Returning to campus means something different for every graduate. For some, it’s a chance to revisit familiar places and reflect on where their journey began. For others, it’s an opportunity to help shape the future of the profession they now proudly represent.
That’s exactly what a group of Edge Hill University alumni are doing as they return to support students on the University’s Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) programme.
The postgraduate programme prepares graduates to deliver evidence-based mental health interventions for children and young people, working with families, schools and education settings to promote positive mental wellbeing and provide early intervention. 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.
For alumni Kelly Appleton and Eva Curless, returning to the classroom has become a meaningful way to give something back.
Kelly’s 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, supporting and developing fellow practitioners.
Alongside Kelly, fellow alumna Eva has also returned to campus over the last few years to contribute to teaching sessions, sharing her experiences with current students 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.”
The value of alumni returning to share their expertise extends beyond professional knowledge. It offers current students’ authentic insight into the realities of working with children, young people and families, while demonstrating the lasting connections graduates maintain with the University.
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.
Liz said: “Returning to Edge Hill was a really special experience. I was invited back alongside a parent I’d had the pleasure of working with during a Parenting for Conduct intervention and together we shared our experiences and reflected on what we’d learned through the process
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.”
Their contribution left a lasting impression on both students and staff.
Michelle Craddock continued: ”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 one of the parents who had 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.”
Stories like these highlight the real-world impact Edge Hill graduates are making every day. Whether supporting families, supervising colleagues or returning to inspire future practitioners, they continue to embody the compassion, professionalism and dedication that lie at the heart of the Education Mental Health Practitioner profession.
By sharing their experiences with current students, 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.
Find out more about studying to become an Education Mental Health Practitioner.
July 24, 2026
