Helping Children Heal Through Compassion and Connection
How Experience and Empathy Shape My Work
Animal Assisted Therapist | Qualified Teacher | Learning Mentor | Trauma Informed Education Advocate
Hello, I’m Catherine, an Animal‑Assisted Therapist, Qualified Teacher, and former Learning Mentor, passionate about trauma‑informed education that supports both children and the adults who care for them.
My journey began in schools, where I spent over a decade supporting children as a Learning Mentor and later as a Teacher. During that time, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, and neurodiversity can have on a child’s ability to learn, feel safe, and truly thrive. I also saw how emotionally demanding this work can be for the adults around them, teachers, teaching assistants, family support workers, who are often expected to care, contain, and carry the weight of others without always receiving the support they need themselves.
A personal experience shaped my path deeply: losing my mum to cancer when I was a child. That loss left a gap I struggled to fill, and it wasn’t until years later — when Lola, my golden cocker spaniel, came into my life — that I began to understand the healing power of connection, attunement, and compassion.
Alongside my work with children, I am deeply committed to the ethical care, welfare, and treatment of Therapy Dogs and School Dogs — ensuring they are supported, happy, and respected as valued partners in this work. Continuing to learn, grow, and advocate for best practice is an important part of my role.
I bring together a BA in Education Studies, a Foundation Diploma in Therapeutic Safety in Trauma, and a TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Distressed Behaviour in Children, alongside specialist training in Animal Welfare and Wellbeing through the AAAIP. This combination allows me to support children, the adults who walk alongside them, and the incredible animals I work with — all through informed, compassionate, and ethical practice.
Meet Lola
Therapy Dog | Highly Commended | Award Finalist | Bridge Between Heart & Nervous System
Lola isn’t just a Therapy Dog, she’s a bridge between the heart and the nervous system. Through her intuitive presence, she helps children and adults navigate grief, anxiety, and trauma in ways words often cannot.
She is a two time award recognisee for her therapeutic work in schools: Highly Commended in the Animal Star Awards 2025 and a Finalist in the National School Dog Alliance Awards 2025. Lola has supported countless children and young people experiencing emotional or behavioural challenges, offering comfort, regulation, and connection when they need it most.
Beyond providing support, Lola plays an important role in educating children about the ethical treatment of animals. She helps nurture kindness, respect, and empathy, qualities that enrich children’s relationships both in and out of school.
Trauma Informed Training | Animal Assisted Interventions | Wellbeing Workshops
At the All Is Well Approach, we combine trauma‑informed principles, relational neuroscience, and Animal‑Assisted Interventions with developmentally supportive, play‑based approaches. Together, these approaches help create nurturing environments where children, and the adults who support them, feel safe, connected, and empowered.
Through workshops, wellbeing sessions, and carefully designed resources, our mission is to help schools, families, and child‑focused organisations strengthen emotional wellbeing and resilience across their communities — one safe relationship at a time.
Our services include:
Trauma‑informed training and workshop sessions for school staff and child‑focused professionals
Therapy Dog sessions tailored for emotional support, regulation, and connection
Wellbeing workshops that build practical skills rooted in relational safety, co‑regulation, and developmentally supportive, play‑based approaches
I would love to connect and explore how we can support your school, organisation, or setting on this important journey.
What We Do
“Lola always makes me smile, even on the days I don’t feel like smiling.”
— A child who was working through a family breakdown.
Get started with All Is Well, today.
Do you want to bring trauma informed support to your school or setting?