CAROLINE

FOUNDER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR & FACILITATOR

Hi I am Caroline, founder of Mycelia network, and founder, creative director and lead facilitator of Mamma’s scrapbook; A sensory storytelling project. I’m a neurodivergent artist who has lived experience of mental health needs. I was a young carer, and am a parent of a neurodivergent child who has had significant health issues. All of these experiences set me on a path many years ago to connect with others going through similar rites of passage. 

Through this journey, I have cultivated a practice of creative, nature based wellbeing facilitation, with over 20 years experience of working with a range of people and settings, such as those with traumatic brain injury, acute paediatric illness, learning disabilities, neurodiversity and mental health needs. 

I gained a BSc in Psychology before becoming a qualified mental health nurse. Over the past 13 years I have worked with people in the community, acute home treatment, recovery, those with sensory, processing and communication needs, and as a specialist perinatal practitioner with Sussex partnership. 

After having my daughter, I trained as an inclusive arts practitioner, working collaboratively with people in marginalised groups to gain connection and transformation through creative play. I additionally trained as a forest school leader, and have begun to explore a specialism in nature, health and wellbeing and ecotherapy. I run nature based, creative workshops with a range of people in the community of all ages, as well as in family spaces at events and festivals. 

Becoming a mother was a profound transition for me. Going through incredibly difficult times as well as experiencing the most joy I have ever felt. One of the things that really helped me to channel my experiences was to come into community with nature, with other mothers and with creativity.  

I have been working with mums and babies in nature for the past 5 years, including as a director and facilitator of Wyld mothers fire, creating and holding space for mothers to find community, be in relationship with nature and engage in creative play through natural and sustainable craft practices. I have a special interest in story, ethnography, creative writing, sensory engagement and collaborative narrative.  I have been working with The centre for Ecotherapy to develop Mamma’s scrapbook.  

I am a mother to a brilliant little girl, who has taught me in abundance about relearning the world through play, reciprocity with nature, openness in creativity and the essential need for community. I love to be in nature, whether it be walking through the woods, swimming in the sea, growing magical herbs at my allotment, joining my  singing circle, or making natural creations in groups in nature. I come to Mamma’s scrapbook ready to hold space and support you to be in relationship with nature, with curiosity and a deep desire to explore collaborative, sensory, creative play.