I’m Laura, I previously worked as a registered children’s and young people’s nurse and loved the educational aspects for both colleagues and families. I am passionate about supporting individuals at their own pace, with patience and compassion. I moved into higher education, just before the pandemic, and have been supporting apprentices to achieve their dreams of working in health and social care. This deepened my understanding of supporting learners with a range of learning needs and promoting mental wellbeing.

I grew up with a dad who worked in IT and I spent many hours on games like Lemmings, the Sims and Rollercoaster tycoon. I continue to play similar games, including Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon, Two point hospital and particularly love the community aspect of Animal Crossing.

As a mum of two children with different needs, I appreciate the challenges of the SEN/ ALN systems and the, sometimes relentless, advocacy this requires. As a family, we enjoy gaming together and I witness first hand the connection that online gaming and MindJam brings for them. Within both working and home life, I have noticed that discussions that occur whilst completing another task, such as gaming, often bring the greatest clarity and allows people to process information in their own time.

My other interests are reading, being outdoors and gardening. We certainly seem to be living a Stardew life currently, with our collection of Cameroon sheep, chickens, cat and dog, who all really show the benefits of animal assisted intervention.

I have an enhanced DBS and have completed safeguarding and mental health training. I am passionate about supporting children and young people, allowing them to feel safe and heard, in order that they are able to flourish.