Meet the team

Eileen Russell

I am the Founder and Clinical Director of WayMaker Child Therapy CIC, where I lead with a deep passion for the healing power of play. With over 20 years of experience in children’s services, I specialise in supporting children and families through complex childhood trauma with compassion, creativity, and hope. I believe wholeheartedly in every child’s capacity to heal and thrive, no matter their story.

I am also a strong advocate for the play therapy profession in Northern Ireland. Alongside my work at WayMaker, I serve as Course Director for the PTUK Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills and am honoured to be the PTUK Ambassador for 2025. My work is rooted in a commitment to bring peace, regulation, and restoration to children and the adults who care for them.

Florence Walker

I am a wife and mother of two children and now the proud grandmother of four grandchildren. I have worked with preschool children since 1991, and I always felt that some children just needed a little something extra to help them develop to their full potential. I became so interested in healing trauma and other childhood issues through therapeutic play therapy that I started on my journey of becoming a fully qualified play therapist in 2017.

Baby Massage Ballymena

Tara Cupples

I am the Project Coordinator & Reflex Therapist at WayMaker and specialised training in reflex integration through Rhythmic Movement and the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) method, I am dedicated to empowering each child to reach their fullest potential. I hold a degree in Children’s Care, Learning, and Development Management, which has provided me with a strong foundation for understanding child development at all stages. Additionally, I am certified in baby massage, a practice that supports early bonding and healthy growth.

I am passionate about supporting children on their unique paths to success, focusing on holistic methods that address each child’s individual needs. My goal is to create an encouraging environment where every child can thrive, heal, and feel empowered to explore the world around them.

Mel McCracken

I'm an Art Psychotherapist with a background in social work and I have over 8 years of experience working with children and young people living in residential care. I fully believe in the healing power of art-making, through which clients are able to explore their inner world and express their thoughts, feelings and emotions. My heart is to provide a therapeutic space where young people can feel safe, nurtured and held; a space where there is no pressure to talk and where they are free to explore, play and experiment with the materials in whichever way they choose.

Leza Dunlop

Coming soon….

Dawn Ritchie

I am excited to have joined the WayMaker team as a trainee play therapist. I am a primary school teacher and have taught both nursery and primary classes for almost twenty years. I recognise the increasing pressures our children face and so have decided to embark on a new career as a play therapist. I believe in the healing power of play and I am very thankful to be surrounded by a wonderful team of people, enthusiastic to share their experience, knowledge and expertise to help me on my journey.

Dexter

I’m delighted to be part of the WayMaker team. I come to work every day with my mum Tara to meet and greet children if they feel comfortable by offering a warm and gentle welcome. I’m currently in training, and one of my best qualities is staying calm while helping children feel at ease.

Sometimes I offer a paw or simply sit nearby, creating a friendly and safe environment where children can begin to relax. My role is to support the therapeutic space at WayMaker by being a steady, reassuring presence.

I may be the youngest team member, but I take my job very seriously helping children feel comfortable from the very first moment they arrive.