Meet the BRIYM Team

Founder & CEO

Leadership Team & DSL

BA (hons) Cert Ed. DHP.MAPHP (SUP)

Lecturer & Trained Supervisor

I believe we need to change the way we support mental health in schools.

After more than 25 years in education, including as a Head of Year, I saw first-hand the growing mental health challenges facing young people and the pressures on schools. Determined to make a difference, I retrained as a therapist and founded BRIYM (Building Resilience in Young Minds).

Today, as Founder and CEO, I lead a team of therapists and education professionals dedicated to revolutionising mental health support in schools. Our approach combines therapy, neuroscience education and practical strategies to build resilience, confidence and emotional understanding in young people, while supporting teachers, parents and school leaders.

As a keynote speaker, I bring together my experience in education, therapy and neuroscience to inspire audiences to think differently about mental health and resilience.

My passion is helping schools move from simply responding to mental health challenges to proactively building resilient young minds, giving young people skills that last a lifetime.

Leadership Team & DSL

BA (hons), PGCE, Prof. Dip.PsyC, MNCPS Acc.

Jessica brings a creative approach to her work, whether this was in her teaching career of 18 years, or now as a therapist. With an extensive toolkit of training and techniques to offer, Jessica includes play and art-based approaches in her work as well as a love for the outdoors.

She believes in understanding and adapting to the modern age our young people are growing up in, and supporting them in their mental health in order to promote healthy adulthoods.

Leadership Team

BSc (Hons), MEd, CMgr FCMI, DHP, LAPHP 

I believe we need to fundamentally change the way we support mental health in schools. Genuine growth and high performance can’t happen if the people driving it are burning the candle at both ends.

Having spent 21 years in secondary education as a science teacher, alongside a decade as an Assistant Headteacher leading on Teaching & Learning, Staff Development, and Attendance, I’m endlessly fascinated by leadership dynamics, human behaviour, and what actually makes school communities thrive. Combining my background in senior leadership with my work as a therapist, my focus is on unlocking potential in a way that is strategic, deeply creative, and above all, sustainable.

At BRIYM, I serve on the Senior Leadership Team and lead initiatives designed to reshape how schools handle resilience and support:

• Teacher Supervision: Creating psychological safety and reflective spaces for educators to navigate the demands of the profession.

• EBSNA Aware: Writing and leading our proactive framework to tackle Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance early.

• Mindset Matters & The WAY: Heading up our revolutionary mindset work and directing our leadership development program focused on emotional intelligence and mental health resilience.

Whether I’m working with school leaders, teachers, students, or parents, my mission is the same: helping people build agency, master stress, and discover that success and long-term well-being don't have to be mutually exclusive.

Leadership Team - DSL

BSc (hons) Psych, DHP, LAPHP

Lucy has a background in psychology, specifically working with young people across a range of settings including schools, prison, youth offending, behaviour and addiction teams. Lucy believes that addressing mental health concerns during childhood can have a profound positive impact on a child’s long term development and wellbeing in addition to their prospects educationally, socially and societally.

As a trained therapist and NLP Practitioner, Lucy is committed to providing therapeutic and emotional support to young people navigating life’s challenges. She is passionate about encouraging and coaching young people to improve their sense of wellbeing and mental health, and helping them develop invaluable life skills such as resilience and confidence.

Lucy is also part of a small team of therapists working with adults and children in a private practice across South Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

B .Ed, NPQH, DHP, LAPHP

Louise is a qualified teacher and has worked in five different secondary schools in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. For the last 18 years she was an Assistant Headteacher in an outstanding secondary school, leading on pastoral care and safeguarding. She has recently retired and is focusing on supporting the mental health of young people.

Louise also has a successful private therapy business and works with young people to help support their mental health.

B.Ed, NPQH, DHP

Debbie has enjoyed a forty year career teaching social sciences including Geography and Psychology.

Debbie's main passion was supporting students who needed help to thrive and in her pastoral roles in school, including Head of House she supported many students and their families. Debbie recently retired from her post as headteacher of a secondary school where she worked hard to build a strong cohesive community and fostered a sense of belonging for all students.

In her role as Member, Debbie is part of the governance of the Corvus Learning Trust. She has retrained as a therapist so that she can continue to provide support for vulnerable young people in schools and to help them flourish.

BA (hons) , DHP, LAPHP

Lee has 16 years experience as a secondary Physical Education teacher. During that time he has worked as Head of Year, Head of Department and roles relating to Primary School transition. He is a trained therapist, and has his own private therapy business, helping adults and young people with their mental health.

With his background and experience in sport, Lee has worked with many young people to help them overcome the pressures and stress this lifestyle can place on them.

BA (Hons), PG Dip HRM, DHP

With over 20 years in Human Resource Management, Clare has supported a wide range of people through training and development, coaching and well-being support.

Starting a family and supporting her two daughters, Clare developed a keen interest in the development of children, working in both pre-school and Primary School in classroom support roles as well as providing one to one interventions for SEN.

As a trained Clinical Hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner,  Clare is a strong and passionate advocate of BRIYM’s philosophy in providing tools and techniques to enable young people to build resilience and confidence in everyday life. Clare brings a calm, caring and empathetic approach, adapting to the needs of every individual and providing techniques for both children and adults to work through their problems and create positive change.

MA Education, BA History and Sociology, Level 4 Diploma Counselling and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mental Health First Aider

Laura is a qualified teacher and Head of Year. She has worked in education for 16 years and supported countless students academically and pastorally. She is a trained mental health first aider and has completed a therapeutic qualification in counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy. She leads on mental health and wellbeing across her school and is passionate about promoting awareness of mental health. She has also devised and led mental health toolkit workshops across schools which focus on practical support strategies to help students experiencing poor mental health. She works hard to foster a culture of independence, giving young people the tools they need to self-manage their emotions and develop resilience.

BSc, MSc, PGCE, DHP, LAPHP 

Yasmin is a secondary school teacher with over 15 years experience teaching Food Technology, Product Design and Art. She also has experience working with primary school aged children. Yasmin has trained as a youth mental health first aider. 

She has trained as a therapist and believes it is important that every young person has someone they can talk to and build a toolkit of strategies to support their wellbeing. 

BSC (hons), GMBPsS, DHP

Jane is dedicated to empowering children and adults alike, helping them overcome the challenges that hinder their personal growth. With focus on creating a safe and supportive environment, Jane enables children to open up and work through issues during their crucial developmental years.

Her compassionate approach helps young people build self-esteem and move forward with confidence.

For adults, Jane is passionate about breaking through negative thoughts, beliefs, habits and feelings, guiding them towards greater happiness and fulfilling life.

BA (Hons), PGCE, DHP, LAPHP

Carlie has over twenty years experience as a teacher, with nine years as a highly effective Head of Year. She has a deep understanding of the academic and emotional challenges young people face today and her work has always centred around helping children thrive, not just in the classroom, but in life. 

Her passion for mental health and wellbeing inspired her to retrain as a therapist, NLP and EFT practitioner.  She is also a trained Mental Health First Aider.  She combines practical knowledge with genuine empathy to create a safe, supportive space where young people can explore their feelings, build resilience, and grow in confidence. Her goal is to empower individuals to make positive changes, build self-belief, and move forward with a positive growth mindset.

BA (English), MA (Creative Writing), ACHP, LAPHP

Tabassum has been an English teacher for several years, helping young people find their voice and develop confidence in their ideas. With a background in creative writing, she understands the role that self-expression plays in shaping identity and personal growth. As someone who has transitioned into hypnotherapy, she is passionate about supporting others in overcoming challenges and stepping into their full potential.

She believes that every young person deserves to thrive as a whole person. Her work is rooted in the belief that understanding and embracing one’s identity is key to mental wellbeing and resilience.

In addition to English, Tabassum also speaks Urdu, allowing her to connect with a diverse range of clients with sensitivity and cultural awareness.

BSW (Hons), M.Counselling, M.Psychological Medicine | Certified Play Therapist | Prepare/Enrich Counsellor | MHFA/YMHFA Instructor

Carmen is a warm and dedicated mental health practitioner with over 25 years of experience supporting children, families, and adults through emotional, behavioural, and psychological challenges.

She holds an Honours degree in Social Work, a Master’s in Counselling (University of South Australia), and a Master’s in Psychological Medicine (University of Hong Kong). Carmen is also a certified Play Therapist, Prepare/Enrich counsellor, and accredited instructor in Mental Health First Aid and Youth MHFA.

Her career spans schools, universities, community services, and local government in Hong Kong and the UK, with expertise in trauma, special education, family systems, and early intervention. She has held leadership roles and served on Hong Kong’s Mental Health Review Tribunal.

Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, and a mother of two, Carmen blends cultural insight with professional and personal empathy to empower individuals and families to heal, grow, and thrive.

BA (Hons) Cert Ed , DHP

Kate began working with young people through outdoor activities, facilitating both individual and team personal growth. Since then she has worked in a wide range of educational settings. For the last 4 years she has been the pastoral lead of year 7 supporting students with the transition to secondary school.

Kate trained as a therapist to develop skills so that she can guide young people to feel confident and happy through their school career and beyond.

BA (Hons) DHP LAPHP.   IFS Informed L1 practitioner

With over 25 years in sales leadership, Kate's career highlight was establishing a successful business in South Africa, where she developed a passion for coaching a team and client-centered service delivery.

After stepping back from a corporate career to raise her family, she volunteered with young people, developing a deep commitment to mental health. The COVID-19 crisis reinforced this passion, leading her to retrain in Clinical Hypnotherapy and NLP.   She is passionate about Internal Family Systems Therapy and is an IFS informed level 1 practitioner.   Kate works with children, adults, and groups, helping them heal from the symptoms of trauma and overcome life's many challenges.

Kate is dedicated to BRIYM’s mission to promote mental health awareness and treat clients in schools and through her private practice in Compton, Berkshire. With a patient and optimistic approach, she empowers individuals to reach their full potential.

(ICF PCC)

Certified Life & Resilience Coach | NLP Practitioner | Post-Crisis Recovery Facilitator | Professional Certified Coach

Tessa is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) specialising in life transitions, resilience, and post-crisis recovery. With a background in the media industry and advanced NLP training, she brings a grounded, practical approach to helping individuals navigate significant change rebuilding confidence, shifting limiting beliefs, and developing the emotional strength to move forward.

Tessa partners with Breast Cancer Now, supporting individuals post-treatment to reconnect with their sense of identity and embrace new beginnings. This work sits at the heart of her practice: helping people rediscover who they are and what they're capable of in the aftermath of life-changing experiences.

She believes that resilience isn't something you either have or don’t,  it's something that can be built, practised, and sustained. Her goal is to ensure every client leaves with tools that work long after the coaching relationship ends.

BED(Hons), BSc, NASENDCo, DHP, LAPHP

Jane has 29 years of experience in education, having served as both Deputy Head and SENDCo across two schools. Throughout her career, she has been deeply committed to supporting children’s mental health, with a particular focus on neurodiverse learners. Jane is dedicated to equipping young people with practical strategies and tools that foster resilience, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

Known for her calm, creative, and sensitive approach, Jane’s journey in education inspired her to retrain as a therapist. She is now a qualified Hypnotherapist, EFT and NLP practitioner, as well as a trained facilitator in therapeutic art practices. She has also completed Articulate, a professional development programme delivered by the British Society for Art Therapists, which explores the use of art in therapeutic contexts.

Jane is particularly passionate about using creative expression as a means for children and young people to explore emotions, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. By offering a safe, non-verbal outlet for self-exploration and healing, she empowers young people to thrive both emotionally and academically.

Life & Resilience Coach (ICF ACC), NLP Master Practitioner,  Resilience Facilitator, BA (Hons)

Emily is an ICF-accredited life and resilience coach with a passion for supporting individuals to feel more confident, capable and grounded as they navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. With a warm, empathetic and emotionally intelligent approach, and a deep commitment to mental health, she creates a supportive space where clients feel truly heard, helping them build clarity, calm and confidence in themselves.

After a 20-year career in the fast-paced media and creative industries, Emily followed her long-held interest in human potential and wellbeing to retrain as a coach. She now runs a thriving coaching practice guiding adults and young people to develop emotional resilience and practical tools to navigate change, build self-belief and move forward with greater ease and confidence.

At the heart of her practice is a simple belief: everyone has innate resilience and potential, sometimes we just need the right support and perspective to access it. Emily brings warmth, kindness and gentle strength to her work, encouraging others to move through challenges with hope and trust in themselves.

BSc Psychology with Clinical Approaches

Ailis has a deep interest in how the brain works and how it shapes people’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Over the past three years, she has supported young people in school settings, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Her passion for empowering young people to reach their full potential is what inspired her to train as a therapist. She is committed to providing a safe, supportive space where young people can grow, develop confidence, and navigate life’s difficulties with resilience.

Actor / Theatre Director 

Steve is a theatre director, therapist and facilitator with a profound passion for empowering young people through the intersection of movement and mental health. Steve brings a unique approach to supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of students, through the medium of breath and movement.

Having trained at one of the UK’s leading drama schools, Steve brings a wealth of expertise in the performing arts to his work with young people. His background in theatre enables him to connect with youth in a dynamic and engaging way, using creativity as a powerful vehicle for self-expression and emotional exploration. As the Artistic Director of his own company, Steve has developed and delivered a range of impactful projects that address the mental health challenges faced by young people today.

Steve has real passion for young people’s development and is truly honoured to be doing this kind of work. 

BA (Hons), PGCE, DHP, LAPHP

Ellie has been working with young people and teachers in secondary and primary schools for over 20 years as an English teacher, Head of Department, Head of Year, Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher. She has led staff development at a subject, pastoral and whole-school level and is passionate about the power of life-long learning.

Additionally, Ellie is a trained therapist, NLP and EFT practitioner to adults, young people and children and has a private practice committed to supporting them in unlocking their potential; overcoming challenges and feeling empowered to manage their mental health.

Ellie believes strongly that teaching young people how their brain works from an early age gives them the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges successfully and grow into healthy and thriving adults.

Qualified CBT Therapist & Coach

Hello, I’m Laura Peart, a qualified CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) therapist with a background in corporate coaching, where I have spent a number of years supporting individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve positive personal and professional change.

In addition to my corporate experience, I also have a background working in schools with children, which has given me valuable insight into the emotional and developmental challenges young people can face. This experience has strengthened my ability to support both adults and children with compassion, understanding, and practical strategies tailored to their individual needs.

My work across both corporate and educational settings has given me a broad understanding of the pressures people experience at different stages of life — from exam stress and low self-confidence in young people, to stress, anxiety, and burnout in adults.

BSc (Hons) Adv Dip ACCHP

Debi has worked extensively with young people and families for 15 years, providing empathetic, non-judgmental support. She uses creative, collaborative, and evidence-based approaches to improve well-being, strengthen relationships, and address mental health challenges, always ensuring a safe, supportive environment.  

Debi’s background is in psychology, psychotherapy and mediation.  She is also trained in mental health first aid and has worked with a range of specialist mental health organisations and charities, such as CAMHs and OCD Action.  She is passionate about supporting young people and their families to develop positive life skills to build resilience and confidence.  Debi believes that with calm, knowledgeable support young people and their families can develop and learn new skills to manage life’s challenges, equipping them to progress and enjoy a healthy and productive future.

DHP LAPHP

Kelly feels passionate about supporting children and young people to understand themselves, build confidence and meet their full potential. Throughout her career in primary education. She’s had the privilege of working with children with a wide range of needs. These experiences taught her the importance of looking beyond behaviour and recognising the individual child, their experiences and what they need to feel safe, understood and supported. 

This inspired her to train as a therapist so she could continue to support young people with a more holistic approach. She has her own private therapy business supporting young people and adults with their mental wellbeing. 

She’s particularly interested in how the brain works and how our thoughts, emotions and experiences can influence behaviour and believes that teaching young people to understand themselves and how their minds work gives them the tools to navigate challenges, develop resilience and grow in confidence.

PhD (Psych), MDiac (Play Therapy), BA Hons (Psych), CPsychol (Research & Development BPS)

Leigh‑Anne is a gentle, thoughtful developmental therapist who is passionate about helping children feel understood, safe, and confident in their world. With a PhD in Psychology and specialist training in play therapy, she brings both deep academic knowledge and a warm, intuitive way of working with children and families.

Her experience across research, early years settings, schools, and clinical environments gives her a rich understanding of how children develop, communicate, and make sense of their experiences. Whether she is supporting a child through play, guiding parents through tricky moments, or helping educators see behaviour through a developmental lens, Leigh‑Anne’s focus is always on connection, curiosity, and compassion.

Her approach is rooted in neuroscience, delivered through play and led with compassion. In her private practice she supports adults to identify & understand what sits beneath their child's presenting developmental delay & behaviours, helps children explore their feelings safely and offers practical, nurturing strategies that strengthen early childhood development, co‑regulation and resilience.

Level 4 Diploma in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Coaching, ACCPH Accredited | Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

Zoe spent many years working as a teaching assistant in primary schools, both general and 1:1, supporting children with all sorts of additional needs. She trained as an ELSA through West Berkshire Educational Psychology Service along the way, as well as a Youth Mental Health First Aider. Being alongside children through their everyday ups and downs, sharing in their world at such close range, shaped how she understands and supports children's emotional lives today.

These days she runs Sunny Day Coaching, working with children and young people aged 6 to 19, coaching in secondary schools as well as privately. She specialises in emotional regulation and takes a creative, strengths based approach, drawing on nature, movement and a bit of creative mess where it helps. She's currently training towards her Level 5 Diploma in Parent Coaching too.

Zoe also brings plenty of lived experience to the table. Her own household is a busy, brilliant, thoroughly neurodivergent one, with three sons who are all ADHD and dyslexic. She believes understanding is where real change starts, for children and the families around them too.

MSc (Psych), PGC-SEND, SpNL Dip, CCET and CPT3A | BPS, BACP, PATOSS

Tanya’s background in Educational Therapy and Assessment was gained working in Special Schools which specifically support young people who have a complex needs diagnosis.

She is experienced in providing individual, personalised programmes to support dyslexia, ND diagnostic support, social communication support, play therapy, DBC, TCI, Lego Therapy and Social Stories.

Tanya is a qualified Access Arrangement Assessor and able to provide comprehensive cognitive and academic assessments to support children and schools to understand the specific needs of the child.

With two ADHD boys of her own, supporting young people and families of those living with ASD and ADHD is her passion. Within this remits she also provides workplace lectures and workshops to organisations to help them to become Neurodiverse Friendly environments.

Tanya believes that helping young people to develop a positive self-image, confidence and resilience in early life can unlock the path to thrive in the future. 

Amanda is passionate about helping children and young people build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing. Her warm, compassionate approach creates a safe and supportive environment where young people feel heard, understood and empowered.

Having worked in demanding professional environments, Amanda understands the importance of resilience, adaptability and managing pressure, and brings these skills into her therapeutic work. The skills she has developed through working as a teacher and in therapeutic environments have strengthened her ability to build strong relationships, communicate effectively and support young people in understanding their emotions, recognising their strengths and developing practical tools to navigate life with greater confidence.