My story : My 'why'...
SEND is more than my profession—it is a significant part of who I am.
I view Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through multiple lenses: as an academic researcher, specialist practitioner, with the profound lived reality as the proud parent of an amazing autistic young man. These experiences have shaped not only my career but also my understanding of the challenges, frustrations, joys, and triumphs that many children, young people, families, and professionals experience every day.
My professional expertise spans Autism, Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH). I am also passionate about exploring the intersections of race, ethnicity, culture, and disability within education, advocating for inclusive, equitable learning environments where every child is seen, valued, and supported to thrive.
With a PhD in Education (specialising in the intersections of race, ethnicity, culture and autism), MSc in Psychological Sciences, and more than 20 years of experience working with autistic children and young people (15 years teaching in a special school), I have dedicated my career to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. I particularly enjoy helping schools make the connections between research and practice, translating complex theory into practical strategies that make a meaningful difference in classrooms and communities. Throughout my career, I have worked alongside both specialist and mainstream schools to develop provision, support staff development, and strengthen partnerships with families. This work has proudly extended into universities, local authorities and wider communities. I deeply believe that lasting change happens when everyone works together with trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to the child or young person at the centre.
Why does intersectionality matter?
What can intersectionality create?
-Equity in SEND
-Inclusive Practice
- Better outcomes
-Sense of Belonging
-Cultural Pride
... and so much more!
