Who we are

Director

I am a qualified Special needs teacher. I started Paws for Thought therapy because I believe there is a better way to provide disadvantaged children and teenagers, therapy programmes.

I have two amazing boys whom I have embarked with on this adventure. We have worked hard to enhance and work with nature to grow a safe environment others to enjoy.

Two years on with my experiences, I could choose which school I really wanted to work in. The choice was mine and very rare to have! The school had a special needs unit, with an inspiring young head teacher which gave me the drive and passion to always do my best and provide what is right for the children in my care. The experienced staff I worked with and who are still friends today, gave me the most valuable knowledge. The children I have had the pleasure to work with will always be special to me and I love supporting them to achieve. The Foundations of the Early Years is so important and often overlooked but continues to be my drive and passion in everything I do.

My personal life experiences have made me look at the world in a different way. I always try and put myself into someone else’s shoes to try and understand, to explore different viewpoints to try and find a solution. I want to help children and teenagers to know there is someone out there to support them, encourage and believe in them and to achieve.

In the little spare time that I have, I love to be with my family in our little piece of heaven, gardening, planting and having fun!!

This is the ethos of my team at ‘Paws for Thought Therapy’, to provide a calm and caring space to encourage children to grow in confidence and skills. As a child, I struggled through mainstream school and into young adult life but a few people saw my potential and helped encourage me to resit my GCSEs, complete my Nursery Nursing qualification, working as a teaching assistant with the first child with Autism to attend a mainstream school in Suffolk. To then go on to complete a BAHons degree in Early childhood studies and my SCITT teacher training. I was diagnosed in my final year of my degree with Dyslexia! This was no shock and finally, I could understand why I struggled so much with academic studies.

Manager

Jess comes with a wealth of knowledge and skills from equine management to experience in children’s care homes. She loves being outdoors and being physical, which is great for this job! She has been happily married for twelve years, with three gorgeous children.

Spare time does not exist for Jess but if it did…. she loves to look after her own horses and go riding. Her children have many clubs they attend so like many families they keep her busy. She also has a new addition to the family, a sweet natured Labrador cross cocker spaniel puppy, called Lola. Jess is very giving and caring and has the patients of a saint! She revels in a challenge and always gets results.

Leader

What I love most about my work is seeing children grow — watching them challenge themselves, try things they might not feel confident about at first, and then light up when they achieve it. Those little moments of progress are what keep me inspired every day.

I try to bring a positive outlook (and a few laughs!) into everything I do. My background is a bit varied — I’ve worked in retail, supported adults with learning difficulties, and even spent time bartending. Each role has taught me something different about people, patience, and the power of a smile.

Outside of work, life is pretty full! My husband and I run a nightclub, and when I do get downtime, I love hanging out with my two dogs — Duke, our German Shepherd, and Nala, our German Shepherd x Malinois. They keep me busy, entertained, and always on my toes.

At the end of the day, I’m all about helping others, staying positive, and finding the fun in whatever I do.

Leader

I am fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to love and care for animals all my life. At 6 weeks old, I sat on a horse for the first time and I haven’t looked back since! Producing horses has certainly taught me patience but also to celebrate the small wins and enjoy the journey. This carries over to supporting children – helping them to grow into competent and confident people. I aspire to help children feel heard and help them overcome the challenges they face.

In 2025, I completed my BSc psychology degree with first-class honours. I love to challenge myself and I will continue to learn and develop my skills in order to support children the best I can.

In my spare time, you’ll likely find me with a horse or on a walk with our three dogs. But if I can’t be outside, I love a good book and planning new places to explore.