Clinical Psychologist

Dr Heidi Mason

I have been a clinical psychologist for over 23 years and worked for the NHS for over 26 years. I have extensive experience of working with children and young people who are experiencing health, social, emotional, behavioural, psychological, and relational difficulties. I have specialist experience in working with children and young people with learning disabilities and neurodiversity; leading on pathways for the assessment, diagnosis, intervention and support for children and families.

I undertake specialist assessments of neurodiversity alongside cognitive assessments and work with families formulating their child’s differences and identifying the appropriate intervention and support. I am a sleep counsellor and have experience of supporting improved sleeping behaviour for children with additional needs. I have specialist knowledge and experience in offering relational and parenting support to families, both individual and within group settings.

I obtained my undergraduate psychology degree at the University of Central Lancashire and completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool.

I am a registered practitioner psychologist with the HCPC. I am also a member of the British Psychological Society.

I am trained in the Webster Stratton Training Programme, Riding the Rapids, Parent Child Game, Sleep Scotland and the ADOS2.

Consultant Child and Adolescent psychiatrist / MBBS / MRCPsych

Dr. Louise Holly

I graduated from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1994 and did my surgical and medical foundation training in the North East. I did specialist psychiatry training in Manchester working with adults and young people across many different services including out-patient, in-patient, forensic and Learning disability settings.

I became a Consultant Child and adolescent psychiatrist in 2006 and worked in the NHS until 2021.

My work in the NHS specialised in working with young people with Autism spectrum conditions, ADHD and Learning disabilities. I have worked in many multi-agency assessment teams.

I am on the specialist register (GMC) and am a member of the Royal College of psychiatrists.

Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) / Non-Medical Prescriber (NMP) / ADOS Trained

Julie Jakeman

I joined the Board of Directors having more than 35 years experience as a Registered Mental Health Nurse with-in the NHS.

As a Non Medical Prescriber, I have developed and led Nurse led clinics for ADHD.

I am ADOS trained and have supported neurodiverse assessments for both Adults and Children.

In my career I have held clinical and leadership positions locally and City Wide.

I am excited about being part of Amethyst Assessment Centre who offer timely and high quality assessments and diagnosis for neurodiverse conditions.

I have training in Family Therapy, Parenting Interventions including IAPT, None Medical Prescribing and ADOS assessments.

Occupational Therapist (MSc OT) and Sensory Integration Practitioner (PGCert SI) HCPC Registered

Samantha Taylor

Since qualifying as an Occupational Therapist in January 2011 I have worked in a range of health, education and social care settings. Since 2018 I have worked in different CAMH services, including community and schools as a Mental Health Practitioner, and inpatient CAMHS as a Senior Occupational Therapist. I moved to working in a new team as an Advanced Occupational Therapist in a CAMHS Intensive Support Team for young people with ASC, which was set up as a pilot. My role was to bring an Occupational Therapy perspective to the service, along with in-depth assessment using Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration tools, and support for families.

In January 2022 I launched my private Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration Service, Lotus OT. Since then, I have worked alongside schools, colleges, residential settings, local authorities and individual families with the aim of providing a person-centred assessment or intervention based on occupational or sensory needs. I specialise in working with children, young people and adults with ASC to conduct Sensory Integration assessments; providing education or training around sensory processing and an individual’s sensory patterns, or intervention as required.

Administrator

Zena Downer

I have 43 years experience working in HM Revenue & Customs & The Crown Prosecution Service.

My skills include general administration, validating statements and reports, handling sensitive data  and confidential information.

Social Worker / ADOS Trained

Cathy Charlton

With over 20 years of experience in health and social care, I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals with Learning Disabilities, Autism, and ADHD. I’ve had the privilege of developing and managing all-age neurodiversity teams tailored to meet unique needs, combining my clinical expertise with a deep understanding of person-centred care and leadership.

My clinical skills encompass ADHD and Autism assessments, Trauma Therapy (EMDR), Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), and Sensory Profiling. I’m also passionate about fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, often through group work such as; facilitating the Riding the Rapids programme and other behaviour education which brings people together to empower and support one another.

Driven by a vision to support communities “Beyond the label,” I designed and created the first needs-led neurodevelopmental pathway in Lancashire and South Cumbria. Additionally, I pioneered Blackpool’s very first paediatric Learning Disability team, creating innovative solutions to address gaps in care and support.

I take pride in combining my experience of operational and strategic leadership with compassionate care, ensuring that services are accessible, inclusive, as well as impactful for those who need them most.

Registered Mental Health Nurse / ADOS Trained

Vicki Turner

I am passionate mental health nurse dedicated to supporting individuals on their unique journeys towards wellness and self-discovery. With a focus on neurodiversity, I bring empathy, understanding, and specialised care to those navigating the diverse spectrum of neurological conditions.

My journey into mental health nursing began with a curiosity about people and a commitment to advocating for inclusivity and empowerment. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and neurotypes, fostering a safe and nurturing environment where their voices are heard and respected.

As an advocate for neurodiversity, I believe in celebrating and embracing the inherent beauty in our differences. Whether supporting individuals with autism, ADHD, or other neurotypes, I strive to promote acceptance, understanding, and access to tailored resources that empower individuals to thrive on their own terms.

In my practice, I blend evidence-based interventions with a holistic, person-centred approach, recognising that everyone possesses their unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Whether providing therapeutic support, educational resources, or advocacy services, I am committed to walking alongside my clients every step of the way, fostering resilience, self-compassion, and genuine connection.

When I’m not in the clinic, you can often find me immersed in nature, spending time with my family and exploring experiences that nourish my soul. I believe in the power of connection, compassion, and self-discovery.

Mental Health Practitioner

Vicky Brennan

SEND has been my passion since childhood due to personal experiences, which then inspired my career as a SEND Officer and more recently a Senior SEND Officer. My role requires me to have extensive experience of working with children, young people and their families alongside stakeholders within education, health and social care to ensure the best outcomes are achieved for all via co-production working. It’s an honour and privilege to work in such a diverse and challenging field with exciting times ahead when considering the proposed changes following the Government’s Right Support, Right Place, Right Time.

Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr Miriana Vrajitoriu

I am a Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist with over a decade of experience working at consultant level in UK and more than 20 years’ experience in Psychiatry. I worked in both NHS and private sector and have inpatient and community outpatient CAMHS experience. I am experienced in independent ADHD and ASD assessments for children and young people and have done medico-legal psychiatric work over the years, delivering high-quality mental health services.

Currently, I am working as an NHS Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist for  Kirklees CAMHS, South West Yorkshire NHS Foundation Trust, being the medical lead for Kirklees CAMHS neurodevelopmental pathway and The Trust Nominated Safeguarding Doctor. As the Safeguarding Doctor Lead, I provide medical input in the Safeguarding Team, supporting all activities necessary to ensure that the Trust meets its statutory duties to safeguard vulnerable adults and protect children.

I am ADOS and ADI-R trained and have vast experience in assessing and working with young people with different neurodevelopmental difficulties including ADHD, ASD/Autism, Tics & Tourette’s and Learning Disabilities. This includes training at CNDS Newcastle – Specialist second opinion ASD service for children and young people and working as Associate Specialist in Low Secure inpatient unit for young people with Learning Disabilities. As the medical lead for Kirklees CAMHS Neurodevelopmental pathway, I am actively involved in developing the developing the service offered by CAMHS to young people with ADHD and/or ASD and their families, working jointly with the team leader. I am mentoring and supervising the ADHD nurse prescribers and Speciality Doctor, making sure the care delivered to our patients is NICE compliant. In 2024 the service was shortlisted for Trust Excellence awards for its achievements.

I am registered on the GMC Specialist Register as a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist since 2012 and qualified as an Independent Systemic Family Psychotherapist, recognised by Romanian Federation of Psychotherapy and EFTA; I am a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Covering a wide range of Child & Adolescent mental health issues, I am able to see patients with ADHD/ADD, Anger issues, Anxiety, ASD, Tics and Tourette’s, Child behavioural issues, Depression, OCD, Phobias, PTSD / Trauma, School refusal / exclusion, Self-Harm, etc. I can provide comprehensive psychiatric assessments, including risk assessments, and treatment where clinically appropriate for young people with a range of mental health conditions and complex presentations. 

I work in partnership with young people, parents and carers to develop effective and evidence-based care plans, providing advice and appropriate support to professionals in the wider network of the child, young person or family. I am passionate about working systemically with children & young people, involving parents, carers, extended family and schools.

I have been described as a genuine, diligent, kind and knowledgeable clinician with a true sensitivity to others and dedication to the young people I work with.  I am passionate about the support offered to adolescents and their families, and always go the extra mile for the best outcomes for my clients

Assessor in Dyslexia

Jane Pike

I graduated from the university in 1999 and went on to do my PGCE in primary education. Since then, I have been a primary school teacher from reception to year 6 for the past 24 years.  I have always been very interested in dyslexia and supporting children with dyslexic tendencies. 

I am the phonics lead in my school and believe phonics is the code to reading.  Following these interests, I wanted to develop my knowledge of dyslexia to help support children and adults with their development.

In 2024 I graduated from Edge Hill University with SPLD level 7 dyslexia and I hold a current APC in dyslexia allowing me to assess and support throughout the diagnostic process.