Our story
Sarah Fisher Coaching
& Connective Parenting NVR
Supporting my son, as an adoptive mum, through some challenging times, I learnt about non – violent resistance (NVR). I adapted it to develop a more holistic approach and so the Connective Parenting NVR story began.
Sarah Fisher
Our mission
We’re on a mission to create strong, happy connective family relationships by supporting and training parents, carers and professionals. Whether it’s helping families who are struggling to connect, or families who are experiencing very challenging behaviours, we’re here to help.
We do this by:
- supporting and empowering parents and carers to help them create a calmer, happier home
- training other professionals in our approach so that more families can create a calmer, happier home.
- Experienced NVR UK accredited Practitioner and Educator
- Trained Hypnotherapist
- MSc in Educational Leadership
- 12 years working in schools
- Lover of diet coke and chocolate 😀
Sarah’s story
I’m a single adoptive mum, passionate about helping other families experiencing difficulties.
I adopted a gorgeous little boy and together we’ve been on a journey of discovery. It hasn’t been an easy road, more a roller coaster, but I’m so glad I chose to adopt and I wouldn’t turn the clock back for anything.
During my journey, I’ve learnt to support my son with his anxiety and have stopped some of his unacceptable behaviours. These behaviours weren’t because he is a naughty or horrible
child (because he’s not). He was very distressed due to past trauma and anxious and just didn’t know how to show his emotions.
Through the use of non-violent resistance (NVR), we have changed our family around. My son is now more confident and understands how to appropriately express his emotions. We’ve come through many challenges and, no doubt, there are more to come! But I remain passionate about helping other families do the same.
Meet the experts
Introducing our fabulous team of specialists – our Connective Family parent coaches and our lovely associates. All are experts in their own fields and with lived experience across parenting, therapy, special educational needs and disability (SEND), non-violent resistance (NVR) and occupational therapy.
Connective Family Parent Coach & Trainer
Hi – I’m Jo Kelly. Before joining the Connective Family team as a Parent Coach and Trainer, I worked in education and Children’s Services for 20 years and was a teacher and headteacher. I worked with many children and families to support education and wellbeing.
More recently, I worked for a local authority commissioning training for professionals such as teachers and social workers.
I am a trained mental health first aider and really love supporting family, friends and colleagues with their mental health issues and challenges.
I have two grown up children and three gorgeous cats. I like spending time with friends and I have a newfound love of crocheting!
Connective Family Parent Coach & Trainer
Hi, I’m Kelly, I’m based in south Wales and birth mum to two children. I was lucky enough to join the Connective Family team as a Parent Coach and Trainer.
Previously, I have worked directly with parents and carers for over ten years and am passionate about supporting others to build connected relationships and live in supportive and connected homes. I first came across non-violent resistance (NVR) when supporting families involved in the Youth Justice System and, more recently, working within an education setting.
I love what I do and am passionate about supporting others. And I love anything Disney and spending time with family and friends and my two horses!
Child & Adolescent Therapist and Mental Health Trainer
I’m a children and adolescent therapist, and work with my therapy dog, Brian. We write the therapeutic book collection, The Adventures of Brian, supporting children to resolve their thoughts, worries and fears. I also run Dandelion Training and Development, providing online mental health training for parents and professionals on a wide range of mental health issues.
I was previously an early years’ professional and teacher, having committed over 20 years of my career to working with children and young people.
I’m currently studying for a Masters in Neuroscience and Psychology of Mental Health.
NVR Practitioner
All my professional life has been focused around supporting people to achieve positive changes in their lives.
My career spans over 20 years and for the last 15 my focus has been on supporting parents, including Kinship Carers, Foster Carers and Adoptive parents. During this time my interest grew in attachment and trauma based approaches, which is what attracted me to NVR.
When I stumbled upon NVR, I realised that many of the concepts I already implemented with my own children, so having the opportunity to help others in NVR just came naturally. As a parent of two young children, both my husband and I have identified some of the triggers that quickly escalate situations in our home. Our eldest struggles with anxiety and separation, so outbursts were common during periods of transition or disruption.
Like so many families we felt the emotional impact of COVID and it took a long time to get back to where we were. What I have loved about NVR is the focus on connection and being present for my children. These simple concepts help us to focus on what we need to be doing as parents and accept at times it’s not always possible to get it right. My career began in Social Work, specialising in the Fostering and Adoption Team. Since leaving Social Work I have focused on expanding my knowledge and understanding of NVR and assist Sarah in delivering her training and supporting families to implement this at home. I enjoy delivering group work and like to share my own experiences of parenting and of supporting others as they overcome a range of issues. Parenting brings with it many challenges and many more rewards. I hope I can help you move past these ‘wobbles’ and see positive achievements in your home.
I really enjoy helping others see past the behaviours and start to approach things differently
Specialist Occupational Therapist
I am the founder of Midlands Occupational Therapy and provide specialist occupational therapy services for children and young adults with a range of difficulties.
I’m also an advanced practitioner in sensory integration therapy; with several years experience of lecturing and mentoring other therapists and have had a book published on sensory movement breaks.
I work with families and children at home and in a variety of special schools to find solutions to everyday problems that actually work and can be implemented at home or school.
I can also offer assessments for EHC plans and tribunals where necessary