Meet the creators!
We have created The Emps together as a family.
Nathalie’s work as an educational psychologist and years of experience in the educational sector has supported the underpinning psychological theory behind The Emps.
Ed had no prior experience in website design or social media, however, has self taught how to create websites and how to utilise social media.
We are working parents, who understand the pressure of modern life and the impact that has on families.
Both of us are currently working full time and have created The Emps in our spare time because we have a passion to help support other families understand their emotions and to get our message as far and wide as possible.
Our Children, Abi and Eli have massively supported us by drawing the original art work for each and every Emp. This truly is a family affair!
Dr Nathalie Hojka - Dr Nat
Nathalie is an Educational and Child Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience as an educational professional. This includes a doctorate in Child, Community and Educational Psychology at Tavistock and Portman Foundation NHS Trust, and employment as an Educational Psychologist within the local authority and private sector spanning over 12 years. Prior to this, Nathalie spent a decade teaching in both primary and secondary schools.
Nathalie is a mother of two children and understands first hand the unique challenges that parents and schools are facing today.
Nathalie is the founder of NDH Psychology, specialising in supporting children with SEND and is a registered HCPC educational psychologist and a member of the Association of Educational Psychologists.
Nathalie says ‘Fundamental to my work is the belief that every one of us is doing the best we can with the resources we currently have, and that change is possible for all of us in the right environment with the right support. One of the main reasons for creating The Emps was to increase the resources available to us all to support our children with their emotional development’
‘Happy Emping’
Ed -
Ed works in the NHS and is a paramedic by training and background, however, now works in system co-ordination, and is an expert at bringing people, organisations and ideas together to support system development.
Ed has self taught skills to enable him to create the website and support with the social media side of The Emps to ensure the message of The Emps can be spread as far and wide as possible.
Ed says ‘When Nathalie first pitched the idea of The Emps to me, I thought it was fantastic. When I became a paramedic, I had to undertake significant time in training and practice, however, when I became a parent, I did so overnight, with little or no training or skills on what to expect or how to behave. Working on The Emps has really helped me develop these skills and taught me more about my own emotional literacy and I’m excited to share our journey with the world. The fact that this is something we can work on together as a family is a massive bonus’
‘Happy Emping’
Abi - Aged 10
Abi was 10 at the time she helped us create The Emps
Abi loves reading. Her favorite book so far is ‘Dragon Riders of Roar’. Abi likes this book because of the magical world it is set in.
Abi loves playing with her toys and can get lost for hours in the world she creates. Abi likes going on holiday with her family, where she gets to chill out and relax.
Abi says ‘I liked helping create The Emps because I like drawing and learning about our emotions. My favourite part was thinking about what each Emp could look like because I could create whatever I wanted. The hardest part was thinking about so many characters and knowing what to draw for each one.
‘Happy Emping’
