When did you join ASM?
2015.

Tell us about your experience, lived and/or working?
I have been working in this field for just over 20 years. My experience began whilst at university where I volunteered at a school for children with a range of disabilities. This lead on to working full time supporting teenagers on the Autistic Spectrum in a primary school.

Following on from this I moved to adult services and The National Autistic Society where I working as a senior support worker in a day centre. This involved supporting adults with life skills, college and employment opportunities and running a weekly social group.

Alongside this I worked as a family support worker for over 10 years supporting a child with Cerebral Palsy through to adulthood. This gave me a great deal of insight into the family experiences of supporting a child with a disability and the ongoing battle families face with regards to getting the much needed support from the local authorities.

What do you value most about your work?
That no 2 days are ever the same. Working on the enquiries means I get to meet and chat with such a huge range of people with different lived experiences and challenges.

I value being able to either support them through AS Mentoring to overcome the challenges or reach their potential or to be able to signpost people on to the correct support for them.

What are your areas of interest or expertise?
Throughout my working life I have interacted with such a huge range of people from all walks of life. This has led to my interest in understanding the complexities and individuality of people’s support needs and how these can best be met.

When you’re not working, how do you relax, have fun etc?
I have an energetic 5 year old son so that takes up pretty much every minute outside of work. I enjoy running which I find helps me switch off and get some perspective.