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TRANSITIONS
MEET THE TEAM
As the founder of Transitions, I feel extremely fortunate to be in a position where my work involves bringing together my passion for horses, mental health and being outdoors. My love of horses and the outdoors began in childhood, with my interest in mental health coming a little later.
My professional life has involved working with people and animals in a variety of different settings including; in private practice, in schools, on community projects, within the care system, running a riding school, as well as working as a freelance Think Like a Pony instructor across the UK. I love working with and building relationships with both adults and children.
When I founded Transitions, I was determined that finances wouldn’t be a barrier to people accessing our services and so Transitions was incorporated in 2015 as a CIC. I was joined by a wonderful team of Directors and together we ensure that we stay true to our core values as Transitions grows and develops. It has felt a little like building a jigsaw puzzle, over the years I have been drawn to approaches that ‘feel right’ for Transitions and all have a common thread; they facilitate connection to oneself, to others and/or to nature. I am trained as a practitioner in all the approaches that we offer and facilitate sessions across both our adult pathways as well as in the Alternative Provision. I am also a Trainer for Thrive. I am so proud of all that Transitions has become so far and I am excited about what the future holds.
Relationships are at the heart of this company, and I look forward to welcoming you whether as a client, student, practitioner or funder.
If you would like to get in touch, then please contact me HERE.
LESLEY GLOVER
I first met Hannah and the horses in 2013 when I was training to be an Alexander Technique teacher. As part of our training we had weekly sessions with the horses and it was such a wonderful experience that I carried on having lessons with Hannah after I finished training. When the opportunity arose, I volunteered for a project supporting people with learning disabilities who were coming for sessions at Transitions and I loved that too. I am delighted now to be part of the Transitions team as a Director and co-facilitator.
My background is in clinical psychology and I worked for many years both in the NHS with people with physical health problems, and as an academic training clinical psychologists and undertaking research. I now work in private practice providing psychological therapy and Alexander Technique lessons.
If you would like to get in touch, then please contact me HERE.
NICKY MENZER
My name is Nicky and my role within the Transitions York team is as a Director and co-facilitator of our Wednesday Alternative Provision sessions. I also happen to be Hannah’s sister! I’m passionate about the outdoors and my ‘happy place’ is exploring the hills with my family and our dog ’Blue’. I started my journey here a few years ago, when I volunteered at a Forest School session that Hannah was running. I loved it and haven’t looked back! Working as co-facilitator of the sessions allows me the opportunity to nurture and support groups of children in the outdoor environment that I love.
I am a qualified WILD passport practitioner, which enables me to give children the opportunity to develop both social and practical skills away from the constraints of a traditional classroom, which I find so valuable. I feel incredibly lucky to be involved in such a worthwhile initiative.
If you would like to get in touch, then please contact me HERE.
MARK DEAN
I have been involved with Transitions from the beginning, having met Hannah during my Alexander Technique Training during 2013. Many cups of tea were drunk, and many long dog walks taken whilst vague notions were gradually refined into the concept that has become Transitions.
We have big ideas for what Transitions can and will be which is seen through my current director's role.
I have previously cofacilitated group equine therapy sessions with a diverse set of client groups, and found it to be incredibly rewarding and exciting to support wonderful changes that our work can bring.
If you would like to get in touch, then please contact me HERE.
My introduction to the equine world was through Hannah, and I am grateful for the experiences this has given me, most notably through relationships with people and animals. One way of describing our collective vision for Transitions would be to facilitate these for others, regardless of their place within the wider community.
HELEN CLARKE
I love working with young people here since I joined in January 2023. I spent 20 years as a geography teacher which not only reflects my own love of the great outdoors but has given me lots of experience of working with many different people and their needs. Around five years ago, I became interested in Horticultural Therapy and set up projects in school for those that found a main stream environment more challenging. I was fascinated by the engagement seen by some young people who found things like sticking to a task difficult. And now I work at Transitions. I am regularly inspired by what I see the young people doing here and I hope we can grow herbs for the horses soon. I co-facilitate the Alternative Provision sessions throughout the week. I can also work one-to-one with young people in the school setting.
If you would like to get in touch, then please contact me HERE.
VOLUNTEERS
We regularly have volunteers working with us at Transitions. They provide a valuable service in helping our work which can range from creating a den to tidying up after the horses. All are DBS checked. If you have an interest in working outdoors and would like to volunteer with us, then please get in touch HERE. No experience necessary.
RAFI THE DOG
I live with Hannah and come to the site every day. I do like to look after the horses but I really like getting cuddles from anyone who will let me sit with them. I can often be seen walking down the lane with the young people that attend Transitions and I feel very proud of the work I do to look after everyone here - you might here me barking. When no-one is looking there is nothing I like better than running across the fields or snoozing in a tent.
COOKIE THE CAT
I arrived at Transitions in 2023. I instantly settled in to my new home in the stables, enjoying the warm hay and lots of food that is available to me from Hannah. However, the cuddles I get off the young people when we are in the tent with the fire on are like nothing else. I love chasing a toy on the end of a piece of string and I've been known to try and get to the top of a tree - not quite there yet but I will keep trying.
JASMINE (RED) AND PONGO (WHITE WITH BLACK DOTS)
My name is Jasmine and I am the leader of the herd. I became the leader because I am the one with attitude. I work with the people that visit the site and many like my determination and how I gain your respect. Pongo, the Shetland with me here, helps me look after everyone. He can be grumpy and might walk off, but once he gets to know you he loves a good scratch from you.
ROSIE (RED), HERBIE AND HARRY
I am the oldest of the herd and I love meeting people. Although I am the largest horse in the herd, I am also the most gentle and often can be found being groomed and getting my mane styled. I let the young ones, including the newest members of the herd, Herbie and Harry, get on with running around and snoozing. That's Herbie snoozing on the grass - you'll often see him like that.
