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)
MA, HCPC, BADth, MBACP

Chief Executive Officer

Meet Rachel

Sarah Blackford (she/her)
MA, PGcert, HCPC BADth

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

Charlotte Wilmer-Barbrook (she/her)
PGDip, HCPC, BADth

Dramatherapist

Meet Charlotte

Harri Nicholas (she/her)
MA, HCPC, BAAT

Art Therapist

Meet Harri

Tim Goldman (he/him)
MA, HCPC, BADth

Dramatherapist

Meet Tim

Richard Leigh (he/him)
Dip.Couns, Dip.Sup, MBACP(accred)

Counsellor

Meet Richard

Viv Ofstedahl (she/her)
B.Ed, B.SC

Lead Trainer

Meet Viv

Natasha Crook (she/her)
MA HCPC, BADth

Dramatherapist

Meet Natasha

Sarah Booth (she/her)
MA, PGCE, HCPC, BAAT

Art Therapist

Meet Sarah

Sarah Payne (she/her)
MA, HCPC, NMT, BAMT

Music Therapist,
ASD/LD Specialist

Meet Sarah

George Fisher (them/they)
Dip Couns, MBACP

Counsellor

Meet George

Annette Walker (she/her)
BPS

Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning Disabilities Specialist

Meet Annette

Callum Rooney-Jones (he/him)
MA, HCPC

Dramatherapist

Meet Callum

Julie Stokes (she/her)
Dip Couns, BACP

Integrative Arts Counsellor

Meet Julie

Stephen Ware (he/him)

Mental Health Practitioner

Meet Stephen

Emma Brummell (she/her) PTUK

Play Therapist

Meet Emma

Phil Clarke (he/him)
MA, HCPC

Music Therapist and Systemic Family Practitioner

Meet Philip

Sarah Foster (she/her)

Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning Disabilities Specialist

Meet Sarah

Dawn McLaughlin (she/her)
BA, PGdip

Mental health practitioner

Meet Dawn

Emily Gray (she/her)

Art Therapist

Meet Emily

Bethan Jones (she/her)

Dance and Movement Therapist

Meet Bethan

Jill Wheeler-Bowden (she/her)

Mental health practitioner

Meet Jill

Faye Morray-Jones (she/her)

Mental health practitioner

Meet Faye

Yoshi Bear (he/him)

Pet Assisted Therapy Dog

Meet Yoshi Bear

CYP IAPT Trainee Practitioners

Evelyn taylor (she/her)

ASC/LD Specialist Practitioner in training

Meet Evelyn

Kathy Scott (she/her)

ASC/LD specialist practitioner in training

Meet Kathy

Marissa Green (she/her)

ASC/LD specialist practitioner in training

Meet Marissa

Extended Team

Claire Twomey

Play Therapist

Belinda Hamblin

Dramatherapist

Leigh Edwards

Integrative and Person-Centred Counsellor

Sarah Bracey

Art Therapist

Sarah Edmonds

Art Therapist

Suzanne Funiciello

Counsellor

Angela Gillen

Play Therapist

Cecilia Rangel-Crow

Art Therapist

Chandra Chapman

Music 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!

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.

Richard Leigh (he/him)

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

Supervisor, CYP IAPT CBT and Humanistic Therapist, BACP accredited Counsellor, and NESSie Private Counselling Coordinator

Richard is an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, with 20 years of experience counselling adults and young people.

‘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 approach for a range of mental health concerns. I also offer CBT for anxiety’.

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.

Natasha Crook (she/her)

MA HCPC, BADth

Dramatherapist and Supervisor

Natasha is a qualified Dramatherapist and CYP IAPT trained supervisor with experience working within SEN and mainstream schools across Hertfordshire. Within these settings her work is often with young people who are in foster care, have experienced bereavement and trauma and are on the Autistic spectrum. ‘Expressing and allowing creativity is fundamental within my life and my work and I hope to give space for young people to find this within themselves.’

Natasha is currently completing a Postgraduate Certificate with the Anna Freud Centre and UCL in Leading Transformation and Change: Children and Young People’s Mental Health Wellbeing Services.

She loves playing netball as well as baking nice treats!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Emma Brummell

(she/her)

Emma is an Integrative Play Therapist working with nursery and Primary school aged children. Emma mainly provides play therapy in Primary and nursery school settings, however she has also worked as a Play Therapist in a range of other settings including children’s centres and Women’s refuges. Emma has experience working with children who have experienced DV, children who are in foster care, children who have experienced complex trauma, loss and attachment difficulties.

She most enjoys a cup of tea and a good book, preferably curled up with a blanket.

Phil Clarke (he/him)

MA, HCPC

Music Therapist and Systemic Family Practitioner

Phil is a Child and Young Person IAPT Systemic Family Practitioner and HCPC registered Music Therapist who trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. As well as being a multi-instrumentalist and recording producer, his Music Therapy experience varies from working in the NHS, Alternative Provision Schools and working within his local community. His continuing training includes attending the Society of Analytical Psychology and Philadelphia Association.

Phil enjoys swimming and walking his dog Hendrix.

Sarah Foster (she/her)

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Learning Disabilities

Sarah is currently completing the is a student CYP-IAPT ASD/LD specialist in working with autistic children and those with learning disabilities. She has experience working in mainstream nurseries, primary and secondary school settings, and specialist provision, and is a qualified early years teacher.

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

Dawn McLaughlin (she/her)

Mental health practitioner

Dawn Is an Integrative Arts Counsellor who aims to provide a welcoming, safe and non-judgemental space for young people to express their emotions and work towards mental wellness. She has worked with a diverse range of clients and has experience working with both primary and secondary age groups. Dawn hopes to provide an empathetic presence and support young people to lead healthy, happy and well-balanced lives.

In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her 2 cats and being a very amateur gardener!

Emily Gray (she/her)

Art Therapist

Emily is a qualified and registered art therapist. She has experience working with children and young people in various settings including primary and secondary schools, hospices and within the NHS. She has a passion for art therapy and offers a safe and creative space for children to connect with creativity and explore their feelings freely.

Emily has a special interest in attachment, anxiety, LD and bereavement.

When she isn’t working Emily enjoys walking and trips to the theatre.

Bethan Jones (she/her)

Dance and Movement Therapist

Bethan is a qualified and registered Dance Movement Psychotherapist. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and young people in a variety of settings including primary and secondary schools, colleges and within the community. She has experience working with ASD, DV, foster care, and complex trauma.

In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, whether that be going on a run or walking or spending time with her dog.

Jill Wheeler-Bowden (she/her)

Mental Health Practitioner

Since graduating as a dramatherapist in 1999 (with NESSie's CEO), Jill has worked as a qualified dramatherapist, teacher, drama tutor and group facilitator. As a dramatherapist she has worked with many groups both in the UK and in New Zealand. She has over thirty years of experience running drama-based workshops within a wide multi-cultural arena, and institutions of mixed ages and mixed abilities, both one to one and in groups. She has worked in various settings as a dramatherapist with a wide range of client groups, including children with autism, learning difficulties and disabilities; and young people with substance abuse issues.

She has recently returned to the UK from New Zealand (where she has been living and practicing since 2004), In her spare time Jill likes to cook, watch comedy and wear different colour hats.

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!

Evelyn Taylor (she/her)

ASD/LD specialist practioner in training

Eve is an Emotional Based School Avoidance Worker and ASC/LD Specialist Practitioner in training with the Anna Freud Centre, London. She currently works with secondary-age pupils with Autism and/or learning disabilities who are struggling to attend school due to emotional difficulties.

Eve has 15 years' experience working with children and families. She has worked within a range of settings and services supporting children and families around alcohol misuse, special educational needs, trauma, mental health, parenting and safeguarding, and has been involved in various innovative projects.

Eve has enjoyed starting two new hobbies in her spare time this year, pottery and felting and is currently attempting to make a felt sloth.

Marissa Green

(she/her)

ASC/LD specialist practitioner in training

Marissa qualified as a Dramatherapist in 2017 and is now gaining an additional Postgraduate Certificate with NESSie, specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Conditions and/or Learning Disabilities. She has over ten years of experience in education, teaching and lecturing, and mental health work including facilitation, development of programmes, and psycho-education.

Marissa is also a keen researcher and was the co-convenor of the Research Subcommittee for the British Association of Dramatherapists. She also co-founded an Action Research project supporting the promotion of voices from silenced communities. Her research primarily focuses on creative arts therapies and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.