Who are we?

Abi Hutchinson

Hi, I'm Abi, I am a registered humanistic Psychotherapist (MBACP), with an interest in intergenerational trauma and post traumatic growth.

I have experience working with addiction, trauma, mental health, offending and physical health complaints. I have qualifications in DDP Level 2 and Theraplay Level 1.

In my free time I love lifting weights in the gym and trail running.

Casey Bingham

Hi, I'm Casey. My background is as a Social Worker, qualifying in 2012. I worked in different children and families statutory social work teams for 6 years before moving into therapeutic social work in 2018. I love the variety of my role, from getting to know children and families really well over a long period of time to meeting people briefly whilst leading training or offering one-off consultations and trying to have a big impact in a short space of time.

I have undertaken training in Theraplay and Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) and have a particular interest in using narratives to open up dialogue with children in care about their experiences and stories.

Outside of work I play football and cricket and love music and film. I love living in Derbyshire but miss the sea, having grown up in Suffolk, and take every opportunity I can to get to the coast.

Gemma Daniel

Hi, I'm Gemma and I am an Integrative Child Psychotherapist (UKCP accredited). My main modalities I draw upon are relational Transactional Analysis, developmental models and neurobiology.

I have worked with children, young people and families over the past 10 years in schools, the community, residential settings. I am qualified in Level 2 DDP and Level 1 Theraplay.

I have a cockapoo and two cats. I love dance music and keeping fit by going to the gym and dancing. I also love cooking and baking.

Georgina Rolfe

Hi, I'm Georgina, I’ve worked as a creative arts therapist in local charities for 10 years, specialising in developmental trauma, neurodiversity and supporting carers.

I’m an integrative therapist, utilising all art forms to ensure a child centred approach and am a registered Drama Therapist, with additional training in DDP and Theraplay.

Through my compassionate, authentic and playful nature, I can quickly establish rapport and believe in the power of relationships and empowering clients.

I recently trained in environmental arts therapy to support client’s connection with nature as therapeutic tool. I believe connection with nature and being creative are part of our innate needs, crucial for wellbeing.

Leanne Clayton

Hi, I'm Leanne and I am a developing pluralistic psychotherapist and qualified hypnotherapist.

The basis of how I like to work is more relational, with the therapeutic relationship the main priority with those that I get to be with. I have worked with young people in different settings for the best of 10 years.

I really love music and this can range greatly from R&B to the piano. I take enjoyment out of meditation and my home is my sanctuary! Being a homebody with my Persian cat, who just adores affection (rightly so) & will often attempt to be apart of the conversation!

Maria Kelk

Hi, my name is Maria, I am a Therapeutic Social Worker & have worked at the DECC since 2020. Previously I worked for 10+ years as a social worker in children & family’s teams. Later I completed a Diploma in Systemic Theory and Practice & worked for 10+ years at the Sexual Abuse Unit which became The Keep an attachment & trauma service for children in care.

I have also completed Level 1, 2 & the practicum in Theraplay; Level 1 &2- DDP & have an Advanced Certificate in Therapeutic Life Story Work. My passion is working in partnership with carers to improve outcomes for children in care.

When I’m not at work I like to socialise with my family and friends!

Natalie Shaw

Hi, I'm Natalie, I have 17 years of experience in Social Care and I am currently working towards my Social Work qualification, and I am trained in DDP Level 2, and Level 1 Theraplay.

I previously worker in family intervention, supporting families with social worker involvement. Before moving on to reunifying young people with their families or transitioning them from residential to foster care for the past 7 years.

Currently, I work with the Derbyshire Staying Close project, helping young people transition to independent living providing therapeutic support. I am enthusiastic about empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

I have 3 boys, and love Leicester City Football team, I love going to matches the good and bad games! I love to sing, I have my very own concerts within my car, and I have recently discovered Yoga too!

Rachael Mcilwrick

Hi, I'm Rachael! I‘ve loved working at The DECC for 3 and a half years, being a part of this supportive and skilled team.

I am a registered Non-directive Play Therapist and Systemic Family Practitioner, with a degree in Creative/expressive Arts Therapy. I’ve also trained in Filial Therapy, DDP, Theraplay, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Trauma approaches.

Previously I’ve worked as a residential worker, project manager, youth worker, even an Arts therapist in Romania. I worked 18 years in CAMHS for children and families with mental health difficulties, and neurodiversity.

I live with my partner and 2 children, Oska the cat, and 50 house-plants. I love meeting friends, having a cuppa, trees and views, crafting, and trying Yoga.

Hi, I’m Sam, a registered Integrative Therapist trained in integrating CBT, Attachment Theory, and a Person-Centred approach to psychological intervention. I also have further training in DDP, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Gestalt, and creative interventions. Beyond clinical modalities, I am passionate about empowering young people to build on their sense of self and worth as they navigate the world and their relationships, it’s a privilege to be part of their journey.

My experience includes working within residential and specialist provisions, private practice, sexual abuse services, and most recently, the NHS.

I love outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and being at the beach. I also enjoy travelling, cooking, football and being creative. I recently tried Tai Chi- I couldn’t quite keep up but watch this space!

Hi, I’m Helena. I’m a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and the Clinical Lead for The DECC and Action for Children Therapeutic services. Before moving to this role, I worked in the NHS for 24 years, leading a specialist trauma and attachment service for children in Care.

I passionately believe that every child deserves to have a safe, loving childhood, and feel very privileged to be in a role where I can help support this. I have further training in DDP, Theraplay and EMDR.

Outside of work I love spending time with my family and closest friends, being out in the Derbyshire countryside, running, biking, eating cake and drinking coffee!

Jenny Taylor

Hi, I'm Jenny. I am a clinical psychologist and have been in my current role for ten years. I feel extremely fortunate to work with so many wonderful young people and the dedicated people around them. Prior to my current role, I worked in a CAMHS team in Sheffield. I have additional training in EMDR, DDP and Theraplay.

Outside of work, I have two lovely young children who keep me very busy. My hobbies involve pretty much anything that allows me to be outside! I love cycling, running, sailing, and anything to do with mountains, as well as adventuring in our campervan.

Laurie Petch

Hi, I'm Laurie. With over 20 years of post-qualifying experience working with children and young people, I specialise in attachment, trauma and neurodiversity.

My training includes DDP, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Theraplay. I have a keen interest in Trauma-Focused CBT and EMDR, as well as service evaluation and development. I am passionate about supporting the wellbeing and lifelong learning of children, young people and adults.

Outside of work, I love being outdoors, exploring the peaks on my mountain bike or by foot. I also enjoy learning to play bass guitar, baking and growing yummy fruit in my garden!

Gemma Baldock

Hello! I’m Gemma – musician, mum, dog walker and aspiring runner - and also the Children’s Services Manager for The DECC and Action for Children Therapeutic Services!

I am a qualified social worker with many years spent working in statutory children’s services and charity therapeutic social work teams. I’ve been leading The DECC and our therapeutic services since 2021 and have a huge passion for its success – as a provider of the highest quality services for children.

I have a particular professional interest in building trauma-informed systemic practices, neuroscience and psychological safety in leadership and (most of all) developing recovery services for children in care.

Kathryn Barker

Hi, I’m Kathryn and I’m one of the Therapeutic Practice Manager’s at The DECC. My background is as a social worker, specialising in therapeutically working with children and adults across a wide range of contexts.

For the past 13 years I’ve been honoured to manage and lead teams, with the key aim of contributing to children and families lives by experiencing positive and empowering support that improves their life opportunities and wellbeing.

I am very fortunate to be part of this fabulously passionate and skilled service. I bring hope, energy, innovation and safety to the work we do.

Hi, I’m Sam McAuley and I am one of the Therapeutic Practice Manager’s at The DECC and the Practice Manger for the HSB Pathway Programme service. I am a coffee lover who you will find hiking up a mountain in my free time! I was a Social Worker for 8 years in Derbyshire and my favourite role within this time was working with Children in Care and developing meaningful relationships with young people. I have 6 years of experience in managerial roles across different services and I have a professional interest in CSE, Sexual Abuse and HSB. As part of my leadership, I remain child focused, hugely passionate and always aim to offer safety, containment and hope. I absolutely love what I do after all these years and feel privileged to work within the DECC.

Training- Qualified SW, DDP Level 1 and 2, AIM 3 and AIM under 12, Systemic practice and family therapy- Foundation Level.

Mandy Fearn

Hi, I'm Mandy. I have worked as an administrator since leaving school. I worked at Derbyshire Police HQ and then worked in CAMHS LAC team from 2000 to 2012. My post then transferred into Horizons (NHS) in 2012 and then into AFC in 2020. I have several admin qualifications. I am a part time Senior Business Support Officer in the DECC and support service delivery.

I love travel, history - especially family tree, going to the gym, and I am passionate about music.

Jo Bradley

Hi, I'm Jo and I have worked for AfC for over 10 years now and started off as an admin worker for a service with children with disabilities.

Over the years I have gained experience in several services ranging from advocacy, children’s rights, prisons, children’s centres and mental health.

After 6 years I got promoted to a Senior Business Support Officer and I now deal with budgets and finance for the DECC.

In my spare time I enjoy being part of the cricket community where my son has played for over 10 years. This takes up most of my summer and then my winters are spent wrapped up waiting for summer.

Sarah Brochocki

Hi, I'm Sarah and I'm a Business Support Officer at The DECC, where I have worked for 3 years. I process the referrals and consultation requests for The DECC.

I have worked in an administrative role for over 30 years, with the past 8 years working in a HR environment.  My qualifications include, Business Administration Level 2 and Level 3, plus the CIPD Level 3 certificate in HR Practice.

I have various interests outside of work, which include running, reading, crochet, and arts and crafts.

Colette Booth

Hi, I'm Colette. I have worked in an office environment since leaving school, I started out in manufacturing, before joining the NHS in 2014 and transferring to AFC in 2020.

I have progressed through job roles, carried out various training and gained several qualifications which has been very rewarding.

My current role is Evaluation Officer for The DECC, predominantly working in a data role, collating monthly/quarterly referral/appointment data and producing reports.

In my spare time I love being outdoors with my 2 dogs, Ben and Bruce, and spending time pottering in the garden. I enjoy all different kinds of crafting, I find it very relaxing and rewarding.

Sophie Chadwick

Hi, I'm Sophie and I have been working at The DECC for over 2 and a half years. At The DECC I support with the organisation of our external training, Attachment Group, Space 4 U, as well as doing other daily admin tasks.

I come from an Early Years background working for over 9 years with a variety of different ages groups within day nurseries. Over those years I completed my Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Young People’s Workforce, alongside these qualifications I completed Level 2 in Business and Administration.

Outside of work, I am a busy Mum of two who enjoys family time and exploring new places up and down the country (especially the Cornish coast) and stopping off for an iced coffee along the way.

Jack Lau

Hello, my name is Jack. I'm from Hong Kong and worked in the admin field for more than 7 years.

I'm passionate in technologies and data stuff. I'm a huge fan of video games and anime. I also enjoy learning new things. I’m now learning German, Japanese, and of course English! I have 2 of the most adorable cats in the world: Muffin and Mallow.