Edward Hernaez
Information Coordinator at POP Therapy
Hello, I’m Edward — a engineer by profession, based in the Philippines 🇵🇭, and a proud father of two, Liz and Samuel. My journey as a parent has deeply shaped who I am today, not only as a husband and father, but also in the way I pursue meaningful work that promotes growth, structure, and emotional wellbeing. I’ve always had a deep passion for learning and discovering how things work — I’m drawn to the ‘why’ behind every process, and I’m persistent in the pursuit of mastery. While I can feel overwhelmed when facing new challenges, I’ve come to value the process of overcoming — pushing through uncertainty with the conviction that growth often begins there.
Though I am not a play therapist myself, my involvement with POP Therapy began through a former colleague who completed her training with PTUK and became a passionate advocate for Play Therapy in our country. Her work with children who had experienced trauma deeply moved me. It opened my eyes to the profound importance of giving young people a safe and supported space to process difficult emotions — something I’ve come to understand is vital not only for children, but for all of us.
As someone who loves learning, I find great joy in turning complex experiences into something that can empower others. I’ve always enjoyed creating systems and solving problems — a skill I first discovered in my younger years while studying courses in programming. I saw how every outcome could be traced back to a process, and designing that process became something I loved doing. That mindset has carried through in much of my professional work, especially in the areas of human development, outreach programmes, leadership training, and systems management. Now, I support POP Therapy virtually, working closely with Mim to design and refine systems that make our services more efficient and responsive to the needs of children and families. I’m also involved in developing processes that enhance how we advocate for early intervention, and in coordinating activities that equip individuals with practical skills to support the emotional wellbeing of children — something I believe is foundational for strong, healthy communities.
Joining POP Therapy has been a meaningful step for me. It’s a place where I can apply my strengths in operations and systems support, while also witnessing first-hand how early intervention and therapeutic play are helping children thrive — especially here in the Aylesbury region. What has struck me most is the role parents play in this process. It’s challenged and encouraged me to grow in how I lead my own family — to become more intentional in nurturing my children’s emotional and mental wellbeing.
I look forward to supporting you in your journey toward emotional wellness and mental health — for you, your children, and the wider community we serve.