My name is Lisa Mason. Since the age of 16, I have been involved in caring for and supporting children through babysitting and volunteering with children’s groups. While completing a Diploma in Photography, I began volunteering once a week at a preschool. This experience inspired me to pursue a Diploma in Childcare, during which I completed several placements.

I particularly enjoyed my placements at an inclusive school and a school for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities. These experiences strengthened my passion for supporting children who face challenges in their learning and development.

Following my studies, I volunteered for three months at a school in Zambia. During my time there, I supported children who were experiencing difficulties with their learning and conducted assessments to help teachers better understand and meet their individual needs. I also covered for teachers during periods of sickness absence, taking responsibility for teaching classes of up to 25 children aged between 3 and 8 years old. One particular challenge was that English was not the children’s first language. As a result, I developed my ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with children using a range of non-verbal and visual communication strategies, while maintaining clear expectations and classroom management. Upon returning, I worked in a nursery before travelling back to South Africa and Zambia for a further nine months.

Upon my return, I continued working in childcare while undertaking an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Studies and Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Studies. During this time, I also worked as a nanny during school holidays, planning and delivering activities tailored to the individual needs of the children in my care.

I later progressed to a role as a One-to-One Support Assistant and Teaching Assistant. My primary responsibility was to support a student with complex medical needs. In addition, I worked closely with other pupils who experienced learning difficulties. One particularly rewarding experience was supporting a child who had no knowledge of English. Through consistent support and tailored interventions, the student was able to communicate confidently with their peers by the end of the academic year.

Whilst working in a different nursery during covid times, I completed an Introduction to Play Therapy course and quickly developed a passion for this approach. Inspired by the positive impact play therapy can have on children’s emotional wellbeing, I went on to complete a master’s degree in Play Therapy, becoming a qualified Play Therapist.

I completed my first placement year in a school setting, and my second and third-year placements at Every Cloud Play and Creative Arts Therapy. Following qualification, I continued working there for the first two years of my professional career as a Play Therapist.

Throughout my career in childcare, education, and therapy, I have worked closely with parents and carers. As a Play Therapist, I support parents in understanding how best to meet their child’s needs and strengthen family relationships. Many parents have shared that this guidance has had a significant positive impact on their family life.

As a therapist, I am committed to maintaining high professional standards. I regularly engage in continuing professional development to ensure my practice remains current, safe, and effective. I also meet regularly with my clinical supervisor, who provides guidance and support to help me continually develop my practice.

I am dyslexic and have mild truncal ataxia, both of which presented challenges throughout my education. I believe these personal experiences have contributed greatly to my passion for supporting children who are struggling. I recognise that without the encouragement and support I received from my family, individual teachers, friends, and mentor, I would not have achieved what I have today. As a result, my goal is to provide that same support, encouragement, and opportunity to the children and families I work with.

When I am not working I love to spend time with family and friends. I also love travelling and I enjoy doing crafts.