About us

Daniel is our Co-Founder and CEO. Daniel oversees all aspects of running and growth of Once Upon a Smile.

“To think how far this charity has come since it was founded in 2011, seems unimaginable. It is however down to the hard work and dedication of all our trustee’s, staff, volunteers and supporters. Without them none of this would be possible.

I am delighted to lead this charity forward and ensure the support we offer is easily obtainable for even more families in the years to come.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has helped and support us since 2011.”

Kelly joined Once Upon a Smile in 2014 to support with the development of our bereavement strategy. As Head of Bereavement, Kelly is now responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the bereavement department. Prior to joining us she worked for Winstons Wish bereavement charity to develop their services in the North West, co-founded the charity Me 2 You and worked within the local authority. Kelly’s passion comes from being a bereaved child and her infectious enthusiasm inspires the team to achieve great outcomes for all OUAS families.

“Our aim has always been to create high quality support to bereaved children and their loved ones at a time that’s right for them and dependant on their needs and choices. Sadly, too many families go unsupported, and children do not get the support they deserve. As I enter my tenth year with the charity, I am committed to upholding the organisations mission so no child grieves alone and that they are provided with support so they can grieve in a healthy and safe way. I am full of gratitude for the opportunities to be creative and for our dedicated, passionate, and skilled team who provide consistent service delivery and comfort to all those bereaved. Our vision moving forward fills me with excitement and I will continue to trust my instincts to see great things that don’t yet exist.

You will probably find me somewhere near water or food! I love to swim, love being by the ocean and my happy place is in a nice restaurant with wholesome food and family giggles.”

Sandra joined the team in 2017 and previously was a volunteer with Kelly Willison since 2008.  Sandra has supported children of all ages and their families, for many years in schools and has an expertise within the Early Years and Therapeutic Play.

She is passionate about the rights of all children and young people and helping them to find ways to have a voice about the things that are important to them.  She brings fun, creativity and likes to engage in creative arts, play and sensory activities to provide children and young people with a safe and creative space to explore, express and understand their grief.

“I feel very fortunate for my role and to be part of such a great team at Once Upon a Smile. I meet and support so many wonderful children, young people and their families and learn from then every day.  It is a privilege to help children and young people through their grief, and I know how important it is to hold a calm, safe and warm space to help support them to express thoughts and feelings and to remember their loved one.”

Sandra enjoys many creative hobbies and activities, loves to be near the coast and exploring. You are most likely to see her having lots of fun banging her drum as a member of a samba reggae band.

Nicola became part of the Bereavement Team in 2017.  She has always worked therapeutically supporting children, young people and families.  She brings fun, creativity, energy and enthusiasm, while holding a safe space for children and young people to explore, understand and express their grief.  She is passionate about giving children and young people a voice, always wanting to ensure that each and every one of them has the support they need and deserve.

“I have learnt so much from the children and young people I have supported, even my table tennis skills are getting better.  I strive to advocate for bereaved families and ensure that every child and young person who needs a Bereavement Support Plan in their educational setting has this put in place for as long as it is needed.

You will more than likely see Nicola running at a start line for a race or hiking a mountain somewhere.”

Debbie became a part of the bereavement support team at Once Upon A Smile in 2022. After studying psychology, Debbie worked supporting children, young people, and their families within education and other charitable organisations.

She brings creativity, a calm space, fun and baking skills to the team and is passionate about being led by each child and young person in order to provide an individualised, creative, safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings and remember their loved one.

“It is brilliant to see children and their family’s building connections with one another through the Once Upon A Smile groups and activities. I am grateful to be a part of such a passionate and supportive team and see the difference that is made each day. I endeavour to continue to be a part of ensuring each child and their loved ones can access the right support for them at the right time.

When not making a mess in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes you can usually find Debbie out walking especially by the sea.”

Sally joined the Bereavement Team in October 2023.  She has a background in social work, supporting children, young people and their families facing challenging situations. As a professional musician Sally has also spent several years working as a freelance music teacher in a Specialist Support School.   Prior to joining the team at OUAS, Sally worked for 10 years as a qualified counsellor for the family team at Beechwood, a cancer charity based in Stockport. She supported families facing life-limiting illnesses and bereavement and through this work has developed a real passion for supporting bereaved children and their families.

“Before I joined Once Upon a Smile, I was already aware of some of the amazing work that this charity undertakes. I am thrilled to be part of the Bereavement Team in providing crucial services to children, young people and their families who are affected by bereavement. I love working creatively with children and young people, providing them with a safe space to explore the difficult emotions they may experience after the death of a loved one, also giving them opportunities to remember their loved one. I also have a passion for supporting parents and carers, recognising the challenges that bereavement can bring in the context of family life.”

You may find Sally enjoying a coffee with a friend, or spending time with the family in the great outdoors, with a love of beaches and the coast. She also likes to make music and enjoys playing the violin and singing in a local worship band.

Charlotte has worked at several North West charities with experience spanning over 20 years. She has a passion for engaging communities and making a difference with extensive experience in events, marketing, and fundraising.

“I am in awe of the amazing work that Once Upon a Smile do to support bereaved families. I am delighted to be part of this wonderful team to help raise the vital funds needed to continue much needed support and to build the charities development and growth.”