Meet The Team
Richard Wickes - Director and Co-Founder
Richard initially began his working life supporting autistic young people in a secondary school, which eventually led him to joining the NHS to work with young people experiencing mental health difficulties. He qualified as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist in 2023, having trained at The Institute of Family Therapy in London, where he also won the Barry Mason Award for Clinical Practice. Richard runs the day to day of Pyxis as well as leading the team’s overall development. He’s particularly interested in thinking about people who need support in terms of their strengths, as well as what they find difficult, and about how society can contribute to helping those in need.
Outside of his work at Pyxis, Richard enjoys being outdoors, playing video games or watching a film, and eating pasta. He likes reading, but seems to get distracted after the first few chapters...
Paul Reed - Director and Co-Founder
Paul entered the education and youth sector late in his 20's after leaving school and working in the construction industry. Since then, he has completed a Lvl 4 diploma in Careers Information, Advice and Guidance, obtained a first class degree in Childhood Studies (SEN Specialism), an MA in Education, and has recently been awarded a full scholarship to complete a PhD at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) (researching with young people on the autism spectrum who experience periods of absence from school to better understand their student-teacher relationships). In the midst of this training Paul has worked as a Learning Support Assistant in a mainstream secondary school, volunteered in the scouts, in primary schools and within other local community interest companies, been a sessional academic lecturer at CCCU, and is now the student-rep for the PostGraduate Research Association. Paul is particularly passionate about increasing the voices of young people who have been marginalised, isolated and left to feel they have little to offer, by enabling young people to access a space to be heard and taken seriously.
Whilst free time is rare, it is mostly spent with his wife and children, walking the dog, or enjoying a night of DnD and board games.
Paul co-founded Pyxis with Richard in 2019 and managed the day to day running. Paul remains a director at Pyxis but starting in January 2025 has adopted a reduce role to finish the final year of his PhD!
Isaac - Pyxis Mentor
Isaac has a BA in Screenwriting, and started a 2nd BA in Film at Kent in September 2023. His two biggest interests are film and neurodivergence; with a focus on the role film and TV can play in the development of life and social skills. Isaac was diagnosed with Autism (back when it was called Asperger’s Syndrome) in 2009, and went on to attend a school with a Special Education Needs department. He grew up surrounded by life and social skills discussions, and is personally familiar with how it feels to be on the other side of that conversation.
Aside from studying, in his spare time he likes to play guitar, go to the movies, and rock out at festivals.
Keely - Pyxis Mentor
Keely is proud to work as a Pyxis Mentor; she is passionate about Pyxis’ mission and enjoys working creatively to support young people and adults. Keely’s favourite elements of the role are building connections, promoting independence, and nurturing the growth and development of those who she is working with. Keely is diagnosed with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia which means that there are differences in the way that she processes information. Keely believes that these diagnoses come with both challenges and strengths. Through her work at Pyxis, Keely is keen to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurodivergence and promote the benefits of thinking differently. Keely has a wide and varied work history, with her most notable and substantial experience being within the helping professions. She has completed both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Psychology and related disciplines, and is currently partway through a master’s degree in Mindfulness and Compassion.
When not working, you will most likely find Keely practicing and teaching yoga, crafting, or enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and miniature (but very noisy) dachshund, Daisy.
Hannah - Pyxis Mentor
Hannah’s background is in business management, helping people identify and develop their strengths. She has mentored young people and peers in workplace programmes and other settings and is trained in autism mentoring strategies. Hannah believes in the power of creating a safe environment to truly listen to young people. She chose to join Pyxis as this is mirrored in their ethos and values. As a Pyxis Mentor her approach is to embrace the uniqueness of every individual and offer tailored support through real connections. She is currently researching the intersection of neurodiversity and accessibility of digital products and services as part of further studies.
Away from work, you’ll find Hannah enjoying outdoor adventures and discovering new places, often with a paddle board.