Meet Kelly

"Hello, I'm Kelly, and I'm dedicated to providing a nurturing and calming environment at Little Barn of Calm, where individuals can experience the therapeutic benefits of animal interaction. With over 20 years of experience in childcare and education, I've developed a deep understanding of the importance of wellbeing, particularly for neurodiverse individuals.

My career has encompassed various roles, including SENCO, key worker, and classroom teacher, allowing me to build a diverse skill set. I've also planned and implemented numerous wellbeing classes, witnessing firsthand the positive impact of holistic approaches to learning and development. Wellbeing has always been central to my teaching philosophy.

Throughout my career, I've observed the challenges faced by children experiencing school avoidance and the impact this can have on their overall wellbeing. I've also seen the transformative power of animal-assisted intervention on mental health. This combination of professional expertise and observed experiences has fueled my passion for creating Little Barn of Calm in Castleside, County Durham, where I can offer a safe and supportive space for individuals to connect with animals and discover their own inner calm. For your peace of mind, my DBS check and qualifications are available for viewing by parents and carers upon request."

Meet the Animals

  • Gi Gi

    Gi Gi is our most gentle chicken she adores a cuddle and likes to be carried around.

  • Darcy

    Darcy is our long haired guinea pig. She looks after the other two baby guinea pigs. Her favourite thing to eat is dil.

  • Rolo

    Rolo is our shyer boy who loves cuddles. He has darker stripes on his back and darker facial fur than his brother Theodore.

  • Theodore

    Theodore is a little cheekier than Rolo. Theodore is lighter coloured than his brother. He is very fluffy.

  • Teddy

    Teddy is our lovely Cavapoo he is very sweet and gentle but still a little excitable, so he only comes to the barn sometimes.

  • Caramel

    Caramel is the shiest and smallest of the guinea pigs. She likes to hide under the others.

  • Chocolate

    Chocolate loves a stroke and lots of kale.

  • Dandelion

    Dandelion loves to jump out of her pen to explore. She looks like her sister (buttercup) but has darker fur around her nose. She loves her three sisters.

  • Daisy

    Daisy also known as our little unicorn as she often has one ear up like a horn. Daisy like to be in her pen so will only have a quick stroke before jumping back into her pen.

  • Buttercup

    Buttercup loves to jump out of her pen a give Theodore kisses through the pen whenever she can.

  • Bluebelle

    Bluebelle loves a cuddle, a groom and some spinach.

  • Buzz

    Buzz is a Nigerian dwarf goat. He is so small. He is much shyer than Woody is and is only just starting to come to see people for a stroke.

  • Woody

    Woody is a pigmy goat he is the cheekiest of all of the animals. He loves climbing and eating everything he finds. he is usually found climbing something he shouldn’t be. Woody loves a stroke behind his horn. Woody also likes to be near the horse I think he thinks he is a horse.

  • Rusty

    Rusty is our new horse. He is only four years old. He is very gentle and loves a groom. He also loves a carrot.

  • Marvin

    Marvin is our tallest horse. He doesn’t like to be in his stable so is always in the field with his brother Arthur.

  • Arthur

    Arthur is the boss of the herd he keeps Marvin and Rusty in check. He loves carrots.