Meet the team

Eileen Russell

I am the Founder and Clinical Director of WayMaker Child Therapy CIC, with over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. As a Play Therapist, I have a particular passion for supporting children who have experienced trauma, emotional difficulties and challenges that can be hard to put into words. My work is rooted in the healing power of play and in looking beyond behaviour to understand what a child may be communicating underneath.

I believe every child has the capacity to heal, grow and thrive when they are given the right support, relationship and space to feel safe.

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.

Tara Cupples

I am a Neurodevelopmental Therapist at WayMaker, specialising in the INPP Method. As a qualified INPP Practitioner, I am passionate about helping children overcome barriers to learning, coordination and emotional regulation by looking beneath the surface at what may be impacting their development.

I take a holistic, child-centred approach, working closely with families to understand each child’s individual needs and build stronger foundations for development, confidence and learning.

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 delighted to work as a Play Practitioner at WayMaker. I have over twenty years' experience as a primary school teacher, working with children from nursery through to Primary Seven. Before joining WayMaker, I worked in an EOTAS Centre (Education Other Than At School), supporting children with social, behavioural and emotional wellbeing needs. I am passionate about the healing power of play and recognise the positive impact that Play Therapy can have on children experiencing difficulties. I also value being part of a supportive team that generously shares its knowledge, experience and expertise.

Dexter

I’m delighted to be part of the WayMaker team, coming to work with my mum, Tara. I offer children a calm, gentle welcome, whether that’s a friendly paw or simply sitting nearby to help them feel safe and at ease.

All of our play therapists and trainee play therapists are on the PTUK register overseen by the Professionals Standards Authority. Search the PTUK register here.