People and Animal Wellbeing Services CIC
It's all in the name
Meet the PAWS Team
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Karen O'Neill And Ruby
PAWS Practitioner
Karen O'Neill (She/Her) is a PAWS Practitioner
Lorraine Chivers and Alfie
PAWS Practitioner
Lorraine Chivers (She/Her) is a PAWS Practitioner
Gavin Maxwell
PAWS Social Media & Website
Gavin Maxwell (He/Him) is the PAWS Social Media & Marketing Manager
Nicola Maxwell - PAWS Founder and CEO
People and Animal Wellbeing Services (PAWS) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) founded by Nicola Maxwell in 2020. Set up with the aim to enhance the wellbeing of those who experience poor mental health, disability or social disadvantage following adverse life experiences in the UK.
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Nicola (BA Hons DTC-CDT) has several years experience working in Special Educational Needs and Social, Emotional and Mental Health schools providing both educational and social support through the interventions she creates with her canine partner Jackson. Nicola recognises herself as a neurodivergent advocate and her journey to developing and delivering animal assisted interventions has been a personal one as well as career development.
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Most recently Nicola has completed her certified dog training qualification with The Dog Training College and is able to deliver positive dog training to the PAWS community. Understanding dogs behaviour and approaching training from a force free stance allows
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PAWS are members of Animal Assisted Interventions International (AAII), who are an organisation that research and helps to regulate Animal Assisted Interventions. We pride ourselves in being up to date with the latest understanding in the industry.
Alice Smith - PAWS Business Manager
Hi I’m Alice and I’m the PAWS Business Manager.
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I work predominantly from home ably supported by the PAWS ground team - 2 rescue cats, a hermann's tortoise and the recent addition of a GoldenDoodle puppy Juno, (who we’re hoping to train as a therapy dog for our son).
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I started working for PAWS in 2023 - initially part time while self employed as a Business Consultant for charities and educational businesses. However, it didn’t take long working with Nici and the team - seeing the incredible work that they do and the difference that they make - that I became full time looking after everything behind the scenes.
I’m so incredibly proud of the work that we do and though the need is ever increasing we’re working hard to meet that and support more and more young people every day.
Jamie Brant & Alfie - PAWS Practitioner
I work alongside my therapy dog, Freddy, to bring a calm and supportive presence to sessions, helping to ease anxiety and emotional dysregulation. With a background in both support work and the creative industry, I take a flexible and imaginative approach to connecting with people, creating a safe and engaging space where they can feel comfortable and understood.
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Freddy is a one-year-old miniature dachshund and my best friend — in many ways, he’s a therapy dog for me too. His relaxed nature and playful character help keep me grounded, and he loves sharing that with others. Whether he’s doing tricks (his favourite is the “sausage roll”), enjoying walks and runs in the fields with me or snuggling on the sofa, Freddy brings fun, calm, and companionship into all the work we do together.
Becky Davison & Bella - PAWS Practitioner
People and Animal Wellbeing Services (PAWS) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) founded by Nicola Maxwell in 2020. Set up with the aim to enhance the wellbeing of those who experience poor mental health, disability or social disadvantage following adverse life experiences in the UK.
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Nicola (BA Hons DTC-CDT) has several years experience working in Special Educational Needs and Social, Emotional and Mental Health schools providing both educational and social support through the interventions she creates with her canine partner Jackson. Nicola recognises herself as a neurodivergent advocate and her journey to developing and delivering animal assisted interventions has been a personal one as well as career development.
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Most recently Nicola has completed her certified dog training qualification with The Dog Training College and is able to deliver positive dog training to the PAWS community. Understanding dogs behaviour and approaching training from a force free stance allows
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PAWS are members of Animal Assisted Interventions International (AAII), who are an organisation that research and helps to regulate Animal Assisted Interventions. We pride ourselves in being up to date with the latest understanding in the industry.
Heather Law & Misu - PAWS Practitioner
My name is Heather and I am an Occupational Therapist. This means that I work collaboratively with people to help them do the activities that are important to them to improve wellbeing and health. My previous background was as a qualified therapist (Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner) working in mental health, supporting people with low mood and worry. In my career I have had a lot of experience working with young people and people with Learning Disabilities in different roles.
My dog is called Misu, named after my favourite desert, tiramisu! She is an almost 2 years old Bernese Mountain Dog. Misu is a very happy dog with lots of smiles to give and has always been a calm girl. Her ultimate favourite thing is adventure and going to new places. Misu likes to go to the beach, for walks in the park and to the shops. She also loves to play, have a licky mat and learn new tricks. Her favourite games are playing hide and seek, the recall game and the touch game. At home she loves to snuggle down to relax with her toys. Misu does not like it when people blow raspberries but tries to be brave.
Julie Masters & Lola - PAWS Practitioner
Hi, my name is Julie. I have worked in primary schools for the last 8 years, mostly with SEN children. I have a passion for supporting children with additional needs as I have 3 of my own.
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Lola is my most beautiful 7 year old Labrador. She loves nothing more than meeting people and having her belly rubbed, she always brings a smile to people's faces.
Kat Henry & Barney - PAWS Practitioner
Hi, I’m Kathryn! I’m a qualified speech and language therapist for the NHS and work specifically with young children with complex needs and neurodiversity and their families. I joined PAWS in 2023 with my amazing golden retriever, Barney who is also my assistance dog. His love for people and my passion for wellbeing (and anything dog related) have led us both to PAWS and a job that we love.
I am passionate about supporting children and young people with their mental health and creating a safe space for them to be themselves and share whatever they feel they need or would like to. Barney is always full of love and is generally happy to go with the flow, whether it’s playing fetch outside, showing off his tricks (in exchange for a tasty treat of course) or curling up for a snooze on his mat. I strongly believe in the power of animals to help us heal and connect and, being neurodivergent myself, continue to feel this first-hand with my dogs at my side
Kate Weston & Bandit - PAWS Practitioner
I have worked in the care industry all my working career, I am a qualified Registered manager for children and young people. I have a background in intervention work with children young people whether that be getting them ready for independence, working on their past/ present challenges all in order to overcome, adapt and thrive.
I have supported those with additional/ special needs- in all age ranges, and also have a background with the elderly too.
But overall, I am a passionate, kind and fun individual who is looking to help and support in any which way I can.
Bandit is my ultimate sidekick! He is a 3 year old Border Collie, he is the most loving and energetic dog. He is eager to love whomever he is with. He is gentle and patient.
Bandit loves nothing more than play time, throwing the ball for him, playing bubbles, running around. He has all the energy and more. Even though Bandit loves to play, he also enjoys lots of strokes and fuss. He may even roll over for them extra belly rubs! He enjoys people giving him a treat, his favourite treat he loves is cheese!
Katheryn MacDonald & Balto - PAWS Practitioner
People and Animal Wellbeing Services (PAWS) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) founded by Nicola Maxwell in 2020. Set up with the aim to enhance the wellbeing of those who experience poor mental health, disability or social disadvantage following adverse life experiences in the UK.
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Nicola (BA Hons DTC-CDT) has several years experience working in Special Educational Needs and Social, Emotional and Mental Health schools providing both educational and social support through the interventions she creates with her canine partner Jackson. Nicola recognises herself as a neurodivergent advocate and her journey to developing and delivering animal assisted interventions has been a personal one as well as career development.
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Most recently Nicola has completed her certified dog training qualification with The Dog Training College and is able to deliver positive dog training to the PAWS community. Understanding dogs behaviour and approaching training from a force free stance allows
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PAWS are members of Animal Assisted Interventions International (AAII), who are an organisation that research and helps to regulate Animal Assisted Interventions. We pride ourselves in being up to date with the latest understanding in the industry.
Kirsty Elliott-Walker & Rudy - PAWS Practitioner
Hi I’m Kirsty! I’m a qualified counsellor with experience working with young people and adults. Prior to paws I worked in a variety of secondary schools and pastoral roles. Within this, I noticed there was just something missing to provide a space to help support people to feel confident to express themselves. Therefore I teamed up with PAWS working therapeutically with a pawsome dog called Rudy!
Rudy and I work creatively supporting alongside young people in a variety of settings, including schools and outreach providing a fun and secure environment to meet your needs. I have a great passion for well-being and anything dog related! I believe these both go hand in hand to allow us to begin to achieve our potential and express ourselves.
Rudy is an adorable and fantastic 5 year old pug who supports those we work with by growing their confidence and self-esteem. By making the connection in Rudy's body language to our human emotions we enable our clients to feel connected and create a space to open up in a non judgemental environment.
Rudy's personality is very playful but she’s also happy to have a snuggle up with you making her an all-round pawsome pug!
Lucy Capel & Trooper - PAWS Practitioner
Hi, my name is Lucy. I began my career as a social worker predominantly working with people with learning disabilities and vulnerable children. Over the 15 years as a social worker my role changed, and I began to miss direct work with children and families. I have always loved animals so I decided to combine my two passions and became an equine therapy facilitator.
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Through this work I saw the powerful impact working with animals can have with supporting children and families with a variety of needs. I wanted to make this support more accessible to people in need and recognised my dog Trooper’s gentle kind soul would be perfect for the job. I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to work with Trooper and bring positive change to lives.
Jo Eustace & Crunchie - PAWS Practitioner
Hi, my name is Jo, and this is Crunchie.
Crunchie is a gentle, empathetic one-year-old Fox Red Labrador whose sweet
nature and boundless energy give her a natural ability to connect with young people.
She helps support students in building confidence, managing emotions, and simply
feeling a little less alone during their school day.
I have over 40 years of teaching experience, working in schools and colleges with
young people from diverse backgrounds—many of whom faced emotional and
mental health challenges. My passion for supporting young people led me to
complete a degree in Psychology, Mental Health, and Counselling, and to become a
therapist.
I’m deeply committed to helping young people thrive emotionally, socially, and reach
their full potential.
Mary Taylor & Laurel - PAWS Practitioner
Mary Taylor (she/her) and Laurel
Hello my name is Mary and this is my beautiful dog Laurel - she is a rescue dog - I'm not completely sure of her breed and she is 1 year old.
I have been a therapist for over 20 years and have worked in lots of different settings. I am passionate about how much animals can bring to a therapy session, and Laurel loves being stroked and involved with what is happening! More recently my work has included working with young people who have gone through difficult experiences and I believe that any challenging behaviour communicates an unmet need. I offer support in the home environment and school. Laurel and I are very flexible and work with whatever the young person brings to the session - we can talk, play games, do something creative or go for a walk - Laurel loves to play but hasn't learnt how to bring the ball back yet!
Rob Millist & Bailey - PAWS Practitioner
I’m Rob, a BACP accredited counsellor, and I’ve been working with PAWS since September 2021. Alongside my work here, I run a busy counselling practice in Ascot and Shepperton, specialising in neurodiversity, anxiety and LGBTQ+ issues. My background is in training and recruitment, which gives me a broad perspective on the challenges people face in everyday life and the different ways they can be supported.
What I love most about working with PAWS is the chance to combine counselling skills with animal-assisted interventions — creating safe, supportive spaces where young people or adults can open up in their own way and in their own time. I see my “superpower” as offering a focussed, non-judgemental presence that helps people feel truly heard and accepted.
I work with Bailey, a gentle 6-year-old Spanish mixed-breed who looks very much like a Labrador. Bailey has a naturally calm and grounding energy, and he’s especially wonderful with older children and adults who appreciate quiet companionship while they talk. Alongside him is Lucy, our lively one-year-old Goldendoodle and daughter of Luna (who is also a PAWS Therapy doggo!). Lucy is still in training, but she brings playfulness, warmth and unconditional affection — often helping younger clients to relax and engage more easily. Depending on the client, I’ll work with either Bailey or Lucy, as each brings something unique and special to the sessions.
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Sally Wright & Riley - PAWS Practitioner
My name is Sally and I have a sweet natured, furry friend called Riley. Riley is a chocolate coloured, miniature, working cocker spaniel who loves nothing more than crashing through the woods looking for squirrels and flushing out birds. She is a busy girl and wants to be with me all day long so I'm very excited to be working with her. She has so much to give and loves being around people, especially children. She brings a sense of calm wherever she is and She loves being stroked spending most of her time lying on her back with her feet in the air enjoying tummy tickles.
So there is a little bit about Riley.....for myself I have worked as a nurse for over thirty years now, it is a role I have always thoroughly enjoyed. Over the last fifteen years, I have worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist with patients who have had bowel surgery and stoma formation. In addition to changes in their physical health I have also observed the psychological impact which bowel disease and bowel cancer can have on individuals requiring surgery and how they adapt to living life with a stoma. Much time during my home visits is trying to support them with changes in their body image and the anxieties that creates. This led me to studying the L2 and L3 Counselling course to develop my skills, and to my role with PAWS!
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Sarah Millist & Bonnie & Luna - PAWS Practitioner
​Hello! I’m Sarah. I have worked with families all over Surrey, primarily supporting new parents in the first months and years of parenthood. I began teaching Baby Massage Courses and Sign Language classes then went on to train in Sleep Consultancy and understanding nurturing touch in preterm babies. Once we got our lovely Luna, a Miniature Golden Doodle, and she went on to have Bonnie, I wanted to expand my work with children to include our dogs.
Luna is calm, caring and intuitive. She loves to swim, play with sticks and cuddle up on a lap. Bonnie is affectionate and very intelligent. She loves to play ball and meet new people. The dogs love coming along to support the young people and to share the huge amounts of love they have to give.
Tasha Rougier & Teddy - PAWS Practitioner
People and Animal Wellbeing Services (PAWS) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) founded by Nicola Maxwell in 2020. Set up with the aim to enhance the wellbeing of those who experience poor mental health, disability or social disadvantage following adverse life experiences in the UK.
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Nicola (BA Hons DTC-CDT) has several years experience working in Special Educational Needs and Social, Emotional and Mental Health schools providing both educational and social support through the interventions she creates with her canine partner Jackson. Nicola recognises herself as a neurodivergent advocate and her journey to developing and delivering animal assisted interventions has been a personal one as well as career development.
​
Most recently Nicola has completed her certified dog training qualification with The Dog Training College and is able to deliver positive dog training to the PAWS community. Understanding dogs behaviour and approaching training from a force free stance allows
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PAWS are members of Animal Assisted Interventions International (AAII), who are an organisation that research and helps to regulate Animal Assisted Interventions. We pride ourselves in being up to date with the latest understanding in the industry.
Alex Anderson & Bramley - PAWS Practitioner
People and Animal Wellbeing Services (PAWS) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) founded by Nicola Maxwell in 2020. Set up with the aim to enhance the wellbeing of those who experience poor mental health, disability or social disadvantage following adverse life experiences in the UK.
​
Nicola (BA Hons DTC-CDT) has several years experience working in Special Educational Needs and Social, Emotional and Mental Health schools providing both educational and social support through the interventions she creates with her canine partner Jackson. Nicola recognises herself as a neurodivergent advocate and her journey to developing and delivering animal assisted interventions has been a personal one as well as career development.
​
Most recently Nicola has completed her certified dog training qualification with The Dog Training College and is able to deliver positive dog training to the PAWS community. Understanding dogs behaviour and approaching training from a force free stance allows
​
PAWS are members of Animal Assisted Interventions International (AAII), who are an organisation that research and helps to regulate Animal Assisted Interventions. We pride ourselves in being up to date with the latest understanding in the industry.
Amy Emery & Denzil - PAWS Practitioner
Hello, my name is Amy and I am a qualified Primary school teacher. I was a class teacher for 10 years before I had my daughters. Once they had started school, I went back to work in schools supporting children with a variety of needs as a one to one, a role that I thoroughly enjoyed over the past 10 years. Each child that I had the pleasure of working with has taught me so much. I feel like I have a gained a great wealth of experience from these children. It has given me a greater understanding of how difficult it can be for some children to learn inside the classroom. I feel very passionate about creating a positive, encouraging, and nurturing environment where children can feel confident and worthy.
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The role of SEN tutor with a therapy dog is my absolute dream job. I feel very privileged to be a part of the team as I know Denzil my faithful hound is too!
Denzil came into our lives when he was just 6 months old. He had not had the best start in life and was quite an anxious dog to begin with. But within a few weeks he changed into the most gentle, calm, and loving dog. He is loved by my family, friends, neighbours and even all the delivery people! I know Denzil is going to love the work and will make a very special Therapy Dog!.
Karen O'Neill & Ruby - PAWS Practitioner
Hi I'm Karen. I have a passion for supporting children through connection, compassion, and care. My practice is rooted in a trauma-informed and holistic approach, recognising that every child’s story is unique and deserves to be met with sensitivity and respect. Alongside me in my work is Ruby, my gentle and playful cockapoo, whose calming presence helps children feel safe, nurtured, and understood. Together, we create a supportive environment where children can explore emotions, build trust, and develop resilience.
Drawing on principles of attachment, play, and mindfulness, I work alongside children and their families to gently uncover strengths and foster positive coping strategies. My
therapeutic style values the whole child — mind, body, and spirit — and acknowledges the deep role relationships (both human and animal) play in recovery and growth.
My goal is to offer children a safe space where they feel seen, understood, and supported as they learn new ways of relating to themselves and the world around them. Ruby is a gentle and friendly cockapoo who loves meeting new friends. She enjoys soft strokes, tasty treats, and long walks in the woods. Ruby’s calm nature helps children feel safe and comfortable as they share time together.
Lorraine Chivers & Alfie - PAWS Practitioner
I have many years of experience supporting SEND children and neurodiverse adults, helping them to feel safe, valued, and confident. I am passionate about creating calm and positive environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
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I work alongside my therapy dog, Alfie, a gentle and well-trained Border Collie. Alfie’s calm and caring nature makes him a wonderful source of comfort and reassurance for children. Together, we support wellbeing by encouraging self-regulation, confidence, and positive emotional connections through meaningful interaction.
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Through Paws Wellbeing, Alfie and I are dedicated to bringing kindness, calm, and encouragement into schools, helping children feel more settled and supported in their learning journey.
