Four Edge Hill University alumni have returned to campus to support students on the postgraduate Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) programme, sharing their professional experiences to bridge the gap between academic study and real-world healthcare practice.
Kelly Appleton, Eva Curless, Lina Elhassan and Elizabeth Adam have all walked the same halls as current students, and their return marks a full-circle moment as working professionals guiding the workforce of tomorrow. Each graduate brings a unique blend of frontline wisdom and practical insight, helping students understand the realities of delivering evidence-based mental health interventions for children and young people.
Returning to Give Back
For Kelly Appleton, the journey with Edge Hill has come full circle. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University, she trained as an Education Mental Health Practitioner before progressing into a supervisory role, where she now supports and develops fellow practitioners. Alongside Kelly, Eva Curless has also returned to campus over the last few years to contribute to teaching sessions, sharing her experiences and helping bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Programme staff have been inspired by the impact both alumni continue to make. Michelle Craddock, senior lecturer EMHP, said: “Kelly, you have had a fantastic journey through Edge Hill University, from your undergraduate studies to your current role as a supervisor. Eva, you have generously returned to the University alongside Kelly over the last few years to contribute to this teaching session because it means so much to you both. Together, you have built successful careers as highly skilled and compassionate therapists and I feel you represent the very best of what we aim to achieve.”
Interactive Teaching Sessions
Fellow alumni Lina Elhassan and Elizabeth Adam also recently returned to campus to deliver an interactive teaching session, using role-play activities to help students develop practical skills in assessment, formulation and treatment planning. Elizabeth, known as Liz, described the experience as “really special,” explaining that she was invited back alongside a parent she had worked with during a Parenting for Conduct intervention.
“Together we shared our experiences and reflected on what we’d learned through the process,” Liz said. “The themes that came through were trust, honesty and openness from both the practitioner and the parent and working collaboratively without judgement. It was so important for the trainees to hear directly from the parent about what worked, what she took away from the intervention and what made the experience feel safe and supportive. We’d built such a positive relationship, so it was wonderful to celebrate that together when we returned to Edge Hill.”
Real-World Impact
Michelle Craddock highlighted the value of the role-play activities, noting that “Lina modelled formulation and treatment planning involving parents through role-play activities, which was invaluable for student learning.” One particularly memorable moment came through an unexpected connection between Liz and a parent who volunteered to support the teaching session. Michelle explained: “A parent who supported the teaching session had previously received treatment from Liz. She spoke very highly of her experience, particularly the importance of that initial phone call, how listened to and understood she felt, the absence of judgement and the psychologically safe space Liz created for both her and her family.”
As demand for children’s mental health services continues to grow, EMHPs play an increasingly important role in supporting young people when they need it most. By sharing their experiences, Kelly, Eva, Lina and Liz are helping to ensure the next generation of practitioners enters the profession with confidence, empathy and a deep understanding of the difference they can make. Those interested in studying at Edge Hill University can attend the next Open Day on Saturday, August 15, 2026, Saturday, October 17 or Saturday, November 21.
