About us

My background is youth and play work, followed by participation and engagement. For the last 10 years my work has been to ensure the children and young people in North Tyneside have a voice and have every opportunity to be involved in decision making. Initially, I worked predominantly with schools and then moved on to more vulnerable children and young people, such as those in the care of the Local Authority and those with SEND.

I developed and manage the Advocacy Service for children and young people in North Tyneside and our Return Home Interview service for missing children and young people. I am involved in developing SEND services in line with the views and wishes of children, young people and their families and I have recently taken over managing the SENDIASS service. I am passionate about people with lived experience having a voice and people’s rights and entitlements being upheld.

In my life outside my job, I am married and have two active sons. We spend a lot of time doing activities together and supporting one of them with kickboxing. When I am not doing that I enjoy listening to podcasts (true crime is a favourite), reading and shopping.

During that time there have been a lot of changes in the law around special educational needs. 

Before working for SENDIASS, I worked for leisure services in North Tyneside in a variety of roles including teaching swimming to SEND children. 

I still do a little bit of teaching now as I deliver Rookie Lifesaving courses to children.  

I have a legal background having completed a law degree at university and after a few years of working in the private sector, I decided on a different type of career. 

Since joining SENDIASS I have completed lots of additional legal training and enjoy reading up on any changes and developments in SEND law.

My interest outside of work include travel, running, fitness and reading. 

Prior to that I was a member of the local authorities SEN team for nearly 4 years.

I have a varied background, largely in SEND services for children, young people and adults having worked in schools and colleges, overnight short break provisions, community based short break services, residential care, special needs play schemes and spent a number of years as a manager of community based short break services for children and young people, on behalf of the local authority.

A number of these roles have also had an element of providing information and advice, including sitting alongside the Families Information Service as part of the wider DANS team for a period.

Since joining SENDIASS I have completed the required legal training and make sure that my knowledge is kept up to date with any changes to SEND legislation.

In my personal time I’m a supporter of live comedy, and music. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, especially Teddy the cockapoo and I’m a much happier person to be around during the summer months.