Emma Mander
Co-founder
Emma began Great Minds Together with Meg Walls in early 2019. Since then Emma has become a leading specialist in Trauma, SEND and SEMH needs with a particular passion for children that fall between the gaps of the system as a result of unmet and/or unidentified needs. Emma is currently studying the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling Degree programme at Arden University, hoping to specialise in Clinical or Forensic Psychology and is certified in Mental Health First Aid, SEND, Child Protection,
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults.
Since creating the Great Minds model with her co-founder, Emma has been a part of a number of multi-disciplinary teams that have achieved the right diagnosis and support for children across the country. Emma, along with Meg and their team now support more than 2000 families and professionals across England, with a specific focus on upskilling professionals and helping to meet, identify and understand the individual needs of young people.
Emma says:
"I started my career in health and social care in 2001, where I worked in a number of different settings including schools, hospitals and residential homes. In 2005 I took a role in a property company and pursued my career in Housing for almost a decade. During this period I was responsible for the management of more than 50 staff members and over 500 tenants and landlords. I qualified as a contract writer in 2007 which focussed on housing law and project management.
In 2010 I had my first child, and it was after this point that I truly recognised that my passion was in people, and specifically in psychology, mental health and social care, and so in 2014 I decided to return to my studies in Psychology and I purchased my first business. For the following 5 years, I had two more children, I completed a number of courses in Psychology and achieved a number of accreditation's with a particular focus on SEND and Mental Health in young people, whilst running three different businesses that had a focus on families. In 2014 I also became a school
Governor and became very interested on how
education and social care link together.
As my children began to grow, and I witnessed the world they were growing up in, noticing a significant amount of challenges around mental health in children and young people, I decided to write a Life Skills curriculum. We began delivering the Life Skills curriculum in schools and community centre's in April 2019.
My passion is to ensure I am always doing something that "gives back" to society in some way that makes a difference. I have a keen interest in Psychology, problem solving and creating solution focussed model's that have a strong social value as well as Growth Mindset and positive thinking. It is my goal to ensure that all families in England are fully supported in managing the challenges that life throws at them as we explore a world of high need and little understanding.
Since working on The Great Minds model since April 2019, it has become evident that there are a number of significant gaps within our system when it comes to education, housing and social care. I feel strongly about working together with a multi-agency approach to help bridge those gaps for families whilst also supporting schools and services. It is my aim to unite all families, services and community groups to ensure that no family is left feeling unsupported. By providing a wraparound service for families that have children with SEND and/or SEMH needs, that mentors, co-ordinates and supports, I am certain that this will help improve our system and the overall outcomes for children and young people in a positive way."