Meet the Team
Who We Are
Joanna Buckland
Founder & Director
Qualified Counsellor and Trainer
Jo is resolutely devoted to unveiling people's innate potential, drawing inspiration from her own journey of surmounting challenges and her professional training in counselling and mental health. With a multifaceted background, she wields an extensive comprehension of the intricate elements that underpin personal growth. Jo's distinctive perspective stems from her dual role as a professional practitioner and a person who has experienced her own trials. She terms this fusion of personal insight and formal training as an education "from the inside out." This amalgamation of personal understanding and professional acumen has not only honed her competencies but has also cultivated a profound empathy and dexterity in navigating complex scenarios. Broadening her proven track record, Jo has been instrumental in developing an award-winning NHS service that was celebrated for its progressive design in co-production. Beyond this, her expertise extends to leading projects aimed at alleviating poverty for an international charity. In this capacity, she effectively streamlined processes and enhanced project outcomes, leaving an indelible impact. Furthermore, Jo's corporate background in recruitment and human resources adds another layer to her versatility. Her extensive range of skills has led her to spearhead an initiative in collaboration with visionary leaders in Somerset. This collective effort is geared toward breaking down barriers to thriving counties. With a comprehensive approach that spans individuals, businesses, communities, and the environments that shape our lives, Jo's initiatives stand as a testament to her unwavering commitment to a better future for all.
Sophie Margetts
Fully Qualified Counsellor
Sophie is a passionate advocate for personal growth and thriving. Her unwavering commitment to helping individuals flourish is what sets her apart. With a perceptive approach, she goes beyond surface-level symptoms, delving deep to understand the underlying causes of reactions and emotions. What makes Sophie exceptional is her curiosity – a driving force that compels her to explore the stories beneath the surface. She believes that true healing and transformation occur when we address the roots of our challenges. With a genuine and empathetic nature, Sophie creates a safe and nurturing space for individuals to embark on their journey toward thriving. Sophie's dedication to further training is a testament to her commitment to excellence. With a particular interest in helping people navigate past experiences and find answers, she's fully qualified and continues her development through specialist training. This training equips her with a deep understanding of root causes, allowing her to guide individuals toward meaningful and lasting change. With Sophie, you'll find a compassionate guide who is genuinely invested in your journey to a more fulfilling and vibrant life. Her unwavering dedication, coupled with her passion for continuous growth and learning, makes her the ideal collaborator on your path to thriving.
Sharon Elphick
Associate Trainer and Learning and Development Consultant.
Sharon is a seasoned Learning and Development leader with over 25 years of experience. During this time, she’s collaborated with industry leaders such as Vodafone, Emirates, Nationwide, and more. Sharon helps organisations thrive by merging innovative approaches with tried-and-true techniques. With a passion for mental health and wellbeing, Sharon specialises in Mental Health First Aid and wellbeing. Having recently been chosen by mental health charity, Dorset Mind to deliver their programs, Sharon comes highly recommended and also holds an impressive average score from feedback of 9.7/10.
Bex Fawcett
Bookings Team Admin and Office Assisstant
Bex is the driving force behind our organisation. She's the go-to person when it comes to making sure things run smoothly and works tirelessly to create operational processes that align our business functions with our values. But Bex isn't limited to admin tasks. She's also been part of research projects in the mental health field, showing her commitment to meaningful work. With qualifications in business administration and event management, Bex is all about staying ahead. Beyond the desk, Bex has a talent for orchestrating events of up to 400 attendees flawlessly. Bex also has 11 years of experience as an Executive Assistant at Director Level, and as an Office Manager. Bex’s journey speaks volumes about her dedication and expertise. Her knack for details, super organisation skills, and ability to juggle multiple tasks means we can deliver a high-quality service we’re proud of. Bex's mix of skills, experience, and passion make her an absolute gem on the team.
