Before joining Buckinghamshire New University in 2013 I was a Social Worker and Team Manager in various Local Authorities. During my career I focussed on Children and Families, but latterly qualified as an Approved Mental Health Practitioner and a Best interest assessor which has lead to me to work with adults.

I studied for my BSocSc Social Work - University of the Orange Free State in South Africa as well as my Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Practice from Bournemouth University.

My specialist area of interest/research is developing skills for Social Work Students in conjunction with Practice Educators.

It is interesting because as Practice Lead for Social Work, I regularly meet with both employers and Practice Educators who has given feedback that students need to be prepared for practice learning to be complete their placements successfully. During the learning sessions, the students engage with practice educators and experts by experience which gives the opportunity to build confidence in a safe learning environment.

I am a registered Social Worker with Social Work England and a registered Fellow of the HEA.

My greatest accolade to date/My career highlight is playing my small part in developing high standard Social Workers who ensure the best outcomes for those that they work with considering the limited resources available.