OHS is led by James and Jane.
James and Jane lead the current services personally. Below sits a wider team of coaches specialising in neurodivergence, who are transitioning to Care ADHD.
James Nilsen-Clarke
Coaching for adults navigating stress, burnout, anxiety, and the kind of pressure that builds up quietly. James leads OHS's 1:1 coaching and walk-and-talk by phone, for people who want to do something about it deliberately, before they reach crisis.
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Why I do this work. I started OHS for people who don't have time for a retreat and don't want to wait until they're unwell to start doing something about it. Most of the people I work with are functioning, often outwardly well, but beginning to feel the edges of something they don't yet have a name for. The work is what I wish more people had access to before things become loud.
How I work. Calm, reflective, structured. Not a programme, not a quick fix. Sessions are paced to you, with clear objectives agreed up front. I work in commas more than full stops, and prefer the considered question to the quick answer. Walk-and-talk by phone, or 1:1 coaching by video, depending on what suits the work.
Credentials. [Placeholder. To be replaced with James's actual credentials, qualifications, and accreditations.]
Background. Several years in NHS mental health services, including time at Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust. Founded Optimal Health Strategies to bring coaching expertise to people earlier in the curve, before crisis.
Jane Nilsen-Clarke
Coaching drawing on Jane's mental health nursing background. Calm, reflective sessions for clients who want a steady, considered space to work through what's happening. Particularly effective for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and the patterns that emerge under sustained pressure.
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Why I do this work. After years in mental health nursing, I came to coaching with a strong sense of what people often need in the gap between needing clinical support and being okay. It's a gap many people sit in for longer than they should. My work at OHS is for people in that gap, who want practical, evidence-informed support that doesn't require them to be in crisis to access it.
How I work. Considered, clinical-adjacent, and warm. Clear frameworks where they help, open exploration where they don't. DBT-informed work for clients who want structured tools for emotional regulation, alongside more open 1:1 coaching for those who want a calmer reflective space. Video sessions.
Credentials. [Placeholder. To be replaced with Jane's actual credentials including mental health nursing registration and DBT training.]
Background. Mental health nursing career across multiple NHS settings. Co-leads OHS's services alongside James, anchoring the clinical credibility of the practice.
The wider team
A note before you read the bios below. Several of these coaches have extensive ADHD and neurodivergent coaching experience, referenced in their own words. The specialist ADHD side of their work is transitioning to Care ADHD, where that offer now sits.
Caroline Hire
Draws on mind-body approaches and lifestyle work (yoga, breathwork, mindfulness). Well suited to clients who want a gentle, holistic approach to energy, focus, and emotional wellbeing.
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Why I do this work. Personal experience of ADHD, burnout recovery and hormonal shifts taught me how powerful small but intentional lifestyle changes can be.
How I work. Calm, supportive, collaborative. A non-judgmental space where clients can slow things down and explore changes that feel realistic rather than overwhelming.
Credentials. Functional Medicine Health Coach (FMCHC), accredited with UK and International Health Coaching Association. Certified Yoga, Breathwork and Mindfulness Teacher. Accredited EFT Tapping Practitioner (EFTi).
Background. Taught yoga, meditation and breathwork for over a decade alongside 1-2-1 coaching. Background in lifestyle and food media.
Nic Gray
Works with neurodivergent entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals who want structure and momentum without hustle-culture productivity advice.
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Why I do this work. Lived experience of ADHD and a passion for helping neurodivergent entrepreneurs build businesses that work with their brains, not against them.
How I work. Practical, supportive, grounded in kindness. Clarity, manageable plans, accountability without pressure.
Credentials. ADHD Business Coach with professional experience in business support and neurodivergent-affirming coaching approaches.
Background. Combines strategy with empathy, with a background in business support that helps clients translate ideas into action while building businesses that feel aligned and sustainable.
Ruth Hale
Over twenty years in health and social care. Works with adults, young people, and families (newly diagnosed, experiencing everyday overwhelm, or working on self-acceptance and confidence).
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Why I do this work. First-hand experience of how neurodivergence affects individuals and families, plus her own lived experience. Deeply motivated to support people to thrive on their own terms.
How I work. Calm, compassionate, collaborative. Partnership, deep listening, and tailored support rooted in each person's strengths.
Credentials. Trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Practice.
Background. Over 20 years' experience in health and social care, supporting individuals and families across health, education, and community settings.
Neil Mankey
Works particularly well with men navigating late diagnosis, burnout, imposter feelings, and the emotional impact of long-term masking.
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Why I do this work. Lived experience of burnout, overwhelm, and self-doubt, plus a late ADHD diagnosis at 40 that brought understanding and a path towards being more authentically himself.
How I work. Highly empathetic, grounded coaching. Safe, seen, supported. Building self-trust and confidence without shame or pressure.
Credentials. ICF Certified Coach; currently working towards dual-accredited ADHD Coaching qualification.
Background. Senior roles within the ADHD community including Chair and Trustee of ADHD UK. Delivered talks and education across public and private sector organisations.
Rebecca Manning
Works primarily with adults navigating anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and neurodivergent experiences, especially those seeking structured yet flexible support.
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Why I do this work. A belief that meaningful change becomes possible when people feel supported to understand themselves more clearly and compassionately.
How I work. Holistic, collaborative, focused on practical progress. Solution-focused techniques and clear goal-setting.
Credentials. Qualified Mental Health Nurse with over 16 years' experience. Trained in solution-focused approaches, SMART goal-setting and the GROW model.
Background. Broad experience across mental health settings, supporting adults with complex emotional and psychological needs.
Sal Uddin
Neurodivergent adults (particularly those with ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, and dyslexia) navigating burnout, masking, emotional overwhelm, or long-standing self-doubt.
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Why I do this work. 27 years in education, ADHD diagnosed in 2020, Autism diagnosis later. That clarity reframed years of patterns and shapes how Sal supports others now.
How I work. Steady, kind, free from judgement. Collaborative, reflective, practical. Emotional regulation, executive functioning, day-to-day consistency.
Credentials. Master Executive Coach accredited by the Universal Coaching Alliance. Ongoing specialist training in ADHD- and Autism-informed coaching practice.
Background. Career spans education, coaching, and multiple industries, with experience across twelve schools and diverse professional settings.
Becky Robinson
Works particularly well with parent carers, people navigating late diagnosis, and those balancing neurodivergence alongside professional or leadership responsibilities.
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Why I do this work. Over four decades of living with neurodivergence, late diagnosis, and the clarity that came from recognising long-standing patterns.
How I work. Empathetic, trauma-informed, down-to-earth. A space where people feel safe to unmask, reflect, and build practical strategies that fit their day-to-day reality.
Credentials. EMCC Senior Practitioner. Qualified Emotions Coaching Practitioner and LEGO® Coach. Trained in Neurodivergent Inclusive Coaching.
Background. Many years supporting parent carers and working with local authorities, NHS commissioners and providers, schools, and community organisations. Leadership roles within parent-carer and community settings.
Nicole Kaunda
Adults navigating complex mental health needs, neurodivergent individuals, and professionals or leaders seeking reflective support within health or care settings.
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Why I do this work. Began her career in mental health nursing at 21, driven by a deep interest in people, mental health, and how systems of care can better support those who use them.
How I work. Reflective, steady, considered. Clinical insight integrated with coaching principles. Calm, collaborative, focused on clarity rather than urgency.
Credentials. Registered Mental Health Nurse. Certified NLP Coach and Practitioner.
Background. Experience spans inpatient mental health care, forensic nursing, and community services. Senior leadership and management positions including Team Manager, Service Manager, General Manager, and Matron.
Katy Costa
Works particularly well with women, girls, and non-binary individuals, especially around late diagnosis, emotional dysregulation, hormonal interplay, and clients from uniformed services or with forensic histories.
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Why I do this work. Ten years of misdiagnosis as an adult, corrected eventually to ADHD. That experience drives a strong passion to ensure others have the tools, strategy, and confidence to advocate and manage their symptoms effectively.
How I work. Patient-centred, compassionate, empowering. Strength-based approach, motivational interviewing, compassion-focused coaching.
Credentials. Specialist mental health nurse with MSc in Mental Health Nursing, BSc (Hons) in Psychology. Trained in conducting approved ADHD assessments.
Background. Registered mental health nurse across prison nursing, forensic acute ward, community care, and disability assessment. Previously a Police Officer with the Metropolitan Police Service.
Want to talk it through?
Tell us what's going on in a paragraph or two. James or Jane will read it and come back personally.