Our Team
Management
Aine Wallace
Director & Creative Health Practitioner
Aine Wallace
I grew Fresh Minds Education after serving thousands of professionals, families, children and young people in community organisations, schools and businesses to support the needs that human beings have to;
- Find safety and support for emotional distress & suicide
- Understand themselves and their emotions in the context of our time and place in history as well as through lived experience and relationships.
- Express themselves effectively and openly and have their stories heard
- Relieve anxiety, stress and practice self care
- Live creatively, cultivate character strengths, feel joy and flourish
- Reduce the impact of trauma
Pass forward to future generations a physical and emotional world that is healthier than the one they inherited
I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to train in the creative, therapeutic and education fields. I have taken university certs, diplomas, degrees and postgrads in a range of departments ranging from drama, training trainers, youth work, art therapy and counselling.
26 years working with children & young people and their caregivers. I’ve been lucky that my love for Peacework, Global Youth Work and Mental Health has enabled me to work in Belfast, Dublin, South Africa, Canada and in Europe. I now work mainly across Northern Ireland. Equally useful to my current role has been substantial years working in bars and restaurants where I developed great logistical, organisational, customer care skills and a few years working in the theatre where I learned to produce and present educational theatre. This tapestry has brought me to FME.
Water makes me feel better, swimming, showers, baths, hot tubs, and the sea. Sometimes I benefit from submerging in hot steamy water and at other times cold water, I love to drink water and even walks by rivers and at the coast by the sea. For me water is nourishment for the mind and body.
Before sleep I like to light my Light Up With Amber Candle and with our boys we reflect on what we loved about the day, what we want to leave behind and what we are looking forward to tomorrow – it helps my busy head unwind and my body relax, it also helps us feel more connected and complete and I feel love in moments like that. Love is nourishment for the soul.
The Fresh Start Pad – Because I am a works in progress and this little resource is quick and easy to complete which is necessary for busy people. It reminds me that every day is a new day to start over again. It gives me relief and hope especially during tough times. But if i had to choose one product it would be The Kindness Mug as it always makes smile and I love that as I’m holding it you can’t see the message that I can see on the back 🙂
Operations
Helen Woodside
Operations Lead
Helen Woodside
To spread a bit of positivity and to connect people.
Last of the O’levels – A levels then left a Management Training Scheme within the old Burton group.
Management, Area then Regional Management.
Parenting
Volunteering through the Schools programme with Childline
Teaching Assistant, A real mix!
Exercise! – doesn’t matter what and not excessively, but I try and do something most days.
Jill Harkness
Office co-ordinator
Jill Harkness
I’ve been working with Aine for 9 years now, since the “Dare to Stretch” days and I have loved seeing things change and develop. I love the ethos of FME and the desire to help others.
Law degree
Before working for FME, I worked in website design and development. As part of a small organisation I had a wide and varied role and I have been able to bring that experience to my role within Fresh Minds Education.
Reading, cycling, paddle boarding and walking my dog.
Bamber, the light up with amber candle and the AMBER character strength cards. But if I had to choose one it would be Bamber as my 2 girls have a Bamber teddy and I love how it can be used to incorporate the entire Amber approach. Plus – it’s super cute!
Starr Hamiliton
Operations
Starr Hamiliton
Over the years I have got to witness some of the amazing work Fresh Minds has to offer and I knew I wanted to play a part in creating a happier society.
Social Policy BSc
Currently undergoing a Social Policy MSc.
From the age of 17 I have been involved with Fresh Minds Education as a young leader and began to do ad hoc work in early 2021. In August 2021, I took this role on a permanent basis as I enjoyed the role so much.
Going to my meditation classes.
The Hug In a Mug luxe edition, the light up with amber candle and the AMBER character strength cards. But if I had to choose one it would be the AMBER character strength cards as they allow me to start my day with a positive affirmation.
Delivery
