Julia Ruppert, Director
Julia is an HCPC registered Art Therapist and Founder of The Collective Arts Group. Her interest in the links between positive psychology and visual art led Julia to complete an MSc (with distinction) in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP). She has since published and presented her research at national and international conferences. Over the years, Julia has designed and delivered hundreds of workshops, art therapy sessions and courses for children and young people in care, youth, women, perinatal well-being, families, employees, volunteers and teams. Both positive psychology and a deep understanding of the multi-layered language of visual imagery play a central role in all of Julia’s programmes and course designs. Julia is a full member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT), in her 2nd term (5th year) as an Associate Editor with The International Journal of Art Therapy and interviews prominent thinkers in the field of art therapy for InSight, BAAT’s quarterly publication.
Peter Finch, Chair
For over 40 years, Peter has worked in local government, where he ran both finance and computer systems teams. He shares with our team his commitment to nurturing the community.
Carl Gohringer, Director of Finance
For nearly 4 decades, Carl has worked in the private sector for large multinational IT corporations.
Dr Vlad Kolodin, Chartered Psychologist and Research Coordinator
Via a grant from Emerging Minds and the University of Oxford, Vlad led our Special Interest Research Group on the impact of creative therapies to address self-harm in young people. He shares with our team passion, humour and a commitment to making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Andrea Taylor, Workshop Assistant and Coordinator
Andrea coordinates The Creative Wellbeing Project for new and expecting mums and supports delivery in our online sessions. She manages West Middlesex University Hospital’s Perinatal Wellbeing Programme and the website Perinatal Positivity, which highlights many fantastic resources for expecting mums.
Natalie Cooper, Committee member and Workshop Facilitator
Natalie is a journalist, author, coach and storyteller who leads Forest Whispers, where she offers leadership and life balance coaching.
Sharon Powell, Workshop Assistant and Co-facilitator
Along with her beautiful reading and speaking voice, Sharon shares with us her skills and knowledge as a London Guide. She will soon be leading a series of art walks in Richmond Borough as part of our ‘Creativity in Motion’ programme (funded by LBRuT)
Jacqui Smith, Committee member
Jacqui is a talented, forest school-trained educator who shares her wisdom and commitment to the transformational potential of creative endeavours.