Meet our Practitioners
Nici Maxwell (she/her) and Jackson and Cleo
Hi! My name is Nicola but everyone calls me Nici. I am the founder of PAWS CIC and the proud mumma of Jackson, Rudy and Cleo. I am extremely passionate about PAWS and the difference I believe we can make to everyone who needs our support.
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Read more about my qualifications here.
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JAN STIFF (SHE/HER) AND BIZ
Hi, my name is Jan. I initially began my career as a paediatric nurse and then in paediatric cancer and palliative care. Through my experiences with these families, I began to notice and understand the importance of child mental health and wellbeing. This led me into pursuing a career in counselling where I developed a special interest and understanding of children and young people who are bereaved and siblings of children with special needs and life threatening illnesses. My rescue dog Biz will be accompanying me on my work. She loves people and is my constant shadow. (AKA Biscuit. We changed this soon after she first came to us: It caused issues calling it out on walks attracting other dogs as that was clearly their term for a treat!)
Leila (she/her) and KYRO
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I have lots of experience working with people and more recently with animals too: I have taught primary school children in the past and I now work as a counsellor and a counselling tutor.
With PAWS I have welcomed the opportunity to work therapeutically with young people and my dog! This has been in schools and also 1-1 walk and talks. I also run Mental Health First Aider courses.
Kirsty Elliot-Walker (she/her) and Rudy
Hi I’m Kirsty! I’m a qualified counsellor with experience working with young people and adults. I’ve recently joined the PAWS team working therapeutically with an incredible dog! I support alongside young people in variety of settings, including residential homes and 1:1 walk and talks. I have a great passion in well-being and anything dog related! I believe these both goes hand in hand to allow us to begin to heal, grow and achieve our potential.
Becky DAVISON(she/her)and bELLA
Hi I’m Becky! I’m a counsellor who has worked in Education, Social Care, CAHM’s and also private therapeutic residential and foster care for experienced children for over 30 years now.
I have a passion for animals, especially dogs and horses, so I feel lucky enough to be able to now include them in the different therapeutic work I do.
Bella is my 4-year-old Sprocker spaniel, and we have worked together for PAWs at Herne Bay High School since July 2023
Hiya I’m Rob! I am a fully qualified and BACP registered counsellor. Teaming up with my boy Bailey - a 2 year old Labrador cross. Me and Bailey offer a calming and exciting environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings.
Rob Millist (he/him)and Bailey
Carli Freeman (she/her)and Hollie
Hello, I’m Carli and I have been a primary school teacher for over 20 years. 7 years ago, I began my training as a counsellor and hypnotherapist and shortly after I began a new roll in a primary school which enables me to work with pupils to support their wellbeing and help them develop their emotional literacy and social skills. In addition to this I run a small private counselling practice,working with both young people and adults. I am also very fortunate to live with Hollie, my black Labrador. I am now able to combine my experience and qualifications with my love of animals to work therapeutically with Hollie in a variety of settings to support young people.
Katrya Jantawong (she/her)
Hiya! My name is Katrya and I am the Social Media Manager for PAWS. I joined PAWS November 2021 and it has been the best thing I have ever done. Despite not owning any dogs or cats of my own (I do have a crested gecko and 2 large fish tanks), I have a great passion for animals and wish to work with them as my career progresses.
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You can find out more about my journey with PAWS here.
Alice Nelson (SHE/HER) and Mickey
Hello, my name is Alice and I have 10 years of experience collected within various keyworker roles for vulnerable people to support and advocate for their health and/ or rehabilitation journey.
Mickey is very uplifting, intuitive, and loves people. Together we will be working with PAWS receiving referrals to provide assessments and therapy interventions for mental health, social care, and neurodiversity needs.
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Natasha Rougier (SHE/HER) and teddy
Hi, I’m Tasha and I work with my 4 year old golden retriever, Teddy, who I bred myself. I am qualified up to Level 3 in Counselling skills and I also work as a Social prescriber. Teddy loves getting affection and having fun with humans, so going into schools or private homes to support young people is perfect for him.
alex anderson (she/her) and bramley
Hello, I’m Alex and I will be working with my gorgeous Bernedoodle, Bramley. As a qualified teacher with over 10 years’ experience, I have worked with children across all age groups in mainstream primary schools. I currently teach in alternative provision, where I provide academic and pastoral support to children up to the age of 13, who require help to access education. I have always been passionate about working with children and animals and feel extremely privileged to now be able to combine these two things and to be able to share my wonderful dog with young people.
Kathryn macdonalD (she/her) and bALTO
Hi, I'm Kathryn and this is Balto. He is a young Siberian Husky/ Alaskan Malamute rescue who loves people, especially young people! I am an ex Head Teacher with over 25 years of classroom and 1-2-1 experience. I have taught children of all ages with different learning and emotional needs. I am passionate about young people's well being and the way animals can make a difference in their lives, especially in helping them access, participate in and enjoy their education. I am currently studying part time towards a Level 3 qualification in Children and Young People's Mental Health.
