The people that make BOUNCE! a successful, safe place
Our management team
Karen Downes - CEO
I am a BACP-registered adult integrative counsellor with a background in business, having worked as a management consultant in a Big 5 firm before deciding to take a new direction.
My own journey as a foster carer and parent, alongside the challenges of neurodiversity and school life within my family, gave me a deep understanding of the difficulties children and families can face.
I first joined Bounce as a volunteer, and after a wonderful year supporting the charity, I am delighted and honoured to step into the role of CEO. I feel incredibly proud to lead such a fantastic organisation, which brings so much hope and support to our local community.
By combining my business knowledge with my passion and understanding of mental health, I hope to strengthen and grow Bounce over the coming years—ensuring we can continue to reach more families and make an even greater impact. My vision is to see Bounce become a place where every child and family who needs help can be supported, valued, and empowered to thrive, with the support of our experienced and knowledgeable team of therapists.
Wendy Summerell – Referrals Manager
I discovered this amazing charity when searching for placement hours whilst studying Integrative Counselling at Iron Mill College in Exeter.
Meeting Hayley, the founder of BOUNCE!, was to be a blessing. A curve ball in the form of health issues led to the difficult decision to curtail my hopes of training to become a counsellor. A dream which started during my six years as a Volunteer Counsellor in the London base of Childline, where I became passionate about empowering young people to speak out, seek help and stay safe.
I continued to volunteer at BOUNCE! and last year was delighted to be offered the role of Referrals Manager.
It’s a busy and totally rewarding job where I get to witness the transformational journeys the children, young people and adults who reach out to us, go on with the support of our brilliant team of therapists.
If you have read this far and would like to get in touch then please do email us, and I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Nene Mitchell – Administration and Finance manager
Hi, I’m Nene, and I have the pleasure of working as an administrator at BOUNCE!. Originally from Kent, I moved to the beautiful county of Devon in my late teens and have never looked back.
My role at BOUNCE! involves helping to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, supporting our fantastic team, and creating a warm and welcoming environment for the children and families we serve. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of such a dedicated organisation making a real difference in young lives.
Outside of work, I’m a proud Mum to three wonderful grown-up children, two cats and many dogs – so life is always lively !
I’m passionate about what we do at BOUNCE! and committed to contributing to our mission of supporting children’s mental health. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for this wonderful charity!
Hattie Jones - Social Media Lead
I joined Bounce! Brighter Futures in May 2025 and am proud to be part of such a passionate and inspiring team.
In my role, I look after the charity’s social media channels, ensuring we share relatable, meaningful, and engaging content that truly connects with our community. I’m dedicated to using social media as a positive space to promote awareness and understanding around mental health, celebrate personal growth, and highlight the incredible work we do to support people on their wellbeing journeys.
I believe in the power of communication and storytelling to build empathy and inspire change, and I love finding creative ways to make our online presence feel welcoming and authentic. Seeing our community engage with and respond to our posts is always a highlight of my work — it’s rewarding to know that even a simple message can make someone feel seen, supported, or inspired.
Outside of Bounce, I’m a proud mum to three amazing young children who keep me on my toes and fill my days with laughter. I’m happiest when spending time outdoors in the fresh air with my animals, exploring nature, or winding down over some truly scrumptious food. Whether I’m behind the camera capturing moments for our social media or behind the scenes at home with my family, connection, creativity, and kindness are at the heart of everything I do.
Our therapists
Anna Stewart - Psychotherapist
I’m also a qualified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and Eco-Therapist in my private practice. My specific areas of interest are Addictions, Trauma, Self-Harm and Suicide.
Jane Andrews - Counsellor and clinical supervisor
Whilst continuing to work in schools as the Inclusion Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead, I used my skills to support parents and children in both the primary and secondary sector. My work with families initiated my training as a Systemic Family Therapist and my support of staff encouraged me to train as a Clinical Supervisor. My supervision work has included pastoral staff working with the children through therapeutic interventions such as Drawing and Talking, and with other staff to support both child protection cases and SEND. I continue to support all school staff including Senior Leaders and Head Teachers, providing a reflective space which enables them to explore their roles, support their decisions and maintain a good sense of well-being. I have experience of training and leading Safeguarding within a school and am looking to become an accredited trainer. Moving from London to North Devon has given me the space to develop all aspects of my work and supports my own work-life balance.
Debbie Eaton - Child and Adolescent Counsellor
I am a professionally qualified Integrative Child and Adolescent Counsellor, registered with the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and abide by its code of Ethics for Good Practice. (I am additionally trained to work with adults and couples).
An integrative counsellor believes there isn’t just one therapeutic approach to help a client. Many elements of different approaches are used to help explore and cope with your problems.
I continue to be amazed and motivated at the ability people have to overcome difficult situations when the right support is made available to them.
I have enjoyed providing Therapeutic interventions for more than 14 years. During this time, I have worked with many inspiring people, experiencing a vast number of challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictions, and struggles with self-esteem and confidence.
I work in both Primary and Secondary Schools, supporting parents and staff, as well as in Private practise. I offer 1:1 sessions and group therapy.
I am fully insured, DBS checked, have ongoing clinical supervision and regularly attend courses to enhance my professional skills practice.
Susanna Baker - Child Clinical Psychologist
I am a child clinical psychologist with over thirty years’ experience of working with children, young people and their families.
Previously I worked in a large CAMHS team for 18 years, working in in-patient, day and out-patient services. Then I ran a busy, independent practice for ten years. Now I work for Bounce! one day a week as well as working in a preschool.
Edwina Brook - CBT Counsellor
I am a highly qualified and experienced Counselling Practitioner (member of BACP & CCYP) trained in Cognitive Behaviour, Rational Emotive Behaviour and Person Centred Therapy, however, I appreciate other therapeutic modalities and I thrive on creative adaptation within my approach to enhance the counselling alliance and the therapeutic relationship.
I am dedicated to continuous professional development, as I believe it enriches me as a person, counsellor and manager and can only assist my clients and the organisation’s I work with. I have monthly clinical counselling supervision (since June 2002). I have scrupulous ethics and have completed over 10,500 face-to-face counselling sessions. I am a consummate professional with a great sense of humour and embracing personality. My professional objectives are to continue learning so I can be a resourceful and inspiring therapist.
Diana Takacs - Child and Adolescent Counsellor
I am an Integrative Child and Adolescent Counsellor with over 10 years experience working in the field of mental health, and over six years working with children and adolescents. I have trained abroad and in the UK.
I have worked with children and adults in different settings, such as in schools, CAMHS, Community Learning Disabilities Team and in a forensic hospital. Various work experience, including completing training in Hungary ( Hungarian Association for Integrative Psychotherapy) and in the UK ( Terapia training organisation validated by Middlesex University, London), has enabled me to connect with people from different backgrounds. Throughout my work I use in-depth counselling skills and non-verbal techniques, such as art, play, drama and music, to enable children and young people to express themselves, work through difficulties, release anxiety and improve self esteem.
Julie Broom - Adult, Adolescent and Child Counsellor
I am an integrative counsellor and have over 10 years experience working with children and young people within a school environment. I started my work with young people as a Teaching Assistant and then later trained to become a counsellor to work with adults.
I studied at the Iron Mill College in Exeter and here I gained my Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling qualification (BACP Accredited) I then went on to work towards becoming qualified to work therapeutically with children and young people and completed a Post Qualifying Diploma in Working with Children and Young People. I really enjoy the work that I do and love the variety of working with all ages. I offer a space that feels connected, comfortable and safe so that we can explore whatever is troubling you together. I am a member of the BACP and also have a private therapy practice in Mid Devon.
Joanne Braker - Dramatherapist and Integrative Counsellor
I qualified as a Dramatherapist in 2007 and have since worked in schools, residential children’s homes, adult mental health, CAMHS and in private practice offering both 1:1 and small group work.
I have a particular interest in the use of play and drama to support the development of essential skills, such as emotional regulation and social understanding/skills, as well as its use in supporting processing and understanding in recovery from adverse childhood experiences and trauma. I am passionate that supporting the child means supporting their wider network.
The development of positive attachments is key to my work, and as such I am child focused – meaning I take my cue from the child, their interests and what they bring. I draw on a range of theories and use stories, sand tray, role play and a wide spectrum of creative arts including sensory play, art and music, to enable the individual to make connections and find an indirect way in to exploring and understanding the issues that they come with.
I addition to my Dramatherapy training, I qualified as a Counsellor in 2019 and have worked in adult services supporting a variety of needs including grief, anxiety, low mood and those with trauma backgrounds and relationship challenges. I incorporate creative activities along with cognative behavioural and person centred approaches.
Our Trustees
Vanessa Johnson (Chair)
I’m a qualified Integrative Counsellor working in private practice in Exeter, with a specialist interest in neurodivergence, race, and other marginalised identities. I’m currently completing an advanced diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy and am passionate about creating inclusive, affirming spaces where people can explore who they are and what they need to thrive.
Alongside my therapeutic work, I’m employed by a local charitable foundation that provides grants to not-for-profit organisations across Devon. As Chair of Trustees for Bounce Brighter Futures, I’m deeply committed to tackling health inequalities and championing accessible, affordable mental health support for children, young people, and families.
Outside of work, I’m a mum to two children. I can often be found browsing local charity shops, lost in a good book, or dancing to drum and bass around my kitchen.
Alicia Balfour – Safeguarding Lead
Firstly, I am a mother and grandmother. I am also an Educational Psychologist and have worked in Devon for 25 years. During my career I’ve had the privilege of working with children and young people supporting them with their emotional wellbeing and mental health needs. I continue to do so for BOUNCE! and I am safeguarding lead within the organisation.
Sam O’Neill
I have a background working therapeutically with young people and families in a variety of settings but due to ill health I am no longer able to work. I live in West Sussex with my wife, stepchildren and pets. I enjoy looking for sea glass on the beach and gardening.
As a trustee, I bring both lived and professional experience to our cause. Despite health challenges, I remain committed to supporting our mission and advocating for those in need. I offer the board both practical insights and my continuing dedication.
Eunice Hinds
After an early career in industry (Ford, BXL and IBM), I went on to have a further career first in Higher Education at the University of East London and then as a consultant, specialising in course development.
I also have wide voluntary/governance experience including having chaired the Worls Education Fellowship, a Primary School Board of Governors and the Learning Curve.
Jennie Maltby
I became a trustee for BOUNCE! in 2025 and I’m excited to be able to offer my support to such a great cause.
I have worked in franchising and marketing for over 20 years, and currently serve as Associate Director at Water Babies Ltd, where I lead the Marketing and Retail teams. My work focuses on developing impactful campaigns and fundraising initiatives within the children’s sector, helping to grow awareness and engagement across the brand.
I bring experience in business leadership, brand strategy, and creative fundraising, alongside a deep understanding of how purposeful communication can inspire communities and drive positive change.
Based in East Devon with my husband, son, and a collection of much-loved animals, I’m happiest outdoors, enjoying good food, and spending time with family and friends.
Founder & Honorary Life President
Hayley Graham
I am an experienced UKCP registered child and adolescent psychotherapist and BACP accredited adult psychotherapist.
I founded BOUNCE! in January 2019. The idea of founding a charity first came to me in 2005 when my youngest son started to struggle with his mental health and I discovered that finding appropriate help was just about impossible. As a result, my son’s mental health deteriorated and eventually I made the difficult decision to withdraw him from school and home-educate. It was a difficult time for us as a family. We had no idea what was going on or what to do and neither, it seemed, did anyone else. To try and make sense of what was happening, I embarked on psychotherapy training, first in adult psychotherapy and then later in child psychotherapy. Throughout the years, I never let go of my idea of trying to find a way to help families who found themselves in a similar situation to us. Today the brilliant team that is BOUNCE! provides specialist support to 70 families a week and I hope that by receiving the right support at the right time, their experience will be different to ours.
“You’ll find wisdom in your winter and once it’s over it’s your responsibility to pass it on and in return it’s our responsibility to listen to those who have wintered before us. It’s an exchange of gifts in which nobody loses out. This may involve the breaking of a lifelong habit passed down carefully through generations, that of looking at other people’s misfortunes and feeling certain that they brought them upon themselves in a way you never would.” Katherine May (Wintering)
