Meet the team
Our team is made up a friendly and professional group of Advisers and Counsellors.
Emma Carpenter
"I am a qualified Occupational Therapist and worked as a practitioner for a number of years within mental health services in the NHS until I moved into a manager role in a specialist psychosis service. I joined the University as Wellbeing Manager in October 2017 and lead a team of Wellbeing Advisers, Mental Health Advisers and Counsellors to deliver welfare, wellbeing and mental health support to our students. I am also the lead safeguarding officer for the university."
Clare Ibberson-John
"As a Wellbeing Adviser, I help students tget the right support in place at the right time to get the most out of their time at University. I work by offering confidential one-to-one and group support with a wide range of personal and emotional concerns. I have a broad experience of supporting people with life crises during my various careers in social housing, advice work, legal secretarial and education. Prior to coming to work for the University of Huddersfield I was a teacher and progress coach who specialised in supporting students studying English (ESOL)."
Deborah Birch
"I have a BSc in Psychology and qualified as a counsellor in 2002. I also have a postgraduate qualification in counselling and psychotherapy and have provided information, advice and guidance, wellbeing support and counselling to both FE and HE students for the past 18 years.
I joined the University of Huddersfield in 2012 as a Back on Track/Wellbeing Adviser. My main role is working with students to help them identify and address both underlying and visible issues that are impacting on their wellbeing and studies. With a wealth of knowledge around university regulations, I am able to help students explore the best option for them, so they can successfully navigate their way through university to achieve their goals."
Fran Devlin
"I have a split role at the university; in my role as Wellbeing Advisor I provide support, information and guidance to students who need help with wellbeing issues or who need help overcoming barriers that prevent them from achieving academically. I am also a support coordinator for Care Leavers and estranged students.
The second half of my role as Wellbeing Educator is to coordinate projects around issues relating to student wellbeing and safeguarding. Outside of work, I am studying for a MA in Applied Human Rights."
Joanne Hellawell
"I have been working within Student Services at the University of Huddersfield for over 25 years and graduated from here too. I am part of a team that supports and advises students with any issues and concerns that they may have whilst undertaking their studies. I facilitate the PGR Support Group and I have also recently trained as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor."
Kelly Boyd
"As one of the Mental Health Advisors at the University I offer therapeutic support, advice and guidance to students who are experiencing a range of difficulties. I am a fully qualified counsellor with a Post Graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Post Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
I offer support on a one-to-one basis and also facilitate mental health related groups for students. My approach to mental health is holistic – considering all aspects of the individual in order to effectively support them to improve their wellbeing."
Laura Pickles
"I have worked in education offering wellbeing support to students since 2007, and joined the wellbeing team at the University in 2012. I have a BSc in Psychology, a Diploma in therapeutic counselling and I am a BACP Accredited counsellor. I support students in sharing and exploring any worries they may have throughout their time at University, whether academic or personal, and aim to work together to find helpful and healthier ways to manage."
Lynsey Gray
"I have worked in the field of mental health for a number of years, firstly as a Mental Health Social Worker and Approved Mental Health Practitioner, as well as a Practice Educator for Student Social Workers. I am also a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. As a Mental Health Advisor here at the University, I support students who are struggling with any aspect of their mental health, working together to explore and address any barriers that might be preventing them from moving forward. I am a qualified Mental Health First Aid instructor, and work with staff development delivering training to both staff and students across the University."
Max Maxfield
"My academic background is in Social Sciences and Research Methods. I hold a BSc, MSc and PGCE. I recently joined the team after working in the teaching profession for nearly 20 years. I work in an outstanding team of Wellbeing and Mental Health Professionals to provide advice and guidance to students who are experiencing difficulties. I offer support on a one to one basis and also ensure that individuals are signposted to the right services for additional support. Key to my role is empowering students to successfully navigate their way through their journey in Higher Education."
Rebecca Hayes
Text coming soon!
Sofia Tanzanu
"I joined the Wellbeing Team in 2020, after achieving a BA in Psychology and a MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. As a mental health adviser, and I work with students to identify their challenges and find different approaches and strategies to help them manage successfully on a day to day basis. I believe that different people will benefit from different things at different times, therefore I practice with a flexible approach that can be tailored according to the needs of the individual."