I have worked in Education, and specifically SEND for the last 10 years in a variety of supporting and teaching roles. Starting in Australia as a community support officer, I have spent a lot of time working primarily on a one to one basis with young people, helping them to engage and interact in all aspects of societal and educational life. I love empowering young people to use their voice, and believe that through the arts, as well as design and media, there is an amazing opportunity for young people to develop their life and social skills, and find a direction that allows them to be free and creative.

I worked for 4 years as a music workshop facilitator, working with young people in SEND settings, and with those at risk of offending, mainly in music production, to offer an outlet or an alternative way to deal with issues they may be facing personally or in the environment they found themselves in. This led to my Music Research MA, where I focused on youth culture in inner city environments. I believe strongly in meeting young people on their terms, and in listening first and then responding. In giving young people the time and respect to communicate comfortably and naturally, we can form stronger more supporting relationships.

I have a degree in Interactive Design, and have worked as a freelance designer for many years, and love all the amazing elements of media that go into game creation and the games industry as a whole. I believe that games are great places to interact with people on a non intrusive level, and the act of gaming can allow users time to decompress and process events at a speed that is manageable for them. I’m incredibly honoured to be able to use my knowledge of gaming to connect with young people to provide support, and my knowledge in media and design to help them discover new avenues and skills that they may never have considered before.

I am experienced in supporting young people with autism, adhd, pda, anxiety and stress issues.

I am fully DBS checked, and have several qualifications in safeguarding, and data protection and safeguarding for online education.