Melanie is an award-winning art psychotherapist, artist, illustrator, designer, educator, and author, with over 30 years of experience across education, therapy, and creative practice. Her interdisciplinary work integrates these fields in groundbreaking ways, producing transformative results in health, wellbeing, and education. Recognised globally, Melanie’s research and therapeutic models have influenced academic and social spheres, with her work exhibited and published internationally.

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A Journey Rooted in Compassion and Creativity

Melanie’s path into therapy, education, and creative practice was shaped by personal experiences and the inspiring figures she encountered along the way. From a young age, Melanie felt a deep calling to help others, a calling that would eventually guide her career. At just 11 years old, she was asked to help teach a family friend’s son, a pivotal moment that sparked her lifelong passion for teaching and mentorship. It was here, in that early connection, that Melanie saw the profound impact of education, not just in imparting knowledge, but in nurturing others’ growth through care and love. This experience marked the beginning of her commitment to empower and support those facing challenges.

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Growing up in Hoylake on the Wirral, Melanie found solace in her local library, where books became her sanctuary and her source of inspiration. The library was a place where she could escape into stories, learning about the world beyond her own. As she read, her curiosity and desire to bring knowledge to others grew, setting the stage for her future in education and creative practice. The library, with its wealth of stories and ideas, was not just a place of learning, but a nurturing environment where Melanie could dream of how she might contribute to others' lives.

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Raised by a Catholic mother, Melanie’s early religious education left an indelible mark on her. She was deeply influenced by the teaching nuns at her convent school, whose compassion, wisdom, and selfless care shaped her sense of purpose. These women embodied a quiet service, dedicated to the wellbeing of others without seeking recognition. For Melanie, they demonstrated that teaching wasn’t just about imparting knowledge, it was about nurturing the whole person, tending to their emotional, social, and spiritual growth. Their care left a lasting impact, shaping Melanie’s belief in the importance of nurturing both heart and mind in her therapeutic and educational work.

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But perhaps the most profound influence in Melanie’s life came from her mother, a woman whose kindness was expressed in quiet, unseen acts of service. Melanie’s mother never sought recognition for her good deeds, but she was always there to help those in need. Whether it was providing food for a struggling neighbour or offering a listening ear to a friend in crisis, her mother’s compassionate presence was a constant throughout Melanie’s childhood. In her humility, she taught Melanie the importance of offering help without expecting anything in return.

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Her mother’s quiet devotion was further inspired by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known as The Little Flower, whose spirituality centred on the idea that greatness is found in humble, everyday acts of love. St. Thérèse’s “little way” resonated deeply with Melanie’s mother, who found strength and fulfilment in performing small acts of kindness with great love. This influence shaped Melanie’s understanding of service: that the most profound acts are often the quietest, and that true greatness lies in the smallest, simplest acts done with love and dedication.

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As Melanie began her formal studies to become a therapist, she encountered yet another transformative influence: a wonderful teacher who would guide her through the early stages of her journey. This teacher introduced Melanie to the work of Donald Winnicott, a pioneering figure in psychoanalysis. Winnicott’s therapeutic model, which emphasises the importance of the holding environment and the true self, resonated deeply with Melanie. She immediately saw a direct correlation between Winnicott’s work and her own religious beliefs and upbringing. Just as she had been taught by the nuns and influenced by her mother’s quiet service, Winnicott’s ideas reinforced Melanie’s conviction that healing and education comes not just from knowledge but from the presence and empathy that one offers to another. Melanie recognised that his work echoed the spiritual and emotional values she had internalised growing up: the importance of compassion, nurturing, and holding space for others. This powerful connection solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in therapy, where she could embody these principles and support others in their journeys of self-discovery and healing.

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Alongside her mother’s quiet example, another figure who shaped Melanie’s journey was someone she classed as her best friend, a priest, whose influence provided her with a spiritual foundation and moral compass. His openess to have deep conversations about life, faith, and the human experience helped Melanie navigate the complexities of her own journey through life. The priest’s commitment to service, his ability to walk alongside others without judgment, and his kindness, care and love of all, became guiding principles in Melanie’s own work. From him, she learned that true leadership is found in service to others, true friendship can be gentle and quiet and that the most impactful relationships are those built on empathy, understanding, and the willingness to walk with others on their journeys.

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These key influences shaped Melanie’s philosophy and approach to both life and work. She believes in walking with people, not in front or behind, a lesson she learned from those who dedicated their lives to serving others quietly and without seeking recognition. Through these formative influences, Melanie developed her core values: empathy, humility, and love. These values continue to inform her work today, as she guides others through their challenges with compassion and understanding.

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Pioneering Research & Therapeutic Models

Melanie is best known for her pioneering research and the creation of the Good Hearts Model (GHM), the first published animation-based therapeutic model. This groundbreaking work led to the establishment of HEART (Healing Education Animation Research Therapy), a team dedicated to integrating animation into both therapy and education.

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Her innovative approach has earned her numerous accolades, including the NHS Innovation Award, recognition at a Royal Reception at Buckingham Palace, and the Enterprise Award for her social and cultural impact. Melanie’s contributions have been celebrated by figures such as The Duke of Gloucester and Baroness Morris of Yardley, who commended her for her work with marginalised communities. She was also named a Distinguished Scholar in Marquis Who’s Who in the World.

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Melanie’s research is centred around the use of creative techniques, particularly animation, to address mental health challenges. Projects such as ‘B Venture’, which worked with children of sex offenders, and ‘Made with Love Too’, which supported children grieving the loss of a parent, her work with marginalised communities, including the Roma gypsy community and children in Slovakian orphanages, underscores her dedication to using creative practice to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Key Achievements:

• NHS Innovation Award for pioneering animation-based therapy for people struggling with grief.

• Invited to a Royal Reception at Buckingham Palace for her contributions to national life.

• Commended by The Duke of Gloucester and Baroness Morris of Yardley for her work with marginalised communities.

• Creator and curator of the Animation for Public Engagement Symposium and the Inclusival Animation Festival, both recognised globally for their use of animation to promote education and therapy.

• Research funding from prominent organisations such as the Big Lottery Fund, NHS, Arts Council, and Wellcome Trust.

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Teaching & Leadership

Throughout her career, Melanie has taught at institutions such as Loughborough University, Glyndŵr University, and the University of Sunderland, where she has delivered programs in animation, design, and creative therapies. She is the creator of the MA in Animation for Health and Wellbeing at Loughborough University, which reflects her belief in the transformative power of creative interventions in supporting emotional wellbeing.

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Her teaching philosophy emphasises the importance of care, empathy, and creative support in education. Melanie has earned the title of Learning and Teaching Champion and a teaching fellow at the University of Sunderland, where she has contributed to enhancing educational practices. She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate of Education and a MA in Animation, achieving 94% High Distinction for her research.

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In addition to her teaching, Melanie has supervised several PhD candidates, mentored professionals in participatory arts and social change, and served as an external examiner.

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Research & Community Impact

Beyond academia, Melanie’s work has had a significant impact on communities worldwide. Her research and creative projects have received substantial funding from organisations like the Big Lottery Fund, NHS, Arts Council, and Wellcome Trust. Projects such as ‘B Venture’ and ‘Made with Love Too’ highlight her dedication to using art and animation to address social challenges and promote healing.

Her collaborations with organisations such as Barnardo’s, and Techniquest, demonstrate her commitment to serving marginalised communities, including those affected by PTSD, attachment disorders, and deprivation.

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Mentorship & Leadership

In addition to her teaching, Melanie has mentored professionals and worked with leading organisations like the BBC, Redpath Productions, and Concept for Living. Her work in accessibility strategies has helped promote education, mental health and employment opportunities for marginalised individuals.

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Core Strengths:

• Innovative Therapeutic Practices: Developing pioneering animation-based therapeutic models.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Leading creative programs and mentoring the next generation of therapists, artists, and educators.

• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Partnering with health, education, services, and community organisations to address societal and mental health challenges.

• Creative Impact: Using design, animation, and creative arts to drive social change, raise mental health awareness, and influence public health initiatives.