MEET
Team Wild
Suzan Issa
FOUNDER & CEO
Hi, I am Suzan Issa, I am based in the UK, and one of the wild children, diagnosed at 40 as Autistic with a heavy sprinkling of PDA and hefty dose of ADHD to complete the potion. School stopped being an option for me at 11, I was angry and afraid, but most of all, utterly exhausted by it.  Self taught and wandering through the next 30 years, I became a teacher, specialist headteacher, SENCO … but just like 11 year old me; I always felt like I was on the wrong side of the argument, I just didn’t quite fit in… until one day, once again, being in school was no longer possible for me.  I now work alongside families to navigate the journey of discovering and understanding their child’s neurotype… finding ways together to ensure that every member of the network around the child feels understood and empowered to create a harmonious home.
Emma Whewell
ASSOCIATE & DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Meet Emma, a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience as a specialist SEN teacher and a seasoned yoga instructor. Emma's career has been marked by a deep commitment to nurturing the nervous system, developing emotional regulation, and supporting the overall well-being of children, young people, and families. ​For the past decade, Emma has been passionately sharing a wealth of practices designed to foster resilience and promote holistic health. Emma's approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, ensuring that each individual receives the support they need to thrive. ​Emma oversees Training & Development for Raising a Wild Child (RAWC) & The Wild Child Foundation (TWF). In this role, she is responsible for training and mentoring new Youth Practitioners and Associates, as well as collaborating with Suzan to develop comprehensive training materials and curriculum. Her guidance and expertise are integral to the success of our programs. Emma's dedication to her work and her vast knowledge in both education and wellness make her an invaluable asset to our team. She is driven by her passion for making a positive impact, helping every child and family she works with to succeed and flourish.
Lara Turner
OPERATIONS LEAD
Meet Lara, a dedicated Resilience & Well-being Coach passionate about supporting young people and their families navigate the complexities of everyday life. My mission is to empower individuals and families to build resilience and engage positively with their everyday experiences. With a therapeutic approach, Lara works both collectively with families and on an individual basis to foster strong, lasting foundations for well-being. Her focus is on creating environments where everyone can thrive, ensuring that resilience is woven into the fabric of daily life. As the operational overseer of Raising a Wild Child, Lara provides essential support to our team members and the families we serve. She is committed to ensuring our offerings are implemented effectively, striving to create a nurturing space where growth and resilience flourish. Lara believes that through collaborative and compassionate support, every family has the potential to overcome challenges and build a brighter, more resilient future. Let's work together to create positive, lasting change in your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Rosalind Walker
VISION & STRATEGY LEAD
Meet Rosalind, she is a qualified teacher with over 20 years’ experience both as a teacher and senior school leader in secondary education supporting young people with additional and complex needs. Throughout Rosalind's journey in education, she has pioneered innovative approaches to enhance communication, emotional regulation, and emotional intelligence among students. Her mission has always been to equip young people with the tools they need to build healthy relationships and thrive in all aspects of their lives. Currently, she serves as the Strategy and Visionary Lead at The Wildheart Foundation, the sister company of Raising a Wild Child (RAWC). At The Wildheart Foundation, we provide a specialised Mentoring and Tutor service designed to support young people as they re-engage with their education. Our goal is to create a supportive environment that fosters growth, resilience, and a love for learning. Rosalind also delivers national training to social workers and local authorities to support young people who are struggling to access education. Her passion lies in guiding families and individuals toward emotional well-being, helping them navigate challenges, and fostering environments where everyone can flourish. Together, we can build the foundations for a brighter, more emotionally balanced future.
MEET
our Associates
Hi, I am Sophie, after 23 years of teaching, I decided to leave mainstream education and to devote myself to the children and families who struggle to fit into the parameters that society defines for them. I recently completed an MSc in Psychology and the EBSA Horizons CPD while considering training further in Educational Psychology.
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I have an adopted son with ASD (PDA profile), ADHD and developmental trauma and have personal experience of many of the situations facing families today, including the journey through diagnosis, parental applications for DLA and EHCP and the trauma of violence and family crisis.