Anna has been with Jump Start from its early beginnings and is the main point of contact for any finance queries.  She specialises in working with commissioners and local authority teams to provide assistance with EHCP provisions and Adoption Support Fund applications.  Anna also leads on our policies, health and safety, mandatory training and she takes the bookings for our training courses, such as Sensory Attachment Intervention. Anna also encourages and assists our own team of staff to expand their areas of expertise and develop their clinical skills. 

After graduating from Edinburgh University, with a first-class Masters degree in Geography and Social Anthropology, Anna worked for 10 years in London as a television researcher and producer, mainly in current affairs. Jump Start offers Anna the opportunity for varied work in a developing and stimulating environment. She strongly believes in putting children and their families first and recognises the benefits that our specialist therapies can bring to children and their families. 

In addition to running her busy household of 3 boys, Anna has also volunteered at Colchester Women’s Refuge, was a member of Kelvedon & Feering Preschool Committee, and she currently works with the charity Home Start as a volunteer to support families in times of need.

Lesley joined Jump Start in April 2019, having spent the previous 7 years working for a NHS service for children who have a diagnosed moderate to severe learning disability. She also worked with families to assess and manage the child’s behaviour. It was in this role that she undertook training in Sensory Integration, gaining a Post Graduate Certificate from Ulster University. Working in this role taught Lesley how to assess children who are not able to complete standardised assessments. This focused upon clinical observations, discussions with caregivers and spending time engaging the child in sensory play activities.

Lesley has a previous degree in Anthropology and Cultural Studies and a BSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Essex, as a newly qualified Occupational Therapist she worked within a mental health team.

Following this training Lesley developed an interest in the complexities of family dynamics and trauma and how these impact on a child’s ability to function. This interest led her to complete the Sensory Attachment Level 1 course, DMM Training (Dynamic-Maturational Model) of attachment and adaption at the Tavistock and she has undertaken the ‘Just Right State’ Programme in June 2019.

Since joining the Jump Start team Lesley has undertaken Sensory Attachment Assessments, direct sensory and emotional regulation intervention with children both at the clinic and within their home environment. Lesley is passionate about educating others and supporting caregivers to gain a greater understanding of their child’s nervous system. She is interested in developing ways in which people can adapt their environment and their bodies through exercise, giving them the sensory feedback they require throughout their day.

Naomi joined Jump Start from South Africa where she ran the occupational department of a mental health hospital for children and adolescents. Naomi has worked internationally in Australia and the UK. She has 36 years of experience.
Naomi is registered as an Occupational Therapist with the HCPC. She is trained in Sensory Integration and Sensory Attachment Intervention. Further she is an Australian accredited Transpersonal Art Therapist and Counsellor and is currently studying Psychodrama under Kate Tauvon and Clark Biam.

Her main interests include how development and life experiences influence an individual becoming who they are; how they respond because of that on an emotional and practical level in relationships and the other spheres of life. She has an holistic approach and sees the body as a main source of information towards integration. She believes that play provides a good platform for connection and interaction. She values the strength of nature in healing and the power of storytelling through imagery. She believes in embodiment towards cognitive understanding. She enjoys using sandplay and movement as tools to accomplish that.

She loves animals, wild swimming and reading.

Ciara joined Jump Start Therapy Centre in February 2021 as a Occupational therapist with sensory integration level training 2 Ciara is currently completing sensory integration level 3.   Ciara has been qualified for 9 years and has experience in forensic mental health, Adult mental health and most recently Ciara worked in a child and adolescent mental health ward for children and young people with complex needs including those with autism and learning disabilities. Within Ciara’s most recent role she worked very closely with young people with ASD, learning disabilities and complex trauma histories which led her to complete further training in sensory integration to learn more about how best to support them.   Ciara also has experience of applying Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) principles within my work with young people.  Ciara has worked both for the NHS and private companies throughout her career thus far.

Laura is a qualified, HCPC registered Occupational Therapist who joined Jump Start in 2023. Laura is currently completing levels 1-3 Sensory Integration (SI) training with Jump Start and will be completing Sensory Attachment Intervention Training.

Laura qualified from the University of East Anglia in 2021 with a first class degree in Bsc Occupational Therapy. Since qualifying Laura has worked within the charity sector working as Deputy Manager and Occupational Therapist for women experiencing crisis and their families. From there she worked as the Occupational Therapy Lead within Children’s Social Services with children on the edge of care and their families. Laura also has experience working within youth centres and with children and young people with complex presentations including autism, ADHD, mental health needs, substance misuse, youth justice experience, developmental conditions and learning disabilities.

For Jump Start, Laura works within Special Needs schools and within the Jump Start Clinic to conduct sensory assessments and facilitate Sensory Integration Intervention. 

Laura brings a wealth of experience working within the mental health charity sector.  She specialises in supporting children and young people with mental health needs. Laura is additionally trained in Attachment Based Practice for Families and trained in Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP), a coaching model designed specifically for children and young people.

Outside of work Laura enjoys art, going to the gym, coaching gymnastics, any outdoor activities (from hiking up mountains to rock climbing), and designing bespoke and personalised OT resources for children, young people and their families.

Jenni is an Occupational Therapist who joined Jump Start in January 2023. Jenni has level 1 Sensory Integration (SI) and is currently completing level 2 and 3 with Jump Start. Jenni will be completing Sensory Attachment Intervention training this Summer and also hopes to  complete EcoSensory training. 

Jenni qualified from Cardiff University in 2018. Since qualifying Jenni has completed her Junior hospital rotations in Medical (respiratory), A&E, Orthopaedics, Stroke, Care of the Elderly and Burns & Plastics. Jenni then took a job in a child and adolescent mental health ward where she worked with children and young people with ASD, learning disabilities and complex trauma histories. Jenni has experience in applying Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) principles within her work and is trained in relaxation techniques. From here, Jenni worked in a CAMHS Eating Disorder Team before joining Jump Start in 2023. 

Jenni loves anything to do with animals and hopes to get her own dog soon. Jenni enjoys exercise classes, netball and outdoor adventures. During the first lockdown, Jenni taught herself to sew and crochet and now enjoys making baby clothes for her friends’ children. 

For Jump Start, Jenni visits a variety of specialist schools across Essex to provide SI intervention, advice and support. Jenni also works at the Jump Start Centre clinic one day a week. 

Sandra is a qualified  Occupational Therapist who earned a first-class Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Essex, building on her first-class degree in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience from the same institution. During her studies, she developed a deep interest in neuroscience and remains committed to exploring how neural mechanisms influence our actions, emotions, and behaviours. With a well-rounded background, Sandra has completed previous placements in orthopedics, major trauma, community care, mental health and sensory integration working with children and adults with diverse needs. Sandra is currently advancing her expertise by pursuing further training in Sensory Integration (SI) through Jumpstart. 

Currently, as part of Jumpstart, Sandra has been working in SEN schools, providing specialised training to teachers and learning support assistants on SI and neuroscience. Sandra also conducts sensory assessments and delivers tailored SI intervention, ensuring that each child’s unique needs are met to support their development, engagement, and daily function. 

Outside of her professional life, Sandra enjoys reading, pilates, and drawing – finding creative and mindful activities which are essential for personal growth and relaxation. Sandra is also a devoted animal lover, caring for her 5 rabbits, 3 rats and a dog, affectionately known as her ‘furbabies’.