our team

Dr. Patrick Kennedy-Williams, Founder

D.Clin.Psy (Oxon.)

Clinical Psychologist

Hello I'm Patrick. I'm an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist and a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society. I hold a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Oxford.

Whilst my clinical training was broad, over the years I have developed specialties in a few key areas. I have a specific interest in climate change-related mental health and wellbeing. I am passionate about helping people working in sustainability sustained.

Over the course of my career, I have participated actively in research, and I am currently involved in supporting research into the psychological aspects of climate change.

I am co-Director of Climate Psychologists, and our latest book ‘Turn the Tide on Climate Anxiety’ is available now for pre-order.

I look forward to meeting you!

Qualifications: BA (Hons), MSc, DClinPsy (Oxon.), Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (C.Psychol), HCPC Registered Psychologist (PYL 33540)

Megan Kennedy-Woodard, Founder

B.A., MS.c, Pg.Cert.

Climate Coaching Psychologist

When working with local community members, I observed symptoms of procrastination, fear of failure, perfectionism, lack of identity and agency and general feeling of ‘being stuck’ - these were the issues I worked with as a Life Coach, but in the context of climate change. I saw that I could apply my psychology background and skills as a coach to support the move towards climate action. Together we set goals and wellbeing plans for positive impact.

As a coach, I help my clients, not by giving them advice or solutions but by helping them to realise, and uncover the confidence they need to know that they are already dynamic, creative, and have all the tools to achieve their goals in helping to protect the planet.

Qualifications: I received my M.Sc in Psychology from The University of East London with a focus on childhood social dynamics. I went on to train at the University of Oxford, where I obtained my P.G. Cert. in Psychodynamic Studies and Advanced Coaching. I am also a qualified Simplicity Parenting Coach.

Melissa James

BSc., MSc

Environmental Psychologist

Hi! I’m Melissa, the newest member of the Climate Psychologists’ team - it’s great to meet you! 

Whilst studying for a BSc in Psychology and Counselling, I realised that it was possible to combine the skills I had acquired with my love of people and the planet. So, I set out researching psychological responses to climate change - namely, eco-anxiety (of course, I was a counselling graduate after all!).

I continue to be both impassioned and inspired by the ability of psychology to aid individuals and society suffering the mental health toll of an increasingly uncertain future. I recently finished reading for an MSc in Environmental Psychology at The University of Surrey, and continue working alongside some great academics in continuing to research eco-anxiety.  

Since the most important thing any of us can do to help ourselves and the planet is lean into our skills and our passions, I am here! - working alongside Patrick and Megan toward a world that feels empowered to turn its climate anxiety into climate action. 

Laura Palma

A trained educator, Laura has spent most of her career outside of the classroom designing global experiential education opportunities for youth across various travel, leadership, and event programs. More recently, Laura has lent her expertise in partnership and product development to educational technology initiatives specifically aimed at facilitating students’ career exploration and skill development. Her passion for enabling future-forward, action oriented, learning and growth opportunities for young people are at the heart of her work with Climate Psychologists.

Justin James

Business Advisor and Strategist

With more than 25 years of global experience supporting businesses to thrive, Justin is known for his positive and playful approach to transforming cutting-edge brands and innovative ideas into practical, impactful actions. He has joined Climate Psychologists to develop and deliver scalable programmes to stream-line climate action so that we can ramp up our ability to help as many people, around the world find their climate empowerment.