ALUMNI PROFILE: KATHRYN ROE

Richmond School and Sixth Form College are very proud of the links we maintain with our ex-students. It is always fascinating to catch up and hear what our alumni are doing currently and often even more interesting to find out how they arrived there!

We recently had a chance to catch up with Kathryn Roe, who attended Richmond School and Sixth Form College from 1995 to 2002. She currently runs a private Psychotherapy and Counselling service based in Northallerton and has taken a fascinating and varied journey to get there. We asked Kathryn about this journey and she was kind enough to provide some excellent, insightful answers and also sent us some brilliant photos!

We started by asking Kathryn about her time at school – exam results, positions of responsibility, particular memories etc…

“I was dealing with some significant challenges during my secondary school and sixth form years. I had special consideration for my exams and I was Head Girl during my time in sixth form. Particular teachers who were incredibly supportive and quietly there for me included Mr. Speakman, for his safe presence and consistency. Mr Jordan for his fun teaching style and humour, which made history really enjoyable. Mr Woodbridge for his enthusiasm and treating his P.E. students well. Another teacher who was instrumental was Mr Meek, who I was never taught by, but who went above and beyond for me.

I really liked the mix of students in my year group. We had caring people, creative individuals, some hilarious characters, as well as clever and sporty inspiring peers. For me, it felt a safe, fun, warm atmosphere. A reunion in 2024 will be lovely to reconnect with people as we are all turning 40!

I completed two AS levels (one each year), and two full A-levels. I got B in P.E., B in history, and my two AS levels were D in biology and C in English language. 

For my GCSEs, I achieved good grades (As, Bs and a C in geography). I had extra tuition after school from Mr. Snape for maths.”

We then moved on to Kathry’s progression straight after her sixth form education…

“Straight after school I took a year out to save up. I worked in a fireplace factory and fish and chip shop and then went travelling to seven countries in Africa, then three countries in Asia and finished by spending time travelling around Australia. I even did a skydive!”

Kathryn then gave us some detail about what she did next – her journey up until the present day…

“I then went to three different universities and dropped out three times, due to the personal challenges I was facing at the time. I persevered, studied at a university close to home, and got a job alongside my studying, which worked better for me. Fourth time round at university, I managed to successfully complete a Foundation Degree, then a BA Honours degree in Childhood Studies. I then completed a two year full time Master’s degree in Social Work at Durham University, which included working on Vancouver Island in Canada during my second year, within a hospice setting. I have since completed other post-graduate level courses and I have this year finished a second Master’s level qualification. 

Over the last 20 years, I have worked for Help for Heroes within their Psychological Wellbeing service, supporting wounded, injured and sick former soldiers. I worked for the NSPCC in their mental health service, supporting children and families living with enduring mental illnesses. I worked within the Emergency Duty team for North Yorkshire County Council, dealing with any urgent child or adult safeguarding incidents. I have also worked for the national charity Young Minds, as a consultant trainer delivering mental health training nationally. I have also spent time working for a children’s ‘Family for Life’ fostering charity, supporting children looked after (CLA) in England.”

Bringing things right up to date, we asked what Kathryn was doing now…

“I run a private Psychotherapy and Counselling service based in Northallerton. I have completed five years of advanced clinical training and continue my learning. I provide therapy to young people, adults and couples experiencing a wide range of life challenges. I work online, in-person and outdoors with people. I absolutely love what I do! I also deliver mental health training, personal development group therapy and workshops for individuals and organisations. 

My family and I live in Northallerton and in my own time do a lot of art, keep active outdoors and spend time connecting with loved ones.”

Finally we asked Kathryn what advice she would have for our current students…

“Lean into people who can provide good support, who celebrate who you are and what you are good at. Learn about yourself and how to take care of your brain/body/emotional health through life’s challenges. Not everyone’s lives follow a straightforward path going from A to B and that is okay. Always know you are enough, that NO ONE has all the answers (even if it looks like they do – they are pretending!!!!!). And above all else, reach out to safe people when you are struggling, as things can get a lot better with the right conditions around you, and within you.”

Thank you so much to Kathryn for giving us such a personal and detailed insight into her fascinating life journey up to this point. I think most readers will agree that the advice Kathryn gives in her final answer is absolutely excellent – poignant, relevant to this day and age and definitely worth following!

Below is a link to Kathryn’s Psychotherapy and Counselling service.

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/kathryn-roe

You can also find her on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kathrynroepsychotherapy/

…and Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/kathrynroepsychotherapy

Photo captions:

1. A photo of us as a tutor group on our first day in Year 7!
2. A photo of our tutor group on our last day in Year 11!
3. Doing a Christmas show singing / dancing to Maria Carey ‘All I want for Christmas’
4. Rehearsing for a dance in the school production: ‘Grease’
5. Paintballing on a school trip
6. School trip swimming in La Rochelle, France
7. Graduating (finally!) with my lovely supportive family
8. Present day 1
9. Present day 2