NAP Collaborators and Members

Dr Samantha FlynnLink opens in a new window

Dr Samantha Flynn, in the School of Education, Learning and Communication Sciences (SELCS), is a neurodivergent (AuDHD) parent of an autistic child, and has an extensive family history of both autism and ADHD. Her combined research and personal experience contextualise her work on neurodivergence and stakeholder engagement, strengthening co-production and grounding her research. Samantha’s research experience has primarily pertained to mental health, parenting, intervention development and evaluation, and neurodivergent populations. She is experienced in co-production and regularly works with charity (e.g., Cerebra) and NHS partners (e.g., Great Ormond Street Hospital).

Dr Emma LangleyLink opens in a new window

Dr Emma Langley, Education Studies, SELCS researches the psychological well-being of parents of children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, with a particular emphasis on fathers and fatherhood. Her work is applied and collaborative, often involving parent carers directly. In 2019, she co-produced online well-being resources with fathers of disabled children from Coventry and Warwickshire, leading to the formation of the Fathers Active in Research (FAIR) groupLink opens in a new window, which supports ongoing project development and provides advisory input. Emma has a longstanding partnership with the charity Cerebra. Emma was awarded an ESRC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2019–2020) which focused on fathers’ psychological well-being, and currently leads a project funded by the British Academy which explores the concept of patrescence with fathers in the postpartum period.

Dr Michael Watson

Dr Michael C. Watson, BSc (Hons), PGCE, MA(Ed), MPH, PhD, MIHPE, is a Trustee of IHPE. Michael is an independent public health consultant who taught and researched at the University of Nottingham for 19 years. He has held various director positions over the years, including a Director of Health Promotion for different NHS health authorities; managing a department, initiating and leading multi-agency groups, and advising on research and evaluation. Michael is also a trustee at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) andwas an adviser for the WHO. Michael has been involved in research in different countries, including England, Iran, Malawi, Palestine, and Uganda. He is a regular contributor to debates in the British Medical Journal.

The Institute of Education and Health Promotion (IEHP)Link opens in a new window is a recognised professional association offering a range of membership options to those engaged in the practice of health promotion and education. The purpose of IHPE is to ensure that peoples’ health will be protected and improved and that inequalities in health between individuals, groups, and communities will be significantly reduced.

Dr Karen Neil

Dr Karen E. Neil, BPharm (Hons), PhD, MRPharmS, MIHPE, is a Specialist Pharmacist, Public Health and a former trustee of IHPE. She also manages Mindful MedicineLink opens in a new window which provides a range of services, including one-to-one and group mindfulness courses, health promotion workshops and coaching, mindfulness teacher mentoring, and professional development.

Karen advocates for children and young people, especially neurodivergent individuals aged 18-25 and young carers. Drawing on both her professional expertise and lived experience in mental health and neurodivergence, she aims to positively influence local and national policy. Karen is a public health consultant and mindfulness teacher, with over 30 years of experience across mental health, pharmacy, health promotion, and wellbeing.She offers mindfulness-based health coaching and courses rooted in inclusive, person-centred practice. Her work blends clinical expertise with a holistic, evidence-based approach, empowering individuals and communities to take ownership of their health. Karen supports the work of IHPE, co-authoring position statements and rapid responses to the British Medical Journal – advocating for positive health promotion, including statements on the arts, autism, safe use of medicines, young carers, and ethics in health promotion.

Partners in Mind

is an independent volunteer co-production group specialising in mental health and social care. Formed in April 2024, the group aims to support the mental health system across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, as part of the Integrated Care System (ICS) Mental Health Programme strategy (for details see bookletLink opens in a new window).

Cerebra NetworkLink opens in a new window

offers a range of free services that enrich the lives of children with brain conditions and support their families and carers.

Contact us

If you would like to become a network member or have any questions, please contact Dr Dimitra Hartas at d.hartas@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window or Dr Hayley Crawford at Hayley.Crawford@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window