About Space for Yew

We are currently in the process of converting from a Community Interest Company (CIC) to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

Meet our board of Trustees

Katie
Our Founder and CEO

Space for Yew was founded in May 2024. Katie was inspired to create Space for Yew after experiencing first hand how isolating typical mainstream spaces can be for neurodivergent families. She wanted to build a welcoming space where families could come together each week, connect with others who understand and feel supported in their wellbeing. Her professional background is in finance, administration and HR with experience in Education, the NHS, and Banking. She also brings lived experience as a neurodivergent person and as a mother to a neurodivergent child. Katie is a qualified Nature-Based Practitioner, trained by Circle of Life Rediscovery and now works with them supporting families through the CAMHS LD FISS Family Intensive Support Service. She is passionate about creating natural spaces where children and families can grow, explore and thrive. Committed to her local community, Katie also serves on the committee for Crowhurst Preschool, helping to create meaningful opportunities for children and families.

Olivia

Olivia Holland is a British violinist and electric violinist based in the South East. Olivia graduated from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance with first-class honours, and her playing has been described as “intensive & passionate, with excellent panache & character” Olivia has performed internationally in iconic venues as part of a string quartet, orchestras and as a soloist; artists include Alter Bridge, Eminem, Zara Larsson, Anne-Marie, Clean Bandit & Bring Me The Horizon to name a few. Television work includes performances for ITV’s X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, James Corden’s Late Late Show and MTV’s EMA. Olivia’s son is neurodivergent and accessed Space for Yew’s services whilst awaiting a suitable school placement. Olivia joined the team as a Director in May 2025 supporting the strategic development of Space for Yew and Rother’s Neurodivergent Hub.

Lisa

Lisa is joining Space for Yew as a trustee, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in early years and safeguarding. She is excited to support the growth of the Hub and help ensure it remains an inclusive, supportive space where children and families can truly belong. Alongside her trustee role, Lisa also volunteers at our indoor sessions.

Lauren

Lauren works as a paralegal in a local family law firm, where she’s developed a strong understanding of legal processes and safeguarding. She brings these skills thoughtfully into her role as trustee. She’s also a mum to a neurodivergent daughter which gives her a real insight into the everyday experiences of the families Space for Yew supports.

Meet our Team

Charli

Hi, I’m Charli. I volunteer with Space for Yew at the Stay and Play sessions. I have three neurodivergent children, and before having them I worked in various educational settings supporting children with special educational needs. Although I stepped away from my career, I carried with me a strong passion for inclusion and a deep understanding of how important accessible spaces are. Since becoming a parent to children with SEN myself this has become even more personal to me and finding Space for Yew has given me a supportive community where I can share that passion and help other families feel welcome.

Lisa

Lisa has been working with young children since 2001, in roles ranging from apprentice and practitioner to SENCO, nursery manager, and safeguarding lead. Over the years she has built up a wealth of early years knowledge and training, most recently completing a BA (Hons) in Early Years Care and Education in 2021. She is passionate about recognising every child as an individual and creating safe, nurturing spaces where they can learn, explore, and grow. Space for Yew has been a special place for Lisa’s own family, and she is keen to support our indoor sessions so that other families can share the same welcoming experience.

Shaun

Shaun brings warmth, calm, and lived experience to our Nature Connections sessions. As a dad to two neurodivergent children, he understands the importance of creating supportive spaces where everyone feels safe and valued.

Ganan

Ganan is Katie’s husband and dad to their neurodivergent child with a PDA profile. He works as a Management Accountant for a local Housing Association and has previously volunteered as a Governor at a local primary school. Ganan is passionate about helping children with SEND have the best possible start in life. Through his volunteer role at Space for Yew, he supports everything from financial planning to the development of outdoor spaces.

Click the links below to join our team.

Apply here to join our team of Bank Staff.

Join our team of volunteers

 

YOUTH COMMITTEE

Got ideas? Want to help shape Space for Yew?
Our Youth Committee is all about YOU having a say. We meet a few times a year in ways that fit your schedule, making sure your voice is heard and your ideas count.
Think this sounds like your kind of thing?

Register here for Youth Committee