Our Mission
Our children are being let down – 1 in 4 young people who were referred to mental health services in the UK in 2019 didn’t receive the support they needed because some children just don’t fit specific criterial, are not yet clinically significant or are unable to articulate their needs to get the help that they deserve.
At present, early intervention is crucial; with stretched NHS services, long waiting times and a Government that is failing to invest in quality mental heath provision, children are forced to face feelings of desperation, isolation, anxiety and fear without support when they need it and that is not OK!
Search our website to find out about how we support children and families in crisis using our three tier support process, how we support children in schools across Solihull and beyond and what we can provide FREE to schools in the local area!
Meet The Team
Katie Washbourne
The Founder and CEO
Hi My name is Katie Washbourne, thank you for taking the time to come and meet us all here at Ordinary Magic.
We all face adversity at some point in our lives and over the last 11 years I have worked for various organisations with people who were in crisis or were struggling to manage their emotions. During my professional career I have provided support to children, parents, families and professionals in the areas of:
- Death (Pre and post bereavement support due to natural cause or murder)
- Terrorist Attacks
- Disability
- Carers
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low Confidence
- Offending – Youth and adult offenders
- Parental/ Family Seperation
- Financial Worries
- Abuse (Emotional, physical, neglect and financial)
- Alcohol and drug dependency
Whilst doing this work I developed a curiosity about why some people ‘bounce back’ from adversity and others find it complicated. Using this curiosity I set about to support creating ‘bouncy’ human beings. Using my specialist knowledge, research, professional background and passion for supporting people to be able to overcome adversities, I created Ordinary Magic!
Please take a look around and if you would like to chat further or have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to contact me
Michelle O’Connor
Director
Hi My name is Michelle O’Connor and I work alongside Katie managing Ordinary Magic.
I am a fully qualified Trained Social Worker and for 8 years I worked in an Independent Fostering Agency, supporting Looked After Children and foster families in their journey of fostering. During my professional career as a Social worker I have had to provide support to many children who have faced extreme abuse, trauma and neglect, as well as supporting those who foster in managing the transition children take into and out of their homes. Many of the children who I have supported have also presented with a range of challenging behaviours, such as self-harm, anxiety and social withdrawal. I have also had extensive experience working within various schools across the borough in a caring capacity.
I joined Katie in January 2020 and love working so closely with children, supporting their wellbeing and mental health journey.
Please take a look around and if you would like to chat further or have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to contact me
Sarah Armes
Relaxation Coach
Hi My name is Sarah Armes and I work as a Relaxation Coach for Ordinary Magic.
I’ve spent many years as a primary school teacher working with children from age 3 upwards. I’ve worked in a variety of settings including preschool, nursery and primary schools. After having my son I returned to work as a Teaching assistant and trained as a Relaxation Coach. During this time I’ve learned a variety of techniques in mindfulness, relaxation and how to help children with their wellbeing helping them to promote their self esteem and confidence. This is something I am passionate about and have enjoyed immensely as I believe this is a much needed service in society today.
Please take a look around and if you would like to chat further or have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to contact me
Bal Hunjan
Pyschotherapist
I am Bal Hunjan and I am a fully qualified Integrative Psychotherapist who works with adults, children and families from various cross-sections of the community. As an Integrative Psychotherapist, my work with individuals involves various approaches such as CBT, Psychodynamic, Gestalt or Person Centred. I am also a clinical supervisor for Birmingham Counselling Service.
I’ve worked in the domestic abuse field for over 12 years and provided domestic violence training to professionals and therapists in various organisations and charities. I provide psychoeducation in schools to pupils, staff and parents around mental health, building emotional resilience and psychological wellbeing. I also has considerable experience working with abuse, trauma, anxiety, stress, depression, relationships, addictions and self-harming behaviors.
My role at Ordinary Magic has been to help provide therapy to children and young people, working with parents to understand the difficulties and challenges they face in supporting their child and giving them useful techniques to work with their child. I also helps schools to understand the child’s behaviour so that they are better able to work with the child in the school environment.
Please take a look around and if you would like to chat further or have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to contact me
Breannah Hayden
Chid Practitioner
Hi, my name is Brea Hayden. I am 25 years old and a Psychology and Education studies graduate. I have a strong Social Science background, having studied Health and Social Care, Psychology and Sociology. This theoretical knowledge over the years have allowed me to gain an in depth understanding of young people and their behaviours. Social development, Counselling skills and Mental Health are just a few.
I have experience working with children in preschools, nurseries and primary schools. This experience has made me adaptable in terms of being able to empathise, communicate and engage effectively with young people in order to help them overcome adverse experiences, anxiety, and transition and change.
I have a naturally caring and understanding personality and a strong desire to help others, which is often admired by my family and friends. As my main passion is Child Mental Health, I have always aspired to pursue a career in Educational Psychology where I can enhance my behavioural support skills, make a difference and encourage children to fulfil their potential.
Ashleigh Smith
Chid Practitioner
Hello, my name is Ashleigh and I am 25 years old. I am passionate about mental health, wellbeing and autonomy inside and outside of the education system and within communities. I have personal, educational and occupational experience in the psychological sector, which has been strongly aided from my Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Psychology. I have used my theoretical knowledge and applied this to Counselling, Clinical, Educational and Child Centred disciplines.
My current job role is working with young people who have EHCP’s to support them with their practical, sensory and social, emotional and mental health needs either via one to one support or through small group work.