Dr Amit Biswas – Consultant Psychiatrist

I am a Consultant Psychiatrist, a specialist doctor in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with mental health problems. After completing my initial medical degree, I completed a full and extensive post-graduate specialist training in the specialty child and adolescent psychiatry in Oxford and in London. I received additional training in highly regarded institutions, eg National Autistic Society, Autism Research Centre (USA) etc. I have been involved in research at Institute of Psychiatry/Maudsley (King’s college) and received prizes and grants in academic work.

I have worked both in NHS and Private sector for a long period of time in London and was a senior Trainer/Supervisor of specialist doctors from Great Ormond Street/London Deanery Rotation for 6 years. I was also a Hon. Senior Lecturer at University of London and participated extensively in teaching medical students and professionals.

I believe that psychiatric care should be based on evidence to ensure efficacy and safety but at the same time, it should be embraced by the principles of hospitality, holistic and humane care and relationship based work. I closely work with families, keeping them and the young person at the centre of my service.

I am a writer, theatre director and a filmmaker and made several films including an award winning one on Autism.

Dr Joseph Oyiriaru – Speciality Doctor

I am a speciality doctor in child and adolescent psychiatry and an affiliate of the Royal College of Psychiatry. I did my postgraduate training in psychiatry in South East regional training scheme in republic of Ireland. I gained valuable experience in working with young people with learning disability, autism, autistic spectrum disorder and severe challenging behaviour as well as young people with a forensic history.

I believe in a holistic approach to patient care.

Danmore Padare – Team Leader Woodlands Unit

I originally trained in Zimbabwe where I qualified as a Registered General Nurse and Registered Mental Health Nurse. I have significant experience spanning over 18 years having worked in both the Local Authority and Non-Governmental Organisations. Having moved to the UK in 2001, I completed my Adaptation Programme and worked for two years with the Elderly Mentally Infirm before joining the team of St Luke’s Healthcare in 2003.

My approachable nature and positive outlook to the working environment has enabled me to uphold positions such as Registered Manager (Thors Park unit, Essex and Ducks Halt unit, Essex) and Team Leader for Oak Unit, Wales and finally Woodlands Unit, Norfolk.

I continually strive to strengthen my personal development, recently achieving the award of Registered Manager (NVQ Level 4).

Jenny Hartman – Deputy Team Leader Woodlands

I am the deputy team leader for Woodlands. I am a Registered Nurse in Learning Disabilities and have been working for the company since 2005 before that I worked in a special needs school, a respite unit, ran a youth club for adolescents with learning disabilities and worked in a children’s institution in Croatia. I love my job and am very passionate about working with young people that need some support. The best thing about my job is seeing our young people moving on to supported living or going home.

Ruth Hamilton – Social Worker Woodlands and Cherry Oak

My background is in the area of social welfare and mental health. I have years of experience working with children, young people and adults.My work with children and young people at St.Luke’s Hospital transcends the individual, familial and community levels. Each intervention is instructive and each positive outcome propels my passion to continue.

Marylet Ropa – Occupational Therapist Woodlands and Cherry Oak

I graduated with a degree of Occupational Therapy and registered with the Health Professions Council. I have worked as Occupational Therapist in paediatric LD for 2 years, neurology clinic for 1 year and community for 1 year. At St. Luke’s, I enjoy working with young persons with learning difficulties and mental health problems providing sensory work for individuals to learn activities of daily living and life skills work necessary for individuals to achieve as much independence as possible and help their lives more meaningful.

Thomas Hughes – Occupational Therapy Technician Woodlands and Cherry Oak

I have worked for St Luke’s Health Care for almost four years and enjoy the challenges and rewards of working with young people on both Woodlands and Cherry Oak units. What I enjoy most in my role is the creative and therapeutic interventions that can really make an impact upon an individuals care and treatment. I have always valued and believed that the carer–client relationship is paramount to the successful treatment and recovery process of a person’s health. What I also value about this particular role is the aspect and focus on rehabilitation with the aim of delivering purposeful client led activities to enable individual’s to live life to the fullest. To be part of and have input into an individual’s progress is one of the most rewarding things one can experience.

David Hunter – Teacher

I qualified as a teacher at the University of Cambridge after taking a first degree in Psychology at the University of Sheffield. I have many years experience teaching in England and around the world, and have taught at nursery, primary, secondary and adult level. I am particularly interested in Assessment for Learning techniques and personalisation in education.

J.J. Alan Miller B.A. (Hons) Dip Psych, MSc C.Psychol C.Sci AFBPsS

I am registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health Professions Council, I am the Head of the Psychology Department for St Luke’s Healthcare. I am on the Register of Supervising Psychologists for Professional Practice. I have 30 years experience of working with those experiencing psychological challenges and over 20 years of working with young people in educational, residential, hospital and secure settings. I have specialised in Autism, Developmental Disorder, Personality Disorder and Forensic Risk Assessment. I am a Lead Reviewer for Child and Adolescent Inpatient Units (QNIC), Royal College of Psychiatry and is the Scientific Coodinator for the Association of Integrative Research, Counselling and Psychotherapy (ACCPI). I am on the editorial board of two international journals and have written works on therapeutic communities.

Sharon Akinkunmi BSc (Hons), Dip, PG Dip, MSc, C. Psychol

I am registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health Professions Council/ Chartered Counselling Psychologist with the BPS. I am trained in three distinct psychological therapies namely CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Psychodynamic and Person centred Therapy. I have over 15 years experience working with children, young people and adults in mental health across educational, residential, hospital, clinic and community settings. My experience also includes 7 years of managing a Young People’s Counselling Service for those aged 8-25years old. The clients whom I have worked with have presented with depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm, suicidal tendencies and difficulties as a result of various forms of abuse and other issues. This includes considered complex behaviours and challenges such as personality disorder and young people with autism, learning difficulties and offending behaviours.

Tania Bonhomme BSc (Hons), MSc

I trained in Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Leuven in my native country Belgium. I am interested in working with, and researching into the psychological conditions of childhood and adolescence. I have been developing my involvement in the application of adapted CBT for young people with learning disabilities and those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am working towards gaining Health Professions Council registration.