Our Team

Joanna Brett Dip COT, RCOT

CEO, Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Neurofeedback Practitioner

In 2011 I formed Starjumpz to build upon the work of Jill Christmas, Occupational Therapist, who established this practice in 1989, thirty years ago.  Starjumpz is committed to pioneering new services for children and their families, with a vision for how new technologies and pioneering approaches with evidence based best practice can break new ground in helping children achieve their potential.

Our dynamic team of experts are passionate about helping children and supporting their parents, carers and teachers, and committed to working as a team where collectively so much more can be achieved.  The range of services we offer is expanding as more specialists join us. New services include Play Therapy, Counselling for children, Relationship and Family Therapy and Clinical Nutrition Consultancy.

In April 2014 we began to offer Neurofeedback treatment. Combining this with Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Nutritional Therapy and other services, increases the efficacy of treatment and accelerates progress. We are very excited by the results we are seeing with Neurofeedback combined with therapy. In 2017 we introduced the Alpha-Stim electrocranial therapy stimulation device which can be used in conjunction with Neurofeedback or by itself to treat insomnia and anxiety in children. The device can also be used by adults and is useful in the treatment of depression.

We believe that working in partnership with parents, carers and teachers is vital to achieve the best outcomes. We strive to inspire, empower and nuture the children we see at Starjumpz, to build their self-esteem, release their potential, learn new skills and strategies for success, and to support their health, well-being, and to enable them to enjoy their precious childhood.  Playing and having fun is at the heart of everything we do at Starjumpz.

As a Paediatric Occupational Therapist I have worked for 26 years in a variety of NHS and Independent settings including schools and Therapy Centres. I have experience working with children with a wide range of conditions including Sensory Processing Disorder, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Developmental Coordination Disorder DCD, Dyspraxia, Attachment Disorder, Developmental Trauma, Cerebral Palsy, mild to severe Learning Difficulties, multiple handicaps, visual perceptual disorders, handwriting problems and ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders) & ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder). I also have experience in the medico-legal area including the assessment of children for statements of special educational need.

I have been involved in setting up and developing occupational therapy services for children both privately and within some of the London health authorities. I have worked in South Africa and in Japan where I was chairman of Tokyo International Learning Community, a charity which was setting up a school for foreign children with special needs.

I live in Tunbridge Wells, Kent and I have four sons.

 

 

 

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS 

Anya Kennedy  Lead Paediatric Occupational Therapist

 

 

 

 

Lou Whitehorn

Independent Occupational Therapist and Neurofeedback practitioner

I qualified as an Occupational therapist  in 1980. I have worked extensively in the field of Paediatric Occupational therapy, assessing and treating children of all ages with a wide range of conditions. Prior to working at Starjumpz, I worked in the paediatric department at St Mary’s Roehampton and Hopscotch Childrens Therapy Centre in Harley Street London.
Earlier in my career I worked in neurology at Rivermeade Rehabitation Centre in Oxford and The Neurosurgical Unit at The Maudsley Hospital in London. I also worked for a period as a community Occupational Therapist for Camde, Hammersmith and Fulham and Westminster Social Services, treating adults and children with physical disabilities in the community. My work has also included the training of Occupational therapists and other professionals. Having trained with Jo Brett in Oxford, we have worked together for many years and now are enjoying building the team at Starjumpz.

I am passionate about my work which has included treating children and adolescents with a wide range of difficulties including Dyspraxia, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, DCD, adopted children, learning difficulties, Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy and complex needs.

I am trained in many therapeutic approaches including Sensory Integration Therapy and the Integrated Listening System. I am also a Neurofeedback practitioner and provide this therapy at Starjumpz.

Kim Hydle Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Melissa Purkis Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Lucy Brown Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Dr Deanna Gibbs  Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Tonya Potter  Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Sharon Armstrong Jones  Paediatric Occupational Therapist

  SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPISTS

Liz Van Graan   

Lead Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

I am a member of the Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP) and the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT). I am also recognised by the Health Professions Council (HPC).

I am always seeking new challenges to develop myself. I enjoy seeking solutions to problems and difficulties and supporting others through them. I like finding new ways to work to benefit my practice and my clients. I am happy working in a team but also work individually.

I am experienced in working with a wide range of children including children on the Autistic Spectrum ASD, PMLD profound and multiple learning difficulties, Dyspraxia, articulation disorders, and children with language delay. I have worked with children with Dysphagia setting up eating and drinking programmes.  I have experience of running Lego therapy and other social communication skill groups.

I have experience in assessment of children for EHCP plans and in tribunal work. I also work as a legal intermediary, assessing vulnerable witnesses, with or without difficulties to inform and suport the police during interview. I also support witnesses during court proceedings whilst giving evidence.

I have experience working within both schools and nurseries.

Clare Lucas                         

Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist

 

 

 

 

 

Florence Fanthome- Hodgson   Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist

 

 

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Dr Niccie Le Roux

Dr Tanya Mellor

PLAY THERAPISTS

PLAY THERAPY, COUNSELLING & CBT FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

Pete Naude

H.E.D QTS, B.A Counselling, P.G. Cert. Therapeutic Play Skills, P.G. Dip. Play Therapy, P.Q. Cert. Clinical Supervision, Dip. CBT/REBT

Pete originally trained as a teacher in South Africa in 2001 before moving to the UK. He worked in teaching for 13 years. Through his work, he recognised that a lot of the children and teenagers whom he taught had emotional and mental health needs and that these were just as important as their educational needs. His passion on the topic inspired him to further his training and become a counsellor. He received his BA in counselling in 2012 in person centred therapy, and then went on to train in Therapeutic Play Skills in 2014, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in 2018.

Pete has worked with children, teenagers and adults on a wide range of therapeutic disciplines including:

• anxiety difficulties
• attachment
• stress
• self-esteem issues
• interpersonal relationship difficulty
• depression
• emotional abuse
• behavioural restructuring
• trauma
• grief counselling

Peet is also a trained Anxiety UK and Crisis Line counseller, as well as a certified clinical supervisor, and is Currently undertaking advanced level training in CBT. He is a member of the Accredited Play and Creative Arts Therapistist (PTUK), The National Counselling Society (NCS), and the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT).

Elizabeth Wickham

Viv Whitby

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Elke Mondeh    Paediatric Physiotherapist

I have 28 years experience working as a Physiotherapist specialising in Paediatrics in a variety of settings. In addition to working at Starjumpz, I currently work at the Cromwell Hospital in London, as well as working for the West Sussex Community Trust in a special school. I have worked with Starjumpz and formerly Christmas Children’s Clinic for more than seven years. I work closely with parents and teachers in order to maximise the benefit of therapeutic input and I enjoy working within a multidisciplinary team.

My experience includes:

• General Paediatric Physiotherapy based on neuro-developmental intervention covering a variety of conditions;
• Cerebral Palsy and any diagnosed and undiagnosed  syndromes
• Global and developmental delay
• Orthopaedic problems
• Juvenile Arthritis
• Dyspraxia
• Experience of treating SDR (selective dorsal rhizotomy)  including use of Functional Electric Stimulation and Galileo Therapy to strengthen muscles and close working relationship with Paediatric Orthotist for appropriate provision of orthotics post-surgery.

• Galileo therapy to enhance bone density and counteract Osteoporosis in children with Cerebral Palsy and Brittle Bone Disease
• Assessment for suitability of Lycra garment as part of treatment
• Integration of Sensory Integration in order to enhance sensory processing in children with reduced and less physiological gross motor mobility  which is the case for all children with the diagnosis within the Cerebral Palsy spectrum
• Access to advanced and intensive Sensory Integration at Starjumps if need is identified
• Occupational Therapy/ Physiotherapy joint assessment / treatment

I am experienced  in a wide range of therapeutic approaches including the Bobath neurodevelopmental therapy, Psychometric Treatment, Sensory Integration Therapy, Dyspraxia, Othotics, MOVETraining and treatment of Neonatal Clubfeet. Muscular Skeletal approaches; Manual Therapy, Functional Kinetics, Scoliosis Treatments by Lehnert-Schroth and Vojta, Myofascial Release. Electrotherapy treatment; Advanced FES by Otto Bock, FES for facial paralysis.

Other approaches; Reflective Breathing by Scharschuch-Haase, Stemmfuehrung by Brunkow, PNF Foundation Course, Halliwick Hydrotherapy,  Feldenkrais, Reflexology,  Kinesiotaping. I have studied Acupuncture completing a Foundation Course

The professional memberships include: 

• British Association of Bobath trained Physiotherapists
• Medico-Legal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists
• Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology
• Sensory Integration Network

Jane Stewart-Parry.   Paediatric Physiotherapist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER

Dr Liz Corcoran

CLINICAL NUTRITIONISTS

Abir Hamza-Goodacre  

Clinical Nutritionist & Naturopath BSc (Hons), MSc, mBANT, CNHC Registered

Abir has over 10 years’ experience in the field of nutrition and offers a personalised, evidence­ based approach to health through Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine. Abir’s areas of special interest are gut health, nutrition interventions for children with developmental challenges, autoimmunity, Type 2 Diabetes, energy disorders and health issues associated with lifestyle factors such as stress and poor sleep.

Abir offers private consultations and nutrition and lifestyle packages. She also designs and delivers nutrition/cooking courses and talks at schools and businesses. She gained her degree in Nutritional Therapy from the University of Wet London and also holds an MSc in international poverty and aid work, specialising in community-based projects. Last year, she was appointed Director or Community & Partnerships at the British Association of Applied Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy (SANT), and was also awarded the Volunteer of the Year. Abir is also a 200-hr YogaWorks Certified Instructor.

BEHAVIOURAL SUPPORT & CONSULTANCY

Julia Underwood       Positive Behaviour Practitioner & ABA specialist

ADULT COUNSELLING & Walk and Talk Therapy

Sarah- Jane Sellors

Counsellor

PARENTING CONSULTANT

Sarah Weller   Positive Parenting Coach

Sarah is a Family Relationship Coach who is a qualified and experienced Parenting Consultant, Coach and Certified NLP Practitioner .

Qualifications

Certified NLP Practitioner & Member of ANLP

Accredited Life Coaching Diploma

Engage to Change: Making a difference in Homelessness

Certificate in Autism & PDA studies

Registered Practitioner for The Circle of Security International: A relationship building and attachment based programme

Licensed Trainer for MIND Fitness & Mental Health 1^st Aider (Mental Health Foundation)

Sarah’s coaching approach is completely holistic, to ensure that the needs of the whole family are met, parents and children. So during the process of helping parents unwrap what is going on underneath the surface of children’s behaviour, Sarah helps parents reflect on their own relationship needs. Sarah coaches couples and co-parents  to strengthen their communication and create more confidence in parenting using a range of therapeutic approaches including NLP, Transactional Analysis, Positive Psychology, CBT and Attachment based interventions. Sarah has a particular interest and expertise in successfully supporting families with neuro-divergent children.

Sarah has many years of experience and training for her roles in supporting young people and families in the Mental Health and Homelessness sectors. She is passionate about Mental Wellbeing for the whole family. She is an experienced Licenced Trainer for MIND Fitness and a Mental Health Youth First Aider. As a result she is also able to offer Life Coaching and Mentoring to troubled teens to boost their confidence and self-esteem.

Sarah has been married for 30 years to Paul and is a Mother of 4 children, now in their twenties.

CONSULTANT AUDIOLOGIST

Dr Jay Jindal  AuD. FSHAA. Consultant Audiologist

Dr Jindal has a doctorate degree in audiology with more than 14 years of NHS/private experience. This includes working at most of the super-speciality NHS audiology clinics in London. He sees children and adults of all age groups for earwax removal and hearing, tinnitus, and balance issues. He has access to state-of-art facilities and equipment to provide an extremely high-quality care, customised to individual needs and preferences.

Jay is one of the country’s leading audiology practitioner and brings with him a plethora of experience in both NHS and private audiology sectors. He has also gained very important international experience in India and United States to compliment his specialist knowledge in assessment and management of hearing, tinnitus, auditory processing, as well as balance disorders.

Jay’s addition to our clinic has led us to start the much-needed paediatric audiology and auditory processing disorder assessment service. He is happy to see all age groups- newborn babies, children, and adults. In fact, the youngest person he has seen in his clinic was a-week-old baby and the oldest person was a 106 years old gentleman.

Jay can offer the following services for children and adults at Starjumpz:

• Hearing assessment for children (0-16 years) and adults
• A comprehensive Hearing Care Package including latest digital hearing aids for children (0-18 years) and adults
• Ear wax removal via microsuction (3 months-16 years) and adults
• Auditory processing disorder assessment for children (5-18 years) and adults
• Tinnitus assessment, information, and advice
• Noise protection devices, DIY plugs, swim plus, music plugs and sleep plugs for all age groups
• Balance and/or dizziness assessment for children (7-18 years) and adults

Jay is a member of a prestigious fitness-to-practice panel of the regulator of his profession, Health and Care Professions Council. He is professional development consultant for the UK audiology professional body, British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists. He is also involved in writing and contributing to the UK national guidance on audiology topic via his membership of Professional Guidance Group of British Society of Audiologists.

Jay has many national and international publications to his credit. He has written several popular blog articles on audiology topics. He is also invited to speak on audiology related topics by various national and international universities and conferences.

 INTEGRAL EYE MOVEMENT THERAPY IEMT & NEURO LINGUISTIC PRACTITIONER  (NLP)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joanna Harris – NLP & IEMT Practitioner, Naturopath and Trainer Member of the Associate for NLP (ANLP) and the Association for IEP

Joanna has considerable experience helping children and young people make positive changes in their lives and general wellbeing with Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT). Joanna studied Early Childhood Development and has her experience includes working with Primary schools and local authorities. She now runs a private therapy practice and NLP training courses in Sussex, as well as working alongside Starjumpz.

Joanna works with children, parents and carers to find a more resourceful way of doing things and to help children move forward easily. NLP can transform relationships, improve communication, confidence and understanding, and enhance learning skills and strategies. 

Joanna is also trained in IEMT, an extension of NLP, which can help people overcome difficult past experiences and memories.

DYSLEXIA SPECIALIST

Michelle MacGrath.

STARJUMPZ ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Melanie Perks    PRACTICE MANAGER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becky Day      ASSISTANT PRACTICE MANAGER AND CLINICAL ASSISTANT

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caroline Blythe           ASSISTANT PRACTICE MANAGER

 Jordan Ayling           Practice Management Office Assistant

Becka Edmonds        Practice Management Office Assistant

Leyla Owen                 Practive Management Office Assistant

Amanda Biddle        Finance Manager