Welcome! My name is Amanda, and I am a Certified Play Therapist, Registered SandStory Therapist®, and Certified SandStory Skills® Trainer based in Hertfordshire, Essex and the surrounding areas . With over 25 years of experience in childcare and education, I have dedicated my career to supporting the well-being of children and adults.

I hold several certifications, including a Level 3 in Elkan Speech and Language Support, Nurture training, and Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualifications. I am a member of  Play Therapy UK (PTUK) and therefore you will find me on their Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists, which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Throughout my career, I have worked in various roles, including as a TA, Learning Support Assistant. I also have a number of years experience working within a couple of different enhanced provisions for primary school children facing barriers to learning due to behavioural, emotional, and social difficulties. Part of my week I work at the Phoenix Centre, which is part of Rivers Educational support Centre providing both Play Therapy and SEMH support to the children who attend there. 

My experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children, particularly those who have experienced childhood trauma, attachment difficulties and anxiety disorders.

In response to recent funding cuts in schools and the growing concern for children's well-being, I completed additional training with Lara Kasza, an Accredited Play Therapist and founder of SandStory Therapy & Skills®. I am now certified to train non therapists including school staff and childminders to become SandStory Skills® practitioners, providing them with an opportunity to better support their students' emotional and mental health needs.

I am passionate about the transformative power of play therapy and SandStory Skills®, and I am committed to helping children, young people, and adults overcome emotional, behavioural, and mental health challenges. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where my clients can explore their feelings, experiences, and goals, ultimately empowering them to make positive changes in their lives.