Meet the Team

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 Belonging Dojo CIC, and a designated Safeguarding Lead at Martial Arts Success Schools founded by her husband in 2008 — where she also holds a black belt and teaches martial arts using the values of honour, courage, and self-awareness.

She 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.

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 when they both freelanced at Gazebo Theater 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.

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.