A Team

Amy is a paediatric occupational therapist who plays a vital role in PSC by co-facilitating our social group for neurodiverse girls and young women, known as ‘The A Team’, where she helps create a supportive and empowering environment. In addition, Amy facilitates the Sensory Processing and Interoception workshops, using her specialized knowledge to educate and support families and individuals in understanding and managing sensory processing.

Anna began working with CYP services at Parenting Special Children during her placement for her BSc in Psychology at the University of Reading, where she later completed her Master’s. Her role has since expanded to include leading groups within CYP services and handling HR and data administration for the charity.

Her diverse professional background has provided her with experience in mentoring, research, and evidence-based practice in clinical and educational settings. Her experiences of mental health, neurodivergence and additional needs in her professional, personal, and family life underscore her dedication to supporting those with additional needs and making a positive impact in psychology, education, and social care.

Olive draws on her lived experience caring for her neurodivergent children to offer parent/carer peer support. She facilitates the support group that runs alongside our social group for Autistic/ADHD Girls, known as The A-Team.

Currently completing a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Anna Rainer also works with the Autistic Wellbeing Hub, where she supports individuals on the autism spectrum. Her passion for mental health and neurodiversity is rooted in a range of meaningful roles, including her time as a Samaritan, Mental Health Practitioner, and Book Buddy, where she worked closely with children from diverse and often disadvantaged backgrounds. These experiences have helped Anna deepen her understanding of the social and emotional challenges that many young people face. These experiences have also shaped Anna’s preference towards a more empathetic and person-centred approach when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. Passionate about inclusive, accessible care, Anna is committed to promoting emotional resilience and holistic wellbeing, particularly within neurodivergent communities.

Parenting Special Children have a mentoring programme which enables young people who have attended PSC groups to volunteer as mentors as they get older. PSC provides training to support the mentors and the programme encourages development of leadership skills, while giving the young people a chance to gain volunteering experiencing in a familiar environment.

These mentor volunteers provide vital peer support to other young people in the groups and are an asset to the team.