SENsations

Learning Support

Clare Caughey founded SENsations and leads the team. She worked as an educational psychologist for the Belfast Education Authority, prior to which she was a teacher in a special school for children with severe learning difficulties. Clare has an interest in Autism and learning difficulties (and she was an all-Ireland trainer for Middletown Centre for Autism, before leaving to set up SENsations). Clare is passionate about helping children, families and schools! She has three little ones at home, plus a husband and a crazy chocolate labrador!

Nicci is our amazing psychologist who is a specialist in Autism. She provides cognitive assessment as well as being a key part of our multi-disciplinary team. Nicci is also trained in Equine Assisted Learning, and she carries out weekly EAL sessions with our pupils at the nest.

Dr Jude Hutchinson is an educational psychologist who has many years experience working with the Education Authority. She has a particular interest in working with young people who have challenging behaviour, and has experience in working in Alternative Education. Jude is a mummy herself and has two little ones (a girl and a boy) at home.

This is Sharon Lyttle! Sharon began working with Clare some years ago, and has been an important part of the journey towards making SENsations what it is today. Sharon is a behaviour therapist, with a degree in special educational needs and a masters degree in behaviour analysis. She works lots with children and young people who suffer from anxiety and low self-esteem. Sharon heads up Project Liberty (our youth programme), and carries out 1:1 support for children and young people with behaviour or anxiety/social issues. Sharon is one of those uniquely talented people who is able to put young people immediately at ease, so that they can discuss their difficulties openly and without judgement.

Jodie is an experienced behaviour therapist with a specialism in Autism and challenging behaviour. Jodie is originally from Scotland, but has lived and worked in Belfast for some time now, in settings such as special schools, respite services, and Applied Behaviour Analysis programmes. Jodie is highly skilled and enjoys working with young people. She is an excellent asset to our team!

Trevor is the newest member of our team. He is a fabulous classroom assistant, who has spent four years as a 1:1 assistant to a young person with Autism and severe learning difficulties. Trevor is our Balancability trainer, and contributes to all other aspects of daily life at SENsations, including The Nest, project liberty and Fledglings early intervention project. Trev has a son with Asperger's Syndrome and a son with Attention Deficit Disorder (he's also Clare's dad! SENsations is a bit of a family affair!).

Sue is the lovely chatty lady you will speak to when you phone us. She books the appointments and helps keep the whole organisation running smoothly!