Our Team
Family Mental Fitness North East CIC is led by Director and Founder Kay whose background spans over two decades in project management, education, and therapeutic practice. Kay designs, oversees
and evaluates every programme we deliver, working hands-on with children, young people and families to ensure our services are inclusive, high quality and rooted in real community needs.
Kay is supported by a strong Advisory Panel, a diverse group of professionals and community leaders who bring a wealth of expertise and lived experience. Together, they guide our work, ensuring it is shaped by both best practice and the realities faced by local families.
Sprout - Therapy Dog in Training
And finally, joining us is Sprout, our therapy dog in training, bringing a wagging tail, a listening ear, and a little extra comfort to our sessions. Sprout is a long-haired miniature dachshund who is just starting his journey into becoming an accredited therapy dog.
He is following an approved Kennel Club Good Citizenship training programme before moving onto specific temperament and behaviour training and testing.
Sprout is still a puppy but very much part of our team.
People Profiles
Kay Pace - Director
Kay is the driving force behind Family Mental Fitness North East CIC, bringing over two decades of professional experience across project management, education, and therapeutic practice. Beginning her career in her mid-20s, she spent more than a decade leading large-scale projects in the private health sector and corporate environments, developing the organisational, strategic, and quality-driven approach that now underpins the CIC’s work.
In her late 30s, Kay transitioned into education, spending 11 years working in primary schools and specialising in supporting children with additional needs — particularly those experiencing school avoidance, anxiety, and trauma. Her work in this setting combined hands-on therapeutic support with programme design, building a reputation for creativity, empathy, and measurable impact.
A qualified and experienced SEN practitioner, Kay holds a Diploma in Occupational Therapy for Children and a Diploma in Sensory Circuits, alongside Mental Health First Aid certification for both adults and children. She is a Place2Be Mental Health Champion and an accredited Drawing and Talking Therapist, offering a gentle, child-led approach to emotional expression.
Kay is also in the final stages of becoming a Professional Hypnotherapist (Dip Hyp CS), training with The King’s Trust. On completion, she will be registered with both the Professional Standards Authority and the Royal Society for Public Health.
This year, Kay embarks on further training to become recognised as a registered counsellor, earning a Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Prof.Dip Psy C). Upon qualification, she will join the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society as an accredited member and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) as a registered member — further strengthening the professional standards that underpin her work.
As Director, Kay develops, oversees, and evaluates every programme the CIC delivers — from creative therapies to group workshops — ensuring each is inclusive, high quality, and designed to make a measurable difference. She often works hands-on alongside members of the Advisory Panel, bringing her warmth, creativity, and therapeutic expertise into sessions.
Passionate about early intervention and removing barriers to mental health support, Kay has built the CIC to be rooted in real community needs, fully reinvesting all profits back into services. Whether she’s delivering a one-to-one session, designing a new programme, or meeting with partners and funders, her focus is always on creating safe, supportive environments where children, young people, and families can thrive.
Rob Watson – Director and Education & Wellbeing Advisor
Kate Spurling – Strategic Education & Community Development Associate
Rob Watson – Director and Education & Wellbeing Advisor
Rob has dedicated nearly all of his professional career to working in Byker, where he is well known for his calm leadership, community connection, and genuine commitment to children’s wellbeing. As an Assistant Head Teacher, Rob brings extensive expertise in supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, embedd
Rob has dedicated nearly all of his professional career to working in Byker, where he is well known for his calm leadership, community connection, and genuine commitment to children’s wellbeing. As an Assistant Head Teacher, Rob brings extensive expertise in supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, embedding trauma-informed approaches into everyday school life, and ensuring safeguarding is at the heart of his practice.
Highly experienced in multi-disciplinary meetings and working alongside social care, health services, and education partners, Rob understands the realities faced by families from every angle. His ability to see the bigger picture and the individual child within it ensures our programmes are sensitive, joined-up, and impactful.
A proud dad and husband, Rob is also a keen sportsman who champions the benefits of physical activity for mental wellbeing. His passion for movement as a tool for resilience and self-regulation shapes his work with young people and school communities.
Rob’s deep understanding of the challenges faced by children and families in Byker, combined with his practical experience of creating safe, supportive learning environments, makes him an invaluable voice in ensuring that Family Mental Fitness North East’s programmes are both grounded in best practice and truly accessible.
Joe Danquah – Director & Movement & Wellbeing Advisor
Kate Spurling – Strategic Education & Community Development Associate
Rob Watson – Director and Education & Wellbeing Advisor
Joe Danquah has dedicated his career to inspiring children to lead active, healthy lives. As a primary school PE teacher, he was named UKActive & Nike Active School Hero 2021 in recognition of his outstanding work encouraging movement and wellbeing for pupils across England.
A passionate advocate for the link between physical activity and
Joe Danquah has dedicated his career to inspiring children to lead active, healthy lives. As a primary school PE teacher, he was named UKActive & Nike Active School Hero 2021 in recognition of his outstanding work encouraging movement and wellbeing for pupils across England.
A passionate advocate for the link between physical activity and mental health, Joe combines his professional expertise with his role as a grassroots football coach to create inclusive opportunities for children of all abilities. His belief that movement is a lifelong tool for resilience and happiness runs through all he does.
As a dad to a young daughter, Joe brings both personal insight and professional experience to the advisory panel, championing the benefits of movement for better mental health, stronger communities, and brighter futures.
Kate Spurling – Strategic Education & Community Development Associate
Kate Spurling – Strategic Education & Community Development Associate
Kate Spurling – Strategic Education & Community Development Associate
Kate is an experienced primary educator with over a decade of teaching in the East End of Newcastle, where she has built a reputation for creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to inclusion. Throughout her teaching career, she has championed pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability or
Kate is an experienced primary educator with over a decade of teaching in the East End of Newcastle, where she has built a reputation for creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to inclusion. Throughout her teaching career, she has championed pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability or background, can thrive, achieve, and feel seen.
Alongside her classroom expertise, Kate is an accomplished private tutor specialising in Key Stage 2 learning and confidence building. Her sessions blend academic progress with emotional connection, helping children rediscover enjoyment in learning and belief in their own abilities.
Beyond education, Kate is a natural connector, a vibrant, community-minded professional with a gift for bringing people together. She maintains strong links across the North East through both educational networks and wider community and cultural circles. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and collaborative spirit, Kate has become a valued advocate for inclusive family wellbeing initiatives.
As Family Mental Fitness North East’s Strategic Education & Community Development Associate, Kate supports the development of new partnerships, community projects, and educational initiatives, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and emotional wellbeing.
A proud mum to Harry and wife to Josh, Kate brings both professional insight and lived experience to her role, balancing her expertise as an educator with empathy, humour, and heart.
Stacey Davidson – Youth Work & Community Advisor
Ashleigh Dadson-Butt – Training, Inclusion & Quality Advisor
Kate Spurling – Strategic Education & Community Development Associate
I was born and raised in Byker, went to school here, and I’ve raised my own children in the same community – children with their own special educational needs. That lived experience shapes the way I see things, both as a parent and as someone deeply rooted in local life.
I’ve worked at The Bostey for nearly 20 years, supporting generation
I was born and raised in Byker, went to school here, and I’ve raised my own children in the same community – children with their own special educational needs. That lived experience shapes the way I see things, both as a parent and as someone deeply rooted in local life.
I’ve worked at The Bostey for nearly 20 years, supporting generations of children and teenagers to feel safe, valued, and connected. Alongside my youth work, I’ve also served as a school governor and as a trustee for a local charity, giving me a strong understanding of governance and the realities of delivering community projects.
Joining the FMFNE advisory panel felt like a natural step for me – it’s a chance to share my experience, challenge ideas when needed, and make sure our programmes genuinely meet the needs of local families. For me, it’s about helping to build something sustainable, inclusive, and firmly rooted in the heart of our community.
Ashleigh Dadson-Butt – Training, Inclusion & Quality Advisor
Ashleigh Dadson-Butt – Training, Inclusion & Quality Advisor
Ashleigh Dadson-Butt – Training, Inclusion & Quality Advisor
Ashleigh grew up in Byker, attending local schools before moving elsewhere in the city and later to London after university. She brings a wealth of professional expertise as an award-winning Training and Development Manager in the medical science sector, with specialisms in clinical microbiology, quality assurance, and workforce developme
Ashleigh grew up in Byker, attending local schools before moving elsewhere in the city and later to London after university. She brings a wealth of professional expertise as an award-winning Training and Development Manager in the medical science sector, with specialisms in clinical microbiology, quality assurance, and workforce development.
As a parent to two sons – one of whom is non-verbal – Ashleigh understands the realities of navigating life as an SEN parent and brings both empathy and lived experience to her advisory role. She has a proven track record in building high-quality training programmes, championing inclusion, and ensuring that services meet rigorous professional standards.
Ashleigh has even brought her expertise to a wider audience as a scientific expert on E4’s teen-friendly series Gross Up, making science engaging and accessible for younger viewers.
Her unique combination of community roots, professional excellence, and personal insight ensures that Family Mental Fitness North East remains committed to delivering meaningful, inclusive, and high-quality support for families.
Jayne Harris – SEN Advisor & Practitioner
Ashleigh Dadson-Butt – Training, Inclusion & Quality Advisor
Ashleigh Dadson-Butt – Training, Inclusion & Quality Advisor
I’ve worked at Byker Primary School for over 20 years, supporting children with a wide range of special educational needs. My own diagnoses of ADHD, autism, and ARFID give me a deep, personal understanding of the challenges some children face – and the strengths they bring.
As part of the FMFNE advisory panel, I bring the perspective of bo
I’ve worked at Byker Primary School for over 20 years, supporting children with a wide range of special educational needs. My own diagnoses of ADHD, autism, and ARFID give me a deep, personal understanding of the challenges some children face – and the strengths they bring.
As part of the FMFNE advisory panel, I bring the perspective of both an SEN professional and a parent, helping to ensure our programmes are inclusive, practical, and accessible. I also deliver our Food Explorers programme, a gentle, sensory-based introduction to food for children with ARFID or similar eating differences. This is something I’m particularly passionate about, as it’s informed by my own lived experience and years of working alongside children who find food a source of stress.
Being part of FMFNE means helping to create spaces where children and families can feel understood, accepted, and supported – and that’s a mission I’m proud to be part of.