Vanessa Sokal

As Pupil Mental Health Lead at St John's School Leatherhead, I design and deliver whole-school approaches to emotional wellbeing. With over a decade of experience supporting young people, I specialise in proactive, relational, and research-informed mental health education that empowers both students and staff. I've led the creation of student wellbeing programmes, parent workshops, staff development initiatives, and a whole-school podcast, all aimed at demystifying mental health and building emotional literacy in meaningful, sustainable ways.

My work blends creativity with clinical awareness. I'm passionate about helping young people not just cope, but grow by equipping them with tools for resilience, identity development, and self-worth. Having obtained my MSc in Psychology, I bring a multi-layered understanding of adolescent development, behaviour, and systems.

I thrive at the intersection of education, wellbeing, and communication, and I'm always curious about how schools can become emotionally intelligent ecosystems for all. Let's connect if you're working in student wellbeing, mental health, or looking to embed compassionate culture change in your setting.

Pupil Mental Health Lead - St. John's School-Leatherhead - Leatherhead

(2021-09)

• Designed and embedded a comprehensive, staged approach to pupil mental health, integrating early intervention, universal support, and multi-agency collaboration.
• Delivered CPD and training to over 100 staff members on areas including trauma-informed practice, adolescent development, anxiety, safeguarding, and pastoral boundaries.
• Facilitated 1:1 and small-group interventions supporting pupils with anxiety, self-esteem, identity, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and exam stress using evidence-based psychological frameworks.
• Developed accessible psychoeducational resources and wellbeing tools used across tutor programmes and pastoral support.
• Founded and led Thrive, the school's wellbeing initiative, incorporating podcasting, editorial content, workshops, campaigns, and parent engagement.
• Produced and hosted the Thrive Podcast, exploring adolescent wellbeing, psychology, identity, digital culture, and mental health.
• Worked closely with DSLs, SENCOs, CAMHS, MHSTs, and external agencies to coordinate wraparound support for pupils with complex needs.
• Organised and led a cross-sector mental health conference attended by over 50 schools and youth organisations, raising £1,000 for charity and delivering sessions on AI, attention, loneliness, co-regulation, and adolescent wellbeing.
• Contributed strategically to whole-school wellbeing culture through assemblies, parent talks, wellbeing campaigns, and student support initiatives.

Mental Health Lead / Lead Student Support - Tolworth Girls' School-Surbiton - Surbiton

(2015-09 - 2021-08)

• Managed the Student Support Team, leading day-to-day wellbeing provision, coordinating referrals and caseloads, supporting staff practice, and strengthening early intervention pathways for pupils with emotional, social, and mental health needs.
• Led the school's mental health and wellbeing strategy, embedding wellbeing into PSHE, safeguarding, pastoral systems, and staff development.
• Delivered holistic emotional support to pupils across KS3–5, supporting areas including anxiety, body image, self-esteem, healthy relationships, emotional regulation, identity, stress, self-harm prevention, grief, and trauma recovery.
• Facilitated 1:1 interventions, small-group programmes, and targeted workshops using CBT-informed and psychoeducational approaches tailored to adolescent needs.
• Developed and delivered tutor-time wellbeing programmes focused on resilience, confidence, friendship dynamics, exam stress, digital wellbeing, and emotional literacy.
• Worked closely with safeguarding teams to support pupils presenting with risk, vulnerability, attendance concerns, or complex emotional needs.
• Collaborated with CAMHS, local authority services, therapists, and families to coordinate support and advocate for pupils requiring multi-agency intervention.
• Delivered CPD and staff training on student anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma-informed practice, supportive classroom strategies, and mental health awareness.
• Presented wellbeing data, trends, and strategic recommendations to senior leaders and governors to inform whole-school decision-making.
• Designed and implemented structured wellbeing interventions and resources to strengthen prevention, early intervention, and student support pathways across the school.

Research Assistant - University of Alberta-Calgary, AB - Calgary, AB

(2015-01 - 2015-04)

• Conducted qualitative research interviews with Health Care Aides across senior care residences in Southern Alberta as part of a university research project.
• Led participants through informed consent procedures, maintaining strict ethical, confidentiality, and research governance standards.
• Coordinated and carried out field-based semi-structured interviews across multiple research sites.
• Compiled interview summaries, administrative documentation, and research materials to support analysis and reporting.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary research teams to support project logistics, communication, and participant coordination.
• Developed strong skills in qualitative interviewing, relationship-building, ethical research practice, and sensitive communication.

Event Planning Intern - The Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation-Calgary, AB - Calgary, AB

(2014-05 - 2014-09)

• Supported the planning and delivery of fundraising and community events for the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation.
• Coordinated administrative and logistical processes including schedules, mailings, donor correspondence, expense tracking, and event documentation.
• Assisted with the setup and delivery of public-facing events, liaising with stakeholders, volunteers, and external partners.
• Created branded event materials and communications to support engagement, consistency, and attendee experience.
• Worked collaboratively with fundraising and events teams to ensure smooth execution of donor and community initiatives.
• Developed strong organisational, communication, stakeholder engagement, and event coordination skills within a fast-paced nonprofit environment.

Master's - Psychology - University of Derby (2021-09 - 2024-06)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Sociology - University of Calgary (2010-09 - 2015-05)