OUR TEAM
Maike Cochrane
Art Psychotherapist
Maike is a Folkestone based Art Therapist. Since qualifying in 2008, her extensive experience spans a variety of fields, including adult psychiatry, educational settings, working with people on the autism spectrum, and charity work abroad. Alongside her work with On Solid Ground, she works as a PA and in private Art Therapy practice. Maike is committed to supporting individuals respectfully and sensitively in expressing themselves through art materials, fostering the exploration of new perspectives and coping strategies and encouraging connection with positive, creative, and resilient aspects of the self. Her practice is informed by the PACE principles (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) and DDP Model (Dyadic Developmental Psychology). Art Therapy is accessible to anyone regardless of age, skills or cultural background and does not require previous experience. Maike is fully registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).
Kay Ridgwell
Movement Practitioner
Kay is a qualified Dance and Performing Arts Teacher with 12 years’ experience, specialising in creative and contemporary dance for a range of ages and abilities. She has worked in various settings within the education sector and in the community, teaching a diversity groups; children from reception right through to sixth form, over 50’s and older adults. Alongside On Solid Ground, she teaches as an Art Specialist in a primary setting. She values inclusivity and the process of creativity for both self-expression and wellbeing. To support her professional development, Kay has recently gained Level 2 certificate in Understanding Children Young People’s Mental Health.
Chloë Thorburn
Community Arts Facilitator
Chloë is a Community Outreach tutor with a background in both the Arts and ESOL, and extensive experience teaching for community and charity projects. She has overseen, managed and coordinated art workshops for London-based organisations, including The Affordable Art Fair and Orleans House Gallery. These included family-focused workshops aimed at widening participation in art and creativity. Her more recent projects have involved working with London adult education colleges, in conjunction with organisations such as Age UK and Dragon Café, to make the arts and education more accessible and inclusive for marginalised groups. The groups Chloë has worked with include school children, teenagers, parents, over 70s, learners with ESOL needs and learners with mental health needs.