Meet The Team
Management Team
Management Team
Laura - Director
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Laura is the owner of The Butterfly Room. A Chartered Developmental Psychologist who has been working with autistic children and families for 8 years both within the NHS and private sector. Laura specialises in supporting families with challenging behaviours such as anxiety, anger and sleep difficulties via implementing strategies and interventions. Laura is a published and active researcher within the field of ASD, as well as working as a visiting lecturer at The University of Hertfordshire delivering teaching on both the undergraduate and masters psychology degrees. Laura is trained to deliver both the ADI-R and ADOS-2 to research reliability status along with training and experience in delivering RAID and PEERS approaches. Laura is also the founder of The Noah's Room Charity and supports and campaigns actively for the ENHT Peadiatric Safe Space Appeal. Laura's publications include:
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Claire - Centre Manager
Claire has been a qualified person centred counsellor for over 15 years, 5 years ago she also
completed a play therapy diploma. Claire has spent time managing a children's home supporting
children with complex needs and end of life care. Claire has worked at the butterfly room for three
years and has a great rapport with both adults and children alike. Claire is also the safeguarding
lead for The Butterfly Room and supports staff including running a peer supervision group for the
whole team. As a counsellor Claire is lead by the child and supports the child to tell their story
through play and exploration. Claire is registered with the BACP and completed her proficiency with
them too. She has considerable experience, working in care and education her whole adult career
and has spent the last ten years working in mainstream and special schools across the county. Claire
specialises in supporting children with additional needs, she has worked with children with a wide
variety of needs including, loss, bereavement, ASD, ADHD, different learning and communication
needs, self esteem, depression, eating disorders, psychosis, trauma, attachment and anxiety. Claire is
also a trustee of a charity called HOLD supporting disabled adults.
completed a play therapy diploma. Claire has spent time managing a children's home supporting
children with complex needs and end of life care. Claire has worked at the butterfly room for three
years and has a great rapport with both adults and children alike. Claire is also the safeguarding
lead for The Butterfly Room and supports staff including running a peer supervision group for the
whole team. As a counsellor Claire is lead by the child and supports the child to tell their story
through play and exploration. Claire is registered with the BACP and completed her proficiency with
them too. She has considerable experience, working in care and education her whole adult career
and has spent the last ten years working in mainstream and special schools across the county. Claire
specialises in supporting children with additional needs, she has worked with children with a wide
variety of needs including, loss, bereavement, ASD, ADHD, different learning and communication
needs, self esteem, depression, eating disorders, psychosis, trauma, attachment and anxiety. Claire is
also a trustee of a charity called HOLD supporting disabled adults.
Rachel - Placement Manager
Rachel is a qualified counsellor and member of the BACP and NCS who has worked at The Butterfly
Room for almost three years. As Placement Manager Rachel hopes to extend our growing and
diverse team. Whether you are requiring a placement opportunity or looking to gain experience
within a counselling setting we can offer a supportive programme empowering you to reach your
goals. Volunteering is a very rewarding experience which Rachel believes is an integral part of
personal development and growth. As placement manager Rachel will be your mentor throughout
your volunteering role, you will meet regularly in order to ensure good practice and shared practice
is always welcome. As a team we are lucky to have a Supervisor who can offer monthly group
supervision, and offer a diverse range of expertise between us all. If a volunteering role is something
you are looking for please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.
The Behavioural Therapy Team
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Naomi Naomi is a qualified counsellor and is a member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and the National Counselling Society. For twenty years she has worked extensively with children, adolescents and their families in a variety of settings including specialist schools for children with Epilepsy and Autism, as a Play Worker at Great Ormond Street Hospital and currently as a Senior Contact Supervisor at the Hertfordshire Contact Service. She also volunteers at the Garden House Hospice as a Bereavement Counsellor. |
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Rachel Rachel is a qualified counsellor and member of the BACP and NCS, she has worked within education settings supporting children and adolescents experiencing social, emotional and mental health difficulties including anxiety, self-harm, low self-esteem, bereavement, ASD, ADHD and attachment. Rachel has implemented interventions within school settings focusing on the growth of emotional development and resilience, promoting positive future outcomes for all. Rachel also runs a private practice supporting adults with a range of difficulties. Rachel also spent a year volunteering at Garden House Hospice as a bereavement counsellor. Jean Jean qualified as a Person Centred Counsellor in 2018; and is a registered member of the BACP. Jean has 14 years’ experience of working within a secondary school setting, where she has provided therapeutic support for pupils and student who are struggling to express their emotions, and at times feel as if they are not being heard. Jean has experience in working with self-harm, emotional and social anxiety, behavioural problems and bereavement. |
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Nichola
Nichola is a BACP registered integrative counsellor. The integrated models of therapy consist of humanistic, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapy. The nature of the therapeutic relationship and role of the therapist is person centred in approach. Nichola trained with the Place2be and has experience in art therapy and small figure play in primary school settings. In addition, Nichola has worked therapeutically with young people for over ten years, as a therapeutic foster carer and also in a college setting, working with students who present a variety of needs, including, ASD, disabilities, challenging behaviours and students who are unable to cope with mainstream school. Nichola aims to offer children and young people a therapeutic relationship and safe space to explore their difficult and painful feelings. To enable the client to process their thoughts and feelings and be able to grow and develop in healthy ways, to feel empowered and seek rewards from within themselves. |
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Melissa Melissa is a qualified person centred counsellor and member of the BACP. Melissa has worked in secondary schools and local counselling charities supporting young people with social and emotional difficulties, such as low self-esteem, anxiety and bullying. Melissa has substantial experience of working with young people with a wide range of different needs such as ASD, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties and low confidence. Kerry Kerry has a Master’s qualification in child and adolescent psychotherapy and is trained as an integrative practitioner who works with children, adolescents, and adults. As a psychotherapist she tailors her work to meet the individual's needs, using various theories and methods in the therapy room, including talking, play, and art-based techniques. In addition to her passion for relationships and connection, Kerry is also dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing space for children and young people to explore their inner worlds and discover their true selves. She promotes individuality and is particularly interested in attachment and trauma along with neuroscience and intergenerational complexities. Kerry also facilitates sessions for parents to encourage awareness and understanding, supporting the parent/child relationships and dynamics. She has over 15 years of experience working with children/young people of various ages with social, and emotional difficulties including ASD, ADHD and attachment difficulties. She also works closely with post-adoption and looked-after children and young people. In her practice, Kerry has supported children and young people who have suffered from trauma, sexual abuse, neglect, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. She also values the importance of working with families. Kerry is accredited by UKCP and a member of BACP. She is ICO registered and insured. |
The Art Therapy Team
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Kat Kat Kennedy is a registered mental health Nurse registered with the nursing midwifery council. Kat is passionate about working with children and young people families towards their goals, whether that is assessing their mental health and screening for neurodevelopmental disorders, accessing and navigating support systems or reducing symptoms of anxiety, sensory or emotional regulation and self harm behaviours using CBT and DBT skills. Kat advocates for her patients ensuring their voices are heard and helping them create an effective plan that really makes a difference. Kat has been working in mental health for 20 years and for 11 of those as a qualified mental health nurse. Kat is a mum to two boys myself and attempts to do random things to keep herself physically and mentally healthy in my spare time like jogging ;) |
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Jasmine Jasmine is a qualified HCPC Registered art therapist and practicing artist. She has considerable experience working with children exhibiting challenging behaviour, children with autism, adolescents and vulnerable adults with mental health difficulties. She provides support for the development of a better sense of the self and potential through creativity and healthy attachment. |
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Katherine Katherine is a HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist who uses a client-centred approach to help those in need. Katherine has considerable experience working with children in primary schools and CAMHS providing therapeutic support for children with ASD, ADHD, mental health and learning difficulties as well as providing support for looked-after children and those experiencing family bereavement. Katherine provides individual and group sessions as well as dyadic work to support relationships within the family dynamic. She believes that art can encourage growth and emotional resilience and allows people to work through trauma in a safe, contained environment. |
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Giulio Giulio is a registered BAAT and HCPC Art psychotherapist member. He is a qualified art psychotherapist from the University of Roehampton in 2022. As a therapist he has worked with children in primary school settings and also had an experience of working within an outpatient mental health service in the NHS. He has worked with children that presented attachment issues, anger, traumas, bereavement, low self esteem, anxiety, OCD and ASD. He would like to offer a safe and non-judgemental space to work through your feelings while making art. He likes art and spending time within natural landscapes. |
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Jassy
Jassy is a HCPC registered Art Therapist and a member of The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). She is also a trained teacher, working across all age groups from adults to young people who have neurodiverse needs to include profound and multiple learning difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties, ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, school phobias, and depression to name a few. She tailors an educational programme to support learning, utilising Art Therapy to fully support the individual’s she works with both 1-1 and in group settings. Jassy is also a trained Ceramicist who imparts this knowledge in a variety of recreational settings. Jassy has had the privilege of supporting people on their life journey for over 30 years, she truly believes “The hands will often find the answer to problems with which the mind has long wrestled” Jung. In the therapy room she puts people at ease working with the material they bring to the session, with a combination of using art materials and some self initiated spoken language her aim is: ‘Not to fix you, for you are not broken it is to assist you to find your own solutions to your life’ |
The Play Therapy Team |
Ruth Ruth is a qualified Art Therapist registered with ‘The Health Care and Professions Council’ (HCPC) and is a member of the ‘British Association of Art Therapists’ (BAAT). Ruth has experience of supporting young people with learning difficulties including Autism and ADHD in a Community Special School. Prior to qualifying as an Art Therapist, Ruth worked as an experienced primary school teacher, key stage leader and Primary English Advisor. She has spent over 30 year supporting children, adolescents, and adults across multiple educational settings. She is also a practicing artist specialising in collage and shares her passion for the power of creativity through workshops for health care organisations. Ruth firmly believes that creating art engages the body and mind and can be a method of communication for young people who may find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings. She works with a broad range of art materials that provide opportunities for creative expression, sensory exploration and problem solving without restriction or fear of judgement. She believes that creating art in a safe containing space gives a sense of accomplishment, builds self-esteem and self-awareness on an individual level. She has found that creativity can lead to self-discovery of emotions and help young people to work through troubling issues to facilitate positive change. |
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Ashley
Ashley is a Play, Creative Arts and SandStory Therapist, a Parent-Child Attachment Specialist, and a member of the BACP. She has worked for many years as a primary teacher and was the lead PSHE Co-ordinator in schools. Ashley is passionate about the power and magic of Play Therapy. Ashley’s particular area of interest is with using sand to enable children to 'tell their story' in a gentle and safe way. Ashley qualified as a Play Therapist in 2015 and has since worked with a diverse range of children and young people. She has set up practice in many London schools, running individual and group therapy sessions for children experiencing anxiety, autism, ADHD, behavioural difficulties, bereavement, abuse and domestic violence. Ashley offers ‘Playful Parenting’ workshops and works alongside parents to help strengthen attachments, improve behaviour at home and providing support to parents so they can confidently become the change agents within their own families. A parent of an autistic child herself, Ashley personally knows the difficulties and challenges in parenting a neurodiverse child and she has the unique position of being able to see this journey from both a parent and therapist perspective. Meggan Meggan is a certified Play Therapist and a member of Play Therapy UK. Meggan is committed to creating a safe environment in the play room where the child feels safe and free to express themselves in whatever way in order to help understand their emotions. Meggan is passionate about working with children and believes in the power of learning through play. She has experience working with children with various needs such as Autism, ADHD and developmental delays, which inspired her to start her career in Play therapy. Andri Andri is a qualified Play Therapist and Play Specialist, a Certified Practitioner in Therapeutic Play Skills and a member of Play Therapy UK. For the past 14 years, Andri has used play in all its glory, in order to build relationships with very vulnerable children and young adults. Andri has worked with children and young adults in a number of different environments and settings, including; SEN schools, mainstream schools and a pupil referral unit. Andri has worked with children and young adults who have experienced domestic violence, trauma, social and emotional anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, behavioural problems, bereavement, and attachment difficulties. She is experienced in working with children and young adults with disabilities, victims of abuse, and looked after children. |
Counselling Team 
Assistant Psychologist
The Admin Team |
Renee Renee has a Masters in Play Therapy, is a Learn to Play Practitioner and a member of the BAPT. She is passionate about providing a deeply caring service when working alongside families and children. Offering a safe, playful, and non-judgemental space is important to Renee. Being able to provide families and children the skills and space needed to learn, grow, and achieve goals brings her great joy and is a strength of her practice. Prior to becoming a Play Therapist, Renee worked as a nanny in London for five years, and this has given her an intimate perspective of family life. Beyond nannying, Renee has practiced therapeutic play in a private psychology clinic, a primary school and in families’ homes as a mobile therapist. Renee has worked with children experiencing ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioural problems. She has also delivered Filial Play Therapy to parents via zoom which actively teaches parents and caregivers key therapeutic skills and aims to strengthen family bonds. Karen Karen is a qualified counsellor with a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, CPCAB 2021. Karen has trained as an integrative counsellor and is also registered with BACP. Karen has a diverse and extensive history of working with young people, working in educational settings for the last 10 years. Karen has experience of working with complex situations including, challenging behaviour, anxiety & self harm and suicide ideation, Karen is patient, understanding and has a strong desire to help young people reach their full potential. Karen has worked with neurodiverse needs, social & emotional difficulties and has also supported students who have been excluded from mainstream settings. Donna Donna is a qualified integrative counsellor BACP registered with 11 years’ experience. Donna works with a person-centred approach and adapts to the needs of the client. Donna has trained in models which consist of CPT, humanistic, psychodynamic and gestalt therapy. Donna works with young children and adults with complex needs, challenging behaviour, and mental health issues, with a good understanding of how autism/ADHD manifests and represents itself within children/young people. Donna endeavours to create a safe environment for clients to be able to explore their thoughts and feelings in a confidential and trusting place, to enable positive thinking to complex issues and being able to self-govern and grow within themselves to allow better reactions. Christine Christine is an BACP registered Integrative counsellor. Christine been a qualified counsellor for 13 years and her background is working with children and families. Christine is currently working as a school counsellor in Hertfordshire supporting children with anger, anxiety and complex needs. Christine uses a variety of approaches including talking therapy ,Drawing and Talking therapy and play therapy . Christine has also worked as a parent counsellor in a children's centre supporting parents with past and present difficulties and issues that may be affecting their everyday life. Christine's experience includes - NNEB Nursery nurse for 30 years counsellor for 13 years Herts young homeless group. Place 2 be training and experience SEN experience ASD ,ADHD Parent counsellor. Tamsin Tamsin is a qualified with a diploma in therapeutic counselling CPCAB, registered with BACP, Tamsin uses many different techniques in the counselling room including creativity and play. Tamsin has experience of working with children and adults with additional needs. Tamsin has extensive experience of neurodiversity personally and professionally, as well as having completed a degree in autism (children) and ADHD coaching. Tamsin has experience of working with anger, bereavement, anxiety, self-harm and suicide ideation, experience of counselling individuals with addiction as well as working with trauma including sudden death from road traffic collisions. Dan
Dan is an Assistant Psychologist and Autism Screening Practitioner with a desire to help young people embrace their individuality and find their place in the world. He initially coached youth football which is how he developed his desire to work with children. He graduated from his Psychology BSc in 2019 and his Neuroscience MSc at Anglia Ruskin in 2021. After graduating, he has worked closely with children presenting autism, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety in several SEN teaching assistant positions at both specialist and mainstream schools. Dan prides himself on being able to create excellent rapport with both the children and families that he works with. |
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Emma Emma has over 18 years administrative and secretarial experience, including working as a PA at a director level. Emma spent over 10 years working within the NHS and other health care settings, and has also worked alongside charities supporting children and young people with mental health needs. Emma is our first point of contact and handles the admin side of things including enquiries, invoicing and bookings. |