ABOUT US
Cocoon is a pregnancy and wellness clinic in the heart of Harrogate, launched early 2024 and founded by me, Sam Naughton.
I’m beyond proud to be opening the doors to Cocoon, offering this much-needed support in the warm and welcoming environment of our freshly renovated clinic.
Finding the right people was such an important part of this journey and I’m very pleased to introduce myself and the team below, who will be the friendly faces you meet when visiting us.
Meet the Team
Sam Naughton, Clinic Director
Tell us a bit about you: I’m Sam, I live with my husband Ben, daughter, Ruby, son, Alby and our dogs. I love walks in nature, live music, quality time with friends and trips to France (because, baguettes and cheese). I founded Cocoon in 2024 after a decade heading up the Communications team at Taylors of Harrogate. Having spent the first chapter of my career in the world of PR and events, I knew there was another purpose for my next. The idea for the clinic was born during my pregnancy with my son, Alby.
How would your friends describe you in three words? Determined, creative and kind.
What does Cocoon mean to you? In a word, everything. A better way to support families throughout pregnancy. I want them to have the physical and emotional care that they need and deserve. All families, all outcomes.
What are your passions in life? My family, friends, food, France and the Foo Fighters!
Introduce your pooch: I have two! Nellie and Errol. Nellie’s a 6 year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, she’s a very loving and resilient lady after having one of her back legs amputated after a hip injury - but she’s still super bouncy and fun. We got Errol as a rescue from Romania 5 years ago, he’s more reserved but loves a cuddle and is a big part of our family. They make the best little and large double act!
Kate Redmond, Lead Midwife
Tell us a bit about yourself: Hello, I’m Kate, I live in Harrogate with my family. I've worked in the NHS for 13 years, and my happy place is community midwifery. I love the relationship that builds whilst supporting people on their journey towards parenthood, whatever that might look like for them.
How would your friends describe you in three words? Loving, nurturing, fearless
What does Cocoon mean to you? The first time I ever spoke to Sam, I asked if she had pets and she told me about the world's oldest goldfish, and I just fell in love with her there and then. It was such a pleasure to be her midwife and support her and Ben through both loss and happiness. When she told me about Cocoon, and what she wanted it to be, I couldn't wait to be a part of it. I'm really looking forward to being part of something so inclusive, so supportive and nurturing and safe, and offer my own skills as a midwife in the way I really love.
What are your passions in life? My two incredible daughters who are almost grown up now and continue to inspire and motivate me every single day. I love my family and have a wonderful tribe of the very best friends, my people.
Introduce your pooch: My dog is a Romanian rescue called Lord who is nearly 10, he’s a cross between a German Shepherd, a Husky and possibly a few others too. I was the one who didn't want a dog and of course he turned out to be my best, best boy. We also have two older cats and our lovely kitten Maggie.
Katie Norman, Lead Sonographer
Tell us a bit about yourself: Hi, I’m Katie and I’m the Lead Sonographer here at Cocoon. I’ve known Kate for a long time and she told me all about the clinic and Sam’s vision for it - I visited the site before the refurb and let’s just say a healthy dose of imagination was needed! I’ve watched it all come together and am so happy to be part of this wonderful team.
How would your friends describe you in three words? Kind, considerate, quietly hilarious (is that allowed?!)
What are your passions in life? Formula 1 (Team Mercedes), and I love to bake!
What does Cocoon mean to you? love my busy role in the NHS, but it can feel pretty hectic at times. Cocoon offers us the time and space to really connect with our clients - and it’s such a privilege to share the most incredible, life-changing moments with them.
Introduce your pooch: Our house pooch is Luna - she’s actually my housemate’s but I think Luna loves us both equally!
Gemma, Sonographer
Tell us a bit about yourself:
Hi, I’m Gem. I’m a sonographer both here at Cocoon and within the NHS, and I have 10 years of experience working in ultrasound. The most important aspect of my job is to always deliver care in the way I’d want to receive it - and I have a particular interest in the gynaecological aspect of ultrasound.
I love being out in nature walking or gardening and love practising yoga. My husband, I and our two young children have just bought our “forever home” which is a complete renovation job – we don’t have a clue where to start but were excited!
3 words friends would use to describe:
Calming, kind and passionate
What does Cocoon mean to you?
To me, Cocoon represents everything I would want a pregnancy and wellness clinic to be. I love that the holistic approach can nurture individual needs - I’m completely here for that! I feel proud to work at Cocoon alongside such a wonderful team.
Passions:
Along with having fun and creating memories with family and friends, my greatest loves are being surrounded by nature and “trying” to garden – I never realised how hard and complicated gardening was until I started! I also love designing things – I think I have drawn at least twenty ideas and layouts for our new home already!
Pooch:
We have a kitten in our home. He is 6 months old and called Brucey. We’ve had him from 6 weeks and he’s certainly a cheeky household addition - the kids absolutely love him!
Penny, Sonographer
Tell us a bit about yourself:
Hello, my name is Penny. I have been a qualified sonographer in a busy NHS trust for 10 years. I have a passion for all aspects of ultrasound, particularly obstetrics. I enjoy having a busy work / life balance. I am particularly busy with my two young girls, who definitely keep me on my toes! I enjoy enjoying getting out for runs and walks in the countryside.
3 words friends would use to describe:
Compassionate, friendly and dedicated.
What does Cocoon mean to you?
Cocoons means to me, a safe place where clients can come and feel reassured and supported. Pregnancy is such a daunting experience, and everyone deserves to have the time to be enjoy their scans and ask questions. I love being a small part of people’s pregnancy journey. Pregnancy still amazes me and I see it everyday!
Passions:
I love nothing more than spending time with my family and friends. I am also embarrassed to admit I love a bit of trashy reality TV!
Pooch:
No pets for me, surviving the two under two years has been more than enough without throwing a pet into the mix as well! Maybe one day..
Bryony, Acupuncturist
Tell us a bit about yourself: Hi, I’m Bryony and I’m the Harrogate Acupuncturist, based at Cocoon. I graduated with a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in 2015 and have been a self employed Acupuncturist ever since. Prior to my career in Acupuncture I trained as a media makeup artist. I quickly got the bug for seeing the world and have done a fair bit of backpacking.
I live with my partner Joe and son Sebastian. I am a lover of the sun, being in my garden and walks in the countryside with our little spaniel Orla.
How would your friends describe you in three words?A perfectionist, loving and caring.
What does Cocoon mean to you? My journey to Cocoon started whilst pregnant and on my maternity leave with Sebastian. I had always had an interest in women’s health but wanted to grow my knowledge in fertility so undertook additional training in Acupuncture for both Natural Conception, and Assisted Fertility and IVF. When I saw Sam was opening Cocoon I knew I had to be a part of it and the special place it’s going to be!
What are your passions in life? My son and dog are everything to me but in my spare time I love to travel, gardening and my house plants, some of which have names!
Introduce your pooch: My little spaniel called Orla. She is an absolute food magnet and much to our distress is known to eat socks and hair scrunchies on a regular basis. Our house because of this stays pretty tidy now! We got Orla at 12 weeks old when Sebastian was just 8 months, despite sometimes feeling as though we have twins, the bond they have is absolutely amazing. Orla, was of course Sebastian’s first word!
