When did you join ASM?

2026.

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Tell us about your experience, lived and/or working?

I have quite an interesting work background… I think they call it a ‘portfolio career’. I call it an incredibly creative and entrepreneurial ADHD brain!

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I have owned three businesses (four if you include ‘The Lounge Theatre’, which I set up at five years old, charging my parents 50p for a Lion Bar and a ticket to watch my performances!). So perhaps the entrepreneurial bit started quite early…

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With a love of supporting others, I started my training as a psychiatric nurse in the late 90s but eventually had to leave due to what I now know was ADHD burnout. I then moved into HR and have over 25 years’ experience, mainly within the insurance industry, specialising in Learning, Leadership and Development, along with over 15 years’ experience in early careers.

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I was diagnosed with ADHD later in life and grew up in a very neurodivergent family, so I have plenty of lived experience alongside my professional background.

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I left corporate work in March 2025 to follow my passion for supporting neurodivergent people through coaching and mentoring. I also support organisations to create neuroinclusive workplaces through training and consultancy, and work part-time for a local charity supporting autistic children and young adults.

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I am a qualified coach, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and hold a Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills.

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What do you value most about your work?

Supporting others to grow in confidence, learn to self-advocate and develop goals that feel true to who they are and work for them.

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Seeing someone go from neurodivergent burnout to understanding themselves better and creating the steps towards a happy and fulfilling life is the most rewarding part of my job.

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I love the lightbulb ‘A-HA!’ moment, whether that’s through coaching, mentoring or facilitating group training sessions. Seeing something suddenly click for someone is the best thing to see.

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What are your areas of interest or expertise?

Psychology and people! Although I haven’t got a formal Psychology degree (it’s next on my list!), I have always been really interested in psychology and how it can help us understand ourselves and others.  As my daughter says, I ‘love to collect certificates’.

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I’m particularly knowledgeable about autism and ADHD, especially with those in their early careers or who have a late discovery of neurodivergence. I also have personal experience of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and I understand how this can be particularly challenging for autistic people.

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When you’re not working, how do you relax, have fun etc?

As a SEN mum, juggling work and elderly parents too, relaxing is rare!

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However, I’m a big believer in positivity, when life throws you lemons, make lemonade. I’m also a secret hippy and love yoga, walking in nature and all things zen!

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