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Meet the team
The children's neurodevelopmental service is a dynamic, multidisciplinary team. To learn more about our team members please click on the following headings.
Leadership Team
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Gemma Cartwright |
I am an Occupational Therapist by training, OT for short. My main role is a ‘System Clinical Lead for Neurodiversity’. This means that I work with ‘experts by experience’ (Neurodivergent people and their families), commissioners (people who decide where the money goes) and other services such as education, employment, housing, social care, charities and voluntary organisations to help improve services for neurodivergent individuals of all ages. When I’m not at work I am either dancing Salsa or at the gym.
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Jo Ranger |
Hi! My name is Jo and I am trained as a Social Worker. I’m currently the Interim Service Manager for all of the Neurodevelopmental Teams. I am really passionate about working with the neurodiverse population and have neurodivergent family members myself. When I’m not at work, I like to spend time with my family and friends, go for walks and watch movies with my children.
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Janki Meghani |
I am a specialist Speech and Language Therapist, and I am passionate about working with children and young people who have Autism. I can use my speech and language skills to do autism assessments, and I can also support their families through their journey with the Neurodevelopmental Service. In my spare time I love to spend time with my children and my family. We enjoy going to theme parks, swimming and watching films.
You might have contact with me:
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Rupinder Kejriwal |
You can call me Rups. I’m one of the team leads in the school age (children’s) neurodevelopmental service. I have lots of experience of working with children, young people and their families. I like to help people in making sure they feel heard, and I really like to solve problems. I have a special interest in ADHD and am curious to hear about experiences of living with ADHD. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, swimming and learning new facts about space!
You might have contact with me:
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Yve Griffin |
My name is Yve and I am a Principal Clinical Psychologist in the School age Neurodevelopmental team. This means that as well as completing neurodevelopmental assessments I also support the rest of the team with their assessments. I also support people in other teams in their understanding of neurodiversity. You may have contact with me if I am asked to complete an assessment with you. Outside of my working life I enjoy being outside and love walking and being in the garden, especially on a sunny day. I also love cooking and reading. |
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Jayne Harris-Waller |
I am the Principal Clinical Psychologist for pre-school aged children within the Neurodevelopmental Service in Coventry and Warwickshire. I enjoy getting to know young children, to help those who look after them to understand and support them. I also spend time with my colleagues helping to improve our ways of working with preschool children and their families. When I am not working, I love being outdoors with my children. We have a cat, and we foster poorly hedgehogs.
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Irene Godson |
Hello! I am Irene. I work with very passionate administrators within preschool, school age and adult neuro-developmental teams. I am passionate about supporting the administrative functions of the team to ensure you feel well-supported from the initial stage of submitting a referral form for assessment and responding to your queries throughout the referral process. I have previously worked as a finance assistant and PA in the NHS. Outside of work, I love to spend quality time with my family, listen to music and serve refreshments as a volunteer. |
Assessment Team
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Amaneh Margaret Alkilani-Brown |
Hello there! My Name is Amaneh Margaret Alkilani-Brown. I am a Registered Learning Disability Nurse. I’ve worked within numerous roles in my 36 years working within Learning disability and Neurodevelopment. I have managed residential units and group homes, worked within education for many years ( I’m also post 14 teacher trained) and am currently a diagnostic clinician within the Coventry and Warwickshire Neurodevelopmental Service. I work with families, schools and young people assessing for Autism Spectrum Disorder. I specifically interview parents/carers and record and observe young people as part of the assessment process. I love to read, history, science fiction, fantasy (a proper geek!) and anything about gardening! I am a keen gardener and have a large garden and vegetable plot. You may have contact with me during your assessment, I look forward to working with you and will support you throughout your assessment process. |
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Ashley Gordon |
Hello, my name is Ashley. I am a speech and language therapist and a Specialist Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Clinician in the school age children’s Team. My role involves meeting families and assessing children and young people for ASD and screening them for ADHD. In my spare time, I love to be outside or spending time with my family. I also like to bake.
You might have a contact with me:
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Bhawna Sharma |
Hi, my name is Bhawna (pronounced as Bhavna) Sharma. I am an Occupational therapist trained in sensory integration, now working as a specialist diagnostic clinician in the neurodevelopment team. I use my skills to connect with children, young people and their families.
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Catherine Steenfeldt |
Hello, my name is Catherine. I am a Clinical Psychologist working in the school age Neurodevelopmental Team and my role involves assessing young people for Autism and ADHD. I really enjoy getting to know the young people and their families who come through our service for their assessment. In my spare time I enjoy reading, watching Netflix and spending time with my family. We have recently had a little kitten join our family and I would love to hear about any pets that you have or animals that you love!
You might have contact with me:
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Corran Moore |
Hi, I’m Corran, I’m a Clinical Psychologist who works in both the school age and adult neurodevelopmental teams doing Autism and ADHD assessments. I enjoy working with people of all ages and their families and helping to support them through the assessment process. I have worked in a few areas of psychology but have a particular interest in neuropsychology and how people’s brains develop and change over time. In my spare time I enjoy reading, hiking, paddleboarding and generally spending time outdoors. I love animals and offer free pet-sitting services to all my friends and family. I’m always very happy to meet any of your pets during online assessments.
You might have a contact with me:
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Dr Dorothy Simmonds |
I am a Consultant Paediatrician (children’s doctor) who specialises in Autism. I am part of the Under 5’s Neurodevelopmental team and help assess some of the children on our Autism Pathway. I take part in our regular multi-disciplinary meetings along with other members of the team. As part of my work as a Community Paediatrician, I also see children with a variety of different issues in Community Paediatrics clinics and am involved in work with Children in Care and Safeguarding. Outside of work I enjoy crochet and cooking. You might have a contact with me in Community Paediatrics clinic. |
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Emily Allen |
I work in the team with children from pre-school up to 17 years old. I use my speech and language therapy skills to do autism and ADHD assessments. I really like working with children and their families, getting to know them and seeing how I can help. I love to spend time with my family and bake lots of yummy things to eat. I also like being in the outdoors and watching films.
You might have contact with me:
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Farah Manji |
I work with young people aged 4 to 17 years old. I use my speech and language therapy skills to do Autism and ADHD assessments. I enjoy working with children and their families; understanding and seeing how I can help them on their journey. I love to spend time with my friends and family, exploring new places with my dog, baking and hosting!
You might have contact with me
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Felicity Larson |
I’m a clinical psychologist and I work in the School Age and Adult Neurodevelopmental teams doing autism and ADHD assessments. I’ve worked in lots of different areas of psychology and I have a keen interest in how the human brain works, particularly how it develops and changes over time. I have a pet parrot and a pet cat that I adore – I love seeing your animals when we do video assessments; please show them to me as it will make my day! I’m originally from America but fully settled in the UK for many years now – you might still hear my accent.
You might have contact with me
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Helen Harban |
Hi, My name is Helen Harban, I am a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist based in Warwick. I lead the SLT Autism team and have worked in Warwickshire since 1986. The world of autism has changed so much over the past few years and there is so much to learn. I work with both preschool and primary school age children, liaising closely with colleagues both in SWFT (South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust) and CWPT (Coventry/Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust). I feel lucky to be part of such a committed, hardworking team. Out of work, I love backpacking around the world, playing netball, and spending time with family and friends. You might have contact with me:
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Jade Flynn Specialist Neurodevelopmental Clinician |
Hello! My name is Jade Flynn and I am a Specialist Neurodevelopment Clinician and a registered Learning Disability Nurse. I have supported Autistic people within varying roles working in inpatient, urgent care and community settings for around 12 years, I currently work in the school age diagnostic service. I complete autism assessments for children aged 4-17 and also screen for ADHD. I have a background of supporting young people who may also be experiencing mental illness, behaviours of distress and have also worked with young people moving through the criminal justice pathway. I have a young autistic child with high needs and significant sensory differences so have personal experience of what this feels like as a parent moving through the assessment process and accessing support. I am incredibly passionate about working with neurodivergent young people and their families and hope to always provide a safe, person centred and supportive space for people during my time working with them.
You might have contact with me:
When I am not at work I like:
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Keri O'Driscoll |
Hello, my name is Keri and I am a Mental Health Nurse by background, with numerous previous jobs in healthcare! I love music and am teased mercilessly for these preferences by my partner. I like reptiles too, and I would like to live in a sunny country more than anything! At work I am meeting families and assessing children and young people for autism and screening for potential ADHD. When I am not at work you can find me browsing holiday websites, being kept busy by my children and revisiting old, comforting, TV shows.
You might have a contact with me:
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Laura Marley |
Hi! My name is Laura Marley and I am a Registered Mental Health Nurse by background. I have been fortunate to experience working across a variety of settings within CWPT over the last 16 years. Currently I am working as a Specialist Neurodevelopmental Clinician for school age children. I am involved in assessing young people for ASD and screening for ADHD. I am passionate about working with young people and their families who are Neurodivergent and I feel this is due to having family members who are also Neurodivergent. When I am not at work I like spending time with my son and seeing friends and family.
You might have contact with me
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Dr Lisa Galsworthy-Francis |
I work across the school age and preschool children’s Neurodevelopmental Service. I have worked within the field of autism for some years now and more broadly with children & families for even longer, it’s just where I want to be! When I’m not at work I like all kinds of music and films, getting outdoors with my kids/dog/friends, doing Tai Chi, making (and eating) cakes.
You might have a contact with me:
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Olivia Lashford |
I work in the team with children from pre-school up to 17 years old. I am a trained speech and language therapist and now use my skills to do autism and ADHD assessments. I am passionate about the Neurodiverse population and really enjoy meeting young people and their families, listening to their needs and helping them in any way I can. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family and friends, go on holiday in Devon and cook (and eat) delicious food!
You might have contact with me:
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Penny Thompson |
I work in the team with children from pre-school age up to 17 years old. I use my speech and language therapy skills to do autism assessments. I really like working with all ages and my specific area of interest within my work is girls and young women with autism. In my spare time, I love to be out in my garden. I also like to swim, sew and sing!
You might have contact with me:
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Poli Begum |
I am Poli Begum and I’m one of the Counselling Psychologists. I am passionate about getting to understand how early childhood experience and environmental factors influence our lives. I may ask you lots of questions about things that you did in your childhood and about the people who are important to you now. I like understanding what makes people happy and what doesn't. I have worked with the neurodevelopment team for a very long time because I enjoy working with and meeting neurodiverse people. When I'm not at work, I get involved with helping children in the UK and abroad. I love travelling to spiritual places and getting to know about people from different parts of the world. When I’m abroad, I like diving for hours in the warm seas as I am fascinated by creatures in the ocean and coral life. You might meet with me if you are coming for an autism assessment. |
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Ryan Little |
Hello, my name is Ryan. I work for the School Age Team primarily focusing of Autism assessments. I am a clinical psychologist by training with a particular interest in the brain, cognition, and research. You may see me during assessment appointment either face to face or online. Outside of work I like to spend time with friends and family, doing exercise, cooking and eating food! |
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Shaheen Bhayat |
Hello! My name is Shaheen. I am a Social Worker and a Specialist Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Clinician in the school age children’s Team. My role involves meeting families and assessing children and young people for ASD and screening them for ADHD. I enjoy travelling, eating out, keeping fit, and spending time with my family and friends.
You might have contact with me:
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Shaheen (Shy) Ratansi |
Hello! My Name is Shy Ratansi. I am a Registered Learning Disability Nurse (RNLD*). I work with young people aged 4 to 17 years old. I have been fortunate to learn and apply my learning disability and various nursing/ therapy skills within my profession. My role involves working closely with young people and families/carers, in completing and assessing them for ASD and ADHD. I love to spend time with my family & friends, exploring and visiting Zoo’s (a little fun fact, I had a monkey as a pet when I was little).
You might have contact with me
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Suzanne Smith |
I am Dr Suzanne Smith and I’m one of the Clinical Psychologists, I am very passionate about neurodiversity and am neurodivergent myself as are several of my family. I love a good Netflix binge, especially crime documentaries and thrillers. I also love music, reading horror and thriller novels and gardening. I have a longstanding fascination with sharks and reptiles in general, but my favourite animal is a Giraffe. You might meet with me if you are coming for an autism assessment. |
Wider Clinical Team
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Amy Beveridge |
Hello, I’m Amy. I work as an Assistant Psychologist in the Children’s School Age Neurodevelopmental team. I work closely with our Partner organisations to support young people who are waiting for an Autism assessment. I also triage new referrals, process assessment reports and support with parent queries. Outside of work I enjoy running and am currently training for my first ever marathon! I love watching live music and regularly go to concerts and festivals with friends and family. I’m also passionate about travelling and enjoy exploring new places and meeting new people.
You might have a contact with me
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Becky Fraser |
I work for the Coventry pre-school and school-age teams as a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. I have experience working with children with a range of communication difficulties, more recently specialising in Autism and ADHD assessments. When I’m not in work, I enjoy walking my dog and spending time with family & friends.
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Claire Fenton |
I work as a Specialist Nursery Nurse/Neurodevelopmental Practitioner. I work across the School age and Pre-school Children’s Neurodevelopmental Service. I have worked within the Neurodevelopmental Service for many years, supporting families during the assessment process, offering pre-assessment and post diagnostic support. I have a particular interest working in the field of Autism. When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my family & friends, walking my dog, and baking cakes.
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Melissa Rai |
I am an Assistant Psychologist and I work within the School Age Neurodevelopmental team. I have experience working with vulnerable children and young people and I have worked within the CAMHS Mental Health Service. My role involves conducting school observations, supporting with ASD and ADHD assessments and triage new referrals that come into our service. Outside of work, I enjoy exercising such as doing Yoga, Pilates, high intensity step and combat classes at my gym. I also love to travel and visit new places and spend time with family and friends. You might have contact with me:
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Nichola Smith |
I am a Neurodevelopmental Occupational Therapist in the children’s school age Neurodevelopmental Service based in Coventry. I have experience of working with adults, young people and children who are neurodivergent, and I am extremely passionate about supporting our children and young people. I have completed postgraduate training in sensory integration. I undertake OT assessments, write reports, set goals, plan and deliver OT intervention. I work within the clinic setting, in schools and visit people at home. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my 2 children and family.I also like to be active - running, cycling, swimming and playing netball with my friends.
You might have contact with me:
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Rachel Webb |
Hi I’m Rachel an Occupational Therapist within the Children’s school age Neurodevelopmental Team. I have previously worked within a mental health service and have experience of working with adults, young people and children with neuro diverse conditions. Our service is community based in a range of settings such as homes, schools or our clinic within the City of Coventry Health Centre. My role offers specialist assessment and intervention to maximise the potential for children to engage in their daily living activities (occupations). Outside of work I enjoy the simple pleasures in life, spending time with my family and walking my crazy cocker spaniel Mabel who gives me lots of love & licks.
You might have contact with me:
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Sobia Ikhlaq |
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Clinical Support Team
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Barbara Collins |
My name is Barbara. I work in the Neurodevelopmental Service as a Neurodevelopmental Practitioner. I speak to parents of young people who might have a question about Autism or ADHD. I used to work in the Community Autism Support Service with Coventry and Warwickshire Mind where I supported young people one to one with things like autism awareness and anxiety management. Before that I used to work in a different NHS service where I did something similar but for adults. I have a dog called Boo and one of my favourite things to do is take him to the park to play. I like photography. I speak Norwegian and was once an extra on a tv soap.
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Elaine Chamberlain |
I work as a Clinical Co-ordinator and Neurodevelopmental Practitioner for the Warwickshire Preschool Autism Service (WPAS). I have worked within the field of Autism for over 20 years. I have a degree in Children, Families and Community Health. I support the WPAS Neurodevelopmental Practitioners and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) assessments. I also work with colleagues to develop and deliver pre/post assessment support for our preschool families. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watercolour painting and listening to music.
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Emily Schmitt |
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Emma Green |
I work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the Children’s school age Neurodevelopmental Service in Coventry. I have 7 years experience working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. In my role I organise and carry out treatment sessions to support children and young people with goals that have been set following an assessment completed by one of our Occupational Therapists. When I’m not in work I like to spend time with my family and friends and also attend dancing lessons, tap is my favourite subject.
You might have contact with me
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Fouzia Manzoor |
Hi, I am Fouzia and I work as a Clinical Coordinator in the children’s school age Neurodevelopmental service. I have a post graduate degree in Psychology and experience of working with children and young people with neurodiverse conditions, in both education and clinic settings within the UK and abroad. Currently, I manage and maintain service social media platforms and I coordinate with the team in clinical work.
You might have a contact with me
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Kulbinder Kaur |
Hi, I am Kelly and I work in the Neurodevelopmental Services for school age children as a Neurodevelopmental Practitioner, across Coventry and Warwickshire. Previous to this role I have worked in Rise CAMHS team and previous to that I have worked with the Adults Crisis Team. I enjoy my work very much and it is varied and balanced out. My goal is always to try and find a positive solution to any problem, and I support families during the pre/post assessment for school age children, I have a passion for my work. I am married and have 3 grown up children and recently I have become a first-time Nani.
You might have a contact with me:
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Kate Stephens |
Hi, I am Kate and I work in the Neurodevelopmental Services for school age children as a Patient Flow Co Ordinator. I mostly work with our external providers who conduct autism assessments to reduce the waiting list times. I have an NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education and have come from a banking background to the NHS.
My interests include spending quality time with my family and socialising with friends. You might have contact with me
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Rachel Ayres |
I’m a Neurodevelopmental Practitioner. I work across both Coventry Preschool and Warwickshire Preschool Neurodevelopmental Service. I help support families during the assessment process, offering advice and signposting. I have worked for many years in different roles supporting children and families especially in the field of Autism. I enjoy spending time with my family, going on holiday and a night out at the theatre.
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Samantha Hill |
I work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the Children’s school age Neurodevelopmental Service in Coventry. I have an NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education and am currently at the University of Warwick studying for a Degree in Early Childhood. I have experience of working with children with neurodiverse conditions in Nurseries, Schools and Clinic settings. I help plan, organise and carry out interventions for children to support with goals that have been identified following an assessment by an Occupational Therapist. I also work in the pre-school team as a Neurodevelopmental Practitioner to signpost and support pre and post ASD diagnosis, to make home/nursery visit observations to support your child’s referral and check they are on the correct pathway. My interests are ice skating, singing and spending time with my family and friends. You might have contact with me
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Sharon Paish |
I am a Neurodevelopmental Practitioner for the Warwickshire Preschool Autism Service (WPAS). I have worked with children for over 31 years, and within the field of Autism for over 17 years, I have a degree in Early Years. In my role I help and support families during the Pre/Post Assessment for our Preschool families. I enjoy spending time with my family & friends, playing and having fun with my grandchildren, gardening, music and going to the theatre.
You may have contact with me
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Tiff Coles |
I work for the Coventry preschool team as a neurodevelopmental practitioner. My role is to signpost support pre and post ASD diagnosis, to make home/nursery visit observations to support your child’s referral and check they are on the correct pathway. Prior to joining RISE I was a teacher for over 10 years based in the Early Years , my qualifications include QTS (Qualified Teaching Status) EYPS (Early Years Professional Status) and a BSc Psychology degree. My hobbies include crafting, enjoying walks with my two dogs, reading and spending time with friends and family.
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Admin Team
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Amanpreet Devgan |
My Name is Aman Devgan. I have come from a financial background to the NHS. I am working two roles which will be based 3 days at Wayside House and 2 days at Avenue House. At Wayside I am working as an Admin Team Coordinator for the neuro children’s team and at Avenue House I am working as a Med Sec for the Adult ADHD services. |
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Balbinder Kaur |
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Charlotte Onions |
My name is Charlotte and I am Admin Support for the Children’s Neurodevelopmental Service. I am a fully qualified primary school teacher and worked in education for 6 years before joining the team. My interests include spending quality time with my family and socialising with friends.
You might have contact with me:
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Dena Anderson |
My name is Dena Anderson. I am the Team Secretary for the Neurodevelopmental Team. I previously worked as a secretary for CAMHS and for the Primary Mental Health Team. In my spare time I like to read, sew, mosaics, painting, making my own jewellery. I am currently helping my husband to convert a 17-seater minibus into a mobile home, which is really exciting! My favourite job of all is being a grandma and enjoying spending time with my beautiful grandchildren. J
You might have contact with me:
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| Rachel Cowell Admin Support |
I'm Rachel, quietly working behind the scenes to support the Children's Neurodevelopment Team at the NHS as Admin support. I find fulfilment in contributing to the care of our young patients. Beyond the desk, I love spending quality time with family and friends. For a touch of adventure, I occasionally take on the challenge of a Wolf Run. I’m thrilled to be part of a team making a meaningful impact, I'm here for your administrative needs and open to connecting over shared interests. |
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Stacey Olney |
My name is Stacey, and I am Admin Support for the children’s Neurodevelopmental service. I have previously worked in childcare. My interests are spending quality time with my family and socialising with friends.
You might have contact with me:
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Yvonne Tolley |
My Name is Yvonne, I am Admin Support within the Children’s Neurodevelopment Service.
I have worked within the NHS for over 14 years in various Admin roles where I enjoy working as part of the team and helping people.
You might contact me when:
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Dimensions Team
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Dawn Nicholls |
I am an experienced leader with over 25 years’ experience in delivering service improvements. Portfolio includes leading strategic transformational change within the Private, NHS and Voluntary and Community sectors. My passion for improving health services came from my family experience trying to navigate the complexity of the health and education systems. Through co-coproduction I have seen the shift of power and sustainable change being delivered by working together. You may have met me at community events promoting the Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing or speaking at conferences sharing my families story. |
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Jenny Stockbridge |
Jenny works with Dawn on the Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing tool. She carried out admin tasks, collates new resources and helps to make sure the Dimensions tool is a useful resource for the people of Coventry and Warwickshire. She has personal experience of supporting people with learning difficulties and helps run a local autism support group. You might meet Jenny when she is out and about promoting the Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing tool at events across Coventry and Warwickshire. |
