our team

the future steps family

CLINIC Team

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Evie
Saunders

Occupational
Therapist

  • Evie believes in a future that supports the lives of families across the north east in the most dynamic way as it can. Providing different services for differing needs of children and adults.

  • Evie is dedicated to providing the best possible service for the children and families she works with. Throughout her career as an Occupational Therapist, she has attended training courses and conducted continuing professional development (CPD) to enhance her skills, including additional qualifications in Sensory Integration Education.

    At Future Steps, Evie has chosen to specialise within the Future Families team, focusing on attachment and trauma. She enjoys her job immensely and is passionate about making a difference in families' lives. Each day at Future Steps brings new experiences, and Evie leaves with a smile, proud of the positive impact she has made, no matter how big or small.

    BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

    Sensory Integration Level 1

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Lauren
Richardson

Occupational Therapist

  • Lauren believes in a future that empowers every child and family to reach their full potential, fostering growth, resilience and lasting positive change.

  • Lauren is a qualified Adult Nurse and Occupational Therapist. Her passion for making a positive impact in children’s lives inspired her career change, focusing on helping them engage in meaningful activities.

    She chose Future Steps for its unique services and believes it offers the opportunity to make a significant difference in children’s lives while providing a supportive environment for her growth and development.

    BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing

    Sensory Integration Level 1

    Theraplay and MIM Level 1

    Attachment, Neurodevelopment and Psychopathology training

    Video Interactive Guidance (VIG)

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Sana
Hanif

Occupational
Therapist

  • Sana believes in a future that enables children to reach their maximum potential using an approach that is tailored to them, using a service that provides a flexible and dynamic approach to supporting children and their families.

  • Sana is a qualified occupational therapist who entered the profession due to her passion for caring for others and improving the quality of life. Sana has a strong drive to help others and maximise independence using a person-centred approach, which led to her career in Future Steps.

    Sana chose Future Steps because of its specialist, dynamic approach in providing children with the opportunity to grow and develop within a supportive environment. 

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Louise
Hughes

Occupational
Therapist

  • Louise believes in a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

  • Louise was inspired to become an Occupational Therapist after working as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant for 10 years and seeing the positive impact occupational therapy had on the children she worked with. This led to Louise returning to university and gaining an MSc in Occupational Therapy at Teesside University.

    Louise is passionate about ensuring everyone meets their full potential.  She chose Future Steps because of the specialist services it offers and the difference it’s making to the lives of children, young people, and their families.

SERVICES TO EDUCATION
Team

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Emily
Winter

Occupational Therapist
- Team Supervisor

  • Emily believes in a future that provides children with the support they need, as they need it.

  • Emily has always been passionate about supporting others, especially those with learning difficulties and autism. This drive to enhance quality of life through daily activities and community integration inspired her to pursue a career in occupational therapy, culminating in her MSc in Occupational Therapy.

    Her interest in sensory integration led her to work in pediatrics at Future Steps, primarily within the community team, where she provides therapy to children in special and mainstream education. Emily also enjoys assisting her clinic colleagues with treatment sessions.

    She has advanced her career at Future Steps through additional training and continues to love her role, working with a dedicated team that focuses on progress and excellent service delivery.

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Mary
Dryden

Occupational
Therapist

  • Mary believes in a future where children and families have access to the support they need to do the things they want and need to do.

  • Mary qualified in Occupational Therapy from University College, Salford, and has a background in neuro rehabilitation, brain injury rehabilitation, and stroke rehabilitation, working in hospital, community, and third sector settings in London and the Northeast.

    At Future Steps, Mary finds a dynamic and rewarding work environment, driven by the commitment and creativity of the team. She works in various schools and is passionate about providing the best service to students and their families. By collaborating closely with school staff, Mary strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students.

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Ashleigh
Gowland

Occupational
Therapist

  • Ashleigh believes in a future that positively empowers and changes the lives of children, young people, families and schools.

  • Ashleigh earned her BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy from Teesside University. She began her career working with adults in mental health before shifting her focus to children’s mental health, where she delivers Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (LICBT) to children and young people.

    At Future Steps, Ashleigh enjoys working in schools and is dedicated to providing effective services that promote positive well-being. She finds it incredibly rewarding to make a difference in the lives of her clients.

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Charlotte
Gittus

Occupational
Therapist

  • Charlotte believes in a future that is created by the intentional choices we make today.

  • Charlotte graduated as an Occupational Therapist from Teesside University and completed her final placement at Future Steps, where she was introduced to Sensory Integration. During her time there, she worked with a dedicated team and connected with many wonderful children and their families.

    Seeing the positive impact of Occupational Therapy on children's progress inspired her deeply. As a parent of a child with Autism, Charlotte understands the challenges and frustrations families often face in finding adequate support. Her personal experience with Future Steps, where she felt reassured and understood, motivates her to help other children.

    For Charlotte, Occupational Therapy is more than a job; it’s a passion for empowering others and recognising the potential in every child, regardless of their challenges.

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Katie
Lawson

Occupational
Therapist

  • Katie believes in a future where all children and young people have access to the support they need to grow, develop, and truly thrive.

  • Katie was drawn to occupational therapy because of its unique ability to create real, practical change in everyday life. She is passionate about helping children and young people build independence, confidence, and engagement in the activities that matter most to them, creating positive, lasting outcomes. She is inspired by the impact of supporting young people within their education setting, to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

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Daisy
Bailey

Occupational
Therapist

  • Daisy believes in a future where all children with SEN needs have access to SI therapy through making SI more known to parents and schools.

  • Daisy began her journey in Occupational Therapy at Northumbria University after earning a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. She was introduced to Sensory Integration during a university placement, where she discovered her passion for this exciting career path.

    At Future Steps, Daisy is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and positively impacting the lives of children, families, and educators. She feels fortunate to be part of a supportive team that has contributed to her growth as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist.

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Lisa
Paton

Occupational
Therapist

  • Lisa believes in a future where everyone, no matter who they are, are included and accepted in our society.

  • Lisa began her career studying a BTEC in Nursery Nursing at Cleveland Tertiary College (now Redcar and Cleveland College) and worked for two years as a live-in nanny in London. Upon returning to Teesside, she spent 13 years as a nursery nurse in various private daycare settings. Her interest in occupational therapy grew when she switched careers in 2011 and moved into adult care.

    Lisa completed her NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Health and Social Care, which allowed her to pursue an Access to Higher Education course and earn a BSc (Hons) degree in Occupational Therapy from Teesside University. She joined Future Steps to return to her passion for working with children. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys exploring the countryside, going on long walks, and camping with her family.

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Alisha
Knox

Occupational
Therapist

  • Alisha believes in a future where children and young people’s strengths are celebrated, empowering them to build confidence and independence.

  • Alisha is a qualified Occupational Therapist whose passion for the profession began while working as a teaching assistant in a primary school for children with special educational needs and disabilities. During this time, she gained valuable insight into the everyday challenges young people face in the classroom and saw first-hand the transformative impact occupational therapy can have on children’s development, confidence, and participation in learning and daily life.  She is deeply committed to supporting children to build their skills, grow in independence, and thrive in the activities that matter most to them.

TRAUMA INFORMED SUPPORT Team (future families)

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Julie
Davis

Occupational
Therapist

  • Julie believes in a future that allows children, young people and adults to receive the best intervention possible, enabling them to transform their lives, ensuring brighter tomorrows. 

  • Julie Davis is an Advanced SI Practitioner and Attachment and Trauma Specialist with a MSc in Attachment and Trauma and over 35-years’ experience working with children who experience Sensory Processing Difficulties.

    Julie holds extensive qualifications and has trained across the globe in Sensory Integration and Trauma-Informed treatment, including Level 4 Advanced Sensory Integration, Video Interactive Guidance, Sensory Attachment Intervention, Somatic Experiencing Therapy, Neuro-Affective Touch, Dyadic Developmental Psychology, Theraplay, Children’s Accelerated Trauma Technique, Sensory Babies and Newborn Behavioural Observations.

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Evie
Saunders

Occupational
Therapist

  • Evie believes in a future that supports the lives of families across the north east in the most dynamic way as it can. Providing different services for differing needs of children and adults.

  • Evie is dedicated to providing the best possible service for the children and families she works with. Throughout her career as an Occupational Therapist, she has attended training courses and conducted continuing professional development (CPD) to enhance her skills, including additional qualifications in Sensory Integration Education.

    At Future Steps, Evie has chosen to specialise within the Future Families team, focusing on attachment and trauma. She enjoys her job immensely and is passionate about making a difference in families' lives. Each day at Future Steps brings new experiences, and Evie leaves with a smile, proud of the positive impact she has made, no matter how big or small.

    BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

    Sensory Integration Level 1

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Lauren
Richardson

Occupational Therapist

  • Lauren believes in a future that empowers every child and family to reach their full potential, fostering growth, resilience and lasting positive change.

  • Lauren is a qualified Adult Nurse and Occupational Therapist. Her passion for making a positive impact in children’s lives inspired her career change, focusing on helping them engage in meaningful activities.

    She chose Future Steps for its unique services and believes it offers the opportunity to make a significant difference in children’s lives while providing a supportive environment for her growth and development.

    BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing

    Sensory Integration Level 1

    Theraplay and MIM Level 1

    Attachment, Neurodevelopment and Psychopathology training

    Video Interactive Guidance (VIG)

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Dr Oliver O’Mara

Independent
Clinical Psychologist

  • Ollie believes in a future that allows for safe and trusting relationships to develop and that there are spaces for healing and growth.

  • Dr Ollie O’Mara is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist specialising in attachment and trauma work. Working as part of the Future Families MDT, Dr O’Mara provides a clinical understanding of attachment and trauma with both children and adults, formulation, and provision of therapeutic interventions. 

     

    Ollie is a charted clinical psychologist, registered with with the British Psychological Society (BPS). His qualifications and training include, Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT); Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy level 2; Neurosequential model of Therapeutics; Foundation in Systemic Family Therapy; Adult Attachment Interview; School age Assessment of attachment and Neurosequential model of therapeutics.

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Emma
Keogh

Independent
Social Worker

  • Emma believes in a future that empowers parents and children to realise their strengths, nurture their relationships and that supports their emotional wellbeing.

  • Emma Keogh is a specialist social worker with an MSc in Attachment Studies, focusing on the Dynamic Maturational Model of Attachment and Adaptation. Emma holds extensive experience working with children and families for over 15 years. Emma has worked with us in Future Steps since 2019 delivering our Future Stars groups and forms part of our MDT here at Future Steps.  Emma’s training includes Video Interactive Guidance, Sensory Attachment intervention, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Theraplay, Dialectical Behavioural therapy and Heartmath. Emma is a Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator and a Wild Well-Being Practitioner and is part of the first cohort of Nurture Neuroscience Practitioners trained under Dr Greer Kirshenbaum to teach nurturing parenting practices grounded in neuroscience.

administration and management team

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Julie
Davis

Managing
Director

  • Julie believes in a future that allows children, young people and adults to receive the best intervention possible, enabling them to transform their lives, ensuring brighter tomorrows. 

  • With over 35 years of experience in health and the private sector, Julie began her career in the NHS, where she established an Occupational Therapy service for children. She later co-owned a private occupational therapy service in Newton Aycliffe until early 2014 and is now the sole owner of Future Steps Consultancy.

    Outside of treating children and adults, Julie focuses developing new services, courses, and intervention pathways, with a philosophy of partnering with professionals, educators, and families to create individualised services that make a meaningful difference in each child's life.

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John
Davis

Finance & Business
Manager

  • John believes in a future where all families can access the services they need.

  • John brings over 34 years of experience from the telecoms industry to his role at Future Steps. As Finance and Business Manager, he ensures the smooth operation of the organisation by coordinating IT services, managing structural improvements, overseeing insurance, and quality-checking the clinic. Additionally, he handles ordering, invoicing, and the financial aspects of HR.

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Hannah
Pinto

Service Manager- Clinic, Future Families & Training

  • Hannah believes in a future that celebrates diversity and achieves inclusion.

  • With over 15 years of experience in customer service, Hannah is dedicated to leading an innovative and client-focused service. She takes pride in managing the team to deliver exceptional support that exceeds client expectations. Working alongside Julie, she develops new service pathways and support options for families. Innovating and adapting services presents both challenges and excitement, but the most rewarding aspect of her role is witnessing the passion and commitment of the team towards every client and their family. Hannah looks forward to continuing her leadership with the Future Steps Clinic Team for years to come.

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Victoria
Pattison

Service Manager- Services to Education

  • Victoria believes in a future that creates understanding, empathy, inclusion, fair opportunities for all and inspires everyone to reach for the stars and live their dreams.

  • Victoria finds working alongside the occupational therapy team incredibly rewarding as they support young people in various schools and academies across the North East. Her role involves organizing and managing processes, data, and communication between therapists and educators to uphold the highest service standards. Witnessing the remarkable progress of children and receiving outstanding feedback from educators and families fuels her passion for helping as many children as possible access the diverse range of support offered by Future Steps.

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Kelsey
May

HR Advisor

  • Kelsey believes in a future that is safer and prosperous for children, as they are our future.

  • Kelsey began her journey with Future Steps in September 2018 as a Receptionist. During her time in this role, she discovered her passion for HR and now oversees all HR functions within the company while providing support to the Managing Director. She is dedicated to personnel management and committed to ensuring that staff have the best possible experience at Future Steps, helping their roles to grow alongside the company.

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Julie-Anne
Stephenson

Administrator- Finance

  • Julie-Anne believes in a future that doesn’t discriminate and everyone has equal opportunities.

  • Julie-Anne has dedicated the past 10 years to supporting young families in the Teesside area within the voluntary sector before joining Future Steps. With a background in the finance industry, she now works with the Community Accounts team at Future Steps, contributing to the delivery of essential services for children throughout the North East.

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Dawn
Thorpe

Service
Advisor- Clinic & Training

  • Dawn believes in a future that enables children to develop all their senses from birth through to teenage years and not be so reliant on technology to detract from this.

  • Dawn has spent the past 20 years working with children, running her own business focused on teaching sign language and communication skills in nurseries, schools, and with families across the North East. Specializing in supporting Deaf and special needs children, she now serves as the main point of contact for families and professionals at Future Steps. In her role as Service Advisor, Dawn guides them through the process, embodying the ethos of Future Steps. She values the holistic approach to therapy that places children at the center, ensuring they receive the best support and treatment possible.

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Georgia Fletcher

Digital Content Creator

  • Georgia believes in a future where everyone feels they belong, are needed, and have a valued place in society; where they are seen, loved, and supported to thrive.

  • As Digital Content Creator at Future Steps, Georgia designs and produces engaging digital materials that support our mission to help children and families thrive. Georgia’s role involves crafting informative content, managing online platforms, and ensuring our messaging is clear, supportive, and accessible to all. Georgia is passionate about creativity, communication, and making complex information easy to understand. Knowing that her work contributes to making a positive difference in families’ lives is incredibly rewarding for Georgia.

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Lucy
Egan

Service Advisor– Future Families

  • Lucy believes in a future that welcomes and celebrates diversity, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

  • Lucy has 10 years of experience in customer service roles, ranging from careers advice and guidance to school leavers to logistics administration for a global chemical company. At Future Steps, Lucy is proud to support our expert team in delivering their dedicated services and enjoys playing a part in positively impacting the lives of others.

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Aimee
Plummer

Administrator- Clinic

  • Aimee believes in a future that accepts everyone and is kind to all. Where everyone is safe to be unapologetically them.

  • Aimee has 10 years experience working in customer service roles ranging from logistics administration to customer sales, as well as previously running her own children’s entertainment business. At Future Steps, Aimee is supporting the clinical services ensuring appointments are booked and communicated.

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Kelly
Wilson

Administrator- Clinic

  • Kelly believes in a future where everyone can reach their full potential, regardless of where they start.

  • Kelly has over 20 years of experience working in Administrative roles ranging from pensions and investments to a global engineering company.  At Future Steps, Kelly supports the clinical services report writing and all other aspects of office support.

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Ruth
Storey

Administrator- Services to Education

  • Ruth believes that every child should have access to appropriate support to ensure they can lead happy and fulfilling lives.

  • With over 15 years’ experience in the admin sector Ruth has worked mainly across the Third Sector with a particular focus on Charitable organisations. At Future Steps, Ruth liaises between schools and our therapy team to ensure the smooth running of our services. Ruth feels extremely lucky to be part of a dedicated team that works so hard to support children and schools.