My name is Paula Baker, I live in Exmouth with my husband and two children. We’re an active family who love being outdoors on the beach, walking and playing sport. I have more than 20 years experience in the mental health field and over 12 years in an educational environment. I have a Psychology Degree (BSc) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. I am also a qualified Youth Mental Health First Aider and have diplomas in Life Coaching; Mindfulness for Children and Advanced CBT. My previous roles enabled me to see that support is needed at a much earlier stage and lead me to create and deliver HeadsUP Mental Health Awareness CIC.
My name is Morwenna Axon. I live in Exmouth with my husband and daughter. We like to be outdoors; I enjoy spending time at the coast, walking our dog in the local area. I also love to read. I’ve worked in education for the last 20 years. I have a Creative Arts Degree (BA Hons) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Art Education. I have taught Art and Design in secondary schools. More recently, I have held various posts in the SEND Department at the local community college, including working as the Exam Access Arrangements Assessor and Coordinator. I have always enjoyed working with young people and young adults, especially when I can help and support them with their mental wellbeing.
My name is Tammie Waite and I live in sunny Exmouth with my husband, two boys and cat, Ziggy! We moved to Devon seventeen years ago after travelling round the world and deciding that we wanted to live by the sea! I love being outdoors, having been brought up on a farm, and take great pleasure from walking on Dartmoor and generally being out in nature with my family. I love cooking and baking and try to stay fit by swimming and going to the gym.
I have worked in education for over eight years as a workshop facilitator and as a TA and 1:1 supporting a young person through school. I am passionate about mental health and have seen how spending time with children to help them understand their feelings and emotions can help them to cope with their worries and challenging feelings that they have. This also has a massive impact on their capacity to learn and reach their full potential. Having a toolbox of strategies that works for them is a key part of helping them to flourish now and in the future.
Hi, my name is Rachel Garner I live in East Devon with my husband and 3 children. I love paddle-boarding, walking my dog on the beach and watching the sun go down over the sea. My family and I are keen skiers, there is nothing more exhilarating than feeling the sun on your face as you ski down the mountain. Equally I love to spend cosy afternoons curled up on the sofa with my family reading and watching films, particular favourite’s being “Inside out” and “Top Gun” at the moment. I love spending time laughing with my friends and family and enjoy a good piece of cake. I have worked in Primary education for over 20 years and more recently as a Counsellor. I love working with children, I love the light bulb moments and the enthusiasm they bring. My main passion is mental health for all, and believe if we can create the right environment for our children to express their emotions and feelings, then we are on the right track to having well-rounded mentally healthy individual’s with a “tool box” of strategies to help when things become tricky or overwhelming.
Hi, my name is Sharon Haggerty and I live in Exeter with my husband and two teenage boys. I am really passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and I care deeply about supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing. I have worked in primary education, for the past sixteen years as a TA, HLTA and a Forest School Leader. My favourite thing to do is to spend time with my family and friends however that looks. I take great pleasure and comfort in being in the great outdoors connecting to nature through walking, wild swimming and taking photographs.
Hi, my name is Becky Shand, I moved to Budleigh Salterton 10 years ago with my husband and youngest son. Most recently I worked at the local comprehensive school as a Senior Learning Mentor attached to the Learning Support Department and with a special interest in social, emotional, and mental health. I am also a Youth Mental Health First Aider. I feel strongly about social justice and that access to support for good mental health for everyone, especially our young people, is part of a fair and kind society. I am a member of several book clubs and am proud to be a geeky book worm. My family and I have a small brown dog and love spending time with friends and family, especially on the beach.
