About Us
Our Approach
We work with children in Liverpool, Cheshire and surrounding areas. We believe children are unique and gifted in so many different ways, but those talents can sometimes be locked due to individual challenges. Our primary aim is to work with the child and family to provide the key.
Our Story
Kathryn set up Mosaic Children’s Therapy Centre in 2011, after years working in the NHS as a paediatric occupational therapist. She passionately believes in the power of occupational therapy and Ayres Sensory Integration therapy and the difference it can make for children and families. Since then the team has expanded to include clinicians from a variety of disciplines. Our Services have also expanded to include diagnostic and specialist assessments.
Kathryn Alexander, Occupational Therapist, Founding Director
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, PG Cert SI. and Ayres’ Sensory Integration Advanced Practitioner
Hello, my name is Kathryn and I qualified as an occupational therapist in 2000 from the University of Liverpool. Since then I have worked with children in the NHS in various clinics, schools and homes. In 2011 I set up Mosaic Children’s Therapy Centre so I could focus on my passion for sensory integration therapy. I completed modules with Sensory Integration Network (now Sensory Integration Education) to module 4, in 2014. I have since completed further training with ASI WISE.
Sarah Chierico, Occupational Therapist, Director
BSc Occupational Therapy, PG Dip SI, Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner, ADOS-2 / ADIR trained. M.Chem (Medicinal Chemistry with Spanish), PG Cert (TESOL).
Hello, my name is Sarah, an occupational therapist, wife and mum of 2. My passion for understanding neurodiversity and sensory integration began in 2012 when I sought support for one of my children.
As an autistic adult and parent to 2 wonderful neurodivergent young people. I have a significant amount of lived experience of neurodiversity, which motivates my personal and professional development. I strongly believe in supporting families and parents to achieve the best outcomes through accurate neuro-affirmative diagnosis, assessment, education and training.
My areas of professional interest include neuro-affirmative autism diagnostic assessment, neuroscience, Ayres’ Sensory Integration and sensory-based eating difficulties. I also love food, especially chocolate, swimming, watching old episodes of Star Trek and long walks with my cute beagle Pumpkin.
Denise Wooding, Occupational Therapist
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration Practioner
Denise qualified as an occupational therapist in 1998. She has a wealth of experience working with children, a passion for the principles of occupational therapy and sensory integration, and continues to work in the NHS. She has post-graduate training in Ayres Sensory Integration, completed module 6 with CLASI-CASI in 2020 and has recently completed a course to be able to offer Lego Therapy.
Ruth Kiley, Occupational Therapist
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration Practitioner
Ruth joined the team in 2019. She trained at the University of Cumbria, qualifying in 2012 and lives with her husband and three children. Ruth has post-graduate training in Ayres Sensory Integration, completing module 6 with CLASI-CASI in 2020
Mel Perks (They/She)
Applied Psychologist & UKCP registered Psychotherapist
Hi, my name is Mel; I’m a psychotherapist with training in applied psychology. I am from a neurodivergent family and have seen first-hand the benefits that neuro-affirming care can have on people’s lives. When I’m not supporting the team with assessment administration, I’m a keen surfer and love to walk my dog Barney on the local beaches of Cornwall, where I’m based.
Dr Anna Haigh
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Hello, my name is Anna; I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 22 years of experience working with children and adults, both privately and in the NHS. Most recently, I have worked to train other Clinical Psychologists at Oxford University. I have a diagnosis of ADHD and a particular interest in the interaction between neurodivergence and mental health.
I have lived experience as a neurodivergent person, but also as a parent and family member. I have seen first-hand how important, or potentially devastating, interactions with professionals can be. As such, I work in partnership with families to ensure that all members feel heard and their experiences validated.
It is important to me to combine my values with clinical excellence, and therefore have continued to learn and develop throughout my career to ensure I am trained to the highest standards. I regularly offer teaching, training and mentoring in order to support others to develop their skills.
I have an interest in the application of psychology to the creative arts and am a keen ceramicist. I have an enormous, loveable dog called Marley who accompanies me to clinic when needed.
Lauren Downes
Occupational Therapist and Sensory Integration Practitioner
Lauren is an independent occupational therapist specialising in support for children and young people with neurodevelopmental, physical, sensory, and emotional needs. Lauren offers personalised assessment, intervention, and interventions to support development to help individuals participate meaningfully in everyday activities across home, school, and community settings.
Lauren is an HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist, with over 20 years’ experience across health and social care, including CAMHS inpatient unit, community mental health services, a range of SEN and SEMH schools, and domiciliary care. Lauren brings a trauma-informed and attachment-aware approach to her work, ensuring that all support is delivered with sensitivity to each individual’s life experiences and emotional needs.
Lauren has a special interest in supporting children and young people with demand avoidant profiles (including those with traits of Pathological Demand Avoidance). Her practice focuses on understanding and reducing anxiety-driven behaviours through collaborative, low-demand strategies that build trust, autonomy, and emotional safety. She is passionate about working in a way that strengthens relationships and recognises the impact of trauma on regulation, learning, and connection.
Lauren holds a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy from the University of Brighton and is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. Her additional training includes postgraduate certification in Ayres Sensory Integration (ICEASI Level 2 equivalent), Therapeutic Listening®, and extensive experience in specialist seating, postural management, and manual handling support.
At the heart of Lauren’s practice is a passion for empowering individuals and families to thrive, and for raising awareness that we are all sensory beings—and that understanding this is key to supporting behaviour, function, and wellbeing. She works holistically and creatively, drawing on evidence-based frameworks to provide practical, meaningful support tailored to each child’s profile.
Natalie Pettit
Natalie is a Speech and Language therapist
Ange Fairweather
Business and Finance Manager
Ange is our Business and Finance Manager and has the primary responsibility to maintain the daily running of the business, manage diary entries, admin, the management and distribution of reports and financial services. Ange joined Mosaic part-time in November 2022 but became a full-time member in April 2024. Previously, Ange worked within the National Health Sector, several Primary and High Schools, working as a support worker and mentor to neurodivergent children and was part of a team in a private diagnostic clinic, which is where she met Sarah and Anna.
Ange is very passionate about her role with Mosaic and continues to support the company in many different areas.