About us
Our story
At Grapefruit, we believe every mind deserves the right support, understanding, and opportunities to thrive. Our consultancy was founded by James Perkins and Joanna Guilar, who bring together professional expertise, lived experience, and a shared passion for empowering neurodivergent individuals, families, schools, and organisations.
James Perkins
Educational Specialist | Coach | Mentor
James blends science, strategic leadership, and coaching, shaped by over a decade of experience supporting neurodivergent minds. He studied Chemistry at Oxford, worked at Deloitte, and transitioned into education with a focus on psychology and learning differences.
As someone navigating AuDHD (autism & ADHD), and dyslexia, James brings both professional and personal insight to his work.
Joanna Guilar
Educational Specialist in Neurodiversity | Parent | Public Health Professional | Coach
Joanna combines 15 years in NHS Public Health with lived experience as a parent of neurodivergent children. Her eldest child’s dyslexia diagnosis inspired her to retrain in neurodiversity teaching. Today, Joanna helps schools, families, and individuals create inclusive environments, while championing pride in neurodivergent identity.
Why Grapefruit
Whether you’re an individual, parent, school, or organisation, Grapefruit is here to help.
Contact us to start the conversation.
‘We are not entirely sure how we would have navigated the last couple of years had we not found Jo and James. An Educational Psychologist once said to us: ‘your child doesn’t need support, they need the RIGHT support’
Fiona, Director Photographer & mother of two neurodivergent children