Meet our management team
Introducing the Connexus core team members
Patrick Brook
Academic Director, TA Trainer, Consultant and Core Tutor
BA (Hons), DELTA, MA, Dip.Couns, Dip Sup, CTA(P), TSTA(P), UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and Supervisor.
e: patrick@connexusinstitute.com
Highly recognised in his field, Patrick has worked in education for over 25 years as a teacher, trainer, principal lecturer and director of a university department, leading it to an international number one ranking. He is an internationally approved trainer, a UKCP registered psychotherapist and supervisor, and an NCS Senior Accredited counsellor and supervisor. He combines his natural aptitude for teaching with a passion for psychotherapy to make the learning experience at Connexus relevant, engaging and fun.
John Maxwell
Operations Director, Trainer and Consultant
BA (Hons), PGCE, NPQH
John is a highly respected head teacher of many years standing, whose achievements include an “Outstanding” judgement during his first headship in North London. He also has proven leadership in improving failing schools, with one inspector noting that John’s leadership of one school meant that “It was probably the best journey out of Special Measures [he] had seen.” He has a passion for organisational change and improvement through the exploration and development of all aspects of an organisation’s provision, from leadership to motivation, performance to growth and communication to morale.
Louise Lewis-Dowell
Operations Manager
e: opsmanager@connexusinstitute.com
Louise is the Operations Manager at Connexus Institute. She has worked in operations and people management for over a decade, spanning facilities management, employee experience and large-team leadership, including almost 20 years at John Lewis & Partners. She is passionate about creating environments where people can do their best work.
Julie Shepherd
Student Support and Facilities Co-ordinator
e: julie@connexusinstitute.com
Julie is the Student Support and Facilities Co-ordinator at Connexus Institute, where she helps students find suitable placements, looks after the Connexus Library, and keeps the premises running smoothly day to day. Alongside her advanced training in TA Psychotherapy, she works at a private counselling practice in Eastbourne, bringing warmth, insight, and a wealth of experience to her role.
Justine James
Core Tutor and Exam Co-ordinator
CTA (P), PTSTA (P), UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and Supervisor
e: exams@connexusinstitute.com
As Exams Coordinator at Connexus Institute, Justine oversees the organisation and administration of assessments. She works closely with students and staff to ensure that exam processes are supportive, structured, and fair.