Meet the FunctionAbility Team
At FunctionAbility, we're passionate about helping children, young people and families achieve their full potential. Our multidisciplinary team works together to provide personalised, evidence-based support through Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Clinical Psychology, Counselling and SEND services. Our strength lies in our multidisciplinary team. By bringing together specialists from different professions, we're able to provide holistic, child-centred support that's tailored to each individual and their family.
Directors
Lucy White
Director & Occupational Therapist
I've worked across both the NHS and private sector for over 15 years, supporting children and adults with mental health needs, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and special educational needs. Throughout my career, I've believed that everyone deserves support that recognises who they are, what matters to them, and helps them achieve their goals.
As a parent currently navigating my child's EHCP journey, including the tribunal process, I understand firsthand how overwhelming and emotional it can be. Experiencing the challenges of advocating for the right support has strengthened my empathy for the families I work with. I understand the exhaustion, uncertainty, and hope that come with fighting to secure the support your child deserves.
I have a particular interest in sensory-based interventions, using practical strategies to build confidence, independence, and improve quality of life. I enjoy helping individuals discover approaches that work for them, enabling them to participate more fully in everyday activities at home, school, work, and within their community. I also have extensive experience contributing to multidisciplinary autism assessments and am trained in both the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised), supporting accurate diagnoses and meaningful recommendations for individuals and their families.
At the heart of my work is a simple belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life that feels true to them. Whether I'm supporting a child, an adult, or their family, I provide compassionate, person-centred care that sees the whole person—not just the diagnosis.
Lucinda Williams
Director & Occupational Therapist
I have over five years of experience working with children and young people, delivering assessments and interventions, contributing to multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and reviews, and working closely with schools to embed both universal and targeted Occupational Therapy approaches. Throughout my career, I've been passionate about helping every child feel understood, supported, and able to participate confidently in the activities that matter most to them.
I'm currently advancing my practice through postgraduate training in Sensory Integration, an area I feel deeply passionate about. I enjoy using sensory-informed approaches to help children build confidence, develop independence, and overcome everyday challenges. My aim is to provide practical, meaningful strategies that support children not only in therapy sessions, but across their home, school, and community environments.
Alongside my work in schools and clinics, I am ADOS-trained and contribute to multidisciplinary autism assessments as part of a diagnostic team. Working collaboratively with other professionals, I support comprehensive, evidence-based assessments that help provide accurate diagnoses and meaningful recommendations for children, young people, and their families.
At the heart of my work is the belief that therapy should be functional, fun, accessible, and empowering. Whether I'm supporting a child in school, the clinic, or the community, I strive to build trusting relationships with children and their families, creating a safe and supportive environment where they feel heard, valued, and confident to achieve their goals.
Occupational Therapists HCPC Registered & Members of RCOT
Maryanne
I am a Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist with 8 years experience supporting children with a range of mild to complex physical and neurological difficulties. I am experienced in providing specialist equipment to meet the postural needs of children and young adults in order to allow them to functionally participate in their activities of daily living.
I am a qualified Sensory Integration (SI) Therapist with a Postgraduate Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration.
I am a highly skilled people handling and risk assessment trainer with an up to date Edge certified Train the Trainer certificate.I am accomplished in running courses for families, teachers, trusted assessors and carers in people handling and risk assessment. I have many years experience of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) work and home adaptation. I was a finalist in the 2025 Best Therapist Award hosted by Berkshire charity Building for the Future.
Amy
I am a dedicated Paediatric Occupational Therapist who works closely with children, families, and caregivers to enhance their quality of life. With extensive experience delivering assessments and interventions across a range of settings, I tailor my approach to each child's unique strengths, abilities, and needs.
I work from a neuro-affirming, strengths-based perspective, empowering children and families to recognise and celebrate their individual differences. Through the therapeutic process, I often support parents and other family members who discover their own neurodivergence, and I value creating a safe, understanding space for those conversations.
As a mum of two neurodivergent daughters, I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to my work. I understand the challenges, rewards, and unique journeys that many families navigate. Outside of work, I love spending time with animals, listening to music, and dancing—activities that inspire my commitment to creating meaningful, joyful, and affirming therapeutic experiences for every child and family I support.
Izzy
I am a friendly and compassionate Occupational Therapist (in training) with a passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs. I have experience across specialist school settings and NHS placements, supporting the development of independence, confidence, and engagement in everyday activities.
I take a creative and individualised approach, using sensory-informed and play-based strategies to support meaningful progress. I am currently working as a Therapy Assistant while awaiting my HCPC registration, and enjoy being part of a collaborative therapy team.
Speech and Language Therapists HCPC Registered & Members of RCSLT
Jess
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.
Maddie
I am a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with experience working in SEN Schools and Local Authorities carrying out specialist assessments, interventions and working with other professionals to support best outcomes. I am passionate about neurodiversity affirming and trauma informed practice, and have undertaken further training in these areas.
I take an individualised, person centred, holistic approach to therapy and enjoy working closely with families to create meaningful outcomes for everybody.
Sarah
I am a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with 10 years of relevant experience of supporting students and their families with a range of speech, language and communication needs. I have worked for the past 5 years at a County Council delivering specialist assessment and interventions for students aged 3-19, with a clinical specialism in supporting students with severe learning difficulties and delivering early language and communication interventions including AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). I have also supported students in both mainstream and specialist educational settings to ensure that the appropriate provision is recommended and delivered throughout the school day.
I have experience in delivering whole school training, 1:1 parent coaching sessions as well as working closely with the multidisciplinary team to provide holistic, effective and meaningful therapy provision to students to allow them to reach their full potential.
Beth
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.
Therapy Assistants Members of RCOT/RCSLT
Jane
I’m a therapy assistant with a background in psychology and experience supporting children and young people in neurodivergent and inclusive settings. I have a BSc in Psychology and have worked closely with children and young people who present with a range of developmental, emotional and communication needs.
I have experience delivering structured sessions and I value creating a safe, supportive environment where individuals can feel understood and empowered to build their confidence and skills at their own pace. With a calm, reflective and approachable manner, I value building positive relationships with children and working collaboratively with families and professionals.
Jenna
I'm an Occupational Therapy Assistant with over 18 years’ experience supporting children across schools, nurseries and community settings. I recently joined Function Ability from another local occupational therapy practice, bringing a wealth of experience supporting children with a wide range of additional needs.
I hold a degree in Children’s Learning and Development, alongside specialist training in SEN, safeguarding and child development. My passion for supporting neurodivergent children is both professional and personal, having grown up alongside my autistic twin brother.
I enjoy creating fun, child-led therapy sessions using sensory play, movement, fine and gross motor activities, mindfulness and interoception to help children build confidence, independence and everyday skills.
Alongside my role at Function Ability, I run Together: One Step at a Time, an inclusive SEND community providing sensory groups and activities for children and families. As both a professional and a parent, I understand the importance of creating supportive environments where every child can thrive.
I believe every child learns differently, and I look forward to helping children and their families achieve their goals while celebrating every success along the way.
Specialist Practitioners
Becky
Counsellor
I'm a psychotherapeutic counsellor with 3.5 years of professional practice and over a decade of experience working closely with children and young people with SEN. I specialise in child and adolescent counselling, neurodivergence (including ADHD and autism), and emotional wellbeing across all ages.
If you or your child are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, or struggling with big emotions, I offer a calm, supportive space to explore what’s going on. I work with a wide range of challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, low self‑esteem, school pressures, and life transitions.
My approach is gentle, collaborative, and neurodiversity‑affirming — celebrating differences, building confidence, and helping clients understand their unique strengths. Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child, a teenager navigating complex feelings, or an adult wanting to make sense of your emotional world, you’ll be met with warmth, respect, and understanding.
If you’re ready to take a step toward feeling more grounded and supported, I’m here to walk alongside you.
Dr Lisa
Clinical Psychologist
I am a qualified Clinical Psychologist working with FunctionAbility leading the diagonstic services, with extensive experience working across mental health services, working with both adults and young people who present with a wide range of mental health, neurodevelopmental, and physical needs. I have worked in a wide range of settings, including adult mental health, CAMHS, physical health services, and specialist teams.
I have a particular interest in neurodiversity, and how these can present differently across the lifespan. I am especially mindful of how neurodivergence can be missed or misunderstood in girls and women, and those with co-occurring mental or physical health difficulties.
I am committed to offering person-centred care, with thorough, compassionate and collaborative assessments, aiming to help individuals make sense of their experiences in a way that feels validating, clear, and supportive.
Specialist Support Team
Nikki
SEND Advocate
I am a qualified teacher who changed career when the needs of my own children with special educational needs required my full attention. Through this journey, I experienced first-hand the complexities of the SEND system and the critical importance of informed, effective advocacy. This led me to complete all levels of the IPSEA SEND Law training and formally move into SEND advocacy.
I bring both professional experience and lived understanding to my role, supporting parents and carers to understand their legal rights, navigate EHCP processes, and feel confident and informed at every stage. My work focuses on ensuring that children and young people receive appropriate, lawful, and meaningful provision to meet their needs.
Harriet
Administrator
Since 2016, I have worked in SEN, supporting children and young people with a range of learning and developmental needs. Through working closely with individuals and families, I have gained valuable experience in adapting communication styles, using sensory strategies and building strong, trusting relationships that ensure each child feels seen, heard and supported.
Alongside this, I also work as a short breaks team leader, offering essential support to families while providing children with opportunities to develop, grow and reach their full potential in a supportive environment.
I am passionate about creating safe and inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued. I really enjoy working with children and young people in a way that empowers them to grow in confidence and achieve their full potential.
Ellie
Therapy Dog
Woof! I'm a much-loved member of the FunctionAbility team! A gentle golden ray of sunshine, I bring warmth, comfort and smiles to everyone I meet. As a trained therapy dog, I help create a calm and welcoming atmosphere during therapy sessions. My friendly nature and intuitive sense of empathy help children and adults alike feel at ease, often turning nerves into laughter, confidence and connection.
Whether I'm offering a comforting nuzzle, sitting quietly by your side, or joining in a game to encourage engagement and participation, I love playing my part in promoting emotional wellbeing and creating positive therapeutic experiences.
When I'm not at work, you'll usually find me enjoying long walks, soaking up belly rubs, and making new friends wherever I go—both human and canine! I love being part of the FunctionAbility family, and I'm always ready to brighten someone's day with a wagging tail and a friendly smile. Woof!
If you'd like to find out more about our services or discuss how we can support you or your family, we'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch with our friendly team today.
Our Qualifications
At FunctionAbility, we are supported by a growing multidisciplinary team (MDT) of Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Clinical Psychologists and Associate Clinicians who work collaboratively to deliver high-quality assessments, therapy and specialist advice.
Together, our team brings extensive experience across neurodevelopment, physical health, mental health, cognition and sensory processing. By combining our expertise, we provide holistic, evidence-based support that is tailored to the individual needs of every child, young person and family.
Our clinicians are committed to continuous professional development and have undertaken a wide range of specialist training, including:
Ayres Sensory Integration® (Levels 1–4)
ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised)
EHCP assessments, reporting and SEND Tribunal work
Standardised assessment tools
Sensory Attachment Intervention
Sensory Intelligence
Major adaptations and Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) assessments
Advanced People Handling and Risk Assessment (Level 4 Key Trainer)
Safeguarding (children and adults), PREVENT, Equality and Diversity, Information Governance, Basic Life Support, First Aid and Paediatric First Aid
Practice placement education, supervision and mentoring of students and professionals
We are passionate about lifelong learning and reflective practice. Through regular supervision, ongoing training and collaborative working, we ensure our services remain evidence-based, ethical and clinically robust, enabling us to provide the highest standard of care across therapy, assessment and advocacy services.