My early career was spent in Recruitment and Selection and I spent over 10 years working within busy recruitment agencies, eventually managing several offices. However, after deciding that a change was needed, I made the decision to enter Higher Education to retrain to work within mental health.

The experience of completing my undergraduate and post-graduate degrees as a mature student, combined with managing financial and family responsibilities, was an enlightening experience. It has allowed me to develop first-hand, recent experience of some of the challenges experienced by students who choose to change their career through education. 

In addition to working as lecturer, I also work within Student Services as the University’s in-house Specialist Mentor. Within this role I offer one-to-one support and guidance to neurodiverse students and students with diagnosed mental health conditions. The role of Specialist Mentor – equal parts mental health educator and academic life coach – continues to build my understanding of the uniqueness of students and challenges faced.