Hi, I’m Cal!

I have worked with young people with a wide variety of SEN, for several years, and am currently completing my teacher training. Throughout my time working as a learning assistant, I have gained a great deal of experience working with young people with autism, ADHD, PDA, and a variety of mental health difficulties. My personal education background includes higher level qualifications in both engineering and law, providing me with good technical understanding and a wide experience base. 

I have an up-to-date DBS and during my time working in education I have received extensive training in supporting young people with autism, ADHD, and PDA, as well as in-depth safeguarding and PREVENT training. 

At a relatively young age I encountered a lot of mental health problems, and it was largely due to this that I immersed myself in the world of gaming. From this I have a deep appreciation of the huge impact that games can have on the lives of young people, and how they can help with keeping mentally active as well as helping to maintain social connections. It is due to this that I believe in MindJam’s approach to working with young people, particularly in the promotion of autonomy of young people in their personal growth and development.

I enjoy a wide variety of games from fast paced shooter games such as Fortnite and Call of Duty, to creative games including Minecraft and House Flipper, and to relaxing games like Stardew Valley. When I’m not playing video games I enjoy listening to audiobooks, playing Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer (both painting and playing), and participating in Live Action Roleplay (LARP) during which I dress up as a fantasy hero and go on quests to save the world!