our team

the future steps family

CLINIC Team

Claire
McWade

Occupational Therapist
- Clinic Lead

  • Claire believes in a future that is brighter than the present- full of hope, equal opportunities and a happy, safe place for everyone. 

  • Originally from South Africa, Claire completed her BSc in Human Movement Science and Microbiology before pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy. She has worked in public and private hospitals, serving both adult and pediatric populations with neurological, physical, and cognitive challenges, as well as in private clinics and schools in South Africa and Dubai.

    Claire is certified in Ayres Sensory Integration and is an SOS-trained feeding therapist specializing in Early Years intervention. At Future Steps, she has found opportunities to grow her passion as a pediatric occupational therapist and loves celebrating each child's achievements.

    BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

    BSc in Microbiology and Human Kinetics and Ergonomics

    Sensory Integration Levels 1, 2 & 3

    SOS Approach to Feeding

    Sensory Babies

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

Chloe
Wood

Occupational
Therapist

  • Chloe believes in a future that can provide every child access to the support they need without barriers or obstruction.

  • Chloe began her journey into occupational therapy at Teesside University, where she pursued her undergraduate degree. During her studies, she gained valuable experience as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Mental Health, which equipped her with transferable skills for her current role.

    With a strong passion for working with children, Chloe was excited to join the Future Steps team. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and support to all her clients. Since becoming part of Future Steps, Chloe has further enhanced her knowledge through Sensory Integration Education and looks forward to her career's future developments.

    BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

    Sensory Integration Level 1

    Sensory Integration Level 2

Lauren
Davis

Occupational Therapy
Apprentice

  • 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 currently pursuing her Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship. Her passion for making a positive impact in children’s lives inspired her career change, focusing on helping them engage in meaningful activities. She is also undergoing Sensory Integration Training to enhance her skills.

    In her role, Lauren assists therapists during treatments and creatively prepares the clinic for clients. 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

Erin
Cavanagh

Occupational Therapy
Assistant

  • Erin believes in a future that provides a more equal opportunity for acceptance. Where support is more accessible and accepted.

  • Erin has nearly 20 years of experience in childcare and education, during which she has developed skills in Makaton, Sensory Integration, and Rebound Therapy, particularly in a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school. She is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play at Chichester University and the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy.

    Her journey began with a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education, leading to work in the private sector as a Home Carer, supporting families in Northumberland and Newcastle. Erin then focused on families with children who have Special Educational Needs, providing support in their homes. She furthered her education with a foundation degree from Northumbria University and a BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies, concentrating on trauma-informed practice and adverse childhood experiences.

    Now, as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Future Steps, Erin is excited to learn and enhance her skills while supporting the children and families served by the organisation.

    BA (Hons) Childhood Studies

    Trainee Therapeutic Play Practitioner

    Makaton Level 4

    Rebound Therapy Level 2

Lauren
Hutchinson

Occupational
Therapist

  • Lauren believes in a future that is filled with opportunities to support growth, empower individuality, and achieve fullest potential.

  • Lauren has a background in administration, but decided to pursue a career that allows her to be part of helping people reach their potential. Lauren’s academic journey began with a BSc in Psychology, which provided her with a strong understanding of human behaviour and development, followed by an MSc in Occupational Therapy, where she has developed the skills to support individuals in achieving their goals. Lauren has a particular passion for working with children, as she finds each person unique and enjoys the opportunity to tailor interventions to their individual needs.

SERVICES TO EDUCATION
Team

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.

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.

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.

Charlene
Minto

Occupational
Therapist

  • Charlene believes in a future where all children are accepted, respected and celebrated for who they are as an individual.

  • Charlene graduated with a first-class honours BSc degree in Occupational Therapy. She feels fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team that is passionate about the futures of the young people they support every day. At Future Steps, each day is rewarding as they witness the progress of the families they assist.

    Charlene is committed to her role as a pediatric occupational therapist and strives to provide the highest level of care. In her spare time, she enjoys trail running and traveling the world with her family.

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.

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.

Emma
Baines

Occupational
Therapist

  • Emma believes in a future where sensory integration will be more well known and will support those who have sensory processing disorder throughout childhood, adulthood and their careers.

  • Emma has always been passionate about supporting others on their life journeys, a drive that was ignited after experiencing a lack of independence due to a road accident at the age of four. This personal experience motivated her to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy, culminating in a degree from Northumbria University.

    At Future Steps, Emma works primarily within the Community Team, providing therapeutic interventions and training for educators in various local schools. She is dedicated to delivering the highest level of service and care to students, families, and educators, and finds great joy in collaborating with them.

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.

Clare
Bayntun

Occupational
Therapist

  • Claire believes in a future where individuals are supported to build confidence, independence and a sense of belonging

  •  

    Working in an educational environment made Clare realise her passion for working with and supporting children and young people more directly, which led Clare to undertake a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

    Clare finds it very rewarding to share her knowledge and experience of how occupational therapy and sensory integration enhances inclusion, participation and enjoyment in daily activities, education, and wellbeing.

    Clare looks forward to each day knowing the huge contribution Future Steps makes to young people, families, and educators.

TRAUMA INFORMED SUPPORT Team (future families)

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.

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

Lauren
Davis

Occupational Therapy
Apprentice

  • 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 currently pursuing her Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship. Her passion for making a positive impact in children’s lives inspired her career change, focusing on helping them engage in meaningful activities. She is also undergoing Sensory Integration Training to enhance her skills.

    In her role, Lauren assists therapists during treatments and creatively prepares the clinic for clients. 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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kelsey
Nettleton

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.

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.

Amy
Gleeson

Administrator- Clinic

  • Amy believes in a future where every child is understood.

  • With over 17 years of experience in administration and customer service roles within the banking and IT sectors, Amy ensures the smooth operation of the clinic at Future Steps. She takes pride in working for a company dedicated to helping children through impactful therapy that positively influences their futures.

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.

Laura
Graham

Service Advisor- Future Families

  • Laura believes in a future that supports and enriches the lives of our youth, encouraging a brighter future for us all.

  • Laura has over 16 years of experience within the public sector, covering a range of roles within administration and customer service. Laura loves to work within a team that genuinely helps people and enriches their lives. Laura works within the Future Families Admin team supporting clients, families and social workers. Laura enjoys the change that this role has brought her, supporting every family, child and young person that we work with.

Joanna
Hunter

Administrator- Clinic

  • Jo believes in a future where every child has access to the support they need.

  • Joanna joined Future Steps as an Office Administrator and brings a wealth of experience from various administrative roles in both the public and private sectors. In her fast-paced and diverse role, she enjoys supporting the fantastic team at Future Steps in making a positive difference to the families they work with.

Johanna
Hughes

Administrator- Services to Education

  • Johanna believes in a future that is uplifting and strives for success.

  • Johanna’s working history has entailed extensive amounts of administrative and secretarial support with experience in the education, medical and retail industries.

    At Future Steps, Johanna liaises between schools and our therapy team to ensure the smooth running of our services. Johanna feels to be involved in helping make a positive impact to children and their families is a great achievement and feels extremely privileged to be part of such a passionate and dedicated team.