I have worked as an Educational Psychologist in a number of local authorities (most recently 14 years in Lincolnshire!), since qualifying in 2001. During that time, I have gained a huge amount of experience applying psychology when completing individual work, tribunals, and statutory work, as well as when engaged in whole school support. I have also developed and delivered training to support teachers and practitioners working with children and young people with many different needs. Training for foster carers has also been an area of particular interest for me. As has training and supervising Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs), which I am thrilled to be continuing in my Associate role with Futures in Mind.
I have an interest in ‘Critical Incidents’, having spent time developing materials to support schools, children and young people. I have also provided direct support to schools who have experienced a critical incident, working alongside pupils and teachers to guide their practice and responses in light of current research.
When supporting children and young people, it is vital for me to ensure that their voice is central to planning and decision-making, in addition to building positive working relationships with teachers, parents and carers, so that better understandings and outcomes can be achieved.
I am really excited about working with Russel and Emma again (and getting to know Jo too!). I look forward to bringing my prior knowledge and experience, whilst introducing fresh and innovative approaches to my work, with schools new and ‘old!’
I am a practising Educational Psychologist with a wealth of experience gained from working across a range of local authorities. I have also previously worked as a school teacher in the primary sector and am presently an SEN Governor at a local Primary School. Over the course of my career, I have developed a specialism in supporting children with additional needs in the early years, in addition to a having keen interest in how to promote the emotional growth and wellbeing of children and young people. I have particular knowledge and experience of supporting schools in looking at the ‘bigger picture’; working with them to support change at a systems level to ensure the whole school community is meeting children’s needs in the most effective way. I am of the firm belief that we have to establish a positive feeling of emotional health and well being to provide pupils with a secure base to embark on learning.
I am passionate about psychology: not just the theory (which I do like!) but also the application of psychological theory to support an understanding of complex problems and the power to provide an impetus for positive change. Having worked as an educational psychologist for over 10 years, I’ve developed an interest in many areas of psychology but particularly approaches that enhance social and emotional wellbeing at the individual and organisational level. Further, I firmly believe that working in collaboration with others offers the most promising way of supporting positive outcomes. For me, relationships and the promotion of positive interactions is central to all my work.
