Jo – Director
Hi – my name is Jo and I have 2 children with SEN. Through advocating for them I have become very aware of the lack of understanding and provision for youngsters with SEN and their families. This is what led me to setting up OOTB with Helena at he beginning of 2024. My background is in Leisure Management including coaching in a variety of sports and in particular swim teaching for youngsters with SEN as well as delivering first aid and pool lifeguard training. If and when I have free time I like to read, craft and cuddle my dog Bea.
Terri – Director
Hi – I’m Terri. I am Mum to two girls, one with ADHD. I’ve spent the last 20 years working with adults and young people with additional needs. During this time I’ve worked with a number of families at different stages of their journey. I’m passionate about our young people having access to education, skills and employment opportunities.
Helena – Director
It is with regret and huge sadness that we let you know that Helena (founding Director) passed away on Saturday 25th May suddenly and unexpectedly.
I`m Helena and mum of 2 children with SEN needs. Seeing their struggles and struggles of their friends led us to start OOTB at the start of 2024. I have been Cubs scout leader for Royston 1st since 2016 and working with children is my passion, together with reading, crafting & event organising.
Helen – Volunteer/Craft Maestro
Hi – I’m Helen and working with children and young people is something I have enjoyed doing for many years. I started at Studlands Rise First School as a classroom assistant before moving on to Bassingbourn Primary School as a teaching assistant working with children with Special Educational Needs. Finally I moved to Cambridge Regional College (CRC) working with students with physical requirements. I then made a change to my working lifeand started working in the craft industry. Crafting was something I had been doing for many years (and still do) and when the opportunity arose for employment in this field I jumped at the chance. Volunteering at OOTB is something I thoroughly enjoy and it allows me to use all of my experience working with children mixed in with Arts & Crafts.
Deanna – Thrive Art
Hello my name is Deanna, I am a fully qualified and insured Art Teacher. I now run Thrive Art to provide top quality teaching to all ages and run art and photography workshops at Outside of The Box. I have been praised for my teaching of students with additional needs, specifically ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia, by creating a safe, clear and supportive environment for all students to flourish. I look forward to helping support you to learn and nurture your creative talent in a supportive environment sprinkled with good humour and kindness.
Talena – Sing & Song
I am a Song and Sound Therapist, Music Composer, and Teacher with 20 years of experience in music education and 10 years working with SEN students. I use music, sound, and voice for self-healing and well-being. As a parent of two children with ASD and ADHD, my personal experiences inspire my therapeutic approach. My services include song therapy, sound healing, piano tuition and vocal coaching, tailored to support both children and adults in their music and healing journeys.
Helen – Hummingbird Therapy
Helen has worked with children in various roles for over 20 years, working across lots of different settings. She loves working one to one with children in Play Therapy and letting the child or young person decide what they would like to use in the room to help them express their feelings. Focusing on providing a warm, caring therapeutic environment, Helen works with a child’s natural way of communication, play. This allows them to engage in therapy without needing words. Helen lives locally and has two children of her own. Whether you enjoy games, sand, clay, art, puppets, music, talking or silence, Helen would love to work with you.
Katherine – Mental Health Nurse
I’m Kat and I am a nurse that works with people’s thoughts and feelings and emotional health. I love walking my very silly dog who is called Max and loves to eat cheese, I like playing games, setting my self silly challenges and going to places my children enjoy. I have been working children, young people and families for a long time and I enjoy learning all about what they enjoy and are good at and helping them feel differently and overcome challenges.
Sophia Mitchell – Lab Tots
Sophia Mitchell, also known as “Proff” by her Lab Tots, is a professional scientist with a background in chemistry and extensive experience in various industrial sectors. Prior to founding Lab Tots, she held leadership positions where she emphasized empowerment, collaboration, and coaching. Recognizing the lack of STEM education for young children, she launched Lab Tots in 2015, focusing on inclusive science and STEAM activities. Sophia’s approach emphasizes play-based learning, gamification, and diverse educational theories to meet the needs of learners. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, she expanded the Lab Tots Learning System to address broader educational challenges, advocating for multidisciplinary, purposeful education that nurtures resilience and wellbeing. Sophia & Lab Tots provides platform for educators to provide meaningful learning experiences, fostering a lifelong love of learning and empowering learners to explore and question the world around us.
