Meet Our Amazing Team!
Welcome to Creative Art & Academic Facilitators and Therapists, where creativity, education, and therapy merge to ignite growth and transformation. Discover our team of highly experienced experts and healers dedicated to building healthy relationships and empowering individuals to transform their lives!
Educational Child Psychologist
Dr Bisi Showunmi
Dr Bisi Showunmi is an Educational and Child Psychologist with almost 10 years of experience supporting children, young people, and families with additional needs in various educational settings across all age groups. Dr Bisi works privately as an Educational Psychologist, assisting families in accessing the right educational support for their children.
Dr Bisi is experienced in delivering a range of evidence-based interventions and adapting psychology to the needs and context of the communities she serves. She has co-facilitated the delivery of the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) programme within her local authority (LA) and has supervised the work of trained ELSAs. Dr Bisi has worked with diverse communities and applies culturally based psychological theories and approaches to her practice.
Dr Bisi is particularly interested in race, culture, and identity and has written her thesis on racial-ethnic identity and its relationship to academic achievement. She has also delivered race-based trauma sessions for schools and, more recently, edited the Anna Freud publication Helping Young Children to Think About Race in the Early Years.
Dr Bisi is passionate about the transformative power of psychology and its ability to foster connections and empower lives. She believes that, with the right support, every child can flourish. Part of what attracted her to Awaken Genius is the holistic approach it takes to supporting children in recognising their innate potential and seeing themselves as limitless, as well as the strong focus on community, mental health, and well-being underpinning their work.
Dr Bisi believes that everyone should have access to psychology and good mental health, and she supports families in her local community to navigate the SEND system and seek appropriate support.
Psychotherapist
Saran Kaur
Saran facilitates the monthly online Parental Wellbeing Circles, providing a supportive space for parents to prioritise their own mental and emotional health. She is an integrative therapist specialising in somatic experiencing and nervous system regulation, empowering individuals with self-regulation techniques to manage triggers and stressors across all areas of life.
Saran believes that mental health management is key to childhood education, helping children become more resilient, confident, and academically successful. This aligns with Awaken Genius, which recognises how children's mental health impacts their learning. The organisation supports mental, physical, and emotional health, embodying the ethos of "Ubuntu"—compassion and unity—within education.
As a teacher focused on regulating the autonomic nervous system, Saran understands how this work can be life-changing. It helps children release distress, enabling them to think clearly and stay emotionally regulated. Saran and Awaken Genius believe that education and regulation are crucial for a child's academic success, as education shapes their future and prevents harmful behaviours. Awaken Genius is a catalyst for positive change, empowering the next generation
Somatic Therapist
Rowan Carr
Rowan Carr's journey began in the mid-1980s when he ran a breakdance club at his local sports centre, teaching young people the art of breakin’ and poppin’. Over the years, his work evolved. Now a father of three and a grandfather of two, Rowan continues to engage in somatic and embodied practices, drawing from his early community-building experiences.
As a Freelance Somatic Therapeutic Practitioner at Awaken Genius, Rowan focuses on helping parents, children, and teachers address the effects of racial trauma. His work is centred on reducing traumatic retention, which often contributes to school exclusion, and guiding individuals to reconnect with their emotions in a healthy way. Rowan’s practice is grounded in somatic and embodiment techniques, specifically aimed at healing the wounds caused by racialisation and racism.
With extensive experience across diverse educational settings, including Pupil Referral Units and further education, Rowan has mentored for Black Boys Can and managed mentoring programmes for Inspired and Step-Up within the Birmingham Mentoring Consortium. He now brings this wealth of expertise to Awaken Genius, supporting families, educators, and students in breaking the cycle of racial trauma.
Racial trauma affects not only Black and Brown individuals but teachers, parents, and communities, making Rowan’s work crucial in fostering healing and inclusion.
Creative Art & Academic Facilitator Lead
Vicki George
Vicki brings a unique combination of skills and experience to her work, with a professional background in both teaching and the performing arts. She believes her expertise enables her to make an immediate, positive contribution to curriculum development and teaching. Throughout her career as a primary class teacher, Vicki has seamlessly integrated the creative arts into her lessons, resulting in outstanding academic achievements as well as increased engagement, enjoyment, and a strong sense of camaraderie among her students.
With her extensive experience in the performing arts, Vicki uses a variety of creative and innovative techniques to build students' confidence, enhance communication skills, and reignite their passion for learning. She has strong communication skills and a comprehensive understanding of the National Curriculum and SATs requirements.
Vicki was drawn to Awaken Genius because of the organisation's clear vision, passion, and the kindness and energy of its community. She recognises the need to invest in young people, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, which has significantly impacted children's mental health, confidence, and social well-being. As a new mother, Vicki feels deeply that no child should be left behind and is excited to witness the positive impact Awaken Genius can have on vulnerable children at this crucial point in their lives.
Creative Art & Academic Facilitators
Lana Smith
Born in West London, Lana is a passionate educator with over 15 years of experience, primarily working with young, unaccompanied refugee and asylum-seeking youth. In addition to her teaching, she has been a yoga teacher and space holder for nearly 10 years.
Lana was fortunate to attend one of London’s first progressive comprehensive schools, where she learned that education is holistic and requires full engagement to truly thrive. Her teachers nurtured autonomy, creativity, and critical thinking, teaching skills to help students grow as individuals and contribute positively to the world.
When Lana began teaching, she was shocked to find that many educators, despite their own negative school experiences, continued to use practices that alienated and disengaged students. Determined to change this, Lana drew on her own experiences and a range of creative methodologies from community projects and yoga. She saw firsthand the power of giving young people agency and support to thrive.
Lana is drawn to Awaken Genius because it embodies this approach, allowing young people to engage with education authentically, without pressure to conform to traditional, biased systems. She believes that education is about planting a seed and nurturing it with patience, and Awaken Genius offers the fertile environment where young people can grow, create, and bloom at their own pace.
Shereene Thomas
Shereene is a highly dedicated educator based in Haringey, with more than 15 years of experience as a primary school teacher. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about her profession, consistently striving to create an inspiring and supportive environment for her students. Her journey is particularly special as she teaches at the very school she attended as a child, providing her with a unique and meaningful connection to both the institution and the community. This sense of belonging and commitment enhances her teaching style, as she is deeply invested in the academic and personal growth of each pupil.
Shereene's extensive experience, combined with her profound understanding of the local community, enables her to tailor her approach to meet the diverse needs of her students. She creates a nurturing atmosphere where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Her strong educational background, paired with her unwavering dedication, makes her an invaluable asset to the school and the wider community.
By fostering a love of learning and instilling key values in her pupils, Shereene plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of young minds, making a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom.
Natasha John-Baptiste
Natasha John-Baptiste is a London-based entrepreneur, author, and life coach with a mission to empower individuals and nurture creativity. With over 19 years of experience in education, beginning as a teaching assistant, she has gained valuable insight into classroom dynamics and advocates for a holistic approach that celebrates each child’s uniqueness. Her brands, "One Thing About History," "Sweet Mind," and "Shea Wild," embody her commitment to fostering creativity, well-being, and self-awareness.
A strong supporter of the Ubuntu philosophy, Natasha believes it takes a village to raise a child, starting with the example set by adults. She emphasises the importance of positive relationships in shaping a brighter future. Through mentorship, workshops, and coaching, Natasha helps individuals recognise their inherent value and unlock their potential.
Her writing inspires readers to explore the richness of history, while "Sweet Mind" offers resources for mental well-being, and "Shea Wild" promotes holistic wellness. Natasha is passionate about awakening genius in every individual, fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity. Her work is centred on guiding others towards self-discovery, authenticity, and embracing their full potential, with the aim of creating a more inclusive, brighter future for generations to come.
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Keytonia Walker
Keytonia Walker is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, with a particular focus on education. She has worked closely with schools to ensure that the curriculum reflects the diverse backgrounds of the children it serves. Her role as a consultant allows her to bring her extensive experience in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) to a range of educational, workplace, and community settings. Keytonia’s expertise lies in developing strategies that foster inclusive environments where all individuals can thrive.
With a strong educational background, Keytonia believes that equity is essential for creating long-lasting, impactful frameworks and curricula. She is deeply committed to narrowing the achievement gap for marginalised and underrepresented students and recognises the importance of fostering critical thinking skills in children. By helping children to understand who they are as individuals, she empowers them to make thoughtful, informed decisions.
As a teacher, Keytonia integrates creative art into her lessons as a means of engaging students. Art serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and problem-solving, helping children develop both academically and personally. Through her work, Keytonia is dedicated to promoting inclusive, supportive, and empowering learning environments for all students.
Creative Art & Academic Therapist Lead
Olusola Adebiyi
Olusola Adebiyi, also known as Sola Story, is a highly respected Creative Facilitator and Performance Storyteller with an international reputation. As a Programme Director, Creative Group Facilitator, Mentor, Community Educator, and Author, he is dedicated to developing the potential of individuals through his innovative approach to storytelling and creative facilitation. He is the founder and director of Narrative Mindfulness Ltd, a storytelling company, and a co-founder of Rebirth of The Griot, a monthly African Storytelling and Spoken Word showcase.
Sola Story’s work is centered on youth development and advocacy, with a mission to inspire young people to deepen their understanding of themselves and to empower them to engage as active participants in their communities. He has designed, co-designed, and facilitated numerous experiential learning programs, which often blend arts, creativity, and wilderness practices. In his work with children both locally in London and internationally, he incorporates mindfulness, breathwork, martial arts techniques, creative arts, singing, and drumming.
Sola Story’s approach aligns seamlessly with the goals of Awaken Genius, an organization focused on unlocking the potential of young people, and he believes the transformative impact of this work is limitless when aligned with like-minded collaborators and supporting skill sets.
Creative Art & Academic Therapists
Asafo Gyata
Asafo Gyata is a multifaceted artist who has found success and fulfilment in various roles, including musician, drummer, dancer, body percussionist, poet, African/Caribbean martial arts teacher, philosopher, educator, storyteller, lifelong learner, and spiritual facilitator. He defines his work as "Education through Arts and Culture," guiding individuals on a transformative journey that nurtures the mind, body, and soul, drawing deeply from traditional African culture.
His innovative and experiential approach combines dance, movement, music, and visualisation, inviting participants to explore themselves profoundly and to build authentic relationships with others. This journey uncovers individuals' true selves, inner strengths, and personal power.
Asafo’s gentle, compassionate, yet powerful presence creates a supportive and inclusive environment for group sessions. He fosters a space where participants feel safe to share and express themselves, encouraging open communication and honesty. By facilitating creative expression, Asafo enhances group dynamics, leaving participants feeling empowered, enriched, and deeply connected to one another. Through his work, Asafo Gyata offers a unique blend of artistic expression, cultural wisdom, and spiritual insight, helping individuals grow both personally and collectively.
Vivienne Isebor
Vivienne is a proud Pan-African, Womanist, and multidisciplinary performing artist, who organizes and facilitates events and creative workshops with a special focus on multi-disciplinary art and Black British history through her initiative, love&music. As a social entrepreneur and qualified Clinical Associate in Psychology, she combines her expertise in creativity and mental health to make a lasting impact.
Diagnosed with ADHD in her 20s and living with mental health challenges, Vivienne has passionately advocated for awareness across colleges, universities, workplaces, and major platforms such as BBC, MentalHealthToday, The Guardian, Forbes, and Mind. She has participated in numerous panels and talks hosted by organizations like TikTok, The Prince’s Trust, and the NHS, and has been featured in podcasts and books, including The Wellbeing Lab with Will Young and Black, Brilliant & Dyslexic.
In 2022, she was named one of the 'Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women,' and in 2021, won the 'Best Dyslexic Owned Business' award at the A2i Black Achievement Awards.
Passionate about wellness, mental health, and community building, Vivienne aims to combine creativity with psychology-informed approaches to empower and inspire young people, encouraging them to understand and express themselves through collective learning.
Sandhya Ramautar
Sandhya is a qualified Art Psychotherapist (HCPC registered) with a Master’s in Art Psychotherapy from Goldsmiths University and specialized training in Clay Trauma Therapy. With extensive experience across clinical, educational, corporate, and community settings, she has supported children, young people, and adults facing trauma, autism, low self-esteem, and mental health challenges. Sandhya has worked in schools, universities, hospitals, PRUs, and corporate environments, providing both individual and group therapy aimed at promoting emotional well-being.
Her expertise lies in using clay therapy to help individuals process deep emotions through tactile and sensory engagement. Her passion for education and creativity led her to Awaken Genius, where she aligns with their mission to unlock young people’s potential. Sandhya believes that the arts are a powerful tool for self-expression, resilience, and healing, and she is committed to creating safe, non-judgmental spaces for individuals to process their experiences.
In addition to her therapy work, Sandhya holds a B.A. (Hons) in Technical Arts and Special Effects from Wimbledon College of Arts. As someone with ADHD and dyslexia, she views her neurodiversity as a strength that enhances her creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to connect with others.
Known for her integrity and compassion, she is dedicated to fostering growth and healing through creative therapy.
Ina Leah Fernandez
Gabriela “Ina Leah” Fernandez is a trans-disciplinary artist, musician, and therapeutic art practitioner who recently graduated with an MFA in Arts and Humanities (Health and Care) from the Royal College of Art. She has dedicated her career to advocating for the role of art in promoting well-being, drawing on her personal experiences as a neurodivergent artist. She is currently developing therapeutic art methods that integrate music, visual art, and body movement, with inspiration from her Indonesian heritage.
Gabriela's research during her BA in Psychology focused on parenting and critical thinking within Indonesian culture. She also founded AKARUPA - Art for Wellbeing, where she delivers creative workshops and publishes self-development journals for an international audience. An award-nominated musician, she has performed in more than 20 cities across Indonesia and London, using storytelling and improvisatory music practices to promote mental health awareness and inclusivity.
With over six years of professional experience in participatory art and community engagement, Gabriela has witnessed the transformative power of artistic experiences when approached with care. She is drawn to the philosophy of Awaken Genius, particularly its alignment with the Indonesian collective values of Ubuntu, and is eager to contribute to enhancing young people's lives through art and creativity in education.
Natalí Angela
Natalí Angela is a passionate wellbeing educator, Coming of Age Girls' mentor, and the Founder of the Wellbeing Circle, a community project supporting children, families, and women in building emotional and mental resilience. Through this initiative, Natalí helps individuals navigate life's challenges by fostering personal growth, balance, and wellbeing.
She has developed tailored programmes for various groups, including parents, women, those going through menopause, and young people from the age of 7. Natalí is committed to self-learning, creativity, and values nature as a source of wisdom. Her facilitation style incorporates play, creative experimentation, and performance arts, with a strong focus on nurturing self-expression in natural environments as a forest school facilitator.
Alongside her work as an educator, Natalí is an actress, performer, and role-play facilitator. Her love for dancing, jamming, and mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation enriches her holistic approach to wellbeing. Above all, she cherishes supporting her daughter’s growth and enjoying their time together.
Natalí is drawn to Awaken Genius because of its alignment with her belief in the transformative power of creativity and self-discovery. She sees it as a perfect complement to her own mission to empower individuals through creative expression, emotional intelligence, and personal growth.
Mahny Djahanguiri
Mahny has a background in Musical Theatre Performance and Yoga, having trained as an actress, singer, and dancer since 1996, when she graduated from The London Studio Centre. In 1998, she discovered Yoga Ashtanga and eventually trained in adult Hatha Yoga and kids' yoga therapy, graduating in 2009 with Yoga Campus. Since 2000, Mahny has primarily earned her living teaching yoga, focusing on the traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa method.
Driven by a passion to combine yoga and the arts for young people, she found her calling working with vulnerable children. After a trip to India, she became involved with Kids Company, where she was hired by Camilla Bathmangelijn to lead yoga programs at therapy centres in Peckham. Here, Mahny gained invaluable experience in attachment theory, brain development, team culture, and safeguarding, and developed a deep understanding of the parent-child relationship in the context of poverty.
In addition to her yoga work, Mahny founded Dogamahny TM, an initiative that brings dogs, yoga, and humans together. She has also offered workshops for children and dogs and aims to expand her method, DOGA, to schools, dog shelters, hospitals, and yoga studios. She is a published author of DOGA: Yoga For You and Your Dog (Hamlyn, 2015) and speaks four languages.
Academically, Mahny was born in Zurich, Switzerland, and holds qualifications in a range of subjects, including Maths, Music, French, German, Art History, and Chemistry.
Jill Wheeler-Bowden
Since graduating as a dramatherapist in 1999, Jill Wheeler-Bowden has worked in various roles as a qualified dramatherapist, teacher, youth worker, and drama tutor. With over thirty years of experience, she has facilitated drama-based workshops both in the UK and New Zealand, working with people of all ages and abilities.
As a dramatherapist Jill has worked with a wide range of client groups and individuals, including children with autism, learning difficulties, disabilities and young people with substance abuse.
Jill was drawn to Awaken Genius’ Ubuntu-inspired message of togetherness and community. As a teacher in New Zealand, she often used the Maori proverb "He waka eke noa" (we’re all in this together) to introduce her values to students. This mirrors the Ubuntu spirit that she believes in.
Jill is passionate about education because it offers opportunities for children to navigate life’s challenges by better understanding themselves and their worlds; fostering curiosity, resilience and problem solving skills so they can approach life with confidence and creativity.
Excited to collaborate with Awaken Genius, she looks forward to sharing her skills and learning new approaches while continuing to develop ‘Visions for the Future’ programme which supports year 6 students transition into secondary school.
Rilene De-Sousa
Rilene De-Sousa is a dedicated capoeira teacher, cultural leader, and advocate for healing through the arts. Originally from northeastern Brazil, she moved to London in the 1990s and has since played a pivotal role in promoting capoeira and Afro-Brazilian cultural traditions in the UK. As co-founder of Amazonas Capoeira, one of the first women-led capoeira groups in the country, she has worked to create an inclusive space where individuals can develop strength, confidence, and resilience through movement, music, and community.
Specialising in capoeira Angola, Rilene integrates its philosophy and practice into her teaching, emphasising its power as a tool for empowerment and social change. Her work extends beyond capoeira, incorporating Afro-Brazilian arts to support personal and collective healing. Through workshops, performances, and mentorship, she fosters cultural understanding and leadership, particularly among marginalised communities.
As an Ubuntu Champion, Rilene is committed to using the arts to promote unity and well-being. She continues to guide individuals and communities in exploring creative expression as a means of overcoming challenges and building solidarity. Her contributions have made a lasting impact on the capoeira landscape in the UK, inspiring others to embrace its values of resilience, respect, and connection.
Marcia Martin
Marcia Martin is a distinguished multimedia artist, peace ambassador, and workshop facilitator whose work champions equality and well-being, drawing on the powerful philosophy of Ubuntu, which recognises the interconnectedness of humanity. In her academic and facilitation work, Marcia has built a reputation for fostering environments that encourage personal growth, creative expression, and emotional well-being.
Her workshops, often centred around her pioneering Mimesis Art approach, leverage her extraordinary linguistic ability to emulate vocals in any of the world’s 7,000 languages. This capacity for multilingual vocalisation not only highlights her artistry but also underscores her commitment to cultural empathy and connection. Through Mimesis Art, Marcia demonstrates how diverse voices and perspectives can unite to form a harmonious collective experience, emphasising that creativity thrives through understanding and embracing multiple viewpoints.
Marcia's facilitation style is rooted in her belief that collective creativity and individual expression go hand in hand. She leads engaging group improvisation sessions, using vocal exploration and synchronised breathing exercises to enhance emotional awareness, reduce stress, and build trust among participants. These workshops focus on fostering confidence and group cohesion, creating a space where participants can express themselves freely while listening attentively to others.
Her academic background in the arts is complemented by her hands-on experience in facilitating growth through creative methods. Marcia uses storytelling, journaling, and visualisation techniques to guide children, families, and communities in building meaningful narratives. These activities not only promote emotional regulation and problem-solving but also help individuals imagine more positive futures. Her unique ability to blend cognitive and emotional processes through art and storytelling enables participants to connect deeply with themselves and others, laying the groundwork for a more harmonious and compassionate world.