Team
Management Team & Staff
Jenny Haylock, MA, DSL
Founder & CEO
Founder, CEO, BAPT registered Play Therapist, Supervisor, VIG Practitioner and Therapeutic
Parenting Trainer with adoption support, attachment and developmental trauma specialism.
Jenny has worked locally for many years with extensive knowledge of problems families
face. She is a passionate advocate for children believing every child has the right to access
the help they need. Jenny enjoys long walks, photography and visiting remote Scottish
Islands, searching for puffins. Whilst exploring Shetland, contemplating puffins, the vision
for The Purple Elephant Project took shape!
Jane Pickerden
Head of Therapy Services
Jane is an independent children's social worker, and has worked in the public sector for the past 10 years. She has worked with children and young people living in care, as well as with families who have adopted children or who care for children under a special guardianship arrangement. As a result, Jane has seen how loss and trauma can impact children and families and knows how it is vital to have consistent and appropriate mental wellbeing support. Jane believes that supporting families as a unit is essential to help children grow up to lead happy and healthy lives.
Carol Fraser
Centre Manager
Carol brings expertise in business administration, mental health advocacy, and holistic wellbeing to The Purple Elephant Project. With a background in community engagement and operations, she supports children and families facing emotional challenges.
She has worked across corporate, healthcare, and charitable sectors, specializing in strategic planning and volunteer management. Passionate about nutrition and herbal medicine, she promotes food and nature’s healing power.
Carol has led organic food-growing projects in London and volunteers at WEST Youth Zone, running Health & Wellbeing workshops. She enjoys cooking, writing, bouldering, and practicing QiGong.
Clayton Anderson
Trust Fundraising Manager
Clayton has over 17 years of experience working with charities in support roles, on the front line and as a consultant.
Clayton has generated over £2.8 million for charities , primarily via grant and trust fundraising. He is able to draw on a wealth of experience, not only in fundraising but in other roles including researching and developing, budget, event and project management, training design and delivery, networking.
Clayton believes that everyone should have the opportunity to be treated equally and fairly and given opportunity to resolve any situations they find themselves in.
Outside of work, Clayton runs a football group for people that are as bad as he is but enjoys it nonetheless! He has a love of old Italian cars and enjoys going to gigs to see live music.
Nina Bradburn
Fundraising Consultant
Nina brings a wealth of experience in corporate sales, early years education, and the charity sector. After her first child was born with long-term health issues, she turned her sales skills to fundraising—raising over £100,000 through marathons and events for causes close to her heart. Having seen the impact of mental health challenges in her own family, Nina is passionate about The Purple Elephant Project’s mission. She’s excited to use her board and fundraising expertise to support local children and families. Outside of fundraising, Nina enjoys pilates, dog walks, travel, and time with loved ones.
Michelle Cottle
Fundraising Manager
Michelle brings a diverse range of expertise and skills from her background as an academic researcher, lecturer, and primary teacher. Prior to joining the Purple Elephant Project team, Michelle spent 16 years engaged in research and income generation, project and event management, and stakeholder engagement in higher education. With a PhD that examines creative practice in primary schools, Michelle is a committed advocate for children's wellbeing and creativity, the importance of play, and community support. Beyond her professional pursuits, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new destinations, and indulging her passion for music and writing.
Rebecca Mills
Centre Coordinator
Rebecca has worked in various roles within retail buying and licensing at a number of leading brands and more recently she set up her own lifestyle business. She obtained a Psychology degree at University and has always been interested in the positive impact different therapies can have, which has led her to go on and study counselling.
She hopes to be able to support the Purple Elephant Project to enable it to grow and benefit even more children.
In her spare time, Rebecca loves to practice yoga and pilates and enjoys long walks with family and friends.
Therapists
We are fortunate to have a wonderful team of therapists who are dedicated to delivering our services to the community
Tracey Harrison
Play Therapist
Tracey has worked with children for more than 25 years, and is passionate about supporting those who are most vulnerable. Before qualifying as a play therapist and Theraplay-based practitioner, she worked as a learning support assistant, teacher, SENDCO and nurture group teacher. Tracey has a MA in Play Therapy from the University of Roehampton and is a registered member of BAPT. She understands the importance of working with the child, family and supporting professionals. She endeavours to build relationships built on honesty and a genuine desire to work collaboratively. She believes all children should have the opportunity to realise their potential and enjoys enabling children to gain confidence and autonomy.
Claire Mitchell
Play Therapist
Prior to achieving a Masters in Play Therapy, Claire was a Development Manager for the NSPCC working
with ChildLine and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) gaining insight into issues
impacting children today. She has a range of experience working therapeutically with children and families
who have experienced trauma, neglect, bereavement and loss, sexual abuse, behavioural concerns, and
those in foster care or looked after. She has experience in Therapeutic Life story work; Marschak
Interaction Method (child/parent relationship assessment) and Theraplay.
Kate Farrow
Play Therapist
Having worked with children in educational settings over the last 8 years, Kate is passionate about supporting the emotional wellbeing of children and helping them to reach their full potential. Kate has worked with children with varying levels of verbal communication in both Special Educational Needs and mainstream schools. This has helped her to recognise the importance of play as a way for every child to explore their emotions and to communicate their needs. Kate has a master’s degree in Play Therapy from Roehampton University and is a BAPT registered Play Therapist.
Charlene Fernandes
Play Therapist
A BAPT registered play therapist with experience in working therapeutically with children and families who have experienced trauma, bereavement and loss, abuse, self-harm and suicidal ideation. She has experience working with children who have profound and multiple complex needs, and is very aware that children need to be listened to and heard in both their verbal and nonverbal communications. ‘I love that play can transcend barriers and I am so passionate about being with children through some of their difficult experiences, and nurturing that sense of self belief, self-worth, autonomy and empowerment’.
Ailbhe Howard
Play Therapist
Ailbhe has ten years' experience working with children providing Play Therapy for those with a range of
communication and emotional needs in a variety of settings. She has a master’s degree in Play Therapy
from Roehampton University and is a registered member of BAPT. Ailbhe is passionate about her work and
says she particularly enjoys giving every child and family the opportunity for space, expression and support.
She believes that "every child is wonderful in their uniqueness and that Play Therapy allows for the
celebration of this through a child-centred approach".
Tracy Evans
Play Therapist
Tracy is a BAPT registered Play Therapist with over ten years’ experience of working with children. As a teaching assistant, Tracy experienced a high level of need in children struggling with their emotions and feelings. These experiences led to a deeper interest in supporting children with their mental health. After gaining a degree in Psychology, Tracy trained as a Play Therapist at Roehampton University. Tracy feels it is a unique privilege to join each child throughout their play therapy journey, which provides the optimum therapeutic space and time they need.
Charlotte Cowley
Play Therapist
Charlotte has over 10 years of experience working with children and young people in a variety of roles. Completing her Bachelors in Education with Psychology at the University of Bath, where she engaged in a placement at a Creative therapeutic centre, she became passionate about working therapeutically with children and supporting their families. Charlotte completed an MA in Play Therapy at the University of Roehampton, qualifying as a registered BAPT Play Therapist. ‘I find it a privilege to enter a child’s world through play and be alongside them as they work to understand and navigate their experiences in a space where they can innately express themselves
Sam Boyle
Play Therapist
A BAPT registered Play Therapist and MBACP. A practitioner in Child- Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) and DDP (L1). I am passionate about my work offering evidence-based therapeutic mental health support for children and young adults who struggle to communicate their problems with traditional types of therapy. I provide specialist support to families and schools utilising trauma informed approaches to build on attachments and relationships. I believe working in partnership is at the centre of supporting every child’s mental well-being and development.
Gráinne Nash Farrai
Play Therapist
A BAPT registered Play Therapist with an interest in children’s care and
development. Her commitment to helping children achieve their potential led to 15
years’ experience in primary teaching reinforcing her belief in the importance and
therapeutic value of play. Understanding the significance of play in social and
emotional well-being prompted a Masters in Play Therapy. Her new career enables
her to support children and families holistically as she works with those experiencing
anxiety, low self-esteem, loss, attachment difficulties, domestic abuse and
developmental trauma.
Leoni Lombarrd
Play Therapist
Watch this space info coming soon
Matt Knight
Play Therapist
Matt is a BAPT registered Play Therapist with a Masters degree from the University of Roehampton. He has over 10 years experience working with children in a range of different educational settings. Prior to training as a Play Therapist, Matt has worked as a teacher in both mainstream and specialist settings. Within these roles, he has seen how play can facilitate and strengthen relationships and allow children to express their creativity. As a Play Therapist, Matt is passionate about giving a voice to children and supporting their emotional wellbeing.
Laura Reader
Play Therapist
Laura has completed a Masters in Play Therapy from the University of Roehampton and is a registered member of BAPT. Laura has an undergraduate degree in Social Policy from the University of Bristol which relates to social issues including human wellbeing. During her play therapy training, she spent two years at a large primary school where she completed her placement. She worked with children who experienced anxiety, school difficulties, low self-esteem, and had witnessed domestic abuse. Laura says, ‘play therapy is such a rewarding career and enables children to access a safe space to share their inner worlds and process their difficult life experiences.’ Prior to her Masters, Laura has experience working with children with autism at a charity providing early years support for pre-schoolers and their families.
Victoria Niles
Play Therapist
Vicki is a BAPT registered play therapist with over 25 years of experience working with children, young people and their families. Her teaching background, in mainstream, PRU and special schools, has equipped her with a unique understanding of the challenges children may face and the importance of collaboration with educators, parents, and other professionals.
Vicki's passion for play therapy stems from her belief in its power to enhance emotional health and well-being. She has a Masters degree from the University of Roehampton. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive space where children can express themselves freely and feel valued.
Archana Chatterjee
Play Therapist
A BAPT-registered Play Therapist, passionate about emotionally supporting children and families
through adoption, trauma, neglect, abuse, ASD and anxiety. Previous human rights work for global
charities meeting vulnerable communities led to wanting to support families to thrive, rather than
cope. She has worked in local and specialist schools, leading interventions, providing 1:1 support and
mentoring refugee students. 'For me, the beauty of Play Therapy is connecting with a child in many
ways; play, draw, music and dance to explore feelings and feel better about who they are."
Harriet Bingley
Play Therapist
Harriet is a BAPT-registered play therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children and families in educational settings. This experience highlighted to her the importance of supporting the emotional wellbeing of children. Harriet believes every child is unique and that play therapy can provide the opportunity and space for children to express their feelings in a safe, child-led way. Harriet has a Masters degree in play therapy from the University of Roehampton.
Sarah Foster
Play Therapist
Before becoming a Play Therapist, Sarah spent 18 years supporting children’s learning and emotional wellbeing in a primary school setting. She worked one-on-one and in small groups with children facing challenges such as trauma, loss, anxiety, anger, social difficulties, or low self-esteem. A child-centred holistic therapist, Sarah values building strong relationships with families and professionals. As a Parent-Child Attachment Play Practitioner, she empowers parents to strengthen bonds with their children. Sarah provides a safe, therapeutic space where children can explore emotions, express themselves through play and creativity, and embark on a journey toward healing and positive change.
Gemma Kelly
Art Therapist
Gemma is a practising artist and qualified Art Psychotherapist, registered with BAAT and HCPC. She has worked in social care for over 2 decades, and brings a commitment and passion to improving people’s lives - providing a safe space for each unique child to explore and express their inner world and improve their mental wellbeing. As a sculptor herself, Gemma, understands the power of the creative process in helping people to uncover their deepest feelings and emotions, and to reveal what is not easy to put into words. She particularly enjoys helping children and young people to experience the freedom to explore their previously hidden world.
Maria Britto
Play Therapist
Maria is passionate about making a difference in children's lives. Originally from Brazil, she left a career in logistics to move to England and pursue her lifelong passion for child psychology. She earned a Master’s in Play Therapy with distinction from the University of Roehampton and holds a qualification in Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT). Trained in Carl Rogers’ Child-Centered approach, she integrates humanistic, psychodynamic, and Jungian principles. With over ten years of experience in schools, Maria works therapeutically with children facing trauma. A BAPT member, she offers play therapy in English and Portuguese, embracing cultural sensitivity and attachment-focused care.
Claire Crosby
Art Therapist
Claire, a registered Art Therapist with BAAT and HCPC, considers being trusted to hear peoples stories a huge privilege. She is passionate about supporting young people, working in schools with those experiencing trauma, anger, bereavement, low self-esteem and ASD. Her passion is rooted within creativity, strongly believing in the strength art can bring to help with communication. Claire is excited to use various art materials that speak most clearly and are most satisfying in the moment. As we are surrounded by images, colour and shape; it is interesting to consider how we orientate ourselves amongst that, and how we use and feel about it. Art therapy is allowing the art process to unravel and the medium to support and challenge or help reveal thoughts
Rachel Meyrick
Play Therapist
Rachel is a BAPT-registered play therapist with an MA in Play Therapy from Roehampton University. She previously worked in theatre, producing and performing in adult and children’s productions, and has extensive experience running theatre-based programs for children. Rachel also holds an MA in Mission and Children, focusing on early childhood spirituality, play, and pre-birth attachment. She is a trustee of CURBS, supporting children in marginalized communities. She works for a play therapy organization in East London and has experience in children’s bereavement services and primary schools. Rachel is passionate about nurturing children’s creativity and supporting their families.
Trustees
We are delighted to be supported by a dedicated trustee team who oversee the running of The Purple Elephant Project and provide valuable advice and experience
Ali Newman
Chair of Trustees
As an accountant Ali has worked in senior finance roles across many businesses. She brings a wealth of commercial experience as well as being an effective Chair, having led the Big Issue Foundation Board for six years. From her work with the homeless Ali knows how important early interventions are for children and their families, enabling them to overcome challenges and lead happier lives. Her knowledge of charity governance and ability to build successful businesses will support PEP to grow sustainably, delivering more services to more children. Ali finds happiness in travelling, rowing, running, walking her dog and spending time with her two adult children and her husband.
Andrew King
Safeguarding Trustee
Andrew is an education consultant and former headteacher of
two contrasting schools working with a diverse range of
communities. He has worked as a senior inspector and advisor
for local authorities, managing projects and supporting
headteachers and governors in a wide range of primary,
secondary and special schools. In addition, he has worked in
OfSTED teams inspecting schools. Andrew has a specialist
interest in primary school mathematics and has written and
edited series of books for publishers such as Cambridge
University Press. Music is a passion and in his spare time he
loves performing whenever and wherever he can!
Verity Linnell
Finance Trustee
Verity is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Chief Financial Officer. Verity has worked in several senior Finance roles across consumer goods businesses and also supported a number of charities in both the children’s mental health space and support of the elderly. In her spare time she likes to swim, enjoy some sunshine and spend time with her husband and two young children.
Dianne Crowther
Trustee
Dianne is a qualified solicitor and has over 20 years of in-house experience providing a range of legal advice across a range of industries including technology and charities. She is excited to bring this knowledge to the Purple Elephant to help expand access to therapies for more children. Dianne has two young children, and in her spare time, enjoys spending time with friends, and exploring the local area on foot (and scooters!)
Kate Walker
Trustee
Kate has worked as an HR Director in a number of charities over 20 years, both as an employee and when running her own business. She has two adult children and is passionate about supporting families to give the best possible opportunities to their own children . She has worked as a volunteer for many years in a primary school with children from challenging backgrounds who need additional emotional support.
Pete Mills
Trustee
Pete Mills joined The Purple Elephant Project as a trustee in September 2024. He previously served as a trustee for The Big Issue Foundation (2017-2022). As Managing Director of SmartResponse Media, a direct response TV advertising agency he co-founded in Central London, Pete brings over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, and retail, holding board roles in high-growth companies. His core focus is on problem-solving and building strong organisations. A lifelong Londoner, Pete enjoys spending time with his family, socializing with friends, skiing, staying fit, following Chelsea FC, and playing the drums.
Becky Wood
Trustee
Becky joined PEP as a Trustee in August 2024. A qualified Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineers, she brings over 20 years of experience in financing, leading, and delivering major infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally. Specialising in public transport, Becky has also held senior roles in the health sector and served as a Non-Executive on boards, including Transport for London and Royal British Legion Industries. Passionate about supporting PEP’s impactful work, she is excited to collaborate with Jenny and the team. In her spare time, Becky enjoys sea swimming and exploring wildlife with her family.