Working with young people to make a difference has driven me throughout my degree in psychology and teaching career. Relationships are at the heart of my practice; compassion, positivity and dogged determination to empower young people to be their best selves whatever their backgrounds and experiences. I have always had an interest in mental health and wellbeing of children and young people and this is what led me to specialise in educational psychology and disability studies in my career and further study.

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I have written this remote wellbeing and mindfulness programme for young people and am an authorized provider for the DofE award scheme. It’s important to me that I designed the course to be inclusive and I was delighted when Southampton Hospital started using it for some of their patients with long term health conditions with really positive feedback. I am excited to share my learning with an increasing number of children and young people. I seek regular feedback from children with SEND and mental health difficulties to check the course is accessible.

 

I am a licenced user for GoZen CBT interventions Strengths based approaches and thinking in positive psychology underpins my practice as I’ve seen such benefits for children across the schools as well as staff.

 

As a reviewer and advisor for the Emerging Minds Network I relish considering research proposals from different UK universities who are applying for funding to research children’s mental health with a focus on coproduction. I’m tasked to help develop these research ideas and plans into strong project proposals that will make a difference. 

 

I have furthered my understanding of autism in particular and uncovering the links between autism and mental ill health and some of the debates surrounding this. I have also led training on the use of mindfulness with trauma and strengths based approaches.

 

My professional development continues and I am currently half way through my doctorate in Education..​