I worked in secondary schools in East Leeds as a classroom teacher, head of Humanities, head of Sixth Form and Assistant Headteacher for fourteen years, before leaving in 2013 to write and have more time to look after my three boys and elderly parents.

Since then, I have been employed as a consultant by schools throughout Leeds, universities and educational social enterprises; examined for OCR and AQA ; and successfully mentored young people through their critical exam years.

This work has allowed me to work more creatively and have a very unique insight into how a variety of schools work, what they offer and the pressures young people face.

I love working with young people, and enjoy discovering what makes them learn best as well as what hinders their learning; seeking creative and individual solutions. Student Navigator allows me to work with students from every type of background and school, and find ways to help them succeed at what it is they want to do.

Before entering the teaching profession, I worked in television as an assistant director and writer. However, it was while teaching as a volunteer in Uganda and Malawi that I realised how teaching provides you with opportunities to seek creative solutions and see them bear fruit almost straightaway, and this spurred me on to study for a PGCE at Leeds University in Religious Studies and Drama. 

 (I graduated in 1990 from the University of St Andrews with a Masters of Theology. The beauty of the Scottish university system allowed me to study a range of subjects including English Literature, Economics, Psychology as well as the Theology and Philosophy of Religion that I finally specialised in.)

I have worked in the Higher Education sector in a variety of capacities since 2008. I completed my PhD in French literature at the University of Nottingham, where I also undertook undergraduate teaching in French politics, economics, and literature. This was preceded by an MA in French and BA (hons) in French and German.

I have always loved working in higher education with young people about to embark upon independent living and starting out in their degree and career. Through my experience of working in both teaching and professional roles in universities, I have seen the difficulties faced by students when transitioning from school to HE and I have also witnessed the great positive academic growth and personal development of young people when supported on their journey. In my current role as an Academic Mentor at the University of Leeds, I work with undergraduate students to enable them to succeed in their degree course and reach their academic potential. I have previously worked in student recruitment and outreach at Leeds Beckett University, managing the Student Ambassador scheme with responsibility for the recruitment, training, and professional development of Student Ambassadors. I also developed and delivered numerous projects designed to inspire young people from local schools and colleges and support them to achieve their potential.

In my role at Student Navigator, I focus on supporting young people to consider their skills, interests and options and I help to prepare them for their journey to university and beyond. I am also passionate about languages and helping children and young people to reach their full potential in French and German. I have worked extensively as a private tutor, preparing students for GCSE and A-Level exams; particularly speaking exams, which often cause students considerable anxiety. Watching a young person’s confidence grow as their language skills develop is thoroughly rewarding.

I have a real commitment to learning and professional development and have recently completed a Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Career Development to enhance my own skills.

I have always loved working with older primary-age children and enabling them to become more independent and resilient young people, ready for Year 7 and beyond. My extensive experience in working with a range of pupils, who may have had additional needs, experienced economic disadvantage, or faced other barriers to their learning, has inspired me to find creative and effective ways to support EVERY child to achieve and valued. their best, no matter what current obstacles they face. Seeing children tackle problems with confidence, create pieces of writing with enthusiasm and technical skill and engage in discussing their future aspirations, makes for a rewarding career. I am currently developing my expertise in mental health support, having recently achieved my PGCert in Interpersonal and Counselling Skills and from September 2023, studying for my MSc in Psychotherapy.

I graduated with an Honours degree in Geography with Geology, from the University of Durham, in 1992. After completion of my PGCE at Hull, I then moved to Leeds in 1995, embarking on a successful teaching career specialising in Geography KS3-5, and Travel and Tourism, Key Skills, and EPQ at Advanced Level, taking a lead role for the latter.
After enjoying Head of Sixth Form and Head of House roles for 10 years, I taught part time for 4 years, examined with AQA A level Geography, and made more time for my family, travel and gardening! I am now delighted to be in my fifth year working one to one as a Sixth Form Mentor, coaching students to become effective independent learners. It is incredibly rewarding to work with students to overcome whatever hurdles they have in their learning journey, whether in or out of school, utilising a long career of experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting post 16 students in an academic and pastoral context, particularly in the decision-making and applications for university, including Oxbridge and Early Applicants, and apprenticeships.
I regard it as a great privilege to meet students where they are and coach them towards their goals.