In my early career, I tacked between jobs in the theatre and in the voluntary sector e.g. as an advisor on the National AIDS Helpline and as the Deputy Manager of a Citizen’s Advice Bureau. I trained as a teacher and, for seven years, worked in the education department at Sheffield Theatres, teaching drama, directing plays, and working collaboratively with my team. We aimed to build young people's confidence, creativity and consideration for others through challenging and high quality artistic experiences.

 

In 2005, I became Director of the Creative Partnerships programme in Sheffield, developing creative approaches to teaching and learning in 75 schools, working closely with senior managers in the Arts Council and the Local Authority. Subsequently I worked for the creative learning agency, Cape UK, developing their professional learning programme for teachers and senior leaders, before going freelance as a facilitator and trainer.

 

I still act occasionally, most recently in 2013 in Dead Earnest Theatre’s play ‘Sweet Comradeship’ which I co-wrote with Charlie Barnes. Previous performing credits include a solo show, ‘Bestiary’, written by Jim Burke, and ‘Fiction’ with Victoria Marks Performance Company in the USA.

 

In addition to my work as a facilitator and trainer, I am studying for a part-time PhD exploring creative methods of communicating about climate change.