THE TEAM
Director & Dr. Clinical Psychology
Dr Sharla Lawrence (D. Clin. Psy.) is the sole director of The Lawrence House Psychological Services. She has been working with children and young people for the majority of her career both as an assistant psychologist and since graduating from Coventry University and Warwick University in 2012 with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She completed her specialist placements in an NHS Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic team in Solihull, Warwickshire and in a Clinical Health Psychology department at a local NHS acute hospital. Since graduating she has worked both in various physical health departments including cardiac and renal services and in a general health psychology service and in Children’s and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) primarily working in autism services, in both diagnostic and therapeutic services.
Since opening The Lawrence House Psychological Services in 2017 Dr Sharla has worked extensively in schools and educational services offering clinical psychology input to students, staff and families in Coventry and Warwickshire. Much of this work has been supporting Special Educational Needs (SEN) children to access support through assessment, diagnosis and consultation. More recently she has begun to complete diagnostic assessments for Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning difficulties as well as therapy with children and young people from her office base in Nuneaton.
Dr. GEMMA DACEY
Dr. Clinical Psychology
Gemma qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 2025, completing her Doctorate at Coventry and Warwick Universities. She has over 17 years’ experience working within NHS neurodevelopmental services and within children’s and adult learning disability services.
Gemma has worked in a range of roles within the NHS, including Assistant Psychologist, Neurodevelopmental clinician, Team Lead and clinical psychologist. During her training, she completed specialist placements in Paediatric Psychology, Neonatal psychology and at The Lawrence House.
She is trained in a range of cognitive assessments and is ADOS and ADI-R trained. Gemma’s doctoral research focused on Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and she has a particular interest in supporting individuals and families affected by ARFID.
CATHERINE STEELE
Speech and Language Therapist
Catherine Steele qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 1996 from Birmingham City University. She is a member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).
Post qualification, Catherine worked in the NHS for 18 years and then moved into Independent practice in 2014. She has developed a wide range of clinical skills working predominately within Pre-school settings and Primary schools supporting children with speech, language and communication needs including children with ASC. Catherine has extensive experience working with parents, teaching staff and associated professionals.
Catherine has a special interest in early language development and preventative work. This linked to her 5 year secondment as Speech and Language Therapist for the Nuneaton Sure Start Team at Riversley Park Children’s Centre.
NICOLA MOORE
Early Years & Autism Specialist
Nicola Moore has been working with children and families in early education for 34 yrs. Having gained experience through various roles and settings she now works as a family support worker and has a keen interest in children’s behaviour and nurturing children’s wellbeing.
She has experience in autism, ADHD, behaviour difficulties, early years development, eating and sleeping difficulties, play therapy theories and currently works with children in the care system to engage and reconnect with their main support network.
Nicola has worked within The Lawrence House team for the last 6 years assisting Dr Sharla in her ADOS and ADHD assessments. She also supports the speech and language initial screening and learning assessments within the team.
Michelle Wilson
Occupational Therapist
Michelle Wilson has been an occupational therapist for 11 years, Working with children with lots of different needs including autism, Worked in eating disorders, mental health for the NHS and private practice.
Michelle can conduct part of the autism assessments, Occupational Therapy assessments which can look at how children and young people manage their self-care, physical needs such as gross and fine motor skills and explore sensory needs.
Bethany Moore
Practice Manager
Bethany Moore has worked as part of the team since we opened our doors to a new building in March 2022.
Bethany is based in our town centre office and manages all of our day-to-day appointments and queries. She will respond to your emails, take phone calls and make initial contact with schools.
Bethany is currently working towards professional qualifications to enhance the offerings within the practice.
Katherine Wilson
Counsellor
Katherine Wilson is an experienced and qualified Counsellor working in Leicestershire and Warwickshire. She is an Integrative Counsellor; her work is grounded in Person-Centred Theory. Katherine has been working therapeutically with adults since 2016 and children and their families since 2017. She is a registered member (MBACP) of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and operates within their ethical framework for good practice.
Katherine has developed a wide range of therapeutic skills working with all age ranges across school and educational settings and in Private Practice including individuals with ASC and ADHD
Reanne Texeira
Play Therapist
Reanne Texeira has worked in the play therapy field since 2017, delivering play therapy sessions to children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, as well as children with autism, ADHD and a range of other needs.
Prior to training as a play therapist, Reanne worked within a special needs school supporting children with autism and complex learning disabilities. Reanne holds a postgraduate degree in Play Therapy and an undergraduate degree in Early Years and Special Inclusive Education.
Reanne is currently a non-practising Certified Play Therapist, registered with Play Therapy UK and accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. Through her ADOS-2 and ADI-R training, Reanne is able to undertake specific components of autism assessments.
50 Signs That May Help You Better Understand Your Child.
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This practical guide for parents written by Dr Sharla Lawrence is available now in ebook / kindle format from Amazon
