Meet Kate
“I honestly do not know where my family would be without Kate’s amazing support.”
Kate Testo
Parent & Family Support Specialist
I’m Kate, one of the Now, Next & Then Parent & Family Support Specialists. I love to work closely with parents, children and families to help them find the tools they need to be able to enjoy life together, regardless of any challenge a child may be experiencing. I firmly believe that every parent is their child’s expert; no one knows their child better than a parent. But sometimes, it can make all the difference to have the chance to find out about new ‘parenting tools’ that have been proven (from a renowned evidence base) to make a true difference. I have a vast range of ideas to draw upon and am there to listen and guide each family through the complicated and sometimes overwhelming, but amazing journey of parenting. Just as every child and family is unique, so too is the package of suggestions that can be tailored to suit each one. I believe that having a part to play in helping families and children to flourish is a true privilege and I am delighted to be part of the Now, Next & Then team in making this happen.
I have worked with parents and children for over 25 years - and I’ve known Emma even longer! In that time, I have worn many different hats. I trained as an Occupational Therapist and have worked within paediatrics, child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), in schools and children’s centres. I’m also a trained parenting practitioner, Thrive practitioner, couples counsellor and have an MSc in Parenting Support. The breadth of my experience means that I understand when a caring, listening but ‘problem solving’ approach is needed.
“Kate has a natural ability to connect with everyone. She has a brilliant sense of humour, is caring, encouraging, loves to play and is passionate about enabling our child and family to flourish.”
• Callum’s Dad •
My role is to work collaboratively with each family to help smooth out the bumps in the road and to empower each one to experience successes and delight as they watch their child grow from infancy to adulthood. As a mother of two sons, I completely appreciate the joys and complexities of raising children and understand that no parent can get it right all of the time! I am also a very proud grandparent, so I understand the ‘pulls’ across generations and the different roles that people have to accommodate. I am there to support the emotional journey and when it’s necessary, can help parents to come to terms with whatever challenges their child may be experiencing. My motivation is to equip parents with the understanding, acceptance and confidence to enable their child or children to thrive.
As an OT at heart, it follows that I love all creative hobbies… cooking, sewing, pottery as well as anything child related! I’m also a very keen dog walker (with a lab who can walk for miles and miles), ‘enjoy’ time in the gym and love spending time with friends and family.
“Kate is a highly skilled parenting practitioner who has a wealth of experience supporting families across health, education and social sectors. She is skilled at delivering parenting programmes, as well as support to groups and individuals. She is also an expert in supporting children’s emotional development, and in helping families develop strategies and habits for life, that enable their children to thrive.”
• Head Teacher •