Carrie Cowley Digital Communications Lead Expand Carrie started working with Teapot Trust in January 2023 in Digital Communications with responsibility for promoting the charity's mission and work across all digital channels and communications. Carrie has worked in media since graduating but has specialised in social media for the last four years. Over this period she has worked with a national youth enterprise charity, which supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to start a business. She has also helped other charities, local authorities and small businesses to build online communities. In her free time, Carrie loves running, yoga and travel. She has two teenage children and a beagle called Woody. [email protected] Office: 0131 273 4340 Mobile: 07394558663
Erin Young Art Therapist Expand I started working for the Teapot Trust in Feb 2020, to provide Art Therapy at the Great North Children's Hospital. The post was to work within the Rheumatology department and with Bridges School which is in the hospital. When the lockdown started about a month later, we moved to working online. Since then, I have provided 1-1 and Dyadic Art Therapy to young people and their parents over an online video platform. It's been a privilege to work with the young people and see their confidence grow in each session. I qualified and registered as an Art Therapist in June 2019 with an MSc with distinction in Art Psychotherapy from Queen Margaret University. Since then, I have worked as a Resilience Coach with adults and in an NHS Trust in a CAMHS team. Currently I work as an Art Therapist for various therapeutic charities including the Teapot Trust. Outside of work I like to do different types of folk dancing and Scottish dancing. I love going on walks and seeing how each season changes the environment.
Caitlin Meagher Supporter Engagement Manager (Maternity Leave) Expand Caitlin joined Team Teapot in March 2018 to increase the charity’s community engagement. Now, she manages supporter relationships while juggling a busy schedule of fundraising campaigns and challenges – encouraging individuals, friendship groups and corporate colleagues to participate. Caitlin is a people person. Her warm and assured style has been praised frequently by supporters and colleagues alike. She enjoys the fast-paced nature of her role, especially interacting with stakeholders and seeing the impact of the charity's work. Her flexible approach and broad skill-set make Caitlin a real asset to the team. She's our tech/digital guru, who took a lead in producing Teapot Trust's Art Therapy At Home resource materials at the start of lockdown, which have been used over 30,000 times by children and families. Before joining Team Teapot, Caitlin worked for the State of New York and helped manage public outreach and engagement for historic sites. Having a BA and MSc in Archaeology, Caitlin enjoys spending her free time travelling and exploring historic places, almost as much as she likes being outdoors hiking, gardening, or trying to keep up with her energetic Sprocker, Willow. [email protected] Office: 0131 273 4340 Mobile: 07394558660
Harriet Smythe Art Therapist Expand Harriet started working with the Teapot Trust in June 2023, providing group art therapy for young people in Dundee, working in partnership with Feeling Strong. Since graduating from the University of Chester, Harriet has facilitated 1:1 and group art therapy both in person and online within schools, community, and healthcare settings. Harriet says, "For me, it is a privilege to offer a space for children, young people, and adults to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences creatively." Outside of work, Harriet enjoys wandering around charity shops, baking, painting, and going for walks.
Patricia Watts Art Therapist Expand I started with the Teapot Trust in April 2015 and work alongside the Paediatric Rheumatology Team at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. Prior to Covid-19, I facilitated an open art therapy group for children and young people attending their rheumatology appointments which was energetic and fun! I now offer online 1-1 art therapy sessions with children and young people and enjoy that sessions can still be very creative. I am also working on an art therapy group manual with a team of researchers in partnership with the Teapot Trust and Newcastle University which I am very excited about. Prior to my role at the Teapot Trust, I worked for several other charities offering emotional support to children, young people and their families. When I am not working I am usually at the park with my husband, son and daughter, and I enjoy art, cooking, charity shops and gardening.
Megan Keane Art Therapist Expand Megan joined the Teapot Trust as an art therapist in January 2020. She is based in Newcastle and provides art therapy services in the Great North Children’s Hospital in the Bridges hospital school and the rheumatology department. Megan offers one to one sessions on the hospital wards and runs online groups for patients at the hospital. Megan also works at Collingwood school and media arts college one day a week and provides online art therapy sessions for several Teapot Trust projects, providing as many opportunities as possible for children and young people to try art therapy, to meet others with similar experiences and difficulties and to explore through creativity. Before joining the Teapot Trust Megan has worked in mental health hospitals, schools and on lots of art projects in north east England and in Helsinki, Finland. Megan studied Master’s fine art and glass making in the UK and Finland before qualifying as an art therapist in 2019. Outside of art therapy Megan loves swimming and trying out new recipes and crafts but her favourite thing to do is going on adventures with her dog Ash, the Italian Spinone, who loves exploring the countryside and looking out for birds and squirrels to make friends with!
Pippa Fishlock Art Therapist Expand I started working with the Teapot Trust in July 2020 on their pilot project with Southampton Children’s Hospital. This has been a really special opportunity to support a new group of young people and their families, as they navigate all the challenges of living with an illness. Since starting with the Teapot Trust I have worked exclusively online with young people due to the ongoing pandemic. As much as I miss all the fun and the mess of the art materials which you have in face-to-face work, I have enjoyed working with lots more young people who, otherwise, might not have had access to Art Therapy. Before working with the Teapot Trust, I offered Art Therapy to children who had experienced loss in Tanzania. I worked as a Senior Practitioner in a London Art Room at Place2Be. I have also offered Art Therapy within CAMHS and in a number of school contexts. When I am not working, I love spending time with family, running art mornings for busy mums, and making art and food from foraged things!
Marjory Watt Art Therapist Expand I began working at the Teapot Trust in February 2012. Initially, I was part of a pilot project to bring art therapy to Rachel house, children’s hospice. After this I worked at Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital running art therapy open groups within the rheumatology department on an outpatient basis, I also worked in the oncology ward on Saturday mornings. I worked there for many years and then moved on to work in the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy and Ninewells Hospital Dundee within these hospitals I ran open art therapy groups and one to one art therapy sessions. I have been involved in several other projects run by the teapot Trust. I have felt really privileged to have been able to work with such amazing children, young people and their families through the teapot trust. Alongside working with the teapot Trust I have run my own private clinical practice and worked within many organisations as an Art Psychotherapist and as a clinical supervisor. I have been an Art Psychotherapist since 1997. I am also a Yoga teacher and Tutor; I have taught yoga and meditation for 40 years. I love producing my own art, practising yoga, visiting galleries, walking, running and knitting. One of my main interests is learning about and creating Labyrinths.
Niki Ferguson Art Therapist Expand I started working for the Teapot Trust in the autumn of 2014, initially running open groups in the rheumatology department at the Children’s hospital in Glasgow, providing a creative outlet for children attending the outpatient clinics. I have also provided one-to-one sessions for the Rheumatology department and worked on the children’s oncology ward in Edinburgh. A number of years ago I moved to work on the children’s psychiatric wards, having worked with the under 12’s and currently adolescents. In the past 14 years I have worked in a number of other settings in health, social care and education providing art therapy to children and families and currently work with young offenders in prison. In my spare time, I enjoy being creative, most recently jewellery making and also love roller skating or being outdoors in nature; walking or in my garden.
Charlotte Hinchliffe Art Therapist Expand I am an Art Therapist qualified in BA (Hons) Fine Art at Norwich University of the Arts and MA Art Therapy at Hertfordshire University. I worked with children, young people and their families throughout my Master's training and as a teaching assistant for several years before this too. I enjoy exploring all different kinds of art materials and sometimes musical instruments in therapy sessions. I live in a coastal town in Essex, and love going for walks along the seafront, swimming at both my local gym and in the sea (in the warmer months!), creating abstract paintings, and spending time with my cat.
Holly Smith Art Therapist Expand I started working with the Teapot Trust in April 2023, providing open group art therapy sessions for children and young people attending cardiac clinics at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow. I studied Sculpture & Environmental Art at the Glasgow School of Art, graduating in 2020 with an interest in community-based practice and creating artworks for public spaces. In 2022, I graduated from Queen Margaret University with an MSc. Art Psychotherapy where I explored art making as a form of research, prioritising co-produced and inclusive forms of knowledge. I have experience providing creative input across community and healthcare settings, collaborating on projects with children, young people and adults, and considering the importance of art for promoting emotional wellbeing and social change. I enjoy art making, visiting art galleries, reading books and spending time with nature exploring new places.
Bryony Budd Art Therapist Expand I started working with the Teapot Trust in April 2023, providing online group art therapy sessions for children and young people within the rheumatology department at Crosshouse Hospital, as well as offering in-person and online one-to-one sessions. I have offered Art Therapy in school and healthcare settings and worked as an Art Therapist for The Holistic Centre for Integrative Care in Glasgow, as well as in primary and secondary schools. I have an MSc in Art Psychotherapy (distinction) from Queen Margaret University, graduating in 2022, and I am registered with the British Association of Art Therapists and the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. I have worked extensively with children and adults with disabilities and my MSc dissertation explored creativity, Autism, trauma and chronic pain. Prior to this I studied Contemporary Art Practice at Leith School of Art, and have an MA in Medical Anthropology from Edinburgh University. Through art making and talking, I hope to make connections between life experiences and how children feel, and take the time to pay attention to emotional and physical experiences that may be confusing and distressing. I enjoy exploring lots of different art materials and it is a privilege to get to know the children and young people I work with, and see what they create! I am originally from Bristol and now live in Glasgow, and I enjoy painting, making ceramics, watching films, cooking, dancing and going to the beach. I also co-facilitate a meditation group for young people.
Sirani Carter Art Therapist Expand Sirani is a qualified Art Psychotherapist with an undergraduate degree in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion. She has delivered Teapot Trust art therapy sessions for the Fostering Network, Children’s Health Scotland and North Edinburgh Arts Centre. Sirani enjoys working with and advocating for those with neurodivergence and believes she is an expert through experience as she is autistic. Alongside working with the Teapot Trust, Sirani also works for a West Lothian charity providing therapy sessions for children and young people who have experienced sudden bereavement. In her spare time, she enjoys taking her dog on long walks on a beach or through a forest and spending quality time with family and friends.
Corah Ambrose Art Therapist Expand Corah gained a MSc In Art Psychotherapy in 2022 and currently co-coordinates Glasgow’s region of the British Association of Art Therapists. Her involvement with BAAT highlights her desire to contribute to the progression of the profession and to help to create more access to art therapy across socio-economic barriers. Keenly interested in the intersections between art therapy, advocacy and activism, Corah is passionate about working with children and families through a social justice and power aware lens. Much of her research focuses on art therapy provision for asylum seeking and refugee communities and transgender children and young people. Corah loves to cook and read old recipe books. She also enjoys wild swimming, dancing, and going up the occasional hill.
Alison Wright Art Therapist Expand Alison is an Edinburgh-based art therapist with experience of working with children, young people, and adults in a range of school and community settings in Scotland. Since graduating with an MSc in Art Psychotherapy from Queen Margaret University, she has delivered one-to-one and group art therapy sessions both in-person and online. Prior to this, Alison completed a COSCA counselling skills course at the University of Glasgow, where she developed a person-centred practice. She has worked to support individuals who have a range of both physical and cognitive additional support needs and firmly believes in the accessible and varied approach of art therapy in supporting this. Alison also enjoys playing the guitar, camping and painting.
Sarah Levitus Art Therapist Expand Sarah graduated from Winchester University in 2016 with a degree in Creative Writing and went on to qualify as an Art Psychotherapist from Queen Margaret University. During this time, she worked with children and young people in a family support centre and adults in an acute psychiatric setting. After graduating, Sarah became a Bereavement Counsellor supporting young people who had experienced the sudden and unexpected or anticipated death of a loved one. She also set up an art therapy service working with adults and young people who struggle with their own substance use or the substance use of a loved one. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys yoga, reading, being in nature and spending time with family and friends.
Ulrike Schmoranzer Art Therapist Expand Ulrike became interested in art as a child and used creativity to help her navigate life. Later while working abroad as a development worker with street children, Ulrike used the arts to promote growth and wellbeing and eventually went on to complete her full training as an Art Psychotherapist in the UK. Since qualifying she has worked in family support, trauma recovery, bereavement and hospice work. Ulrike is also trained in Somatic Experiencing which is a body-based therapeutic approach that works well alongside art therapy.
Macie Lopez Art Therapist Expand Macie studied Studio Art, with an emphasis in Photography, in Oakland, California, before graduating from Queen Margaret University with an MSc. Art Psychotherapy where she explored communal-based approaches to art therapy. She has experience working with children, young people and adults across education and healthcare settings and aims to use art to encourage children and young people to develop a sense of empowerment. Originally from California, Macie loves spending time in nature, either hiking or enjoying the sun on the beach, and sewing is her favourite creative outlet.
Natalie Mitchell Art Therapist Expand Before qualifying as an art therapist, Natalie was a teacher who specialised in teaching art to primary school children. She studied at Queen Margaret University and gained experience working with adults with learning disabilities and primary school children on professional placements. Alongside working with the Teapot Trust, Natalie works with other charities in Edinburgh and Fife, offering art and creative therapy to support young carers and vulnerable children in the community. She is interested in bringing in other creative means of expression within therapy and offers play, music, and the outdoor environment in these child-centred sessions. Originally from Kent, Natalie travelled and worked abroad, returning to Scotland to settle with her family in Edinburgh. Her spare time is full of knitting, crochet, gardening, her own art practice, and supporting Edinburgh Rugby Club.
Katie Wood Board Member Expand Katie has a background in management and leadership in regulatory organisations, in particular with professional bodies. She has an excellent knowledge of governance matters and the work of committees and boards. For Katie the driver for joining the Board was the opportunity to help support not only those children and families benefiting from the amazing work of the charity, but also the hardworking staff and therapists team who work so tirelessly to make it all happen. She's also excited to be working with such talented Board members. Katie is absolutely delighted to be able to bring her skills and enthusiasm to Team Teapot.
Kirsty Livingstone Board Member Expand Kirsty has been with Hampden & Co plc since August 2021 where she is responsible for ensuring the front line banking team are compliant with regulatory requirements through effective leadership of the Bank’s client journey, regulated products and procedures, and client enhancing projects. Prior to joining Hampden & Co, Kirsty was the Head of Membership Services and Strategic Partnerships for 4 years with the Institute of Directors Scotland and enjoyed multiple roles over 16 years, including the Regional Business Development Director for Commercial Banking, with Lloyds Banking Group. She is a highly motivated and effective leader, bringing 21 years’ experience of driving improvement within dynamic and competitive environments of the financial services and not for profit sectors. She combines her strategic thinking, solution focused approach and sound interpersonal skills to lead, manage and drive business initiatives for growth. Thriving on creating and developing mutually beneficial collaborations, she understands the need to nurture such relationships to the benefit of all stakeholders. On a personal note, she enjoys running and online HIT classes as well as spending time with her family & friends.
Jennifer Martin Board Member Expand Jen is a highly experienced communications lead for change programmes at NatWest Group. Often specialising in strategic, regulatory and legal change programmes, Jen is passionate about quality, consistency and using data and insight to guide to the right solutions. Out with the day job, Jen has worked with The Prince’s Trust as a mentor to young people. This is Jen’s first trustee position having decided that now her youngest child has started school, it was time to devote more of herself to charities that will make a difference to people’s lives. Her enthusiasm for Teapot Trust is born from the recognition of how creative therapies can positively affect children and their families through the most trying of times.
Ruth Girvan Chair of Trustees Expand Ruth was unanimously voted Chair of Trustees at the May 2022 trustees meeting. Ruth has lived experience of the challenges of having a child with a long term health condition, JIA, and has experienced first-hand the life-changing impact Teapot Trust can have on children who go through multiple hospital visits, procedures and tests, and their ability to face into their (often invisible) condition. Adding an element of control, in a life where for them, so much is out of their control. Ruth has a passion for Teapot Trust, its ethos, ambition and impact, and is proud to be taking over from the charity founder as Chair, to lead Teapot Trust through the next stage of development and the opportunities ahead as the charity grows from strength to strength. Ruth has spent most of her career in the financial services sector leading people through strategic change with a passion for keeping people at the heart of any new strategic move. Never happier than when outdoors and indulging in her many passions such as open water swimming, cycling, canoeing camping and running and adding more miles to her Mileage Challenge for Teapot Trust to achieve 4k miles in 2022.
John Kennedy Finance Convenor Expand John is a Chartered Accountant with considerable experience working in public practice. He is a partner in Cowan & Partners CA practice in Leith, where he has provided advice and support to a broad range of clients for over 30 years. John is a highly respected general practitioner, and has a particular interest in charity accounts. As an auditor, he took responsibility for a broad range of audits including a number of local and high profile charities. John also has considerable experience as a charity Independent Examiner. John has served as Treasurer and Trustee of a major UK charity and a large Scottish charity as well as a number of local charities. John retired from business in April 2022. In joining Teapot Trust, he is keen to bring his professional knowledge and experience to the Trustee role, where he will have a particular focus on finance.