I am a qualified teacher with over 20 years of experience working in SEND schools and in mental health support. I am highly experienced in working with young people with various needs including ASD, ADHD, EBD, anxiety, trauma, and other developmental and neurological conditions. Building trust and respect, and taking a child-centered approach are key to breaking down barriers to success and developing trusting relationships. I have an MSc in Psychology and I keep up to date with developments in interventions for young people and embed these into my practice.

I’ve been a gamer for over 35 years and I know first-hand the benefits of gaming for confidence, creativity, self-expression, problem-solving, collaboration, and empathy – all hugely important skills to develop in a young person. From experience, sharing a common interest, such as gaming, with a young person can instantly create a connection. Working with young people in a supportive way to achieve practical goals in a supportive and encouraging manner is key to success, and with gaming, this can be achieved.

My other training includes Child Protection, Child Exploitation, Dyslexia, Autism, Online Safety, Safeguarding Young People in Education, and Prevent.