitoring service delivery, and training practitioners to use our bespoke case management database.
I have over 11 years’ experience working in the charity sector, supporting people with diverse and complex health and wellbeing needs. Before joining Oakdale in September 2021, I managed a volunteering programme at a community arts and heritage centre in a marginalised area of West London. Prior to this, my roles centred on project development and delivery in community homelessness services and health-focused charities.
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Neurodevelopmental Assessment Coordinator
I joined Oakdale as an Administrator in April 2022. My role involves providing day-to-day project support. This includes being the first point of contact for families, making relevant enquiries, managing practitioners’ diaries, arranging appointments, and offering clients a warm welcome to our services.
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Neurodevelopmental Assessment Administrator & Office Manager
I joined Oakdale as an Administrator in December 2023. My role involves being the first point of contact for clients, coordinating practitioners’ diaries, booking appointments for families, sending out reports and responding to client enquiries. I try to deliver the best quality of service to clients and colleagues.
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Neurodevelopmental Assessment Administrator
I work within the administration team, covering a range of duties including booking appointments and processing referrals.
Before joining Oakdale, I spent four years working in administration at a local animal charity. I have also worked in a school and college.
I have been involved with charity hospital radio for the majority of my life and have taken on various administration responsibilities within the charity.
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Neurodevelopmental Assessment Administrator
I joined Oakdale as an Administrator in January 2024 as part of the Neurodevelopmental team. Previously I worked as an Administrator in a local care home, and customer service before this.
My role here involves being the first point of contact for clients, arranging appointments, responding to enquiries and checking reports.
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Neurodevelopmental Support Assistant
I joined Oakdale in February 2024, working within the Neurodevelopmental Assessment team to write reports that aid the service in providing Autism and ADHD diagnoses. Previously I studied Psychology at the University of York, achieving a First Class honours degree in 2022. Throughout my studies, I developed a keen interest in mental health, wellbeing and clinical psychology, where I researched topics such as the effectiveness of anxiety treatments in children, and ways to improve wellbeing in adults through developing self-compassion.
Since graduating I have worked in learning support in schools and as a leader at a summer activity club, closely supporting children with a range of neurodevelopmental conditions including Autism and ADHD. I am excited to work within the multidisciplinary team at Oakdale as I am passionate about working with children and young people- particularly neurodivergent populations- ensuring they feel understood and can get the support that enables them to thrive.
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Apprentice Administrator
I started my apprenticeship at Oakdale in September 2023. I undertake a range of duties such as; responding to client enquiries, sending out and uploading information along with a range of reception tasks like greeting clients when they come in for their appointments.
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Coordinator in Adoption & Trauma Service
I joined Oakdale in May 2023 as an Adoption Support Coordinator. My role involves supporting the team in the day-to-day running of the Adoption Service. I work closely with our Therapists, Social Workers and families to ensure that Oakdale is providing the best service we can.
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Head of Finance
With over 10 years of work experience in accounting and finance, I have developed core competencies in financial data analytics, financial reporting, payroll administration, and project management accounting. I am passionate about helping businesses grow and thrive.
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Finance Data Analyst
I started working at the Oakdale Centre in May 2020. My role involves providing an efficient, organised, and accurate finance function for the organisation. My main responsibilities include reconciling payments and coordinating monthly payment of our Affiliate Practitioners.
I feel very lucky to be working at the Oakdale Centre and I look forward to growing within the team.
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Accounts Assistance
I joined the Oakdale Centre in January 2024. I am MAAT qualified and I am currently studying for the ACCA qualification. I am excited to learn and grow within the team.
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Finance Assistance
I joined the Building Underdeveloped Sensorimotor Systems (BUSS) Team at the Oakdale Centre in December 2020. During this time I have provided administrative support to both the clinical and training arms of BUSS, primarily supporting families through the BUSS programme from the first point of contact to the end of intervention, liaising with the team around the child, and assisting practitioners with clerical tasks. I have also helped to develop and prepare materials for clinical work, training events and the website.
It has been an honour to see BUSS grow at such an incredible pace over the past year. The hard work and dedication of the BUSS practitioners and the commitment of all of the staff at Oakdale is truly inspiring and I am grateful to be part of such a passionate team. It is rewarding to see the impact on children and young people on their journey through the BUSS programme, alongside the positive feedback from their parents/carers, teachers, and social workers. The progress these young people make on a bodily level, as well as an emotional level, often plays an integral role in helping to build their relationships.
My previous experience of working with children and young people across different settings contributed to my interest in wellbeing and supporting individuals throughout life events and challenges.
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HR & Recruitment Advisor
I joined Oakdale in January 2024 in a newly appointed role as HR and Recruitment Advisor. Having worked in various industries over my 20-year HR career, I chose Oakdale as the organisation I wanted to be part of due to the important work it provides in mental health & well-being for the local community.
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HR Generalist
I joined Oakdale in October 2022 as the HR Generalist. My role involves hands-on support of the daily running and function at Oakdale, making sure we have the resources to meet the growing needs for our clients.
I believe in the importance of mental health and well-being and the support Oakdale provides. It is rewarding to be a part of the Oakdale team, knowing my contributions are making a positive impact on other people’s well-being.
As someone who works in HR, I am also responsible for supporting the everyday needs of our ever-growing team. I love being able to help our workforce grow and thrive in a place that is both supportive and rewarding. It’s important to me that Oakdale is a great place to be for everyone who works here.
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Centre Manager
I was pleased to join Oakdale in January 2023 looking for a new challenge. In my role as the Centre Manager, I look after the administration team, manage the facilities and also support the health and safety of our 3 centres.
I have 25 years of NHS experience in a clinical and management background which has helped develop my skills and knowledge in a wide range of areas.
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Case Manager & Service Development Coordinator
Before joining the Oakdale Centre in 2019, I worked with young people in both schools and the community. I’ve had over seven years’ experience working in Mainstream and Special Provision Education, specialising in working with young people with a range of difficulties and complex needs.
More recently, I was part of a county-wide project that delivered person-centred support to young people at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation. My role involved the delivery of training, producing intervention packages and working closely with both statutory and third sector providers to empower and safeguard young people across North Yorkshire.
At Oakdale, my role has been as case manager, responsible for administration and triage of referrals as well as coordinator of special projects. I have also been delighted to provide administrative support for the Building Underdeveloped Sensorimotor Systems (BUSS) clinical service, as well as arranging training events and being involved in the development of materials and the website.
closeCentre Coordinator
I joined the Oakdale Centre in September 2021, and this year, 2023, taking on the role of Centre Coordinator. My role involves coordinating the day-to-day running of the Reception in Harrogate alongside the Centre Manager, assisting with processes/procedures, training and supporting staff, and other administrative responsibilities.
I have always had a keen interest in Mental Health, and I am delighted to be a part of this organisation, striving to help people find the support that they need.
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Administrator/ Receptionist
I am part of the Administrative and Reception team. Currently, I work part-time, whilst also studying for my Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
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Harrogate Centre
49 Valley Drive
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG2 0JH
Tel: 01423 503080
Email: reception@oakdalecentre.org
Venue InformationHalifax Centre
17 Carlton Street
Halifax
West Yorkshire
HX1 2AL
Tel: 01422 652652
Email: reception.halifax@oakdalecentre.org
Venue InformationLeeds Centre
The Grove Manse
Town Street, Horsforth
West Yorkshire
LS18 4RJ
Tel: 0113 8314433
Email: reception.horsforth@oakdalecentre.org
Venue InformationIf you are a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychological therapist and would like to become an Oakdale Associate or rent one of our rooms, please contact us on 01423 503080 or email hr@oakdalecentre.org.
