The support that Catherine/Empower Neurodiversity provided to Skills for People has been exemplary. Catherine’s skill and knowledge have helped us to significantly develop how we support our Neurodivergent staff. Her professionalism, rigour, and attention to detail has been transformational.

Scott Vigurs, CEO, Skills For People, Newcastle

Working with Catherine has been an incredibly valuable experience. Through completing sensory assessments and developing my sensory profile, I have learnt so much about how my nervous system works, what causes me stress and what helps restore me to balance. Catherine’s Occupational therapy expertise and experience meant they were were not only thorough, but also clearly explained and immediately useful in my daily life. Understanding my sensory processing patterns has given me a much clearer awareness of how I respond to everyday situations. Catherine helped me see these patterns not as problems, but as strengths, and to recognise how I can use them to support my wellbeing. Through our work together I have also gained a much better understanding of the kinds of environments, activities and routines that suit me best. One of the most empowering aspects of working with Catherine has been the confidence it has given me to advocate for myself more clearly. I have become much more aware of where I was previously settling for situations that didn’t suit my needs, particularly in areas such as work environments and I now feel more confident recognising what works for me and what needs to be different. In that sense, working with Catherine has been truly emboldening. Catherine also introduced me to a range of helpful tools and resources that have increased my comfort and reduced sensory overwhelm in daily life. She is thoughtful, empathic and very easy to work with. From the beginning she put me at ease, explained everything clearly, listened carefully and created practical resources that helped us achieve our goals in each session. Catherine is professional, friendly, efficient and kind, and I would highly recommend working with her.

Lindsey Elms (Author, ‘Guided by Autism: A Companion for Late-Diagnosed Autistic Women’, publication June 2026)

Catherine is absolutely fantastic at what she does, super well informed and even more understanding! She clearly knows her stuff about both mental health as well as neurodivergency, which would make her a fantastic Coach for someone who struggles with both. Plus, she’s a great listener so anything that she doesn’t yet know, she’s happy to listen and learn from you! Which is super important for increasing self-advocacy skills. Catherine’s a very supportive and caring person, and she’s got great advice. 10/10 can recommend

When I first met you, I was so scared and frightened. What you did for me I will be forever grateful, for the few simple things you got me to do. You helped me embrace my fear. You showed me the life that I could have, and was so kind, gentle, soft and caring. To describe how Occupational therapy helped me - it wasn't medication, it was hands on work that got down to my fears. You were with me every step of the way - I found myself.

Catherine's post diagnosis group was focused on occupation and increasing confidence. It was informative, educational and allowed me to meet like minded people! As a newly diagnosed woman, I came away with a renewed sense of vigour and ability to face my challenges. I also changed directions with work with her support

Catherine mentored me throughout my undergraduate and postgraduate study. I can safely say that her exceptional skills ensured that I was able to achieve new heights. Catherine was uniquely adept at ensuring that I was able to navigate structures and systems in work and educational environments to seek the adjustments I needed.

During my time at university, I had the privilege of having Catherine as my Coach and mentor. At the time, I had recently been diagnosed with autism and ADHD, which made things quite challenging. Catherine was an incredible source of support, especially when I had to defer my final year. She went above and beyond to assist me in every way possible, including helping me with job applications. Catherine was always a great listener, and I genuinely looked forward to our weekly meetings. I highly recommend her - she provided me with invaluable skills and advice that continue to benefit me greatly.

Catherine was a fantastic support for me during my time at university. The guidance, encouragement and support given each week was a massive help and without it I couldn’t have achieved a first in my degree. I went from feeling completely overwhelmed with the workload, to being proactive and successfully balancing my uni work with leisure time. I felt much more in control and my wellbeing and motivation improved considerably. The organisational skills we practiced have given me so much independence and have heavily contributed to my success and happiness in my work today. I am forever grateful for the individualised support I received and highly recommend Catherine to anyone wanting Occupational therapy support.