Meet the Therapists

Scarlett Leedham

Founder & Director | Paediatric Occupational Therapist | Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner

Scarlett founded Connect Specialist Therapy in 2018, driven by a determination to do things differently and create opportunities for children and young people to be understood, included and able to participate in the things that matter to them.

My Why

The children and young people are my why.

I am fiercely motivated and determined to challenge boundaries, question what isn’t working and create better opportunities for all young people.

For me, there is nothing better than seeing a child smile, laugh, have fun and feel safe enough to be their authentic self. Every child and young person is completely unique — that’s what makes us who we are — and I love discovering what makes someone tick, recognising their strengths and helping to bring out the very best in them.

I believe children should never feel that they need to change who they are to fit into the world around them. Sometimes it’s the environment, expectations and people around the child that need to think differently.

That belief has shaped Connect from the very beginning.

A little bit about me…

Creating and developing Connect takes up a lot of my time — and probably even more of my thoughts! It’s not unusual for me to wake up at 2am with another business idea and immediately start thinking about how we could make it happen.

Outside of Connect, I’m happiest when I’m active, outdoors and exploring. I love being in nature, chasing a bit of a thrill and trying new experiences.

I also love meeting people, sharing ideas and learning from others. Some of my best ideas have come from conversations, collaborations and being around people who see things differently.

And whenever I get the opportunity, I love to travel and see the world. There is so much out there to experience, explore and learn from — and I’m always ready for the next adventure.

What I want every young person to feel at Connect

“I can be myself here.”

If a child walks through our doors and feels safe, welcomed, understood and able to be completely themselves, then we have created the kind of place I always wanted Connect to be.

Alice Lee

Hi, I’m Alice and I’m an Occupational Therapist and Sensory Integration Practitioner here at Connect Specialist Therapy. I bring a kind, gentle and nurturing approach to the assessment process and within direct therapy sessions while keeping therapy fun and child-led.

I got my degree as a Learning Disability Nurse in 2015 and worked within the NHS before finding that I was passionate about the sensory and occupational therapy approach to care. I gained my Masters in Occupational Therapy from York St John University in 2022 and completed post training in sensory integration therapy up to level 6, with the CLASI so I am now a Sensory Integration Practitioner.

I have completed further training including the Interoception Curriculum by Kelly Mahler, Foundation Course in Sensory Trauma and Attachment and completed courses in Feeding Difficulties, Sensory Ladders, Praxis and Postural Control, PANS/PANDAS awareness and Pathological Demand Avoidance awareness as well as being up-to-date with Safeguarding certification.  I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council [HCPC].

Outside of work, I enjoy going swimming, to the cinema, meeting up with friends and having nights in reading a book.

In the future, I hope the work that Connect Therapy does will reach all the individuals that need our support and will keep growing and expanding by listening to what our amazing community needs from us. With the recent beginning of the Connect and Belong CIC, I would love to see our vision achieved to reach more children and families, promote health, wellbeing and regulation within schools, empower individuals to be themselves and support inclusion within our community. As a CIC, any success will always be reinvested into the business to continue growing the support we offer.

Abbie Turner

My name is Abbie, and I am a Paediatric Occupational Therapist at Connect. I graduated from York St John University in 2023 and joined the Connect team shortly afterwards, where I have been working ever since. From the beginning of my career, I have been passionate about supporting children and young people to achieve their goals, develop independence, and participate in the activities that are meaningful to them. I enjoy building positive relationships with the children, young people, and families I work with, and I take pride in providing a supportive, compassionate, and individualised approach to therapy.

Alongside my occupational therapy degree, I have completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Integration and a Level 3 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These qualifications have enhanced my understanding of the complex relationship between thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and sensory processing. I use this knowledge in my practice to support children and young people in developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, coping strategies, and confidence in everyday life.

I have a particular interest in the relationship between sensory needs, neurodivergence, and mental health, especially during adolescence. I am passionate about exploring how sensory differences can influence emotional regulation, participation, and overall wellbeing. Within Connect, I provide our ISC-OT service, supporting young people whose sensory and neurodevelopmental needs are having an impact on their mental health and everyday functioning. My knowledge of sensory integration and CBT-informed approaches enables me to take a holistic view of each young person’s needs and provide practical, meaningful strategies that support positive outcomes.

I bring enthusiasm, empathy, creativity, and a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development. I enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues, families, and other professionals to find solutions that help children and young people thrive. I believe that every young person deserves to feel understood, valued, and supported, and I am passionate about advocating for approaches that celebrate individual strengths while addressing areas of challenge.

Outside of work, I enjoy singing and have always loved musical theatre. Whether I’m watching a performance or singing myself, I find it a great way to relax and express creativity. I also love spending time outdoors walking my dog, which gives me the opportunity to unwind, stay active, and enjoy nature.

Looking ahead, I hope Connect continues to grow and innovate so that we can meet the ever-changing needs of the children, young people, and families we support. I am excited to be part of a team that is committed to developing new services and approaches, and I hope we can continue to lead the way in providing accessible, evidence-based, and person-centred support. My goal is to contribute to a future where every child and young person can access the right support at the right time, enabling them to reach their full potential and achieve positive outcomes in all areas of their lives.