Olivia Saunders

Olivia Saunders

Mentor

 

Hi, I’m Olivia!

I have a great passion for gaming and making sure young people get the help they need. I have experience with SEN and mental health issues within my own family and peers, and I can relate to the struggles they present. I myself was diagnosed with dyslexia just before I went to university, so I struggled a lot at school especially in primary.

I’ve always been interested in game design, art and anime, so I studied an Extended Media BTEC, and Japanese GCSE at college, and received a BA (Hons) in Game Art at university. Which taught me skills like 3D modelling, texture design, video editing, character design and
digital illustration. I particularly enjoy designing and drawing characters with my tablet, especially characters for my D&D games. I also have a full DBS check along with training in safeguarding, online safety, and understanding mental health.

I have always loved games for their storytelling and engaging problem solving. My favourite kind of games are role-playing based, like Dragon Age, Skyrim and Final Fantasy 14. Which led into my intense love of Dungeons & Dragons. D&D specifically has really helped me build confidence and helped me to learn socialisation skills that are important for adult life, as well as tapping into my creative side for storytelling. I also love relaxing games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley for their positive energy and cute art styles. So I mainly play games on my PC and Switch.

As far as my other interests, I love making cosplays and going to conventions, nerdy films like The Lord of the Rings and Marvel movies, anime like SpyxFamily and My Hero Academia, along with arts and crafts in general.

I’m really excited to work with MindJam and use this opportunity to make a difference!

Favourite Games

Horizon (Zero Dawn & Forbidden West), Final Fantasy 14, Baulder’s Gate 3, Legend of Zelda (Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom), Skyrim, Dragon Age, Animal Crossing New Horizons, Stardew Valley, Minecraft, Slime Rancher, PowerWash Simulator.

Hobbies

Character design & drawing, sewing, cosplay, conventions, films, anime (Ghibli films too), Vocaloid, creative writing and learning about historical clothing.

We'd love to hear from you.

If you would like our team to get in touch with you to discuss how we can help you and your young people through our services, please feel free to fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch as soon as possible to talk you through enrolling with one of our mentors or counsellors

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