A BIT ABOUT ME…

I have been described, on more than one occasion, as being focused and driven in a quietly determined manner; someone who likes to move forward with curiosity about what is possible and thrives on creating positive change.

Having initially trained as a teacher, I quickly moved into educational leadership, taking on roles related to inclusion and strategic support (including as a SENCO and assistant headteacher), later moving into trust/ local authority wide leadership development, specifically focused on inclusion and SEND. My passion for learning and research led me to working as a University lecturer and nationally recognised researcher; focused on inclusion, specifically SEND/neurodiversity, professional development and leadership. 1:1 coaching and consultancy is a natural, practical extension of this work. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and I continue to maintain my lecturing and research work alongside coaching and consultancy. Through all aspects of my work I firmly believe in our individual ability to change things for the better through quality thinking and planning.

It is important to me that MY WORK IS EVIDENCE BASED

Professional and personal experience count for a lot. However, it is very important to me that my work is evidence based so I know what works and what will make a difference- through continuing professional development and ongoing research. I have led a series of national research projects exploring the role of inclusive leaders, including SENCOs, and the implementation of national SEND policy and law in schools. This research has been cited by the Government to support current national SEND policy change. Further research has focused on SEND in the early years, identification of SEND and access to support. My most recent research explored national perspectives of inclusive continuing professional development for educators and I am currently supporting Ecorys with a research project related to the education pandemic recovery package within the Early Years. 

This also means that being appropriately qualified is a priority for me.. I am a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and I have completed ICF Accredited Coach training, with further specific neurodiversity coach training. I have Associate Certified Coach (ACC) status. You can learn more about my coaching work here. I also have completed postgraduate degrees in the fields of leadership, inclusion/ SEND, neurodiversity (specifically dyslexia and autism) and professional practice, alongside extensive professional training in neurodiversity, including research into autism and ADHD. I have trained in transactional analysis, which brings a further dimension to my work. I am trained in SEND law (IPSEA Level 3). My PhD focused on the roles leaders adopted during the implementation of organisational inclusive change in relation to neurodiversity; focused on the implementation of SEND policy and law.

I bring a unique perspective to my work; through my professional experience I know what works in practice, and I back this up with knowing what works in theory, through my qualifications and research. My personal experience allows me to deeply understand and empathise with my clients. My way of working is rooted in partnership, collaboration, and fostering a supportive, positive environment. I aim to make all of my working relationships not just productive but genuinely enjoyable for everyone involved.

Connecting is important to me

I love talking about all things related to career development and neurodiversity. I regularly speak at both national and international conferences, and write on issues related to inclusion, specifically neurodiversity/ SEND, leadership and facilitating change. More recently I stepped into the airwaves, with Times Radio, to talk about supporting the over 50s back into work. In addition to publishing peer-reviewed academic articles and commissioned reports, my book, ‘How to be a Brilliant SENCO’ was published in 2020 by Routledge. I contributed a chapter to the book ‘Leading on Inclusion’ in 2021 and a further chapter in the book ‘Psychology and Educational Inclusion’ in 2023. A book focused on navigating a late neurodivergence diagnosis is in the pipeline. I also share my thoughts about work, life and neurodiversity on Linkedin, instagram and x.

I live in the beautiful city of Bath with my husband, two teenagers and three cats. Like many people, I continue to strive for a better work-life balance, which I try to achieve through going to the gym, listening to podcasts, watching boxsets and persistently campaigning to add to number of cats in the house. All these elements have mixed levels of success! If you love a podcast… check out the ADHD Adults, and You’re Wrong About ADHD some great insights.