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

Charlotte Wilmer-Barbrook (she/her)

Dramatherapist

Meet Charlotte

Harri Nicholas (she/her)

Art Therapist

Meet Harri

Tim Goldman (he/him)

Dramatherapist

Meet Tim

Richard Leigh (he/him)

Counsellor

Meet Richard

Viv Ofstedahl (she/her)

Lead Trainer

Meet Viv

George Fisher (them/they)

Counsellor

Meet George

Sarah Booth (she/her)

Art Therapist

Meet Sarah

Sarah Payne (she/her)

Music Therapist, ASD/LD Specialist

Meet Sarah

Emma Brummell (she/her)

Play Therapist

Meet Emma

Annette Walker (she/her)

Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning Disabilities Specialist

Meet Annette

Callum Rooney-Jones (he/him)

Dramatherapist

Meet Callum

Julie Stokes (she/her)

Integrative Arts Counsellor

Meet Julie

Kathy Scott (she/her)

ASC/LD specialist practitioner

Meet Kathy

Dawn McLaughlin (she/her)

Mental health practitioner

Meet Dawn

Faye Morray-Jones (she/her)

Mental health practitioner

Meet Faye

Sarah Foster (she/her)

Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning Disabilities Specialist

Meet Sarah

Caron Aspis (she/her)

Family support worker

Meet Caron

Nicola Goulooze (She/Her)

Counsellor

Meet Nicola

Elisa Ferriggi (she/her)

CAMHS Practitioner (ASC/LD)

Meet Elisa

Jess Foord (she /her)

Lead Therapist / Junior Manager

Meet Jess

Ciara McClelland (she/her)

Lead Therapist

Meet Ciara

Yoshi Bear

Pet Assisted Therapy Dog

Meet Yoshi Bear

CYP IAPT Trainee Practitioners

Stephen Ware (he/him)

Mental health Practitioner

Meet Stephen

Admin Team

Helen Eyre

Executive Assistant

Meet Helen

Luke Hails

Admin Assistant

Meet Luke

Extended Team

Claire Twomey

Play Therapist

Belinda Hamblin

Dramatherapist

Leigh Edwards

Integrative and Person-Centred Counsellor

Sarah Bracey

Art Therapist

Bethan Jones

Dance and Movement 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. She has worked alongside teachers and parents in her sessions or through providing workshops and training. 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 providing music therapy to 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!

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. She is also a qualified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and boxing coach with over three years experience.

Her experience to date is with a range of people, including children, young people, adults, older people and families.

Awarded a BSc. Honours in Theatre and performance from the University of Hull and a Master's degree in Dramatherapy. A Master's degree in Social Work from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge.

Her practice is steeped in therapeutic and trauma Informed Practice. I take a creative, somatic and a relational approach which seeks to understand and respond to the impact of developmental, secondary, intergenerational and systemic Trauma in people's lives.

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.

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.

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.