TANIA SOPAUL

Experienced professional with 10+ years working in diverse communities across the U.K. and international sector, developing mental health provisions in schools and providing personalised, one-to-one care for mental health needs. Qualified U.K. Teacher (QTS) and trained designated Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) practitioner in schools. Signpost, identify and safeguard against risk, whilst providing emotional behavioural support for students identified as developing a mental health challenge or at risk of experiencing a mental health crisis. Committed to inclusive mental health practices having worked with a range of neurodivergences including autism and ADHD screening and assessment, with referral of service users to relevant treatment teams. Worked across the lifespan supporting elderly service users impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia to support recovery goals through compassionate therapeutic care including assessment and behavioural activation. 

As a Teach First alum, I have supported the most vulnerable groups in society impacted by high social deprivation to overcome barriers and achieve both educational and holistic wellbeing outcomes. My master’s in psychology dissertation research was published in the Dubai Medical Journal and disseminated at the British Psychological Society Division of Clinical Psychology conference, Solihull, U.K. 2020. My experience in the UK and UAE provides a broad range of cultural fairness and humility, reflected in my piece exploring family perceptions of parenting a child with autism spectrum disorders in the Middle East region. I am looking to broaden my clinical and research experience within the field of psychology in support of Doctorate in Clinical Psychology study. 

April 2024 - Present        Head of Psychology (Part time)

                                          Dulwich College, Dulwich Village, London, U.K.

My current role as Head of Psychology involves the academic teaching of psychology at the grassroots level, as well as the development of mental health practices within schools. Delivery and instruction of the Dot B curriculum involves evidence-based intervention techniques for example, embodying mindfulness and guiding practice to raise awareness and compassion. As part of this role, I work alongside a multi-disciplinary team including, parents, teachers, school nurses and external agencies which provide psychological and psychiatric support for students. 

July 2021 – September 2022     Mental Health Support Worker (Bank work)
             Warwick House, Coventry, U.K.

I provided therapeutic care to adult females experiencing crisis whilst impacted by eating and personality disorders at a low secure mental health residential facility. Worked collaboratively with an MDT to communicate the service users needs to health and social care professionals. Supported with implementing individualised care treatment plans, taking vital measurements, administering medication, leading psychoeducation workshops, and completing clinical records and audits. Risk management which includes liaising with MDT emergency services and crisis teams to assist with episodes of suicidal ideation and of self-harm. 

September 2014- April 2024    Head of Psychology (Full time)

                                                   Dubai College, Dubai, UAE

As a trained and designated Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) my role was to signpost, identify and safeguard against risk, whilst providing emotional behavioural support, for students identified as developing a mental health challenge or at risk of experiencing mental health crisis, including panic attacks, anxiety, mild depression, trauma or bereavement and difficulties with expatriate adjustment. I raised awareness of mental health literacy throughout the organisation, through the implementation of Mindfulness in Schools Dot B curriculum supported by NICE guidelines and Positive Education (PosEd). Delivery and instruction of the Dot B curriculum involves evidence-based intervention techniques for example, embodying mindfulness and guiding practice to raise awareness and compassion. 

September 2012 – July 2014     Teach First Trainee Science Teacher (Full time)
              Ninestiles Academy, Birmingham, U.K.

Taught Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) to years 7 – 11 at a Teach First school identified as falling into a low social and economic deprivation index within the U.K. Organised, planned and led the teaching and learning of year 10 and 11 students studying GCSE Science based on the UK Science National Curriculum. Monitored the progress of my classes utilising data and levels of progress indicators, implemented interventions where necessary. Worked with Special Educational Needs, English as an Additional Language and Moderate Learning Difficult students, catering to their educational needs and overcoming barriers to learning.  Co-ordinated and led an Innovation and Excellence teacher training programme for trainee teachers. Project Leader of a Closing the Gap initiative to raise the academic attainment of students driving pupil premium compared to those who do not. 

July 2011 – September 2012     Mental Healthcare Assistant (Full time)
            Care Contacts, Coventry, U.K.

Working with elderly service users impacted by neurodegenerative conditions including Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, I followed personalised care plans whilst abiding by CQC and HCPC regulations to ensure confidentiality and safeguarding for patients. Duties included, providing domiciliary care, leading wellbeing support groups, memory assessment and observation with monitoring of patients’ physical and mental health changes, maintaining patient medication records, administrative and audit tasks.

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September 2009- July 2011      MIND Wellbeing Support Worker (Part time)

                                                    Coventry, U.K.

Alongside my undergraduate study, I worked part-time as a Wellbeing Support Worker to promote resilience in patients through coaching practices and through the implementation of the Five Ways to Wellbeing model. I led one to one and assisted with group support sessions, to promote a holistic orientated, solution-focused recovery. My role involved responding to referrals and risk management whilst reporting as part of a multi-disciplinary team. 

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September 2006- July 2011 NHS Hospital Volunteer (Voluntary) 

                                               Coventry University Hospital, U.K.

Throughout my A Level and undergraduate study, I was an NHS volunteer at my local hospital for 5 years. During this time, I learned a wealth of knowledge and gained invaluable experience within a variety of wards. In a demanding A&E reception, I provided administrative support, filing clinical records and typing notes. On a children’s ward, I led Art therapy and play sessions for recovering cancer patients and as a tea trolley assistant, I managed tea rounds for elderly patients suffering from dementia. 

May 2019 – May 2021                            National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML)

                                                         UCL University College London, UK via distance learning

September 2016 – August 2017                                        MSc Masters in Psychology (Classification: 2.1, Merit)

                                             MMU Manchester Metropolitan University, UK via distance learning

                                                                  accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

September 2013 – November 2015                                MSc Masters in Educational Leadership

                                                                                                  The University of Warwick, UK

 

September 2012– July 2013                                                   PGCE Science (Teach First) 
                                                                                                The University of Warwick, UK

 

September 2008 – July 2011                      BSc Hons Bachelor of Science Biomedical Sciences (Classification 2:1)     

                                                                                              The University of Warwick, UK