Meet the Team

Get to know the team at The Donkey Den!

Claire

Claire is a Primary school teacher, Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Senior Mental Health Lead and licensed THRIVE practitioner working in a local primary school.

For the last thirteen years, she has specialised in supporting staff to promote inclusion within the school environment, working closely with the child, their family and other professionals.

Claire's interest in Equine Facilitated Learning evolved from her love of donkeys and wanting to see and learn how she could combine her knowledge and teaching skills with her donkeys and being outdoors. This led to her obtaining a Diploma in Equine Facilitated Learning.

She continued her Equine training with Equischolars and then went on to become an Equimotional Wellbeing Coach which compliments her Equine Facilitated Learning work.

Claire has an increased awareness of the impact of trauma on the development, learning and emotional functioning for children and Children Looked After (CLA). As well as her experience working in education, she has completed further trauma training with the Somerset Educational Psychology service to be able to support the child or young person and become more trauma informed in her practice.

Claire is also a mindfulness in nature practitioner for children and a mental health first aider. She is currently undergoing her Level 3 Forest School Lead training.

Claire says,"Being with my donkeys and in my surroundings has really helped me navigate life's ups and downs over recent years. Sometimes it's hard to take the next step or make sense of why you are feeling the way you are. I want to share how being with my donkeys and in nature has made me feel. The Donkey Den enables you to 'be in the moment, connect and notice'

Tasha

Caroline

Caroline is an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant Assistant (ELSA), working in a primary school in Bridgwater.

She has specialised in working 1:1 with children across the school who find life challenging due to a range of factors.

Caroline is a qualified Level 3 Forest School Lead and is a mindfulness for children practitioner.

Caroline has completed further training and is an Equimotional wellbeing coach. This has enhanced her skills when working with the children and the donkeys.

Caroline says "I enjoyed being around horses when I was younger and on reflection I can see how much they helped me through a difficult time in my life. I love the outdoors and being in nature - it is my calm place! I enjoy seeing children engage and thrive in their learning outdoors away from the busy classroom."

Mark

Mark works at The Donkey Den as Forest School support.

He is currently undergoing his Level 3 Forest School Lead training.

He says "I just love being outdoors! I like to be outside whether I'm engaging with nature in the woods, exploring on a bike or walking the dogs!"

Laurelle

Laurelle has experience working within a Pupil Referral Unit, supporting children from a wide range of backgrounds and with varied emotional needs. Her role in this environment has given her a deepened understanding of how to connect with and support young people who are often navigating complex challenges.

She says "On a personal level, I am a mother to three children who have each responded very differently to the loss of their father. This has given me a profound insight into the many ways bereavement can manifest in children. To better support them, and others, I have completed an online course in Child Bereavement which has further developed my knowledge and confidence in this area. I also have witnessed how anxiety can arise from grief, and in response, I completed a course in understanding anxiety in children to better equip myself with strategies to support them effectively."

Laurelle says "I am a naturally outdoor-orientated person and strongly believe in the healing power of nature. Spending time outside has been invaluable for me and my children, especially during difficult times. I have seen firsthand how nature and animals can offer calm, comfort, and emotional regulation - something I strive to incorporate into both my personal and professional life when supporting young people."

Tess

Tess is a professional artist and qualified art teacher currently studying Trauma Informed Art Therapy. She has experience of running creative workshops for adults and children.

Natasha (Tasha) moved to Somerset in 2014 having previously lived and worked in a city with a demanding job role.

Tasha is a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), working in a local primary school. She works within the early years and works 1:1 with children across the school to support emotional wellbeing.

Tasha is a mindfulness and yoga practitioner for children. She has completed Grief Support training, with Josephine's Star, and is experienced working with children who have experienced a loss.

Tasha is currently undergoing Equine Facilitated Learning training to combine the work she does with the children and the donkeys.

Tasha says "Since moving to the beautiful Quantocks, I have found peace and tranquility being with my family outdoors. I feel passionate about children learning outdoors and being within nature in a world where life is so busy, and screen fixated. My children and I have found so much peace and joy spending time with the donkeys, they are a calm warming presence within an environment that is surrounded in natural beauty. I adore animals and feel they create a special connection. I have my own pet chickens and a cheeky lurcher dog, who loves walks on the Quantock Hills."