About us

Directors

Lucy White Director & Occupational Therapist

I’ve worked across both the NHS and private sector, building broad experience of more than 15 years in areas including mental health, physical disabilities, learning disabilities and special educational needs.

I have a strong interest in sensory-based interventions and strategies, which I apply across various settings to help individuals increase their independence and improve their quality of life.

In addition to my therapy work, I’m a director at Base Minds Ltd, a specialist clinic providing assessments for Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I am trained in both ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised), enabling me to play an active role in comprehensive, multi-disciplinary assessments that support accurate diagnosis and tailored recommendations.

At the heart of my practice is a deep belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful life. I’m dedicated to delivering compassionate, person-centred care that empowers individuals to reach their potential and thrive on their own terms.

Lucinda Williams Director & Occupational Therapist

I am an Occupational Therapist with a background in Psychology and a strong passion for sensory integration and meaningful, client-centred care.

I have over 5 years of experience working with the paediatric population—delivering assessments and interventions, contributing to multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and reviews, and collaborating closely with schools to embed both universal and targeted Occupational Therapy approaches. I'm currently advancing my practice through postgraduate training in Sensory Integration, a field I’m particularly passionate about.

In addition to my work in schools and clinics, I am ADOS-trained and work as an ADOS assessor at Base Minds Ltd, a specialist clinic providing diagnostic assessments for ASC and ADHD. In this role, I contribute to multi-disciplinary assessments, helping to ensure accurate, thorough, and person-centred diagnostic outcomes.

I’m driven by the belief that therapy should be functional, fun, accessible, and empowering—whether it’s delivered in a classroom, clinic, or community setting.

Team

Nikki Kear-Hill

Administrator and Therapy Assistant

Hi, im Nikki. Mum to three lovely children. I qualified as a Primary School Teacher in 2009 and taught in mainstream schools. I also have experience working in the Early Years Sector and working with SEND in holiday schemes. I completed my SEND diploma in July 2024. After experiencing a rollercoster life of a SEND family, i set out to find a new career pathway tohelp others experiencing the same as us! So i have come on board to be the Therapy Assistant and look forward to helping as many people as we possibly can!

New OT Joining September 2025

We are delighted to welcome a highly experienced Occupational Therapist to our team. With extensive expertise in specialist school settings and advanced training in sensory integration, they bring a wealth of knowledge and years of hands-on experience to their new role.

Maryanne

Occupational Therapist

Hi! My name is Maryanne and i joined the team in 2025. I have spent the past several years working with the local children’s service, where I have supported a wide range of children and families with developmental, sensory, and functional needs.

With a passion for helping children reach their full potential, I have completed Sensory Integration Level 3 training, equipping myself with advanced skills in assessing and supporting children with sensory processing differences. My approach is child-centred, evidence-based, and grounded in creating meaningful and practical strategies for everyday life.

New OT Joining September 2025

We are excited to welcome a new Occupational Therapist to our team, bringing with them a strong background in physical health and rehabilitation. Their broad clinical experience, combined with a passion for working with children, offers a valuable perspective in supporting functional development and promoting independence in young people.

Bethan Whimpenny

Speech and Language Therapist

Hi! My name is Bethan and I joined the team in September 2024. I'm a qualified Speech and Language Therapist, graduating with an MSc in Speech and Language sciences from University College London in 2022.

My background is in Psychology, graduating with a Bsc in Psychology from the University of Sussex in 2014. I have 4 years previous experience tutoring children and young people with Autism following a multidisciplinary approach; incorporating sensory integration strategies, behavioural support and speech and language therapy into teaching of functional and meaningful skills, that have been tailored to each individuals education plan.

Jessica Regan Speech and Language Therapist

I am a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with over 10 years experience. Beginning my career as a therapist at Solent NHS working with a paediatric caseload in clinics and schools, I now work across Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire covering a broad range of settings and visiting clients in their homes. I split my time between a management role within Surrey Council and private practice, clinically specialising in complex speech sound disorders.

I am experienced in the assessment and therapy of language development, speech sound development and social communication skills in young people age 0-25. I carry out whole school staff training in local schools on strategies in the classroom at a targeted level of need.

Ellie Therapy Dog

Ellie loves long walks on the beach, balls and making people happy. She is a 2-year-old Golden Retriever that has completed her therapy dog training and is a valued member of the Function Ability team

Ben White IT man and all round tea maker!

I first found my calling to FunctionAbility when my lovely wife Lucy lovingly volunteered my services! But no seriously, i currently work in IT as a Project Manager but can often be found flitting around helping the two Lucy/i's with project management, IT support, moves, conferences and my favourite role of all as therapy dog handler.

Our qualifications

Our team includes qualified Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists with extensive experience in the field as well as highly experienced Occupational Therapy Assistants. Our team members are all registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC), Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), enhanced DBS checked, insured and vetted.

Our team has extensive experience in physical health, mental health and cognition with a special interest in sensory integration. Our Therapists have attended a wide range of training including (but not limited to):

Sensory Integration - Levels 1, 2,3 and 4

EHCP and tribunal assessments

Level 4 Advanced People Handling and Risk Assessment Key Trainer's Certificate

Mandatory training including Safeguarding (adults and children), PREVENT, Equality and Diversity, Information Governance, basic life support, first aid at work

ADOS-2

ADIR

Webinars for new standardised assessments

Major adaptations

DIR Floortime

Sensory Intelligence

Peadiatric first aid

Practice placement education for students

Supervision for professionals

Sensory Attachment Intervention