Silja Turville is the Founder and CEO of Acorn to Oak Education, bringing her extensive expertise as a qualified counsellor and accredited International Coaching Federation (ICF) associate coach to the forefront of the company’s mission. A Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Silja adheres to their high principles and standards of practice, ensuring that her work is rooted in professionalism and ethical care.
Having experienced firsthand the challenges faced by families navigating the shortages of provision and difficulties in obtaining funding for learners with additional needs, Silja is deeply committed to providing accessible, effective, and tailored support. She is a neurodivergence-affirming therapist and coach, specialising in working with learners with ADHD, autism, demand avoidant profiles, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, sensory processing difficulties, and speech, language, and communication needs.
As an advisor for Talk Education on SEND, Silja has also contributed her expertise to shaping national conversations around special educational needs. She is the founder of Acorn to Oak’s therapeutic program for learners with additional needs, which aims to provide comprehensive and holistic support for every child.
Silja holds diplomas in special educational needs support, counselling, and coaching, as well as education sector qualifications such as mental health first aid, multi-agency safeguarding, safer recruitment training, and training up to IPSEA Level 3 in SEND law. She also holds post-graduate qualifications in executive coaching and integrative counselling and psychotherapy, continually seeking professional development through supervision to ensure she is providing the highest standard of care.
In addition to her clinical work, Silja runs webinars on topics such as school searches, helping families navigate educational options, and tackling the balance between work and home life for neurodivergent individuals, offering practical guidance and strategies for success.
As the designated safeguarding and mental health capacity officer for Acorn to Oak Education, Silja ensures the safety and well-being of all students, offering guidance and support to families. Silja is always available for questions or concerns, with the company adopting a “niggles” approach to encourage open communication.
