I have worked for over 20 years as qualified Social Worker and am registered with Social Care England and NACAS.  I am a qualified Best Interest Assessor, am based in Chester and have experience in co-ordinating the  care and support of disabled and neurodivergent adults and children  in local authorities in both Wales and England.

I have lived experience of supporting neurodivergent family members through transition to young adulthood, in navigating SEN education, EHCP processes and health systems.  I am later-life diagnosed as Autistic and ADHD and   identify and connect with neurodivergent communities.

I have training in low-demand approaches, neurodiversity-affirming practice, sensory integration, communication differences, and safeguarding.

I have a Masters degree in Critical Autism Studies and am working towards a Doctorate in Professional Health and Social Care studies with Autism as my focus for research.  

I am mum to a Jack Russell terrier and a not very imaginatively named cat called 'puss'.  I have an allotment and love to grow vegetables and flowers.  I have 10 houseplants and a tiny wildlife pond in an almost equally tiny back yard.  I am a keen runner (although not very fast) and enjoy trips away in my camper van.  I like to ride my bike (I have a carrier on the back for my little dog) and go to the gym (very) occasionally.  I enjoy walking, open water swimming, arts and crafts, watching wildlife, foraging for wild-grown foods, watching nature and real life crime documentaries.