I am a Senior Lecturer and registered social worker with over 30 years of experience in mental health, learning disabilities, and community services, teaching, and practice education. My academic career has focused on developing reflective, compassionate practitioners and strengthening links between social work education, social justice and professional practice.

My professional experience ranges from support worker to service manager, including leading the development of an innovative postnatal depression service across Merseyside. I have extensive expertise in practice education, student supervision, and partnership working between higher education institutions and practice learning providers.

I have designed and led modules on undergraduate and postgraduate social work programmes, with expertise in practice learning, professional development, and student-centred pedagogies. My teaching is informed by research and extensive practice experience, underpinned by anti-oppressive, social justice-oriented and relationship-based approaches.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology, a Diploma in Social Work, postgraduate qualifications in Counselling Skills and Theories, Therapeutic Groupwork, an MA in Education, and a Doctorate in Education (EdD). I am also a qualified Practice Educator and Solution Focused Hypnotherapist.

My research explores professional learning, identity, and transformative learning in social work education. I have expertise in Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and researched into students' experiences of practice placements. Drawing on Threshold Concept Theory, I examine how students develop professional identity, confidence, and capability. I also have future plans to research women in academia, focusing on neurodivergence, belonging, identity, and equitable academic cultures. Across my research, I will aim to advance understanding of learning, inclusion, and professional development in higher education and social work.