Our story
Kate Cairns established KCA in 2011, with a vision to transform the way we connect with each other.
Having worked as a social worker and foster carer, Kate offered permanency to 12 children, through which she experienced firsthand the issues affecting vulnerable children and young people; and the challenges facing public sector practitioners in working effectively with children and families.
Kate took these experiences and blended this with her knowledge of science, policy, practice and community to create the training and consultancy that KCA has delivered for thirteen years.
Today, KCA is an employee owned trust, aspiring to be a beacon to those who want to lead sustainable organisations.
We come from practitioner backgrounds in public sector fields such as Education, Health and Criminal Justice, and through this experience, understand that practitioners in these fields will be subject to constant change and therefore have unique needs and priorities. Our accessible models of practice help you notice everyday interactions that build resilience and hope. Our knowledge base is rooted in the science-based theory of attachment, trauma and resilience made accessible and relevant to your context.
Like you, we want more people to have more good days. We believe to achieve this we need to focus on fostering connected relationships.
Our vision
- A more caring, compassionate and understanding society.
Our mission
- To inspire and educate people by sharing neuroscience
- To promote an understanding of our shared vulnerability
- To communicate the importance of building relationships in order to create compassionate and resilient communities.
Meet our team
Our skilled practitioners turn science into practical learning tailored for you. When we work with you, we are all in – we'll be right there with you every step of the way, using our commitment and knowledge to make sure your unique needs are met.
Our associate trainers and consultants
Meet Nicky Spencer-Hutchings
Trainer
Nicky is an Education and Family Support consultant specialising in SEMHD supporting primary and secondary schools, alternative providers and birth, adopted and foster families. She has over 15 years experience of working in education, in the community and with parents/carers supporting children and young people with complex social, emotional, behavioural and mental health needs. She has been a senior manager in education responsible for the therapeutic strategy, staff development, and supervision. Inspired by time spent early in her career working in a Romanian orphanage, Nicky maintains… See more
- Ann Berry
- Brian Roberts
- Catherine Gordon
- Dean Reilly-Sharp
- Diane Blandford
- Felicia Wood
- Gem Novis
- Heather Daulphin
- James Harris
- Jessica Tett
- Jo McAndrews
- Julie Revels
- Keith Davies
- Lynne Hipkin
- Maria Lawton
- Nicky Spencer-Hutchings
- Patrick Finegan
- Polly Wright
- Rachael Pryor
- Richard Waite
- Sally Patterson
- Shashi Knott
- Sheila Mulvenney
- Suzi Moore
- Tom Pyne
Join our movement
Since 2011 we have worked with thousands of practitioners across hundreds of organisations.
If you want to work in a more neuro-informed way, then we are deeply committed to working in partnership with you throughout the process. Sign up now