I found myself enveloped in the world of SEND when a family member was diagnosed with autism some 20 years ago, little did I realise that it would be the beginning of my whole ‘raison d’etre’.

As a parent and a professional I have seen it all and experienced all the ups and downs of a parallel life. I have championed not only my own child but also the many, many young people and parents who I have supported along the way, first as a Specialist Autism Teaching Assistant, then as a Mentor supporting young people 16 – 19 with a range of difficulties from severe anxiety to self-harm, all whilst working in a busy mainstream secondary school, for 16 years.

I am passionate about engaging and empowering young people to achieve the very best they can be, through therapeutic discussion, perspective taking, problem solving and understanding, in a safe space without judgement. I have been able to support young people to move onto their next steps and see them flourish, which in itself is the most rewarding part of my practice.