Ayesha Geraghty

My name is Ayesha and I am 24 years of age. I currently live in London and I am moving over to Canada on an IEC working holidays visa. I am a qualified Child Play Therapist. In my free time I enjoy travelling and trying new food. 
I have a passion for helping others and delivering myself as an authentic listener. My passion for child welfare and mental health, combined with my adaptable and organised nature, will enable me to contribute effectively to your team and support the social, emotional, and intellectual development of the children and youth in your care.

I am an experienced Early Years Teaching Assistant and Play Therapist, currently working at Garfield Primary School since January 2023. In my role, I support the developmental needs of children aged 3-5, assisting with lesson planning, promoting positive behavior, and ensuring the children’s emotional, physical, and social growth. I introduced and successfully implemented Play Therapy at the school in September 2024, a program approved by the Headteacher and Governing Board. Over 12 sessions, I provided one-on-one therapy to 9 children, resulting in notable improvements in their behavior, communication, and family life.

As a trainee play therapist, I also lead parent meetings, conduct child assessments, and participate in continuous professional development. I am set to complete my Postgraduate Certificate in Play Therapy in December 2024 and my Diploma in July 2025.

Previously, I worked as a Special Education Needs and Disability Assistant at Merry Hill Primary School (September 2021-December 2022), where I supported a child with Cerebral Palsy. I developed tailored strategies to integrate the child into mainstream education and collaborated with a team of professionals to assess and meet their needs.

Earlier experience as a Nursery Practitioner, including at Tinky’s Day Nursery (2020-2021), and Bright Horizons Nursery (2018-2019), provided me with strong skills in supporting early childhood development, fostering communication, and working with children from infancy to toddlerhood.

I hold a BA Hons in Learning and Teaching, a Foundation Degree in Children’s and Young People’s Services, and an NCFE Cache Level 3 Diploma in Childcare. Additionally, I have completed various professional courses, including Safeguarding, First Aid, and Developmental Trauma training, which further supports my commitment to child development and well-being.

In my current role at Arfield Primary School (January 2023–Present), I serve as both an Early Years Teaching Assistant and Play Therapist. I support children aged 3-5 in their physical, emotional, and social development by assisting with lesson planning, promoting positive behavior, and helping children navigate classroom routines. In September 2024, I introduced Play Therapy to the school, gaining approval from the Headteacher and Governing Board. Over the course of 12 one-on-one sessions with 9 children, I applied a recognized therapeutic program, leading to significant improvements in behavior, communication skills, and family dynamics.

This experience has strengthened my therapeutic skills by allowing me to integrate Play Therapy within a school setting, engaging with children and parents while conducting assessments. I also collaborate closely with other professionals to ensure holistic support for the children. My work as a Teaching Assistant has provided invaluable insight into child development, equipping me with the skills to manage diverse emotional and behavioral challenges. These experiences are foundational to my growth as a therapist, allowing me to provide tailored, effective support and interventions, while building trust and fostering positive outcomes for children.