Speakers

Kate is a distinguished author, esteemed speaker, and seasoned trainer renowned internationally for her expertise in attachment, trauma, and resilience, particularly concerning vulnerable children and young individuals. With an illustrious career spanning five decades as a social worker and three decades as a consultant and trainer, Kate's professional journey is marked by a commitment to improving the lives of those in need.

Together with her husband Brian and their three biological children, Kate provided a stable and loving home for twelve additional children from 1975 to 1997. Following this profound experience, she transitioned into roles as a trainer, consultant, and writer for the British Association for Adoption and Fostering. In 2002, her seminal work "Attachment, Trauma and Resilience" (2nd edition, CoramBAAF, 2016) was published, delving into the interconnected dynamics of these crucial concepts and their implications for self-awareness and professional practice. Widely regarded as a bestseller for BAAF, her book has significantly influenced global practices in the field.

In the past decade, Kate has dedicated her efforts to bridging the gap between cutting-edge neuroscientific research on brain development and practical applications in service provision for children, young adults, and vulnerable populations. She has spearheaded the development of online learning platforms and vocational qualifications, delivering highly regarded training and consultancy services to a diverse array of sectors including social work, child care, health, education, and justice.

Since her pioneering research for her inaugural book "Surviving Paedophilia" (later reissued as "Circles of Harm"), which examined the impact of secondary trauma in services addressing organised child sexual abuse networks, Kate has advocated for a collaborative approach to supporting vulnerable individuals. Within her current role at KCA, she considers it a privilege to collaborate with a collective of trainer consultants and associates who share a unified vision and purpose, fostering an environment conducive to recovery and transformation following trauma.