About me
I am a specialist SEND and autism teacher, tutor and experienced senior SEND leader, and the person behind EmpowerEd North. I bring over 20 years of experience supporting autistic children and young people, and learners with severe learning disabilities, complex communication needs and highly individual learning profiles.
My background
I have worked in mainstream schools, specialist bases, special schools and further education, from primary through to post-16, including senior leadership roles.
I draw on specialist training in communication, structured teaching and sensory support to find approaches that fit each learner. This includes SCERTS, TEACCH, Social Stories and visual supports.
Qualifications and safe practice
I hold a Certificate of Education (PCET) from the University of Sunderland (2017) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism with Distinction from Northumbria University (2012).
My experience spans primary, secondary, specialist and post-16 education. In senior SEND leadership roles, I have led curriculum and teaching, supported staff development and helped teams turn individual learning goals into practical support.
I have completed Designated Safeguarding Lead training, alongside safeguarding and Prevent training updated in August 2026. Understanding concerns, listening carefully and following clear safeguarding procedures are part of my work.
I hold the Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF), awarded in July 2026 following training with North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and valid for three years.
Before support begins, we discuss relevant health, access and emergency arrangements with the family.
A milestone in my career
In 2016, the specialist autism provision I established and led at Benfield School received national recognition from the National Autistic Society.
That experience continues to shape how I work with learners, families and colleagues today.
My approach
I value calm, predictable relationships and time to understand what helps a learner feel comfortable. Progress begins with a starting point they can manage.
A choice, a pause, a movement or a refusal can tell us something important. Support needs to respect the learner's own way of communicating.
Goals should make a difference to everyday life: communicating a need, growing in independence, enjoying learning or preparing for a next step.
Working with families
I also bring lived family experience of autism. This informs my understanding of how complex and emotional it can be to navigate education, support and decisions about the future.
Parents and carers bring knowledge that matters. I want to work alongside families and the professionals around a learner, sharing practical approaches and recognising small steps forward.
You can explore sensory stories, discuss home tuition or read about the wider EmpowerEd North offer.
If you think my approach could be a good fit, get in touch and tell me a little about the support you are looking for.
