Our Staff
The people behind The DEN
The DEN is led by an experienced team who are passionate about supporting autistic children and their families.
Director | Qualified Teacher | SENDCo
Lorna Trapp
Lorna is a qualified teacher and experienced Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) with many years of experience supporting autistic children across mainstream education, specialist provision and alternative education.
Having worked as a senior leader responsible for inclusion and SEND, Lorna founded The DEN to create the type of provision she wished had existed for many of the children she supported throughout her career.
Lorna specialises in autism, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), relationship-based learning and personalised educational programmes.
- Over 20 years teaching experience
- BA/QTS with honours
- National SENDCo award, qualified 2018
- NPQSL, 2023
- NPQH, 2025
Support Assistant | Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) | First Aid Trained
Cathy Atkinson
Cathy brings warmth, patience and endless encouragement to every session.
As The DEN's Designated Safeguarding Lead, she ensures that safeguarding remains at the heart of everything we do, while building wonderful relationships with children and their families.
Children quickly learn that Cathy is someone they can trust.
Support Assistant | ELSA Trained | Level 3 SENDCo
Jessica Bird
I have four years of experience working with children with a wide range of special educational needs.
Most importantly, I am passionate about supporting children and helping them achieve their goals.
I love baking, arts and crafts books and Marvel!
Together
Together we share one goal
To make every child feel safe, accepted, understood and proud of who they are.