Our Story
We’re a friendly charity based in beautiful Preston Park, supporting children with disabilities and their families from Brighton & Hove and the surrounding area.
Our founder, Nina Holland, discovered the power of conductive education when her own son Christopher was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. She set up Whoopsadaisy to share this life-changing method with other children and their families.
Since then, we’re proud to have supported many more children with disabilities to live full and independent lives.
Our Values
Hope
Everyone can learn. We always focus on what a person can do rather than what they can’t.
Compassion
We’re a caring, inclusive community and offer a warm welcome to all.
Collaboration
We work in partnership with families, education and healthcare professionals, to provide the best possible service for our children.
Commitment
We build on existing skills and are committed to helping all our children (and staff and volunteers!) reach their potential.
Resourcefulness
Our creative and resourceful approach aims to meet our children’s needs and provide value for money for our supporters.
Our Team
Shonge Holdgate
Shonge has been working in the Charity Sector for over 15 years at a strategic level focusing on financial and project management. This has included the development and delivery of inclusive services for children & young people with disabilities. Shonge is inspired by Whoopsadaisy’s commitment to the provision of conductive education and its unique package of support to children with physical disabilities. She completed an MBA which gave her the opportunity to research and explore the relationship between strategic management and stakeholder involvement in charity organisations.
Nora Bajaki-Sipos
Nora is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment wherever she goes. She graduated as a Conductor-Preschool teacher from the Andras Peto Institute of Conductive Education and College for Conductor Training in 2011. In 2015, she completed a master’s degree in Teacher of Inclusive Education.
Nora joined the Whoopsadaisy team in August 2018 and has been working towards creating a supportive and nurturing community, developing the 5-12s services, and Whoopsadaisy’s volunteer programme. After a short break she returned in March 2024 and now works as Lead Conductor with all age groups, focusing on personalised development and fostering independence.
In her free time, Nora loves exploring historical places across the country with her husband.
Charlie Naadland
Charlie is our new Paediatric Occupational therapist and will be working alongside our wonderful Whoopsadaisy team. She graduated from university in 2017 and since has worked in various NHS sectors (ranging from A+E to paediatric services). She is very excited to bring her knowledge and enthusiasm to the team with focus on encouraging children’s independence and their meaningful activities.
When not at Whoopsadaisy, Charlie loves to travel, go on runs, spend time with friends and family, and loves to cook and bake – when she can find the time!
Henrietta Durden
Henrietta Durden (Hetta) is the newest member of the team, recently graduating with a master’s in Psychology from the University of Sussex. She has worked alongside Charlie and Nora over the last year through volunteering in sessions and at the holiday club!
Hetta is incredibly excited to get started as a member of the Whoopsadaisy team, helping children to reach and achieve their goals.
When Hetta’s not at Whoopsadaisy, she loves running along the sea front, walking around the South Downs and generally exploring the outdoors!
Caroline Matanle
Caroline is the longest serving in-house staff member at Whoopsadaisy. Her role has gradually changed over the last 12 years and her responsibilities and tasks have evolved with the organisation. Caroline is our Corporate and Community Fundraiser and has become a familiar face across the city through her tireless work to promote Whoopsadaisy and make sure its services can keep running smoothly. When she is not at Whoopsadaisy, Caroline enjoys walking along the seafront with friends and the dog she borrows and holidaying every year on Paxos.
Helen Peel
Helen has been a fundraiser for 25 years, and has worked with a wide range of charities. Eleven years ago she became a freelance consultant, specialising in trust fundraising. Helen carried out a 10-day strategic review for Whoopsadaisy in 2009 – and is still working with the team today! Her role focuses on building long-term relationships with the many charitable trusts and grant-makers who support Whoopsadaisy’s work. In her spare time Helen can usually be found watching live music, looking for bargains in charity shops or walking by the sea.