Education Branch

One of the earliest branches to be established, our education branch aspired to be a forum for educators to reflect on and share learning from trauma-informed approaches. The Network recognises the wonderful work being done across schools to embed trauma-informed practice at a time when there is particular pressure on the education system. We are delighted that, after a period lying fallow, this branch is being renewed with new branch leads. As with all Network branches, they are working to engage members using co-production values for a relaunch of branch gatherings from September 2026.

“Behaviour is the language of trauma. Children will show you before they tell you that they are in distress.”

– Dr Micere Keels, Founding Director of the Trauma Responsive Educational Practices Project (TREP Project)

Smiling young woman with curly silver-lavender hair wearing round glasses and a purple hoodie, photographed outdoors at sunset

Branch Lead: Naomi Cowdry

I’m Naomi and I work for Young Devon as a youth social prescriber using a trauma informed youth work model. I work across 4 different schools in Plymouth supporting children with SEND and adverse childhood experiences to get into activities to support their wellbeing.

My background is in psychology, and I have had various roles supporting children and young people over the last 10 years. I have been passionate about trauma informed practice since studying psychology at university.

My hope with co-leading the education branch is to create a supportive space to bring people together to help each other, share ideas and best practice, and to elevate the voice of young people.
Outside of work I enjoy camping, climbing, sea swims and playing bass in a punk(ish) band.

Young man with short brown hair wearing a grey sweater, smiling in an outdoor urban setting in Plymouth with industrial buildings and parked cars in the background on a sunny day.

Branch Lead: Joe Savage

My name is Joe Savage, and I am really excited by the opportunity to be a branch lead for Education in the Trauma Informed Plymouth Network. I am passionate about equality, equity, and diversity with a particular focus on neurodiversity.

My experiences earlier in life as an undiagnosed autistic person shaped me and my mission in life to create better experiences for those who follow in mine and others’ footsteps in life. I chair Plymouth’s autism partnership board and am a member of the Plymouth Neurodiversity Employers’ Network. All of these experiences gave me a keen interest in trauma-informed practice and thus my interest in being a part of this Network.

I see a strong correlation between trauma-informed practice and neuroinclusive practice and believe the lessons from both to be vital to education settings. I want to see an education system that meets the needs of all individuals equitably instead of forcing all individuals to conform to one approach.

Professional headshot of a woman with long brown hair and blue-green eyes, wearing a sleeveless light blue and white striped button-up shirt, smiling softly against a white background.

Branch Lead: Fabienne Beavers

I’m Fab (Fabienne). I work as a Partnerships Officer at Active Devon, where I mainly support schools and education settings around children and young people’s health and wellbeing, tackling health inequalities, and creating more positive experiences in and around school.

I’ve spent a lot of my career working directly with young people, including pastoral roles in secondary schools and as a Head of Year, so that’s really shaped why I care about this work and how I approach it. I love being able to support schools in a more holistic way now.

I’ve been living in Plymouth since 2013, so it definitely feels like home at this point. Outside of work, I love keeping active, whether that’s hiking, sea swimming, yoga, or just spending time outdoors.

Become a Branch Member!

* Note that by becoming a branch member you will also become a member of the

Trauma Network, and therefore may occasionally receive Network wide communications.




Join our movement for change

Our ambition is for Plymouth to be a trauma-informed city. Our independent network is open to anyone connected with Plymouth with a desire to learn about and promote trauma informed ways of being. You too can join our Network and help Plymouth become a safer and kinder place, where the impact of trauma and adversity is both recognised and responded to with sensitivity and compassion.

Become a member