Tina Mayfield Associates

“I’ve always held the belief that we are all creative beings, and that given the right conditions, everyone is able to explore their strengths and reach their full potential.” Inspired at a young age to pursue creative disciplines, Tina began her career as a design and fine arts teacher and tutor. Working in further education colleges in impoverished and crime-riddled neighborhoods in the UK, she quickly encountered the challenges inherent in supporting students that had complex needs. These were young people struggling with violence and trauma, drug and alcohol addiction, low self-esteem and, in some cases, undiagnosed neurodiversity. They struggled to learn in the same way as other students did and were often marginalized by an academic system that measures success solely through targets and standardized tests. Tina quickly realized that no matter the resources or skills of staff available, when individuals are not emotionally and psychologically stable, they simply cannot excel. Driven by a deep compassion and a struggle she could understand, having grown up with violence and unrecognized neurodiversity in her own family, Tina sought ways to create an environment where young people could thrive and flourish, access their strengths and develop confidence. “I’ve always believed that every individual has their own unique strengths and in the right environment every person can get to know what those strengths are.” Training in counselling for drug addiction and Neuro-Linguistic Programming provided a foundation for a more holistic approach. She saw the success that her students experienced when they felt supported in a safe haven; a stress-free space of true presence and non-judgment where they could explore themselves freely through their creative process and develop confidence.