Our Team

Our team

Sharon Burrows.

I’m Sharon Burrows, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Mindfulness Teacher, dedicated to helping people overcome mental health challenges and move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life. I offer both one-to-one and group sessions, drawing on evidence-based CBT and Mindfulness-Based Approaches to support meaningful and lasting change.
My path into this work began during my earlier career as a Computer Science and Business IT teacher in further and higher education in North Wales. I was struck by how many young people and adults were quietly living with anxiety, depression, and other mental health difficulties. I wanted to understand their experiences better and ensure that my classroom was a safe, supportive space. This curiosity and care led me to CBT — a therapy widely recommended by the NHS for a range of mental health conditions.
After moving to Cambridgeshire in 1999 with my husband and three children, I became involved in Community Education, creating classes specifically for people diagnosed with mental health conditions. My aim was simple: to offer a place where people felt valued, could learn new skills, build friendships, and speak openly without judgement.
This work led me to the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education, where I completed further training in supporting individuals with physical and learning difficulties. I later joined a pioneering project helping autistic adults gain qualifications and access meaningful employment or further study. Once again, I saw the profound impact that mental health challenges had on individuals and their families, which inspired me to return to my CBT training and complete a diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
As I neared the end of my CBT studies, I was encouraged to explore mindfulness — particularly Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for recurrent depression. Research shows MBCT can be as effective as antidepressants in preventing relapse, and this evidence sparked a deep interest that shaped the next chapter of my career.
In 2008, my husband and I joined a local mindfulness meditation group, and we have been practising ever since. Witnessing the transformative effects of mindfulness on myself and others motivated me to complete a Master’s degree in Mindfulness-Based Approaches, specialising in teaching Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
I am committed to ongoing professional development and staying up-to-date with the latest research. My work is guided by the Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI:TAC), a professional framework that supports high-quality, ethical, and effective teaching of mindfulness-based programmes. This ensures that the support I offer is safe, evidence-based, and grounded in best practice.
My goal is to provide a compassionate, non-judgemental space where you can learn practical skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and pain — and move toward a more balanced, resilient, and fulfilling life.

Jasper

Jasper - Therapy Dog, Friend-Maker, and Professional Fuss-Collector
Hi there, I’m Jasper - a seven-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with silky ears, a big heart, and a very important job. People say I have a lovely soul, and honestly, I think they’re right. I feel very proud to be part of a family where I’m loved, needed, and occasionally allowed to sleep in the middle of the bed.
I arrived after the loss of Dylan, the family’s much-loved therapy dog. I never met him, but I hear he was amazing. Big paws to fill. But from the moment I trotted into the house, everyone said, “He’s got something special.” And so my journey began.
My Training (and Treats) at Charlie’s Dog School
When I was still a tiny fluffball, my mum took me to Charlie’s Dog Training in Soham. I thought it was a place where humans learned to give dogs snacks — but apparently it was “obedience training.” Either way, I loved it.
The trainers taught my mum how to stay calm and consistent, and I learned how to sit nicely, walk politely, and charm absolutely everyone. Before long, it became clear that I was ready to follow in Dylan’s footsteps and become a therapy dog.
My Work With Autistic Adults and Students
When I first arrived, Mum was managing a service for adults with autism. Naturally, I went to work with her - someone had to supervise. The learners adored me, and I adored them right back.
Later, I started visiting autistic students at the University of Cambridge, just like Dylan once did. Mum said I was doing brilliantly. I just thought I was doing what dogs do best - being friendly, gentle, and available for cuddles.
The students wanted to make friends, so Mum created evening social groups in quiet, dog-friendly places. I became the official ice-breaker. Everyone took turns having “Jasper time,” and I made sure no one felt left out. Those groups still run today, and I’m very proud of that.
Corporate Life (Yes, I Have a Job Title)
I’m also a long-serving therapy dog for a large global pharmaceutical company. They invite me to wellbeing events, and once they even threw a tea party in my honour during the King’s coronation celebrations. I wore my best expression of royal dignity. It lasted about four minutes.
Supporting Young People in Education
I’m a regular visitor at Long Road Sixth Form College. I pop in during wellbeing weeks, exam seasons, and special events. Students say I help them feel calm. I think it’s the ears. Or the eyes. Or the fact that I don’t judge anyone for eating crisps at 9am.
I also work with young people and adults in homes, companies, schools, and Mum’s private practice. I take my role very seriously - but I also accept belly rubs as payment.
My Health Journey
In 2024, I was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. It was a tough time, but thanks to daily medication and the incredible teams at Clarendon Street, Church Street, and Granta Veterinary Specialists, I’m living a happy, comfortable life.
When I was in ICU, the whole team came to give me love and attention because of the work I do for others. Mum cried. I wagged. We’re a good team.
My Second Family (and Their Bed)
My favourite holidays are spent with Anna and Tom - my “second mum and dad.” Anna works at the vet practice and spoils me absolutely rotten. I sleep in the middle of their bed like a king. I also go to work with Anna sometimes, where I greet patients, attend staff meetings, and wander around like I own the place. Everyone says I’m part of the family. I believe them.
Grooming: A Complicated Relationship
I visit Penny’s From Heaven for grooming. I love Jess. I love the treats. I love the attention. I do not love the bath. But I tolerate it because Jess says I’m handsome - and she’s right.
What I Do Best
I bring people together. I help them feel safe, calm, and seen. I offer comfort without words and joy without effort. Whether I’m supporting autistic adults, helping stressed students, or brightening a workplace, I show up with love, softness, and a wagging tail.
I’m Jasper - therapy dog, companion, and friend. And I’m very proud of the work I do.
“P.S. Every morning my mum leans down and whispers, ‘Guess what… you’re my favourite. But shhh, don’t tell anyone — it’s our secret.’ And I pretend to keep it quiet, but my tail gives the whole thing away.”

Copper

Copper - The Big Bouncy Bear
Hello humans, it’s me, Copper! I’m one year old, a crossbreed of many excellent things, and apparently the “newest addition to the family.” Personally, I think I’m the main character, but I let Jasper believe he’s in charge. It keeps things peaceful.
My humans say they wanted a calm little dog to support Jasper. Then they met me. I was tiny, sleepy, and adorable - I fooled them completely. Every time they visited, I curled up in their arms and pretended to be a quiet spaniel. Life with me was going to be easy… or so they thought. Heh.
Plot Twist: I Grew. A Lot.
Turns out when your mum is a golden retriever-poodle mix and your dad is a cocker spaniel, you don’t stay small. You become a big, bouncy, furry tornado of joy and mischief.
I love digging up the lawn. I love squeezing through the garden fence to visit the neighbours and their dogs. I love socks. I love slippers. I love chewing things that are not socks or slippers but smell like socks or slippers.
My humans call me their “mischievous baby bear.” I accept this title.
My Besties: Jasper & Ruby
Jasper is my big brother. He’s wise. Calm. Sensible. When I hear a strange noise, I look at him to see if I should panic or pretend to be brave. He usually just sighs at me.
Then there’s Ruby - my best friend from puppy class. She’s a boxer and we bonded instantly. We have play days where we run, wrestle, zoom, and then collapse while the humans drink coffee. Jasper uses these outings to collect fusses from every adult in sight. He’s very good at that.
Training… or “Copper Tries His Best”
I’ve been going to Charlie’s Dog Training in Soham since I was a tiny fluffball. I love it there. The humans say I’m “a runner, or “AWOL Copper.” I prefer “free-spirited athlete.”
Sometimes I do my wait commands perfectly. Other times a leaf moves and I must investigate at top speed. The paddock is big. I am fast. Chaos happens.
But my humans always show up calm and consistent, and I always come back eventually. I love hoops, scent work, gundog retrieves, agility - honestly, I love everything. I’m learning to be more balanced, even though I’m still a puppy in a big dog body.
A Little Health Wobble
Between April and June 2026, I had some sickness bouts. Lots of scans and tests (I was very brave). Nothing showed up, and thanks to the incredible teams at Clarendon Street, Church Street veterinary practices and a new diet. Good news: I’m feeling bouncy again. Very bouncy!
My Second Family (and Their Bed)
I haven’t been on holidays with Anna and Tom- my “second mum and dad yet but they have looked after me at home.” Anna spoiled me absolutely rotten when I was poorly even though I pinched her sock and destroyed it while she was staying in my home. I can’t wait to stay with them, apparently we get to sleep in the middle of their bed like royalty.
Grooming: More Water Please
I go to Penny’s From Heaven for my grooming. I adore Lauren. She gives me treats, tells me I’m handsome, and fusses over me like I’m royalty - which, to be fair, I am.
Now, between us, I’d much rather wash in a river. Proper dog style. Mud optional. But apparently that’s “not suitable for public appearances,” so I tolerate the bath. Mostly because Lauren thinks I’m wonderful. She’s clearly a very intelligent human with excellent taste.
Future Therapy Dog? Oh Yes.
I love people. I love fusses. I love being told I’m handsome. So naturally, I’m training to be a therapy dog like Jasper.
I’ve already started visiting a global pharmaceutical company with him - everyone loves us. I also visit people at home, especially when the weather is nice and they can take me for a walk. I’m very good at walking. And being admired.
My humans say they adore me and are proud of me. I adore them too - even if they do hide the slippers now.

Love, Copper
Your friendly neighbourhood big bouncy bear
“P.S. Every morning my mum leans down and whispers, ‘Guess what… you’re my favourite. But shhh, don’t tell anyone — it’s our secret.’ And I pretend to keep it quiet, but my tail gives the whole thing away.”