About Me
Professional background
Teaching, writing, researching and meaningful, evidence-based wellbeing are my passions. Over the years, I've tried to combine these elements into my professional roles as an author, wellbeing advocate, teacher, mentor and counsellor.
Qualifications & Training Tutoring & Mentoring Testimonials
My experience teaching in 3 primary and 6 different secondary schools internationally, working in and leading fantastic teams of inspirational practitioners provides a rich and varied tapestry that underpins my understanding of the needs and development of children and young people, as well as developing strong, positive, collaborative professional relationships with others.
I've always absolutely loved coaching and mentoring young teachers, helping to unearth and shape them as professionals on their journey to becoming the best they can be as educators. Their enthusiasm, fresh energy and team spirit is a delight. A healthy, dynamic, supportive, collaborative process can innovate and regenerate any individual, relationship, or team.
The real joy, the whole purpose of my professional focus, has been helping children, adolescents and adults flourish and grow. When we discover our true talents, overcome our anxieties, and rekindle our self-esteem, this can have life changing and liberating effects in the classroom and beyond.
Being a parent, helping our children navegate the academic and social challenges of school life, can be overwhelming and baffling. Walking alongside, encouraging and supporting parents in my school communities and private practice has been an increasingly vital branch of my work.
It's not uncommon for parents to feel at a loss or alone when trying to find the right help for their child, or need to talk to an experienced educator for reassurance that they are doing all the right things! I’ve listened to, supported and guided many parents who’ve needed a compassionate, insightful approach when understanding how to better relate and respond to their child.
As cliché as it sounds, I'm commited to life-long learning. I've gained various counselling qualifications, delivered research-based workshops and presentations internationally, and written a self-help book. I support members of my community, study, research and write a blog. As professionals, we should try to lead by example, and although I sometimes feel I could do better, I try to learn from these moments to always improve and strengthen my professional offer. A reflective process is essential in all areas of our professional (and personal) practice.
What inspires me
Living in Spain and having lived in France, I consider myself a 'global citizen.' I love travel, and the idea that despite cultural and geographical differences, we're all so alike, connected through our humanity and human experiences. My roots are proudly grounded in my childhood town in Dorset, England where I try to return to a couple of times a year to write, think, and recalibrate with much need time with family and friends.
I love reading. Many books and authors have shaped my personal and professional journey. As well as academic, research-based writing, I write for pleasure when I can. Expressive writing opens up and uses a different part of our brain to the part that oversees our general day-to-day functions. I'm often trying to encourage friends, family, people I meet, to find ways to express their creativity as it can prevent and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, and helps us process trauma.
We need strong connections and friendships. I prioritise spending time connecting either in-person; a chat, a dinner, a walk, or online, with friends and family. I put 'golden, connection time' in my calendar and try to guard it as a sacred wellbeing practice. I love to learn about nutrition and cook vegetarian food. An evening, al fresco dinner with friends is my idea of heaven!
Singing, running, walking, swimming, pilates and yoga are all part of my regular wellbeing practice.