Meet the Team at Sapphire Minds
Hollie Kristian
Hello, I am Hollie Kristian, a dedicated mental health nurse with 15 years experience, working with vulnerable individuals, providing them with the support and care they need to navigate life’s challenges.
For the past decade, I have worked for the National Health Service (NHS), where I have worn many hats. As a Community Psychiatric Nurse, I have had the privilege of working with individuals in their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and stability. My role as a Community Substance Misuse Nurse allowed me to understand the complex relationship between mental health and substance issues, with one often influencing or exacerbating the other.
In the fast-paced environment of a Crisis Team for Adults, I have refined my skills in responding to urgent mental health crises, ensuring that every individual receives timely and compassionate care. My journey also led me to working within a prison environment as a mental health & substance misuse nurse, supporting men within the criminal justice system and offering rehabilitation.
Recognising the importance of mental health in education settings, I ventured into schools working diligently to enhance the mental wellbeing of both educators and students. My work involved upskilling staff to recognise and respond to the early warning signs of mental health concerns in our children and young people, ensuring a nurturing and supportive environment.
Furthermore, I have dedicated two years to delivering Mental Health First Aid training to education staff, and individuals in a senior position where they have a responsibility for the wellbeing of their staff, that helps empower them with the knowledge and tools to provide crucial assistance when it matters most.
I have had the privilege of working closely with education staff, families, children and adults throughout the years, supporting them with the challenges that Neurodevelopmental conditions can bring to the individual, their family and education setting, and more recently this has included the development of one-page profiles tailored to individuals with Autism and ADHD.
My connection to neurodiversity goes beyond my professional life, as I am also a parent, intimately familiar with the challenges and joys that come with it. My 12 year old child has autism, offering me first-hand experience in the daily triumphs and tribulations of raising a neurodiverse child. Likewise, my adult son is living with both Autism and ADHD, allowing me to witness the journey of growth and self-discovery that continues into adulthood.
In my own family, I have learned that education is a powerful tool. Understanding the nuances of Neurodiversity is not only empowering for parents but also essential for creating a supportive and inclusive environment for our children.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of mental health support, and I am deeply committed to making a positive impact on people’s lives. I am here to share my knowledge, empathy, and support with you, whether you are a parent navigating this path or an individual on your own journey, know that you are in the hands of a compassionate, and dedicated mental health professional.
Lois Heaney
Hi, I'm Lois. I am a Registered Social Worker with nearly a decade of experience supporting children and families in various roles. I have worked within children’s services, adults and children’s disability services, fostering, adult mental health and children's mental health teams within the voluntary sector, the NHS and private work.
I enjoy early intervention work and educating people about mental health, trauma, neurodiversity and building resilience. I have worked in both early intervention and crisis teams within the NHS, each with their own challenges. I have a particular interest in trauma and adverse childhood experiences, especially with children in foster care. I am a Qualified Trauma Informed Practitioner with experience of supporting individuals and families impacted by mental health issues and trauma. I completed a Diploma in Mental Health and Trauma which prepared me to help people navigate challenges with compassion and understanding.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to serving vulnerable children, young people, and families. Before qualifying as a Social Worker, I volunteered with organizations like Action for Children, NSPCC and Home Start.
During my professional career, I have worked in a local authority complex disabilities team for adults and a children with disabilities team. I have worked in an independent fostering agency supporting foster parents and looked after children.
I gained experience in community mental health teams for adults within the NHS, working with people experiencing severe and enduring mental health conditions in secondary care, and people experiencing mild to moderate mental health conditions in primary care.
Most significantly, I have held roles in the children and adolescents mental health service as an education mental health practitioner and in the crisis team supporting children and young people experiencing a mental health crisis. My various experiences have taught me the importance of early intervention and providing compassionate, tailored support for those in need.
As a neurodivergent person myself, I understand first-hand the struggles neurodivergent children and adults face in a world built for neurotypicals. I am passionate about spreading awareness, challenging discrimination and helping neurodivergent individuals thrive.
I also bring personal experience as a foster carer and now special guardian. I have four children, one of whom joined our family at eight days old as a foster placement. She now lives with us permanently under a Special Guardianship Order. Caring for a looked after child and a child with additional needs has taught me the complexities of parenting in these situations. I understand the challenges of trauma, attachment issues, and special needs.
Outside of work, I love wild swimming and you will often find me chasing waterfalls, rivers and lakes to swim in during my free time. I also enjoy reading books and listening to audiobooks. My goal is to help create a more inclusive world for all.
Throughout my journey, I have learned the importance of empathy, patience, and resilience in helping children and families heal. My goal is to use my knowledge and experiences to support others navigating similar circumstances. I believe every person deserves understanding, care and the chance to thrive.
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