Name: Ms Buparai

Role: Mental Health Support Worker

I am a qualified counsellor working as a Mental Health Support Worker at Smestow Academy. I deliver both one-to-one and group interventions focused on anxiety, emotional regulation, social skills, and self-esteem. I also lead the Student Wellbeing Ambassadors and actively promote mental health awareness across the wider school community.

I am deeply passionate about supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing and take a neurodiversity-affirming approach that recognises, values, and celebrates individual strengths and differences.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, walking, and visiting National Trust properties. I have training in complementary wellbeing practices and am currently training to become a yoga teacher. I enjoy yoga and wellbeing retreats and love travelling with my family and friends.

Name: Christine Stevens

Role: Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP)  for Reflexions Mental Health Support Team - NHS Black Country Healthcare Trust

I am the link EMHP in Reflexions for Smestow Academy. I work closely with the mental health lead and mental health team in school to identify what support we can offer. I provide one to one CBT intervention sessions to students in addition to offering whole school approach activities to young people, parents/carers and school staff. This aims to increase access to psychological therapies and support children and young people with their mental health and wellbeing. I really value that I am made to feel a part of the team at Smestow and I enjoy coming along to the different events that are held at school. From January 2026 I will also be attending school to provide monthly drop in sessions for young people alongside the school nurses.

Interesting fact: As well as being an EMHP I am also a forest school leader. I love to spend time outdoors and one of my favourite ways to relax is to cook meals for family and friends over a campfire.

Name: Miss Malhi

Role: School Counsellor

I joined Smestow in April 2023 after completing my Master’s degree. As the school counsellor, I am deeply committed to supporting pupils’ emotional wellbeing and mental health. I offer a safe and confidential space where pupils can talk openly about worries, challenges, and difficult experiences. My role is to help pupils make sense of complex emotions, build resilience, and develop healthier ways of coping, particularly during times when they may feel overwhelmed or unsure.

Before joining Smestow, I trained as a counsellor with the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, gaming and spending time with family.