My approach to life and my work combines evidence-based practice with warmth, creativity, and a deep respect for each person’s potential.
I hold a Graduate Diploma in Dramatherapy from the University of Surrey (1999) and practised as a dramatherapist until 2008. During that time, I worked very successfully with individuals and groups in mainstream and special schools, care homes, and community settings.
In 2008, I chose to focus on teaching and educational leadership, roles in which I continued to apply therapeutic approaches to support pupils, staff, and families. My work has consistently enhanced emotional wellbeing, personal development, and interpersonal communication across school communities.
After moving to Scotland and into middle and senior leadership roles, I became increasingly committed to developing nurturing and trauma-responsive approaches in schools. In 2018, I was instrumental in work to develop the Scottish Government’s programme for a trauma responsive children’s services workforce, representing education on local authority and national multi-agency steering groups.
In 2024 I completed a Masters in Educational Leadership and the focus of my professional enquiry was Trust Building and Truth Seeking in two small, rural communities. I considered themes such as community cohesion, restorative approaches to conflict and communal emotional intelligence, influenced greatly by the writing of Mabel Gonzalez.
In summer 2025, I stepped back from being a Head Teacher of two primary schools to return to dramatherapy practice.