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 now manage co-ordinating all the support we provide in schools.
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
Catherine Lamb
Director and Connected Care Network Lead
Hi my name is Catherine, and I am the Holiday Club Manager at Ordinary Magic. I have had broad experience in working in communities and with families, gained as a Youth and Community Worker, after graduating in Youth & Community Work, with Applied Theology from Cambridge Ridley Hall. My dissertation was on the relationships between the generations and whether intergenerational work was worth investing in, and since then I have been involved in several successful intergenerational projects. I have spent a lot of time within schools as a Chaplain working with the children, parents and staff as well as taking therapeutic drama group within local schools building self esteem, confidence and body awareness for participants. I have also had lots of experience running holiday clubs, nurture groups, and childcare as an assistant childminder in a busy childminders. I have also been the Co-Director of a small group of business and mainly co-ordinated the administration and project based work of the group. I understand what it means to be a busy mum and keep lots of balls juggling all at the same time, as I have a noisy and permanently hungry nine year old of my own!
Jo Bates
Nurture Group Worker
Hi my name is Jo, i am a qualified Teaching Assistant and I have been working with children for nearly 5 years. My passion is children and I love to see them thrive in their settings. I currently work as a nurture group worker with Ordinary Magic in schools in Solihull. I work on a 1:1 basis or in small groups, and help promote children’s confidence, self esteem and work on separation anxiety and help build relationships. It is a job I truly love and feel I was put on this earth to do.
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
Ellie Connolly
Nurture Group Worker
Hi my name is Ellie Connolly and I’m a Nurture group worker for Ordinary Magic.
I have spent many years working as a childminder with children aged 4 months to 11 years. I have a passion for sewing and crafting and am a great believer of the wonderful things crafting can do for children’s mental health.
I sew lots of my own clothes from dresses to coats and really enjoy passing my knowledge on to children. I have run small sewing group during lunchtimes at some schools which they all thoroughly enjoyed.
It gave me great satisfaction watching them grow in confidence and seeing how proud they were of the finished result.
I firmly believe that crafting can boost children’s creativity and imagination, whilst encouraging team work and socialisation.
Outside of work I have three beautiful children two with additional needs so I fully understand the importance of emotional well-being.
Jackie Altenkirch
Nurture Group Worker
Hi, I’m Jackie Altenkirch and I am the Nurture Lead at Ordinary Magic. I am an Early Years trained teacher with over 8 years teaching experience and another 7 joyous whirlwind years raising my own 2 children. I grew up in South Africa but moved to the U.K. in 2015 with my husband, and here we have remained, settled with children and loving life.
I have taught a wide range of children from Nursery to Year 5 in many schools with a variety of challenging behaviours. More recently I have been involved in running an Outdoor Play Group based here in Solihull. I have also been tutoring children with ASD by supporting their learning as well as developing their social skills. I know the challenges teachers these days are facing with their mammoth workload, so this is my chance to do what I never had the chance to do as a teacher.
I love playing hockey, getting out for runs and bike rides and meeting new people. As a family we love bike rides, playing games together, braai’s (BBQs) throughout the year and live for holidays to warm sunny destinations.
I live off positivity and energy and am so excited to embark on my next adventure with Ordinary Magic and teach children all about adapting in this wonderful world. This is me joining in with infectious laughter, finger painted master pieces, and massive heart warming hugs. I look forward to developing my knowledge as an adult to best support every child in my care.
Michelle Meryon
Health and Wellbeing Navigator and Family Support Worker
Hi, my name is Michelle, and I work as a Family Support Worker and Children’s emotional wellbeing practitioner at Ordinary Magic.
Prior to this role I have gained experience working in both Early Years and primary school settings, initially as a Teaching Assistant and in more recent years gaining experience as Mental Health Lead, assistant to SENCO, Family support Worker and Designated Safeguarding Lead. I am passionate about working with children and young people to enable them to reach their full potential whilst feeling confident and secure within themselves during the process. I have worked with, and supported, many families to achieve positive outcomes and I am thrilled to now be doing this for a charity focused on supporting the Mental Health of all Children and young people.
I believe that listening to what families have to say, engaging with children on their level and building positive relationships are the key to helping families and children succeed in receiving support needed.
Health and Wellbeing Navigator and Family Support Worker
Clare Taylor
Senior Child Wellbeing Practitioner
Hi, my name is Clare Taylor and I am a wellbeing practitioner for Ordinary Magic. I have many years experience supporting our little people that need it the most. I work within schools supporting various needs – social, emotional and wellbeing, specialising in Autism (ASD). Within my school roles I work with children, guiding teachers and support staff to help gain positive outcomes for individual needs.
My day to day is always about building positive and trusting relationships with all parents, staff and especially the children.
I also support children 1:1 within their home environments for their individual needs. My role is always varied and each day I am still learning.
I love working with children and I am very passionate and dedicated to my role. I am a very calm and patient person that always enjoys being part of making a difference.
Sarah Newman
Senior Child Wellbeing Practitioner & Holiday Club Deputy Manager
Hi, my name is Sarah Newman and I am a Senior Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner for Ordinary Magic, as well as Holiday Club Deputy Manager. I have built up a vast amount of experience working with children from birth up to 18years throughout my career so far, and I continue to learn, grow and support those most in need. I work within schools supporting various needs – social, emotional mental health, and specialising in Autism (ASD) and Behaviour support. I believe in there always been a reason for behaviour and I always make it my personal mission to help and support with this in order for every child to achieve the best outcomes! Within my school roles I work with children, guiding teachers and support staff to help gain positive outcomes for individual needs and creating strategies for supporting the important earlier help. I also support children 1:1 within their home environments, and encourage positive relationships in working together.
I thrive in working and supporting all children and I am very passionate and dedicated to my role.
One of my favourite quotes I would like to share with you…..
” Every child is a different kind of flower … that all together makes this world a beautiful Garden”.
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.
Beth Ford
Nurture Worker Apprentice
Hi, I am Beth and I have worked for Ordinary Magic for 3 years, beginning as a play worker, working in holiday club and now progressing into working in schools supporting children with their mental through through 1:1 sessions and nurture groups. I also support our autism and anxiety after school clubs. I am now studying Family Support Work alongside my role which I am really enjoying.
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.
Courtney Wright
Junior Wellbeing Practitioner
I’m Courtney and I am a junior wellbeing practitioner here at Ordinary Magic. This is an amazing job as I am able to fulfil my passion and dream for working with children who may need additional help, in order to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
I have experience of working in primary schools and in the SEN department where I was able to learn how they facilitate support and different ways that they use their skills to give extra help to the children that need it.
I hope to continue my professional career in working with children through psychology as I have just come to the end of my second year of university. This is where my love and interest for helping the wellbeing and mental health of children began after studying psychology for 6 years throughout GCSE, A-levels and now a degree!
I currently work in groups and starting 1:1 sessions with children to help boost their emotional regulation, self confidence, help with anxiety and take their minds off of external issues they may be struggling with in a fun and caring setting . I do this with love, care and hope to help them in areas they may need help in.
Lily Evans
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
Hi my name is Lily and I am a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner for Ordinary Magic. I have worked for the CIC for 4 Years, beginning as a play worker to now conducting one to one or group support sessions in schools or home settings, supporting various social and emotional needs. I have a passion for working with children of all ages, promoting confidence, self-esteem, reducing anxiety and supporting their mental health and wellbeing. I have recently graduated from the University of Nottingham in Psychology and am currently studying my masters in Clinical Psychology to further progress my knowledge for my role within Ordinary Magic. I also volunteer at Heartlands Hospital once a week as an Assistant Psychologist on the cystic fibrosis ward, with a strong passion and enthusiasm for helping others. In my spare time I enjoy playing sports, particularly netball, as well spending time with friends and family. I am extremely passionate and dedicated to my role, eager to make a positive difference to the lives of the children I work with.
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.
Adrian Murray
Psychotherapist
Hi I’m Adrian Murray. I am a psychotherapist with a BA Honours degree from the University of Warwick in Person Centred Counselling and the Psychotherapeutic Relationship. I am registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), working with Ordinary Magic. I have experience of working with children and adults and I have worked for over 30 years within the public sector. I also work in private practice.
I also do work with my therapy dog called Oreo. He has been of great benefit to many children in schools. He certainly enjoys coming to work with me and meeting the children.
I believe that problems with mental health can affect all of us, this comes from various trauma major or minor that we go through in our lives. I aim to build a therapeutic relationship without judgement where clients can feel safe, supported and able to explore thoughts and feelings to enable them to work through any difficulties and become their best version of themselves.
Hema Patel
Therapist
Hi, my name is Hema Patel and I am a qualified Integrative Counselling Psychotherapist working with both adults, children and families. My background in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry as well as 18 years in the NHS have driven me to seek an alternative answer to the systemic pains felt through the non-verbal discomforts that cause stress, loneliness, low self-esteem, depression, social anxiety, peer pressure, negative body image and other emotional and behavioural discomforts faced by society today. As a student of Attachment Theory and Transactional Analysis, I use an integrative approach to my practice which means I draw on different psychological theories and skills allowing for flexibility and a more tailored approach to the needs of my clients.
In my work, I have found that there is no one “type” of person that I work with, from young adults to mature people of any age the impact of searching for an answer to our mental health needs affects us all. I believe Mental Health is unique to the person experiencing it therefore for an effective and sustainable change to occur I believe a whole person approach is required.
In my role at Ordinary Magic, I work with both children and families to first understand the difficulties they are facing and secondly put a more manageable plan in place through psychoeducation and collaborative work with the school. I believe, that by removing the barrier to mental health, the child has the space to learn and develop fulfilling their true potential and have a better understanding of their own self-awareness and be able to change negative patterns of behaviour to positive ones.
My special interest is in the field of bereavement, loss, and grief which I believe is relevant to all aspects of mental health today impacting young minds through loss of self, loss of identity, loss of family, loss of structure, and loss of stability and loss of self-esteem. Having carried out this role in various organisations I hope to bring these skills to my clients at Ordinary Magic helping young minds see that the whirlpool of loss once anchored can be navigated to a safer place.
Sarah Marshall
Play Therapist
Hi I’m Sarah Marshall.
After working as a primary school teacher for 25 years I decided to develop my skills further and in 2018 began to train as a play therapist with PTUK and Leeds Beckett University.
I am now a Registered Play Therapist and have completed over 600 clinical hours of play therapy practice with children aged between 3 and 11 with a wide variety of needs. I am undertaking further training to qualify as a Filial Play Coach and a Integrative Sand-Play Therapist.
I have always been passionate about the well-being of children, especially those who sometimes find school a challenging place. I love working with parents as they manage the rewarding but often difficult job of nurturing their children. I value connection and team work and am excited to be part of this amazing work.
As a primary school teacher I know very well the many challenges that face teachers today and I really enjoy working in the school setting to support teachers and children in working through and overcoming their difficulties. And I love to play!
I am a mum to three children who are all grown up, a vicar’s wife and a parenting facilitator, and I’m crazy about crochet!
Karen Knapp
Play Therapist
Hi, my name is Karen Knapp and began working in partnership with Ordinary Magic in Spring 2023 as an Integrative Arts Play Therapist. I am working within mainstream and special schools supporting children with varied needs.
I began work as a special needs teacher, working within a special school setting, helping children to develop skills within personalised curriculum. After my own children were born, I decided to work in a Teaching Assistant capacity in a mainstream school. This gave me the opportunity to teach and support individuals and groups with specific needs, as well as whole class support.
I completed my Play Therapy training in 2022 and I am accredited by and registered with PTUK. I am committed to ongoing professional development and in summer 2023 will be furthering my knowledge of working with Trauma in the play therapy setting. Within the playroom I am there to help the child to explore their own feelings and difficulties. Children can struggle to find the words to explain how they feel, and some difficulties arise when they are themselves pre-verbal, so they would have no words to talk about how they feel. Play is a natural medium of self-expression and resolution can be found through it.
Tracey Galonis
Play Therapist
Hi, I’m Tracey Galonis and I’m a qualified Play Therapist. I enjoy and celebrate being part of the proactive, multidisciplinary team here at Ordinary Magic.
I’ve worked for over ten years in schools supporting children and young people whose lives haven’t always followed the path they expected or wanted. Play Therapy has allowed me to use a non-judgemental, fun, creative approach which helped children find their voice in a world around them which, at times, can be confusing and challenging.
Over the years I have always had good communication links with parents and teaching staff and have loved getting to know them and their views on the children. Needless to say, I’m passionate about my job! My future goal in 2024 is to increase my own knowledge and specialism of Sand Tray Therapy.
When I’m not working, I am the proud mother of two boys who have grown far too quickly into men, who now relish reminding me of how short I suddenly seem to be.