Catherine possesses two decades of experience in working with adults and young individuals who have learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs. Her career commenced as a support worker, and she later became a registered learning disability nurse in 2011. Catherine has worked in both the NHS and social care sectors and has developed a profound interest in supporting individuals with complex behaviour to lead fulfilling lives in the community, utilising the Positive Behaviour Support model. This led to her obtaining an MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Positive Behaviour Support in 2020. Catherine actively seeks to share her experience and passion for supporting individuals in a person-centered and proactive manner by training staff who support people in various settings across the UK.
In addition to training delivery, Catherine works on a consultancy basis for several social care organisations that are working towards or have established a PBS model within their organisation. This includes, at times, the delivery of a work-based learning PBS internship program to develop care staff into PBS roles, which is underpinned by the PBS Academy Standards for Practitioners. This has enabled organisations to upskill their workforce while simultaneously embedding a culture of PBS best practice throughout their organisation. We believe that this is crucial to the successful delivery of PBS in all settings.
Mick possesses over 45 years of experience working with adults and young individuals who have learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs. He obtained his initial nursing qualification in 1983 and has since worked in various public and private sector settings.
Mick has served as a Registered Nurse Learning Disabilities (RNLD) for many years and has managed assessment and treatment services in the NHS, as well as secure admission and assessment services in private hospitals. From 1997 to 2002, Mick worked as a Prison Officer, specialising in offence-focused interventions and achieving a PG Cert in the Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Offenders from the University of Leicester.
For 13 years, Mick worked as a forensic practitioner for the NHS in Cheshire, providing support to adults with learning disabilities who were in contact with the criminal justice system. During this time, he earned his MA (Crime and Justice) from the University of Chester. Mick retired in 2020 but has since returned to work part-time as a Lecturer in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities at the University of Chester. He also worked as the Team Manager for children, Young People and Families Services for East Cheshire. Mick has recently joined Empeiria Training as a Trainer/Consultant and is enthusiastic about utilising his extensive experience and knowledge to train learners in the field of Positive Behaviour Support and other subject areas in a proactive and ethical manner. Additionally, Mick offers consultancy services to organisations that support individuals who pose risks that have resulted in their contact with the criminal justice system or are at risk of such contact.
Michelle was recruited by Empeiria due to her extensive experience in various social care settings, including those that cater to youth and children. During her tenure at a supported living provider for adults with learning disabilities, Michelle assumed additional responsibilities as a trainee through the train-the-trainer program, which provided her with the opportunity to impart training. As a result of her exceptional performance and unwavering commitment, she was offered a permanent position at Empeiria. Michelle is a proficient and certified trainer in Moving and Handling and possesses the following qualifications: Level 3 in Training and Education, BA in Youth and Community Work (JNC Registered), Level 3 Diploma in Social Work, and NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care.
Michelle has been a dedicated professional in the Health and Social Care sector since 2012, gaining valuable experience across various settings, including domiciliary care, family hostels, and the NHS. She has also worked closely with care leavers and managed finances for vulnerable adults.
With a Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care and a Level 3 Award in Education and Training, Michelle is well-equipped to support others in the field. Her experience includes delivering induction training for new staff and facilitating regular refresher sessions. Michelle is passionate about teaching, using engaging methods to captivate participants and effectively share her knowledge and skills with others in the sector.
Daniel brings over two decades of diverse experience across the Hospitality and Health & Social Care sectors. He spent ten years at Admiral Taverns, where he excelled in Credit Control, Recruitment & Training, and Business Development, playing a key role in reshaping operations and managing several acquisitions within the company.
Following his time in hospitality, Daniel joined, a leading Health & Social Care provider, where he redefined recruitment strategies and leadership practices. He designed and implemented new systems and cost-effective operational strategies that significantly enhanced business performance and was pivotal in the organisation being rated Outstanding by CQC.
His success in these areas led him to establish a consultancy service, helping other providers optimise their recruitment and operational strategies for growth and stability. Daniel joined Empeiria Training as a consultant and soon transitioned into the role of Finance & Operations Director, where he continues to provide business consultancy services as well as leveraging his expertise to drive Empeiria Training's success.
Jennifer has built a diverse career in Business Support, starting in Central Support for a UK brewery in Chester. In late 2022, she transitioned to Central Business Support and Marketing for a Health and Social Care supported living organisation in Cheshire.
This has given her knowledge and insight into the sector, which enables her to connect with customers with a depth of understanding of the challenges faced by employers in the Health and Social Care space. Since joining Empeiria Training in December 2023, Jennifer has leveraged her extensive business experience to enhance the work of staff, trainers and the companies Empeiria partners with.
She is deeply passionate about empowering teams in the Health and Social Care sector, ensuring they are well-trained and confident in their roles. Her personal connection to the sector, through family members with autism and physical disabilities, fuels her commitment to making a positive impact.
