Our Lived Experience Coaches
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Match with a Coach who gets you.
Book 1:1 sessions with trained and certified Coaches, with a background in Lived Experience Peer Support.​​​​​
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The StoriBoard Difference
Unlike a traditional hierarchical therapeutic relationship, sessions with our Lived Experience Coaches are rooted in equality and mutual respect.
Whether you're struggling with mental health, recently received a major diagnosis, or want someone who relates to your neurodiversity... We've got a Coach for you.
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Neurodiversity
Hannah Whitfield
ADHD | Autism
Hannah Whitfield has a background as a Youth Mental Health First Aider and Wellbeing Mentor for autistic adults. Her Lived Experience of Autism (& PDA) and ADHD informs her Wellness Coaching. Her sessions are a non-judgmental and safe space that empower her clients on their unique journeys.
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Jack Ellis
ADHD | Neurodiversity in the workplace
Jack Ellis was diagnosed with ADHD at 36, after a life of chaos, harmful decisions, addiction, chronic anxiety and depressive episodes all stemming from painfully trying to fit into the wrong mould. Now, a neuro-inclusion activist, his mission is to dismantle taboos and help his clients live authentically.
Vanessa White
ADHD | Anxiety
Vanessa White is a coach and hypnotherapist, with ADHD-specific training to inform her practice of lived experience peer support. After her son's diagnosis with ADHD, Vanessa was also diagnosed herself. She shows her clients a way forward without self-destruction, aiming to minimise effects of rejection, sensitivity and dysmorphia.
Claire Evans
Autism | ADHD
Claire Evans is passionate about supporting fellow neurodiverse individuals in navigating work and relationships. Her clients benefit from her deep understanding and practical strategies, tailored to their unique needs. She's here to help you achieve greater confidnece, resilience and fulfilment in your personal and professional life.
Mental Health & Wellness
Sylvia Bruce
Mental Health | Depression
Sylvia Bruce is an integrative counsellor with training as an NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) Coach. Her past experiences of severe depression, loneliness and surviving coercive control relationships have equipped her with invaluable insights, practical tips, and effective techniques to help you through your own recovery.
Tracy Hannigan
Sleep Health | Insomnia
Tracy Hannigan is a qualified sleep therapist with a degree in psychology and a rich background in community mental health and peer support programmes. Her own experiences overcoming insomnia and anxiety equip her to bring not just professional expertise but also personal empathy and understanding to her coaching sessions.
Louise Lyons-Appiah
Imposter Syndrome | Workplace Wellness
Louise Lyons-Appiah is an advocate for mental health, personal growth and social equality. She has a deep personal understanding of overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome, racial trauma, and gender inequality. Her background is in workplace consultancy, aiming to empower individuals through effective facilitation, consultancy and advocacy.
David Cruz Anaya
Homelessness | Loneliness
In 2012, David Cruz Anaya found himself homeless and without money to get food. He struggled to find a job and transitioned between careers – to working at McDonalds, to becoming a recovery driver, an ambulance driver, and now working as a software engineer. Whether you need help overcoming homelessness or managaing loneliness, his sessions help you work out an effective strategy.
Osas Adetutu
Depression | Mental Health
Osas Adetutu is fascinated by the connection between physical and mental health: small changes can make a big difference in our lives. With a background in mental health awareness, she is dedicated to sharing tools & techniques to help you improve your mental wellbeing.
Leon Koffi
Faith & Mental Health | Addiction
Leon Koffi's personal struggles with mental health and addiction have helped him develop a resilience that has been transformative. In his 1:1 sessions, he provides more than support – he offers a partnership aimed at guiding you towards overcoming your challenges and achieving your life goals.
Antoinette Niles
Domestic Abuse | Trauma
Antoinette has nearly 30 years of experience in women's self development, now specialising in trauma related to domestic abuse. She focuses on assisting other victims and survivors in enhancing their mental wellbeing, boosting their self-esteem, and rebuilding their lives.
Mark Cascarino
Depression | Mental Health
Mark Cascarino grew up amidst challenges such as sexual abuse, anxiety and depression. However, a suicide attempt propelled him to a journey of self-discovery and healing. His journey has gifted him a deep empathy and understanding, transforming his struggles into strengths - leveraging them to become a compelling and compassionate advocate for recovery.
Rebecca Hilliard
Mental Health | Trauma
Rebecca Hilliard experienced child abuse growing up, causing her to struggle with mental illness for many years. Having finally found a therapist able to help her, now, she wants other people who are struggling to know they aren't alone. She aims to help you feel heard, validated, and supported.
Peter Abrahamsen​
Depression | Bullying
Peter Abrahamsen is a Wellbeing Coach in depression, bullying and loss, with a background in psychology. Early childhood trauma combined with school-age bullying led to depression, which culminated in Peter stepping back from his suicide attempt to seek help one final time. He's here to help aid your journey of recovery in the way that is right for you.
Edwin Perez
Depression | Anxiety
Overcoming depression changed Edwin Perez's life by pushing him to become a life coach. His sessions focus on the importance of MBS – "Mind, Body & Spirit" – a lifestyle focused on improving your overall wellbeing by cultivating a more positive mind, a healthier body and a more fulfilled soul.
Cecilia Zaneboni
Mental Health | Bereavement by Suicide
Cecilia's dad committed suicide when she was 14, causing her to become very withdrawn and depressed. From the age of 16, she found herself in toxic relationships which she struggled to leave; now, she uses her past experiences to give you judgement-free guidance on your own path to recovery.
Paolo Trepiccione
Depression | Grief
Paolo Trepiccione is a Wellbeing Coach for grief, anxiety, depression and living with autism. He is a published author in this space and wants to use his lived experience for good. Having experienced a series of tragic events in early 2021, now that he has recovered, he aims to help others
Anirudh Sharma
Self-esteem | Workplace wellbeing
In my early 20s, my 9-5 job left Anirudh Sharma unfulfilled until he decided to transform his life. His sessions aim to help you with building confidence, navigating career changes and more. With over a decade of experience in the education sector, Anirudh is committed to using his knowledge to help his clients tackle all the challenges life throws their way.
Niamh O'Connor
Mental Health | Eating Disorders
Niamh O'Connor's work in the mental health field has combined with her own journey through mental ill health during her teenage years to give her a passion for helping others experiencing similar difficulties. Her sessions are a safe space to talk through the challenges of navigating life with mental health problems and neurodivergence.
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Victoria Wilkins
Victoria Wilkins was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was 19, but refused to let it define her path. She holds a degree in Fine Art, which she achieved whilst raising her daughter from the age of 21. She's here to help her clients achieve their life goals, no matter how big or small.
Psychosis | Schizophrenia
Amit Shenmar
Trauma | Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Amit Shenmar works for the NHS and is the Director for Recovery Code X; a UK centre supporting people suffording from Trauma or PTSD. A seasoned facilitator and case manager of pscyhoeducative workshops, he mentors and supports his clients to reach their potential and improve their psychological wellbeing.
Physical Health & Wellness
Keeley Hellyer
Heart Disease | Fibromyalgia
Keeley Hellyer is an open heart surgery survivor, dedicated to raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of heart disease – especially in women. She's well-equipped to help others facing similar challenges, whether that's coming to terms with a new diagnosis or dealing with the effects of heart surgery on your mental health.
Lynne Collie
Migraine | Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Lynne Collie has been living with migraines for over forty years, learning firsthand the challenges of loneliness and isolation that can accompany misunderstood health conditions. Her journey has taught her the resilience and adaptability required to lead a fulfilling life. In her sessions, she helps you craft strategies to rediscover your zest for life and find your unique sparkle.
Rosalynd Charalambides
Endometriosis | Adenomyosis
Rosalynd has had symptoms of endometriosis and adenomyosis for over 20 years, and was diagnosed 5 years ago. She is also a qualified acupuncturist, with a focus on women's physical and mental health. She helps her clients understand their diagnoses and speak to someone who gets it; shares tips for what has reduced her pain; and discusses practical and constructive habits.
Ellana Chughtai
Fibromyalgia | Mental Health
Ellana Chughtai has personal experience of working with fibromyalgia and mental health conditions. She uses her experiences with the MCA05, Mental Health Act 1983 and other health and social care services to aid clients coping with similar challenging circumstances.
Matt Davies
Fibromyalgia | Chronic Pain
Matt Davies is an Expert by Experience in Chronic Pain, PTSD, Anxiety & Trauma. He is also an NLP practitioner, a trauma-informed coach, and a member of the CMA. As someone who lives with Chronic Pain everyday, his knowledge and experience comes from lived experience as well as textbooks!
Lewis Goodall
Cancer | Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
In 2016, Lewis Goodall was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. 6 months later, he went into full remission after chemotherapy treatment. Now, he uses his deep experience over the years to help guide you, or your family and friends, through all the challenges of cancer
Alev Bayrak
Thyroid Cancer | Grief
Alev Bayrak is a mother, wife and cancer survivor. Her journey started after a long and intense struggle with thyroid cancer, which has left her with a paralysed vocal cord. Now, she is a public speaker, an intuitive card reader and a Reiki practitioner. She has a background in counselling, psychology, grief & trauma psychology, and life coaching.
Mwape Miller
Sickle Cell Trait | Chronic Pain
Mwape Miller has sickle cell trait, a rare chronic illness with associated complications. She has a background in complementary and holistic massage therapies, non-surgical aesthetics, healthcare science and clinical pathology. She is also the author and co-author of two books, and regularly presents on the international virtual stage.
Oliver Kaye
IBD | Stoma
Oliver Kaye is a Wellbeing Coach in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and chronic illness. After being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2020, 6 months later he had stoma surgery. Since the start of his stoma journey, he's been a loud advocate for supporting those with chronic illness and IBD. Oliver uses his personal experience to help you reach your goals
Emily Nuttall
Cerebral Palsy | Eating Disorders
Emily Nuttall has navigated the loneliness, judgement and stigma that stems from her physical disability, cerebral palsy. She has successsfully come through eating disorders and depression that stemmed from the bullying she faced. Her sessions with clients are creative connections aimed at managing and motivating.
Relationships & Parenting
Ahmed Mohammed
Parenting | Children with Learning Difficulties
Ahmed Mohammed is a teacher at a special educational needs school, dealing with children from a diverse variety of backgrounds, including those from dysfunctional homes, children with ADHD and Autism, and children who have been influenced by violence. His own daughter was 5 when he and his wife divorced. His sessions aim to help kickstart your journey of empowerment.
Donna Balkaya
Children with Autism | Children with Tourette's
Donna Balkaya is the mother of a son diagnosed with Autisma and Tourette's from a young age. Her sessions help parents of children with learning difficulties to reach goals at home or school, as well as tackle behaviour challenges, navigate EHCP applications and the healthcare and benefit system, and any other challenges.
Laura Israel
Divorce | Heartbreak
What if you could guarantee a magically successful first date? Laura Israel helps people set up dating profiles, craft their online chat as well as first date advice. She is a certified relationships coach and here to help clients through heartbreak, break-ups, and find love again.
Becki Gardner
Domestic Abuse | Trauma
Becki Gardner is a survivor of domestic abuse with a deep understanding of the profound courage it takes to seek help. She supports others through every facet of surviving domestic abuse – from emotional turmoil and decision-making processes during the relationship to navigating post-separation challenges, legal systems and the ongoing impact on your children and their futures.
John Knight
Relationships | Heartbreak
John Knight's journey of self-discovery has taught him the power of self-compassion and setting goals. He knows that progress takes time and it's okay to stumble along the way. Remember, change is a process. Practice self-compassion, set achievable goals, surround yourself with support, and don't give up.
Addiction Support
Jane Tobias
Alcohol Addiction
Jane Tobias's sobriety date is 1st February 2020. She offers 1:1 sessions for everyone struggling with alcohol addiction – sharing her lessons learnt with a deep empathy borne from personal experience. Recovery has changed her life and she'd love to help others do the same
Sarah Harman
Alcohol Addiction | Drug Addiction
Sarah Harman is a Wellbeing Coach for drug and alcohol addiction, as well as for mental health problems including depression and OCD. She was in active addiction for 24 years, and is now 4 years sober. She's here to support you on your road to recovery and help keep you on the right track
Grief & Loss
Caroline Roodhouse
Mental Health | Bereaved by Suicide
The complex trauma resulting from Caroline Roodhouse's husband's sudden suicide when their children were just 9 and 2 years old has defined her mission to support and empower others who have faced a similar tragedy. Whether you need help managing your grief, navigating the complex emotions or supporting your children, she is here to help and guide you.
Susan Miller
Parenting | Grief - Loss of daughter
Susan Miller loves helping others to achieve their best – and she's here to listen if you need someone to talk to. Having supported her own daughter through her 11-year battle with cancer, she has experienced the pain that no mother ever should and fully understands the complexities of grief. Susan is an expert at rebuilding resilience following a traumatic event.
Tracey Langworthy
Mental Health | Grief
Tracey Langworthy works within the Mental Health Sector, and is trained in Grief & Bereavement training; Self-Harm and Sucicide awareness & Prevention; Safeguarding Adults & Children; and Domestic Violence Awareness, among other certifications. Her goal is to makemental health support more easily accessible and affordable for everyone.