Dedicated Professionals
United by empathy and excellence, our practitioners bring a wealth of expertise in trauma-informed care to support every journey toward healing and sustainable pathways.
Laura is a highly experienced practitioner supporting children and young people aged 5–18, particularly those who have experienced trauma, attachment difficulties, or challenges within education.
She holds a Master’s in Psychology and a degree in Criminology, alongside specialist qualifications in Thrive and Therapeutic Thinking, underpinned by advanced trauma-informed practice. Her career spans education, therapeutic services, and the Ministry of Justice, including experience as a Safeguarding Lead, giving her a strong understanding of young people navigating complex needs and high levels of emotional distress.
Laura works in a calm, relational way, helping young people feel safe, understood, and supported to build confidence, manage their emotions, and re-engage with learning. She also works closely with parents, carers, and professionals, offering guidance, reassurance, and practical strategies to support children at home and in school.
Laura holds a degree in Criminology and a Master’s in Psychology; her work focuses on understanding human behaviour from both social and psychological perspectives, and she applies evidence‑based, trauma‑informed interventions to support children, families, and educational settings.
Annika James is a qualified trauma-informed practitioner dedicated to supporting young people and families facing complex and often high-risk challenges. With a strong focus on issues such as criminal exploitation, sexual exploitation, county lines activity, homelessness, Tier 4 mental health needs, and the risk of exclusion from education, Annika brings both compassion and expertise to her work.
She has significant experience working with young people at risk of, or who have experienced, school exclusion, providing tailored support to promote successful reintegration into education. Annika understands the wider impact that exclusion can have on a young person’s wellbeing, safety, and future opportunities, and works closely with families, schools, and professionals to create sustainable pathways back into learning.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Health and Social Policy, alongside a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, which underpin her informed, holistic approach. Annika is committed to creating safe, supportive environments where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward.
Drawing on trauma-informed principles, she works collaboratively with young people and their families to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and navigate systems of care. Her practice is rooted in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the impact of adversity, enabling her to provide meaningful and lasting support to those she works with.
Lindsey is a Consultant Social Worker with a wealth of experience supporting children, young people, and families, particularly where there is neurodevelopmental needs, early trauma and/or attachment difficulties, or challenges within education.
She has extensive experience in post adoption support and working within CAMHS, including both crisis services and a secure unit, giving her a strong understanding of young people experiencing high levels of emotional distress and risk. This experience, alongside being DDP Level 2 qualified, informs her calm, thoughtful approach when supporting children and families through complex situations.
Lindsey works in a warm, relational way, helping children feel safe, understood, and supported to build confidence, manage their emotions, and re-engage with learning. She also works closely with parents and carers, offering guidance, reassurance, and practical strategies to support children at home.
Lindsey is qualified in neurodevelopmental assessments, including ADOS and ADI-R, and brings a strong understanding of autism and social communication needs into her work. This helps ensure that support is tailored to each child’s individual strengths and needs.
"Our collective mission is to shine a light on the path forward, ensuring that every person we work with feels seen, heard, and empowered to reach their sanctuary."
— The Sanctuary Leadership
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