Maddi

Hi, I’m Maddisyn (Maddi) English, a Speech and Language Therapist and co-founder of Onyx Therapy. I have extensive experience working with autistic and neurodivergent individuals across a range of ages and settings, alongside a strong passion for delivering meaningful, accessible training to families, educators, SENCOs, carers, and workplaces on neurodiversity and its impact on day-to-day functioning. 

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Southern Cross University in Australia, I have worked across educational and clinical settings internationally. This includes working within specialist autism provision in the United Kingdom, autism resource provisions (ARPs), and supporting children and young people educated outside of mainstream settings, including those accessing Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS). A core part of my role involves working closely with families, providing practical, neuroaffirming training and guidance to support communication, regulation, and participation in everyday life. 

I enjoy working collaboratively with clients and their families to ensure support is individualised, strengths-based, and responsive to real-world needs. I recognise the diversity within neurodivergent experiences and am committed to providing tailored support that goes beyond traditional approaches. My practice is firmly neurodivergent-affirming, valuing individual communication styles and identities, and creating environments where differences are understood, respected, and empowered. 

Alongside my clinical work, I deliver training to SENCOs and education professionals internationally. Following a recent ADHD diagnosis, I continue to deepen my understanding of how brain–body differences influence communication, regulation, and learning, which further strengthens my reflective and neuroaffirming practice. 

Please feel free to get in touch to learn more about our services and how Onyx Therapy can support you. 

Qualifications and Memberships 

• BA Speech and Language Therapy (Southern Cross University, Australia) 
• Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists 
• Member of the Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice 
• Health and Care Professions Council registered. 
• Shape Coding Level 1 and Level 2 trained 
• Up to date training in safeguarding & prevent  

Esme Naylor

Hi I’m Esme, I am a Therapy Assistant and a proud member of the Onyx Therapy team. I have 4 years of experience working within the mental health field and a lifetime of experience living as a part of a neurodivergent family, giving me a unique perspective of neurodiversity. I especially believe in the importance of neuro-affirming practice, because I am aware of the frustration of being told that the way you are is “wrong” and others trying to “fix” you. I believe differences should be celebrated, and I know that neurodivergent individuals can thrive when supported in a way that makes sense to them, even if it doesn’t make sense to someone who is neurotypical.

I worked for 3 years in the NHS on an acute female inpatient mental health ward, where many patients were neurodivergent. I then moved to the community for a year, where I worked with clients diagnosed with ASD. I am currently studying Counselling Skills, CPCAB membership awarded on completion. 

Qualifications and Memberships:

• BSc Hons Social Psychology (Loughborough University)
• MSc Work Psychology (Loughborough University) 
• Distinction in Lead Adult Care Work (NHS)
• Up to date training in safeguarding & prevent
• CPCAB membership pending 

Justine

Hi, I’m Justine McDonnell, an occupational therapist and co-founder of Onyx Therapy. I am a dedicated Lead Occupational Therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner with a proven track record of over a decade in providing specialised care and support to individuals with diverse needs.  

My journey began with a focus on personalised technology coordination at Hft, where I assessed individuals with learning disabilities to identify and implement assistive technologies, empowering them to lead more independent lives. This experience laid the foundation for my subsequent roles, where I transitioned into leading Occupational Therapy services and integrating sensory approaches to support students with autism in a special school environment. 

I am a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, celebrating the strengths and unique perspectives that each individual brings. With a deep understanding of the diverse ways people experience the world, I aim to foster an environment that embraces differences and empowers clients to navigate the world in their own authentic way. 

Having personally navigated the challenges of dyslexia and combined ADHD/ADD, I bring a unique perspective to my practice. I understand the importance of tailored approaches and strive to create interventions that honour the individual learning styles of my clients.  

Please feel free to get in touch and discover more about what our service offers and how we can be of help to you. 

Qualifications and Memberships 

• BSc Hons Occupational Therapy (Coventry University) 
• PgCert Sensory Integration (Ulster University)
• PgDip Sensory Integration (Sheffield Hallam University) 
• Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists 
• Health and Care Professions Council registered. 
• Up to date training in safeguarding & prevent 

Dean

Since graduating with a degree in Illustration in 2012, I’ve been employed by schools and colleges for the majority of my working life, spanning from residential care to student welfare I have worked alongside young people who have experienced a wide variety of challenges, situations and diagnosis’s. Now I am fortunate enough to use my initial degree and years of experience to help provide visuals for Onyx Therapy and assist in all the wonderful work they do.