Meet the Team

  • Lauren Clark - Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead

    Lauren Clark

    BSc PHYT

    PHYSIOTHERAPIST & CLINICAL LEAD

    Lauren graduated from the University of Essex in 2014 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy. Following rotations at a local hospital she worked within the Adults with Learning Disability service in Essex completing training in hydrotherapy and postural management.

    Since joining Kids Therapy Works, Lauren has completed further study to enhance her skills such as therapeutic yoga and physiotherapy for sensory dysfunction.

    Lauren is passionate about bringing all her previous experience and training together to provide a holistic approach to physiotherapy and support those with complex needs.

    As lead clinician, Lauren is keen to support the development of the services we offer at Kids Therapy Works; including the development of staff skills with evidence based practice and working with local multi-disciplinary services to support the children and their families in a variety of ways.

    In her spare time Lauren enjoys spending time with her two young children and keeping active with yoga and running.

  • Kate McDermott - Physiotherapist

    Kate McDermott

    MSc PHYT

    PHYSIOTHERAPIST

    Kate graduated from the University of Essex in 2016 with an MSc in Physiotherapy, having previously completed a BSc (Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science. Following her graduation, she undertook a range of clinical rotations at Ipswich Hospital, where she developed her skills across multiple specialties and progressed into senior roles within the paediatric inpatient department.

    Since joining Kids’ Therapy Works, Kate has continued to advance her expertise through further training, including Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) up to Level B. She has a strong passion for early intervention, with a particular focus on supporting the typical development of children under five. Kate is dedicated to working closely with families to promote movement, build functional skills, and help children reach their full potential during these crucial early years.

    In her spare time, Kate enjoys staying active through horse riding, walking her dog, and spending quality time with her family.

  • Ewan Sears - Physiotherapist

    Ewan Sears

    BSc PHYT

    PHYSIOTHERAPIST

    Ewan graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with a BSc Physiotherapy in 2019. He has volunteered for a children’s charity for over a decade, where he gained his passion for working with children.

    Ewan has a specialist interest in Post-SDR rehabilitation, Orthotics and Electrical Stimulation devices. In recent years, Ewan has completed post-graduate courses including Elaine Owen’s Paediatric Gait Analysis and Orthotic Management.

    Ewan strives for a person-centred approach to goal setting, making sure the patients’ interests and wishes are taken account throughout their therapy journey, as well as making sure sport and therapy is as inclusive as possible.

    He also loves playing and watching sports in his spare time.

  • Lara Foster - Physiotherapist

    Lara Foster

    MSc PHYT

    PHYSIOTHERAPIST

    Lara gained a wealth of knowledge whilst completing her postgraduate degree in Physiotherapy at Essex University. Prior to this, she studied BSc (Hons) Sports Rehabilitation and worked in a private musculoskeletal clinic in London.

    She discovered her passion for paediatric physiotherapy whilst volunteering at REACH (a local RDA and hippotherapy centre). Lara is training to become a hippotherapist and RDA coach. She has also completed further training in hydrotherapy, Theratogs and understanding sensory needs. 

    Nothing brings her more joy than helping children to achieve their goals. She is passionate about improving the lives of young people and has a genuine empathy and ability to connect with children, which fosters trust and engagement.

    In her spare time she enjoys yoga, running and riding her horse.

  • Verity Hooks - OT at Kids' Therapy Works

    Verity Hooks

    BSc (Hons) OT

    OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

    Verity graduating from the University of Essex in 2024. She brings over 7 years’ experience working with both children and adults, including 5 years supporting children and young people with SEND.

    She has worked in a wide range of settings – from schools (mainstream and SEN) to homes, community spaces, and most recently, a care farm, where she developed a unique therapy service. Her work supports individuals with complex needs including autism, ADHD, PDA, learning disabilities, and neurological conditions.

    Verity is trained in a variety of approaches including Zones of Regulation, Makaton, ELKLAN, sensory integration awareness, and more. She also has experience as an MSI Intervenor, supporting children with visual and hearing impairments.

    She’s passionate about helping young people understand themselves, build confidence, and develop emotional regulation and self-advocacy. She often works alongside her certified therapy dog, Hendrix, to make sessions engaging and supportive.

    Outside of work, Verity enjoys running, strength training, outdoor adventures, and spending time with her family.

  • Bethany Sullivan, OT, KTW

    Bethany Sullivan

    BSc (Hons) OT

    OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

    Bethany graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 2024 with a degree in Occupational Therapy, bringing eight years of experience working across older adults, adults, and children's services.

    Her career has focused on mental health, with significant experience in CAMHS inpatient services including an internal school setting. Here she developed a keen interest in sensory approaches, creating sensory prescriptions to support children with medication avoidance. She has experience working with children with ASD, ADHD, and OCD, supporting them with exposure therapy, daily routines, and sleep hygiene.

    Working with adults in inpatient services, Bethany set up the sensory modulation pathway, helping adults use sensory skills for emotional regulation and supporting them to develop independence in managing their own triggers.

    Bethany is passionate about the connection between mental and physical health and how the two influence each other in treatment. She has a keen interest in neurodivergence and is an advocate for holistic, whole-person approaches to therapy.

    In her spare time, Bethany enjoys spending time with family, aerial hoop, sling, cold water swimming, yoga, paddle boarding, walking, and climbing - anything outdoors, energetic, or creative.

  • Karen Smith - Speech & Language Therapist

    Karen Smith

    BSc (Hons) Speech & Language Therapy

    SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPIST

    Karen is a warm, highly experienced Speech and Language Therapist who brings over 20 years of knowledge and dedication to her role. She has worked across community clinics, mainstream schools, and specialist settings, supporting children with a wide range of communication needs. She believes strongly in inclusive, practical therapy that helps every child feel heard, understood, and confident in their world.

    Karen is skilled in supporting children with speech sound disorders, language delays, and more complex needs, including those who use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication).

    Karen previously led the Speech and Language Therapy team at Lexden Springs Residential Special School, embedding communication support across the curriculum. Before that, she helped develop whole-school strategies at Ravenswood Community Primary, and spent over 10 years with the NHS managing complex caseloads and mentoring junior therapists.

    Calm, approachable, and thoughtful, Karen is dedicated to helping every child thrive. She works closely with families to make therapy fun, meaningful, and tailored to each child’s needs.

    A certified Elklan Instructor, Karen also delivers training to education professionals. Outside of work, she enjoys long walks, reading, and spending time with her family.

  • Ellen Laughlin - Psychotherapist

    Ellen Laughlin

    BSc (Hons) MA MBACP

    PHYSCHOTHERAPIST

    Ellen holds an MA in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Essex, with a specialist focus on children and adolescents. She brings hands-on experience as a school counsellor supporting young people through anxiety, bereavement, trauma, and identity challenges.

    Ellen's warm, empathic approach creates a safe space where children feel understood and heard. She believes counselling works best when a young person can speak freely with someone who listens without judgment — helping them make sense of their feelings and build resilience that lasts.

    Ellen is passionate about supporting young people to develop emotional awareness and self-compassion. She advocates for a holistic approach to wellbeing, recognising that emotional health is deeply connected to overall development and flourishing.

    In her spare time, Ellen enjoys reading, walking, spending time in nature, and connecting with friends and family.

  • Keira Crisp - Assistant

    Keira Crisp

    THERAPY ASSISTANT

  • Danielle Walker - Practice Manager & Director

    Danielle Walker

    PRACTICE MANAGER/DIRECTOR

    Danielle started studying for her accounting qualifications in September 2008, proceeding to chartered accountancy in 2011. With an extensive background in finance, management reporting, budgeting and forecasting she assists our MD as a key member of the management team.

    As well as ensuring the smooth running of our practice, Danielle is the first point of contact for all of our families, providing them with any guidance and assistance that they need.

  • Peter Greatorex - Managing Director

    Peter Greatorex

    MANAGING DIRECTOR

    As the father of a son who has attended Kids’ Therapy Works for 14 years, Peter has a long-term understanding of the challenges faced by children and their families. In December 2022, Peter became the majority shareholder in Kids’ Therapy Works. His vision is that every child should benefit from early intervention, excellent holistic therapy, advice and support.

    Peter graduated from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1989, worked in London design agencies through the 90s and in 2000 founded Page Nine, a branding design agency based in Colchester with clients across Europe and the USA. He now works full time at KTW, and is determined to create an outstanding, UK-wide holistic therapy service for all children.