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Meet the Team
Kerry Tidman (Founder, Therapist & Coach)
Kerry Tidman is a mum of 3 and a grandma. She is also a trauma-informed holistic therapist, coach, TEDx speaker, and published author with a deep-rooted mission to create spaces where D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people can heal, grow, and belong — exactly as they are.
As a deaf, neurodivergent, and care-experienced woman, Kerry’s work is shaped by lived experience and delivered with fierce compassion. Her approach blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eastern philosophy, psychological safety, and the Japanese art of Kintsugi — seeing beauty in what has been broken and repaired with care.
Kerry began her journey working in the NHS and healthcare settings, supporting people through complex trauma and emotional overwhelm. She’s now the founder of The Holistic Dojo and The Belonging Dojo CIC, and a designated Safeguarding Lead at Martial Arts Success Schools founded by her husband — where she also holds a black belt and teaches martial arts using the values of honour, courage, and self-awareness.
She has worked as a school counsellor for three years in a secondary school in Sandwell, is an Advanced Bionics mentor, and frequently delivers training, talks, and therapeutic support across education and community spaces.
Kerry is the author of How Do You Deaf?, published with AVID Language, and was named Black Country Women’s Aid Woman of the Year 2024 for her commitment to advocacy, identity, and inclusion.
Her approach is holistic, person-centred, and unapologetically different. She doesn’t just deliver services — she walks beside people on their healing journey, helping them rediscover the gold that’s always been beneath the noise. Kerry prides herself on her unique approach to trauma-informed therapy, disability inclusion and disability inclusion in the workplace.
Kaiden Tidman (Creative Assistant)
Kaiden is a 16-year-old neurodivergent creative who brings lived insight and incredible talent to The Belonging Dojo. He has co-facilitated workshops alongside Kerry for several years and brings ideas to life through 3D printing, prop-making, photography, and media editing. He understands what it’s like to feel on the outside looking in — and is passionate about creating safer, more expressive spaces for other young people. Kaiden also co-hosts inclusive gamer nights at his family’s martial arts school and is currently studying Creative Media at college.
Kiel Tidman (Non-Executive Director)
Kiel is a 5th-degree black belt, business coach & founder of Martial Arts Success Schools, who’s mentored hundreds of children and young people since launching his first school in 2009. With a strong focus on discipline, empathy, and character development, Kiel brings an Eastern wisdom approach to personal growth and resilience. Kiel also worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland for 12 years. As a non-executive director, he supports the organisational strategy, especially around youth development and empowerment through movement and mindset.
Emma Whitehouse (Non-Executive Director)
Emma is the founder of Bright Path and a passionate advocate for families navigating the education system. With a background in family law and mediation, and decades of experience as a parent — including parenting a neurodivergent teen — Emma brings both lived and professional insight to the table. She knows what it’s like to fight for your child to be understood, and what a difference true connection can make. As a non-executive director, Emma provides strategic guidance and grounding support to help The Belonging Dojo stay aligned with its values.
Charlene Cotton (Non-Executive Director)
Charlene has spent over 17 years working across Sandwell and Wolverhampton in community organisations — empowering women, supporting young people, and championing mental wellbeing. A mother of six and winner of Mentor of the Year during her time with Black Country Talent Match, Charlene is known for her honesty, compassion, and ability to lift others up. As a Freedom Programme-trained community champion, she brings a trauma-aware lens to all she does. As a non-executive director, Charlene helps ensure our work is truly led by community voice.
