Joedy Franssen – Interim Headteacher

Joedy has BsC Honours in English and Education, specialising in students who learn English as a second or foreign language. She also holds an MA degree in Linguistics. Joedy’s natural interest to develop her passion in teaching landed her a job in Autism in 2013. She has 10 years’ experience working with students who have a diagnosis of Autism.  Joedy has knowledge on SCERTs which focusses on building competence in social communication, emotional regulation and transactional support. Joedy is a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) coach and has previously been a part of a pilot study from the British Institute of Learning Difficulties and Windesheim University of Applied Sciences on how to implement PBS as a school wide approach. She is dedicated to enthusiastic and dynamic teaching and coaching. Her ultimate goal is improving quality of life for all: students, families and the professional team.

Alejandra Zullo-Avila – Assistant Headteacher

Poppy Fisher – Office Manager

Poppy is currently studying her second degree in BA(Hons) Psychology with Counselling, in hopes to better her knowledge around mental health support, practices and further develop her skills working within a SEN setting.

After finishing her first degree, Poppy became a Nursery Practitioner managing the toddler room which was created for sensory learning, this role ignited her passion for working with children and young people and laid the foundation for the start of her carer, wanting to develop her skill set, she joined the team here at Brick Lane School as our School Administrator.

Poppy is now serving as our Office Manager, combining her vast administration experience and time working with children and young people, she is able to bring a strong, passionate and reliable contribution to our management team.

Poppy’s goals are to support staff and students in all their prospects and create a welcoming place in the office for people at Brick Lane School to come for support.

Selina Griffiths – Pastoral Co-Ordinator and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Selina joined Brick Lane School in 2022 after deciding to move from mainstream to work in a SEN school that specialise in autism where her passion truly lies.

Selina began working with children and young people in Hackney and Camden in 2010 and has worked at a few educational provisions in various teaching and managerial roles for over nine years. Selina has particularly extensive experience in the areas of SEND Behaviour and Safeguarding and holds a BA in Childhood and Youth studies.

Selina has led TAs and worked as the learning mentor helping children to face any barriers they may face throughout the school day and working with families and the local community.

Selina is passionate about Safeguarding and is the Designated Safeguarding Lead at Brick Lane School and is proud to serve the many communities that make Brick Lane School a special place.

Dr Shika Das – Clinical Psychologist

Dr Shika Das is a Clinical Psychologist from New Zealand. She holds dual registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the United Kingdom. Shika holds the qualifications of a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education through the University of Auckland, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology), Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences in Forensic Mental Health, Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Otago. She has experience working with children and young people with diverse needs, including assessment and intervention for significant mental health issues, substance misuse, criminogenic needs, and neurodiversity. Shika has worked extensively in correctional and youth forensics services providing court reports, evidence-based treatment modalities (e.g., CBT, ACT), and addressing health, education, and employment inequity. Her PhD has also focused on the longitudinal benefits of promoting adult-child interactions to support young children’s oral language, socio-emotional competencies, and behavioural regulation. She is passionate about empowering children and their families and advocating for equitable outcomes. Embedded within a scientist-practitioner model, Shika is committed to neurodiverse affirming, holistic, collaborative, and strengths-based approaches to support individuals across their lifespan. She looks forward to working closely with the students, parents, teachers, and community agencies of Brick Lane School. In her personal life, she has been a Values-Based Educator for young children and adolescents, a harmonium (Indian musical instrument) and singing teacher, and she has coached Olympic Weightlifting and CrossFit. She enjoys exercising, socialising with family and friends, music (playing and listening) travelling, and experiencing other cultures.

Eleri Davies – Occupational Therapist

Eleri has a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honors in Occupational Therapy. Eleri has spent many years within the National Health Service (NHS) as an Occupational Therapist (OT), specialising in both physical and mental health. Eleri specialised in paediatric care and mental health for children and young people aged 5-18 years. Eleri has a wide experience working within a neurodevelopmental child and adolescent mental health team (CAMHS NDS). Whereby her passion of working with autistic and neurodiverse individuals grew. Eleri then proceeded to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) for children and young people specialising in Autism Spectrum Condition and Learning Disability’ from University College London (UCL). Since then, Eleri has worked clinically within a specialist paediatric Occupational Therapy health service, working with education and social care. Eleri is enthusiastic about school-based clinical practice as an educational OT. She believes in providing opportunities for educational accessibility and building meaning and independence for Brick Lane School’s children and young people.

Alexandra Polatidou – Speech and Language Therapist

Alexandra is a fully qualified Speech and Language Therapist, registered with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Alexandra holds a Master’s degree in Speech, Language, and Communication from the City University of London. She has worked with both primary and secondary-aged children in mainstream, special education needs schools, and in private practice. Alexandra has experience working with a diverse paediatric caseload, including children with speech sound difficulties, language disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and social communication difficulties. With international work experience and a commitment to ongoing professional development, Alexandra is trained in SCERTS, Makaton, and Intensive Interaction and she has knowledge on the Attention Autism Programme, Lego Therapy, TEACCH, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Fluent in both English and Greek, Alexandra can provide therapy in both languages. Alexandra is passionate about enhancing communication and interaction skills to improve individuals’ quality of life, particularly for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Alexandra enjoys working with children and she is dedicated to recognising and respecting that every child is unique. She is committed to celebrating their strengths and placing their individual needs and aspirations at the forefront of her work.  Outside of her professional commitments, Alexandra enjoys playing tennis, dancing, learning new languages, and traveling the world

Faizah Nawaz – Therapy Assistant

Faizah holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree (MSc) in Early Child Development and Clinical Applications from University College London (UCL) and the Anna Freud Centre (AFC). With a strong foundation in psychological theory and practical experience, Faizah has a keen understanding of child development and mental health. Faizah has gained valuable experience in a Community Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) setting working with vulnerable children and young adults as an assistant child and adolescent psychotherapist. In addition to this, she works in a charity that provides psychotherapy intervention and emotional support to children and young people from diverse backgrounds. This experience has honed her skills in supporting individuals facing various challenges, supporting families, and providing therapeutic interventions. In her current role as a Therapy Assistant at Brick Lane School, Faizah is dedicated to supporting children and young people’s emotional well-being. Leveraging her academic background and practical experience, she is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment for Brick Lane School’s children and young people.