Our Story
Where Expertise Meets Empathy
Two qualified clinicians, four remarkable therapy dogs, and a shared passion for reaching young people who need it most.
Our Story
Pawsitive Connections was founded by Lucy Dane and Katie McIlroy — an Occupational Therapist and a Mental Health Nurse — who both recognised that traditional therapeutic approaches were failing to reach many of the young people who needed support most.
Working with young people, they saw first-hand how a therapy dog could open doors that no amount of clinical skill alone could unlock. The dogs provide a non-judgemental, calming presence that helps young people feel safe enough to engage.
Together, Lucy and Katie combine their clinical expertise with the unique therapeutic power of their dogs to deliver early intervention, prevention, and resilience-building support across Essex.
Meet the Team
Lucy Dane
Occupational Therapist
Lucy is a registered Occupational Therapist with extensive experience working with children and young people. She uses a sensory-informed, strengths-based approach to support engagement, regulation and independence.
Works alongside Nova
Katie McIlroy
Mental Health Nurse
Katie is a registered Mental Health Nurse who specialises in early intervention and prevention with children and young people. She brings warmth, clinical rigour and a deep understanding of trauma-informed practice to every session.
Works alongside Inca, Luna & Tarn
Meet Our Therapy Dogs
Our dogs are carefully trained, assessed and registered therapy animals. They have a natural affinity with children and young people — providing a safe, non-judgemental way to reconnect and receive early help. For many young people, the first step toward engagement begins with connection — and sometimes that connection starts with a dog.
Inca
Smooth Hair Fox Terrier
Katie's dog
Nova
Boston Terrier
Lucy's dog
Luna
Smooth Hair Fox Terrier
Katie's dog
Tarn
Smooth Hair Fox Terrier
Katie's dog
Evidence for Ofsted
Our work supports schools and Alternative Provision settings in demonstrating impact for Ofsted. We provide evidence of CAMHS escalation reduction, early intervention outcomes, and the development of resilience and coping strategies in young people — all documented and reportable.
Our Values
Empowerment
We believe every young person has the capacity to grow. Our role is to create the conditions for that growth to happen.
Compassion
We meet young people exactly where they are, without judgement, and with genuine care for their wellbeing.
Professionalism
Our clinical backgrounds ensure that everything we do is evidence-based, safe, and held to the highest professional standards.
Adaptability
No two young people are the same. We tailor every intervention to the individual, their context, and their goals.
Ready to Find Out More?
Whether you're a school, an Alternative Provision setting, or a family looking for support — we'd love to hear from you.