The Interoception & Regulation Collective
The Interoception & Regulation Collective was created to bring together evidence-informed approaches to help children better understand their bodies, emotions and regulation. The Collective was developed through collaboration with experts across the teaching, speech and language, play therapy, occupational therapy and paediatric professions.
Karen Walmsley
With over 30 years of experience in education, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to supporting children and young people across a wide range of educational settings. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status, and a Master’s degree in Education. As a SEND Specialist, I have extensive experience teaching in both mainstream and specialist provisions, helping learners with diverse needs to achieve their potential.
I am also a qualified dyslexia teacher and assessor, and have worked as a Nurture Group teacher, supporting children’s social, emotional and academic development. My passion lies in understanding how children learn and thrive, and in creating inclusive, nurturing environments where every individual can succeed.
Darleen Grimsby
I have over 20 years of experience in education and am passionate about helping children and young people with SEND to thrive. I hold a Bachelor of Education, a Master’s Degree in SEND and Inclusion, Nurture Practitioner, and the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO).
Throughout my career, I have led SEND provision across a wide range of educational settings, including mainstream schools, specialist provisions for children with complex needs, and SEMH settings. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the diverse ways children learn, communicate, and engage with the world around them. Alongside my work in schools, I have developed my practice as a SEND specialist, researcher, consultant, and author of Developing Educational Plans for Learners with SEND.
Why we started…
What began as conversations between Karen and Darleen about supporting children to understand and regulate their emotions grew into a shared exploration of the powerful connection between the brain, body and behaviour.
Through work and research into interoception safety, sensory processing and regulation, they recognised the importance of helping children develop the language and awareness to notice what is happening within their bodies.
This led to create the Interoception & Regulation Collective. A practical, accessible approach designed to help educators, families and learners build body awareness, understand individual responses and develop the foundations for confident regulation.
This resource hub is the result of shared passion, ongoing learning, and commitment to helping others understand the vital connection between the brain, body, and behaviour.