Meet the PAWS Team!
Who We Are
Nici And Jackson
Founder & Director
Hi! My name is Nicola but everyone calls me Nici. I am the founder of PAWS CIC and the proud mumma of Jackson, Rudy and Cleo. I work with my black Labrador Jackson, going into schools and supporting young people. I am extremely passionate about PAWS and the difference I believe we can make to everyone who needs our support.
​
Read more about my qualifications here.
Katrya
Personal Assistant & Social Media Manager
Hiya! My name is Katrya and I am a sort of personal assistant for PAWS although, Nici tends to call me her ‘everything person’. I joined PAWS November 2021 and it has been the best thing I have ever done. Despite not owning any dogs or cats of my own (I do have a crested gecko and 2 large fish tanks), I have a great passion for animals and wish to work with them as my career progresses.
​
You can find out more about my journey with PAWS here.
Jan and Biz
PAWS Practitioner
Hi, my name is Jan. I initially began my career as a paediatric nurse and then in paediatric cancer and palliative care. I began to notice and understand the importance of child mental health and wellbeing. This led me into pursuing a career in counselling where I developed a special interest and understanding of children and young people who are bereaved and siblings of children with special needs and life threatening illnesses. My rescue dog Biz will be accompanying me on my work. She loves people and is my constant shadow.
Leila and Kyro
PAWS Practitioner
Hi I’m Leila! I have lots of experience working with people and more recently with animals too: I have taught primary school children in the past and I now work as a counselling tutor. With PAWS I have welcomed the opportunity to work therapeutically with young people and my dog! This has been in schools and also 1:1 walk and talks. I also run Mental Health First Aider courses.
Kirsty and Rudy
PAWS Practitioner
Hi I’m Kirsty! I’m a qualified counsellor with experience working with young people and adults. I’ve joined the PAWS team working therapeutically with an incredible dog! I support alongside young people in a variety of settings including residential homes and 1:1 walk and talks. I have a great passion for wellbeing and anything dog related. I believe these both goes hand in hand to allow us to begin to heal, grow and achieve our potential.
Rosie and Keya
PAWS Practitioner
Hi I’m Rosie! I work with my lovable springer spaniel Keya. We work together with neurodivergent young people, visiting private clients as a mentor to support them with whatever needs or challenges they may be going through. Keya joined my family during lockdown after not passing her sniffer dog training for being too soft and affectionate and was rehomed with us. Me and Keya have a great connection and enjoy being wrapped up like burritos on the sofa or going sea swimming.
Rob and Bailey
PAWS Practitioner
Hiya I’m Rob! I am a fully qualified and BACP registered counsellor. Teaming up with my boy Bailey - a 2 year old Labrador cross. Me and Bailey offer a calming and exciting environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. We are one of the longest standing PAWS Therapy Dog Teams and have support many children, young people and adults in bettering their mental health and helping them navigate their challenges.
Carli and Hollie
PAWS Practitioner
Hello, I’m Carli and I’ve been a primary school teacher for over 20 years. 9 years ago, I began my training as a counsellor and hypnotherapist and shortly after I began a roll in a primary school which enables me to work with pupils to support their wellbeing and help them develop their emotional literacy and social skills. I am fortunate to live with Hollie, my black Labrador.
Tasha and Teddy
PAWS Practitioner
Hi, I’m Tasha and I work with my 4 year old golden retriever, Teddy. I have my level 3 in Counselling skills and I also work as a social prescriber. Teddy loves getting affection and having fun with humans, so going into schools or private homes to support young people is perfect for him.
Alex and Bramley
PAWS Practitioner
Hello I’m Alex and I will be working with my gorgeous Bernedoodle, Bramley. As a qualified teacher with over 10 years’ experience, I have worked with children across all age groups in mainstream primary schools. I currently teach in alternative provision, where I provide academic and pastoral support to children up to the age of 13, who require help to access education. I have always been passionate about working with children and animals and feel extremely privileged to now be able to combine these two things and to be able to share my wonderful dog with young people.
Sarah and Luna
PAWS Practitioner
​Hi I’m Sarah and I live with my husband Chris, our two girls Georgia and Amber, our 2 beloved dogs Luna and Bonnie and our cat Branston.
In 2016 I founded Tiny Touch Surrey, providing courses and classes for families with babies and young children in Chertsey and the surrounding areas. My passion for people is what drives me, in particular - listening, engaging, supporting and making a positive difference to their lives. Since having our dogs and experiencing first hand their ability to have such a profound impact on people and their emotions, it seemed like a natural next step for me to include Luna in my work, and PAWS has allowed for this marriage to take place.
Kathryn and Balto
PAWS Practitioner
Hi, I’m Kathryn and this is Balto. He is a young Siberian Husky x Alaskan Malamute rescue who loves people, especially young people! I am a former head teacher with over 25 years of classroom and 1:1 experience. I have taught children of all ages with different learning and emotional needs. I am passionate about young people’s wellbeing and the way animals can make a difference in their loves, especially in helping them access, participate in and enjoy their education. I am currently studying part time towards a Level 3 qualification in Children and Young People’s Mental Health.
Alice and Mickey
PAWS Practitioner
Hello, my name is Alice and I have 10 years of experience collected within various keyworker roles for vulnerable people to support and advocate for their health and/or rehabilitation journey. I am also in my 3rd year at university studying Occupational Therapy; passionate about how meaningful activity and intervention provides more successful management of health and wellbeing. Mickey is very uplifting, intuitive, and loves people. Together we will be working with PAWS receiving referrals to provide assessments and therapy interventions for mental health, social care, and neurodiversity needs.
