Meet Our Team

“It has been a pleasure working with a NESSie therapist to support one of our pupils”

SENCo (Primary)

Work With Us

Rachel Lambie (she/her)

Chief Executive Officer

Meet Rachel

Sarah Blackford (she/her)

Operations Manager

Meet Sarah

Our Team of Experts

All of NESSie’s therapists are qualified, state registered and have completed safer recruitment checks. Our team holds current DBS, Child Protection and Prevent training and receive regular supervision.

Meet our directors

Jess Foord (she /her)

Junior Manager/Lead Therapist

Meet Jess

Charlotte Wilmer-Barbrook (she/her)

Dramatherapist

Meet Charlotte

Harri Nicholas (she/her)

Art Therapist

Meet Harri

Tim Goldman (he/him)

Dramatherapist

Meet Tim

Viv Ofstedahl (she/her)

Lead Trainer

Meet Viv

George Fisher (them/they)

Counsellor

Meet George

Sarah Booth (she/her)

Art Therapist

Meet Sarah

Richard Leigh (he/him)

Counsellor

Meet Richard

Kathy Scott (she/her)

ASC/LD specialist practitioner

Meet Kathy

Annette Walker (she/her)

ASC/LD Specialist

Meet Annette

Callum Rooney-Jones (he/him)

Dramatherapist

Meet Callum

Sarah Payne (she/her)

Music Therapist, ASD/LD Specialist

Meet Sarah

Caron Aspis (she/her)

Family support worker

Meet Caron

Dawn McLaughlin (she/her)

Mental health practitioner

Meet Dawn

Faye Morray-Jones (she/her)

Mental health practitioner

Meet Faye

Julie Stokes (she/her)

Integrative Arts Counsellor

Meet Julie

Miriam Griffiths (she/her)

Specialist Family Support Worker

Meet Miriam

Nicola Goulooze (she/Her)

Counsellor

Meet Nicola

Ciara McClelland (she/her)

Lead Therapist

Meet Ciara

Sarah Foster (she/her)

ASC/LD Specialist

Meet Sarah

Tánara Stedman

Music Therapist

Christian Anstee (he/him)

Dramatherapist

Meet Christian

Louise Cushen

Student Counsellor

Bethany La Pain (she/her)

Integrative Counsellor

Meet Bethany

Clara Llewellyn-Thomas

Art Therapist

Eleanor Chalmers

Music Therapist

Meet Eleanor

Luke Simonds (he/him)

Dramatherapist

Meet Luke

Judith Russell

Student Counsellor

Karen Rock (she/her)

Art Therapist

Meet Karen

Sienna Forrester (she/her)

Dramatherapist

Meet Sienna

Donna Eaton

Music Therapist

Meet Donna

Yoshi Bear

Pet Assisted Therapy Dog

Meet Yoshi Bear

CYP IAPT Trainee Practitioners

Stephen Ware (he/him)

CAMHS Practitioner CYP-IAPT Trainee (ASC/LD)

Meet Stephen

Elisa Ferriggi (she/her)

CAMHS Practitioner (ASC/LD)

Meet Elisa

Admin Team

Helen Eyre

Executive Assistant

Meet Helen

Luke Hails

Admin Assistant

Meet Luke

Angela Sutherland

Operations Administrative Assistant

Meet Angela

Extended Team

Claire Twomey

Play Therapist

Daryl Lindo

Music Therapist

Angela Gillen

Play Therapist

Chandra Chapman

Music Therapist

Sarah Edmonds

Art Therapist

Rachel Lambie (she/her)

MA, HCPC, BADth, MBACP

Chief Executive Officer

Rachel is the founder and CEO of NESSie. She is a registered Dramatherapist, Counsellor, trainer and Supervisor. She has been working with children and young people in educational settings since qualifying in 1998. She is a passionate social entrepreneur who believes that therapy should be evidence-based and accessible for all. She believes that every child and young person has a right to thrive and that families and professionals in education have the potential to be great ‘therapists’ for their children if given the right training and support. She is currently working on a Professional Doctorate at ARU researching young people’s conceptualisation of Mental Health.

She loves knitting and growing flowers.

Sarah Blackford (she/her)

MA, PGcert, HCPC BADth

Operations Manager

Sarah is an experienced manager, with a background in marketing and sales in addition to mental health. She completed a postgraduate certificate with the Anna Freud Centre and UCL on Leading Transformation and Change: Children and Young People’s Mental Health Wellbeing Services with distinction.

Sarah is a registered Dramatherapist, Children and Young People's IAPT Evidence-Based Counselling Practitioner and certified Supervisor with over 10 years of experience working in child and adolescent mental health multi-agency partnerships. She has a special interest in post adoption support and attachment, as well as experience working with mainstream schools and a children’s hospice supporting siblings of those with life limiting conditions.

She loves spending time gardening and creating weird and wonderful dishes whilst cooking!

Jess Foord

(she/her)

MA, BA(Hons), HCPC, BAMT

Lead Therapist and Junior Manager

Jess is a qualified music therapist with much of her work being in a variety of schools providing 1:1 and group music therapy sessions. Before moving to NESSie, Jess was working as a CAMHS Practitioner for young people with mental health difficulties.

Jess is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Supervision for Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Services at UCL and Anna Freud, as well as training to become a junior manager.

“I cannot wait to start working with NESSie and our wonderful young people. I am honoured to be given the opportunity to become a supervisor and junior manager, and looking forward to further development!”

When not at work, she can be found on the hockey pitch scoring goals and having fun!

Charlotte Wilmer-Barbrook (she/her)

PGDip, HCPC, BADth

Dramatherapist

Charlotte has been working in education as a Drama and Movement therapist for over twenty-five years. ‘I am passionate about the psychological and physical well-being of children and young people. I practice using integrative therapy skills as well as Jungian psychotherapy’. Charlotte works with groups and individuals offering creative tools for self-expression.

Charlotte has completed the Creative Arts Supervision Training (CAST) Diploma and supservies both creative arts therapists and professionals working in education.

Her particular areas of interest are ASD and trauma.

In her spare time, she looks after her cheeky dogs, chickens, ducks and horses!

Harri Nicholas (she/her)

HCPC, BAAT

Art Therapist

Harri has worked with children in a variety of educational settings providing group and 1:1 Art Therapy sessions. ‘I have experience working with children and young people with Learning Disabilities which means I have to adapt my practice to be flexible and practical for those with complex physical and learning needs. My interest areas are ASD, LD, Bereavement and Trauma’.

Harri is a trainee supervisor, supporting Art Therapy students on placement and professionals working in education.

When she’s not working, she’s usually on her yoga mat!

Tim Goldman (he/him)

MA, HCPC, BADth

St Albans and Harpenden Arts Therapist (Drama)

Tim is a Sesame-trained Dramatherapist and previously worked as a teacher and an actor. Much of Tim’s work has been in schools, particularly alongside children with various Special Educational Needs. More recently he has been working in mainstream schools with children who have experienced trauma or high levels of anxiety. Tim also trained as a CYP-IAPT CBT and Humanistic therapist for anxiety and low mood.

Tim enjoys getting outdoors as much as possible, particularly when it is wet and muddy.

Viv Ofstedahl (she/her)

B.Ed, B.SC

Lead Trainer

Viv has been a teacher for over 30 yrs – teaching PE in both secondary and middle schools. She has spent the majority of her career in Hertfordshire after returning from a teaching post in the Bahamas. In most recent years she has been supporting pupils in school with social & emotional difficulties and has taken on a mental health and wellbeing lead role in school.

Since 2015 she has been working closely with NESSie focusing on supporting staff in schools with a variety of training in particular; self-harm, LGBT foundation and positive mental health & wellbeing.

George Fisher (them/they)

Dip Couns, MBACP

Counsellor and Supervisor

George has over 20 years’ experience as an autism specialist, working with children, parents, carers and professionals. Through extensive training in this field, George has offered support, advice and guidance to families and those working in education and Children’s Services within Hertfordshire.

George is a BACP registered person-centred therapist with experience of counselling adult’s children and young people and has completed a PG Cert in CYP IAPT Supervision. George provides supervision and training to professionals working with children and young people.

George also has a background of teaching performing arts and enjoys tai chi as a way to relax.

Sarah Booth (she/her)

MA, PGCE, HCPC, BAAT

Art Therapist

Sarah is a trained primary school teacher and a qualified art therapist working with children and young people across North Herts. She has experience across a range of settings including; Nursery Centres, pupil’s referrals units and residential children’s homes. Her particular interests are preverbal trauma and attachment difficulties.

Sarah is currently completing a Postgraduate Certificate in CYP IAPT Supervision with The Anna Freud Centre and UCL.

‘I am privileged to be an art therapist and love my job’.

When not at work she can be found creating her own works of art.

Richard Leigh (he/him)

Dip.Couns, Dip.Sup, CYP IAPT, MBACP(accred)

CYP IAPT CBT and Humanistic Therapist, BACP accredited Counsellor, and Clinical Supervisor.

Richard is an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), with over 20 years of experience counselling adults and young people. He is based in North Herts.

‘I am a NESSie counsellor, working online and face to face supporting young people and their parents. My counselling method is based on the Person-Centred Therapy model for a wide range of mental health concerns. I also offer CBT for anxiety and a trauma-informed approach to my work'.

In my spare time, I can be found listening to my vinyl record collection and DJing.

Kathleen Scott (she/her)

ASC/LD specialist practitioner in training

Kathleen is currently studying a Post Graduate Diploma in CBT for young people with ASC and Learning difficulties. She has over 20 years of experience working with young people in schools, private homes, and local authorities. Her areas of passion and interest are trauma, autism, ADHD and complex behaviour and mental health issues.

In her spare time she like gardening and going for long walks with her rescue dog.

Annette Walker (she/her)

BPS

ASD/LD Specialist

Annette is an CYP-IAPT ASD/LD specialist practitioner and member of the BPS.

She has 15 years' experience of working within SEND across mainstream early years, primary and secondary educational settings and is passionate about supporting neurodiverse children, young people and their families.

When she’s not working, Annette loves being outside and spending time with her family and friends.

Callum Rooney-Jones (he/him)

Dramatherapist

Callum is a Dramatherapist originally from North Wales. Callum has experienced working in School, Community, and Hospital settings. He has supported children, young people, and adults with complex needs such as Trauma, Eating Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Autism and Acute Mental Health.

As a Dramatherapist, Callum facilitates a safe, trusting, and creative transitional space for individuals to express themselves freely. His interests lie within therapeutic story work, movement, role-play, and puppetry.

In his spare time, Callum loves going to the theatre or being out in nature.

Sarah Payne (she/her)

MA, HCPC, NMT, BAMT

Music Therapist and ASD/LD Specialist (CYP-IAPT)

Sarah is a qualified music teacher, therapist and ASC/LD specialist. She has experience across a range of settings including neuro-rehab and educational settings, both mainstream and special school. She now specialises working with autistic and neurodiverse children and young people, adoption and neurological rehab.

When she is not at work, she can be found playing football, working on her podcast or performing with her band across the UK.

Caron Aspis

(she/her)

Family Support Worker

Caron has enjoyed over twelve years of working in both primary and secondary educational settings. During this time, Caron developed a deep devotion to helping young people struggling with their mental health and supporting their parents. In 2020 she trained to become a Childline volunteer counsellor which furthered her passion and commitment to continue working in this field. Caron is now looking forward to offering training and support for parents whose children are self-harming.

In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, walking her dog, cooking and travelling.

Dawn McLaughlin (she/her)

Mental health practitioner

Dawn is a Child and Adolescent Counsellor, who aims to provide a welcoming, supportive and safe space for young people. Her approach is attachment-based and trauma-informed, and she offers the use of creative arts (drawing, painting, sand play, poetry, clay) to help her clients express and process complex emotions. She has worked with a diverse range of clients, both primary-aged and adolescents. Throughout the therapeutic process, Dawn focuses on gaining a trusting relationship, raising self-esteem, building inner strength and resources, and helping young people navigate their way through their issues. She offers a respectful, non-judgemental space to her clients, with the hope that they come to better accept themselves and lead happier, more well-balanced lives. Dawn is passionate about normalising the ongoing conversation about mental health in society, lowering the stigma around therapy and empowering young people to reach out unashamedly for the support they need.

Dawn loves hanging out with her 3 cats who always make her laugh!

Faye Morray-Jones (she/her)

Child & Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

Faye is an integrative therapist with over 16 years of experience in working with children and young people, with previous roles in Adoption Support and the Locality Team.

Using creative activities and interventions, Faye has supported young people with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, bereavement, and loss. She has a particular interest in developmental and relational trauma.

Faye values the working relationship she develops with young people and their families, always respecting differences and diversity. She strives to offer a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space, where individuals feel comfortable, respected, and understood.

Julie Stokes (she/her)

Dip Couns, BSCP

School Integrative Arts Counsellor in DSPL5 (Coordinator), DSPL 2 and at Hitchin Girls’ School

Julie is a BACP registered Child and Adolescent Integrative Arts Counsellor.

She has experience of working in both primary and secondary schools across Hertfordshire and practices child-centred counselling using creativity and play.

When she’s not working, she loves the outdoors, Pilates, creating her own art and baking.

Miriam Griffiths (she/her)

Specialist Family Support Worker

Miriam has been training and working in the field of mental health for 6 years, with previous experience in both healthcare and education settings. She is enthusiastic about the difference early intervention and a strong support network can make in the lives of children and young people with mental health issues. She aims to create a calm and non-judgmental space, where everyone feels listened to and respected.

In her spare time, Miriam enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and dancing.

Nicola Goulooze (she/her)

Counsellor

Nicola is an Integrative Creative Arts Therapist which means she uses a variety of approaches to work with children and young people to help them cope with the difficulties they face in life and thrive. Counselling sessions could involve talk therapy, or something creative, like art or play - whatever best suits the individual.

Nicola has worked with children and teens both in the UK and in South Africa in a variety of roles and has a special interest in working alongside individuals who have experienced trauma, the care system or who have been adopted.

When not working, Nicola is most likely to be found out running, drinking a latte, or walking the dog.

Ciara McClelland

(she/her)

Lead Therapist

Ciara is a qualified & registered Dramatherapist with over eleven years experience. A qualified and registered Social Worker with over nine years experience. Her experience to date is with a range of people, including children, young people, adults, older people and families.

Her practice embodies core values of respect, inclusiveness, honesty, compassion, cooperation, humility and the power of vulnerability. She is passionate about continuous professional development and engages in regular supervision and training, specifically in the areas of Trauma-informed practice and somatic movement and creative therapies.

Lastly, she enjoys having fun, laughing, keeping fit and jumping in cold water.

Sarah Foster (she/her)

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Learning Disabilities

Sarah has completed the CYP-IAPT training in conjunction with UCL and the Anna Freud Centre, specialising in working with children and adolescents on the autistic spectrum, with those with learning disabilities and their families. She has experience working in mainstream nurseries, primary and secondary school settings, specialist provision, and is a qualified early years teacher.

She loves nothing more than a day on the beach with her four children.

Christian Anstee (he/him)

Dramatherapist

Christian is a qualified and registered Dramatherapist. He is passionate about the seemingly endless potential for therapeutic methods of creative expression.

Christian has experience working with children and young adults in a variety of therapeutic and educational settings, including CAHMS and the NHS; he works to support people through their challenges, and help discover their potential. Christian offers an inclusive, respectful, and nonjudgmental space, where people may explore and express themselves.

For fun he enjoys running, playing table tennis, and creating music.

Bethany La Plain (she/her)

Integrative Counsellor

Bethany has worked in schools for over 20 years, initially as a qualified teacher and since 2014 as a qualified child and adolescent counsellor.
Her client-led integrative approach, using a mixture of play, art and conversational therapy, creates a safe space for children and young people to process experiences and feelings that may be hard for them to manage on their own.

In her spare time, Bethany loves to be outside, particularly when the sun is shining!

Eleanor Chalmers

Music Therapist

Ellie is a Music Therapist and has been working with CYP and adults since qualifying in 2013. Ellie has worked with a range of organisations including specialist and mainstream schools, hospitals, community organisations and charities.

Ellie enjoys working creatively with families and carers as well as CYP, and is passionate about strengthening support networks in the community for young people who are struggling with their mental health. Ellie's special interest areas are trauma, neurodiversity and LD.

When not at work, Ellie enjoys dressmaking, baking, and anything crafty!

Luke Simonds (he/him)

Dramatherapist

When Luke was growing up, he wanted to be an actor or an astronaut. When Luke grew up, he became a teacher and is very excited to be working with the NESSie team.

He has been working in education for 11 years and has worked with young people in mainstream and special education settings.

Prior to this, Luke spent 14 years dabbling in acting, civil service and management consultancy.

Luke is married and the proud co-owner of an African Land Snail called Syd. He loves Doctor Who and Doc Martens. Luke still dreams of being an astronaut.

Karen Rock (she/her)

Art Therapist

Karen is a qualified Art Therapist and secondary school PE and art teacher. She has worked in education for over 27 years, particularly within a special educational needs setting. She has experience working with both adults and young people with complex emotional needs, including emotionally unstable personality disorder, trauma, learning difficulties and autism.

In her spare time, Karen trains and competes in agility with her little cockerpoo, Khali

Sienna Forrester (she/her)

Dramatherapist

Sienna has worked as a Dramatherapist across various settings including primary and secondary schools, pupil referral units, family wellbeing centres, SEN colleges and online. Providing 1:1 and group sessions. 'I have experienced working with children, young people, adults and families. I am a Person-Centred therapist with particular interests in trauma, mental health, autism, anxiety, depression, relationships and families.'

Sienna trained as a Dramatherapist at Roehampton University and is a Director of The British Association of Dramatherapists.

When she's not working, Sienna will be found reading, spending times with her family or planning new adventures.

Donna Eaton

Music Therapist

Music has always been a huge part of Donna’s life, and she became inspired to move from eye care to mental health care through music therapy. She has experience working in primary school settings, children’s hospice and with young adults with learning disabilities.

“I’m passionate about children’s mental health and the importance of early intervention. I wish to provide a safe, therapeutic space for children to explore and express their feelings through music. To build confidence and promote a positive sense of self-worth.”

When not music-making, Donna enjoys coffee with friends, walking the dog and reading.

Yoshi Bear (he/him)

Pet Assisted Therapy Dog

Yoshi Bear is seven years old and is a cocker spaniel. He lives and works with Charlotte, the Area Co-ordinator for Stevenage, and loves nothing better than helping CYP relax, laugh and have fun. His particular areas of expertise are with CYP with ASD/ADHD and PDA.

Yoshi Bear won the Hertfordshire NHS Leading Lights Award 2019 for his contribution as a volunteer at the Watford Neurological Rehabilitation Unit. His sessions have been described as ‘magical’! He also won the North London Community NHS Trust Award 2020 for Dog Volunteer!

Stephen Ware (he/him/they/them)

BA(Hons), MSc, DipHE

NESSie Mental Health Practitioner/Transition Support Worker

Stephen has several years of experience working with Children and Young People in various settings and is a Youth Mental Health First Aider. Stephen originally trained as a Design & Technology teacher, then moved on to coach Young People on the Olympic sport of rowing in secondary schools. He has just completed his training as a counsellor and his professional interests have a focus on sport for wellbeing; inclusion, supporting LGBTQ+ people and Diversity. Stephen is also a boxing coach and love nothing more than experiencing the freedom to express himself through sport.

Elisa Ferriggi

(she/her)

CAMHS Practitioner (Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning Disabilities)

Elisa has 20 years of experience working with families with autistic children. She helps parents to connect with their child and create opportunities for learning and development in everyday life. Elisa is doing the CYP IAPT ASC/ LD training to reach more children and young people that need help in overcoming obstacles to reach their potential.

When she’s not working she is busy spending time with her two children, usually building a hot wheels track or doing a science experiment of some sort.

Helen Eyre (she/her)

Executive Assistant

Helen worked in the Children’s TV industry for over 20 years, specialising in Sales and Business Development. A recent career change has lead to holding senior PA roles in varied settings including Management Consultants and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

Locally based, in her spare time Helen loves walking her crazy dogs and spending time with family and friends

Luke Hails (He/Him)

Admin Assistant

Luke has had experience in various customer-facing roles including clothing, cafes and Specialist sports stores before starting to work with Nessie as an office administrative assistant. Since then Luke has taken on the responsibility of the social media and developing the website for Nessie. Working with Nessie has shown Luke how to better support his partner, who has ADHD, and allowed him to develop his design and creative abilities.

In his spare time, Luke enjoys horror films, reading and making clothing for himself and others.

Angela Sutherland (she/her)

Operations Administrative Assistant

Angela is experienced working within fast-paced office environments. From Retail Head Offices such as Tesco to distribution for brands such as Microsoft.

During her time in these roles, a key part has been to challenge and review the processes currently in place and see if there is a way to help facilitate the smooth running of the department and manage the change process.

Angela is passionate about mental health after navigating the pathways with a family member.

She loves to go horse riding when possible and enjoys yoga.