Nichola’s Impactful Journey: Empowering the Next Generation Through Trauma-Informed Care
Nichola is a highly accomplished, award-winning actress with over 40 credits in television, film, and theatre. Beyond her career in the arts, Nichola is also the dedicated director of the Trauma-Informed Programme, a vital initiative that offers critical support to children and young people impacted by trauma.
Her dedication to trauma-informed care began after working alongside charities and organisations to produce a documentary about the effects of trauma on young people. The experience opened her eyes to heartbreaking statistics and powerful personal stories, which ignited her passion for making a meaningful difference.
In 2018, Nichola co-developed the Trauma-Informed Programme alongside Louise with a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, psychotherapists, occupational health specialists, educational experts, and trauma-informed practitioners. This programme has since become a lifeline for children, young people, and educators.
Nichola Brown - Director
Louise is an experienced teacher and school leader who has worked in mainstream and special schools since 2008.
Her interest in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) blossomed in 2015 when she was appointed as an Advisory Teacher within the Specialist Support Service of a Local Authority. In this role she gained invaluable insights into the specific needs of schools, colleges, and early years' settings in their endeavour to support students with a range of SEND.
Louise has a solid track record of offering support to SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators) and senior leadership teams (SLT) in schools and settings. She thrives in training staff to enhance their knowledge and skills concerning SEND, trauma and Child Development. Furthermore, she holds high aspirations for all pupils and offers guidance on how to enhance SEND provisions in educational settings and Alternative Provisions, ensuring that individual pupil's needs are recognised and provided for.
Louise experienced her own childhood trauma when her Dad passed away suddenly when she was 3 years old. She only realised the true extent of the effect it had on her well into her adult life. This has lead to Louise developing a keen interest in embedding trauma-informed approaches in schools to support children and young people, enabling them to self-regulate and therefore increasing their capacity to access their learning and understand emotions.
Louise Herbert - Director
Claire Thomas, FdA, MSc - Counsellor, Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor
Claire’s work with children who have experienced trauma is both meaningful and demanding. For teachers and school staff, the emotional impact of her work can be significant, affecting well-being, professional confidence, and personal relationships.
Claire offers trauma-focused clinical supervision, providing a reflective and supportive space where professionals can explore the emotional weight of their roles, develop a deeper understanding of trauma, and learn strategies to maintain professional boundaries while effectively supporting vulnerable children.
With an Undergraduate Degree in Integrative Counselling from Leicester University, an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy from Staffordshire University, Clinical Supervision training from Northside College, and Trauma workshops with Richard Erskine, Claire integrates academic knowledge with a deep personal understanding of trauma and its effects. Her own lived experience of childhood trauma informs her work, offering insight into the challenges faced by both professionals and the children they support.
Lloyd is a Multi systemic Therapist Clinical Supervisor/ Manager, and Psychological Practitioner and Trauma Informed Systemic Therapist.
Lloyd has dedicated his career to advancing the best practices that support mental health and wellbeing for children and families. With a deep understanding of how mental health affects learning and development, Lloyd brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Trauma-Informed Programme.
Lloyd regularly consults with the programme, ensuring that the methods and approaches used are aligned with the latest research and best practices in mental health and wellbeing. His guidance helps the team to continually refine their strategies, ensuring that the programme delivers meaningful and sustainable outcomes for students. Lloyd’s contributions ensure that the programme remains focused on creating an environment where children and young people can heal, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Lloyd McDonald - Multi systemic Therapist
Nazia Ayub is an occupational therapist who consults with Mindstage. She has a keen interest in rehabilitation, both in mental health services and physical settings. She has worked as a therapist for over 15 years, gaining experience in various settings across the age span.
Her work experience spans multiple cities in the U.K., including Leeds, Manchester, Staffordshire, Birmingham, Dudley, Solihull, and London. She has also had the opportunity to work in the Middle East, in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait.
Some of Nazia's most exciting work has involved introducing bucket drumming to elderly services at The Mount Hospital in Leeds, as well as working with paediatric and young adult clients to prescribe complex active user wheelchairs, enabling them to be independent in mobility and everyday life. Her work also includes assisting young adults in eating disorder services, where she has facilitated one-on-one interventions and group activities, which have always been positively received by service users.
A key element of her role involves using cognitive behavioural strategies to encourage and execute behavioural activation, promoting social inclusion and a sense of independence. Nazia is also skilled in conducting sensory assessments and is knowledgeable about regulating sensory needs using a variety of approaches, including activity, play, drama, creative writing, and more.
Nazia Ayub - Occupational Therapist
Tenisha began her career in acting, finding fulfilment in connecting emotionally to her characters and exploring their depth. With years of experience in both acting and directing, Tenisha has also worked as a drama teacher, sharing her passion for performance with children. Her work in creative arts, particularly on set, has been a constant part of her journey.
Tenisha joined Mindstage to help children use creative arts as a powerful tool for understanding and releasing trauma. As a trauma practitioner, she is deeply committed to leading by example, advocating for positive mental health, and combining both holistic and practical approaches to achieve meaningful results.
Tenisha White - Practitioner
Laura dedicated 12 years of her career as a primary school teacher, consistently striving to support children not only academically but also emotionally. Passionate about helping children thrive, she became a strong advocate within the school for providing support to those in need, earning recognition for her unwavering consistency and dedication.
Laura joined Mindstage to continue her mission of helping children navigate their challenges. As a trauma-informed practitioner, she excels at connecting with children, understanding their needs, and supporting them through trauma, using techniques and regulation methods to foster healing. Her work continues to drive incredible results and make a lasting impact.
Laura Hunt - Practitioner
Sarah is deeply passionate about advocating for and supporting children's mental health. With three years of experience working in schools, she also pursued studies in psychotherapy and counseling at university to broaden her understanding of mental well-being. Having experienced her own traumas in her younger years, Sarah recognised that children thrive when offered a variety of support. Completely selfless, she has healed herself and is now dedicated to shining a light of support onto others who are facing similar challenges.
As a trained trauma-informed practitioner, Sarah is at the forefront of driving positive change. Her dedication has had a profound impact on the lives of many, working tirelessly to create meaningful and lasting support for children in need.