I don’t have a linear story to tell about how and why I do what I do now. But I have always been interested in humans and community and bodies. I’m never sure in these sections whether qualifications or a general impression of the person tells you more about someone’s work. Suffice to say, I have documents enough (Contemporary Dance at the Academy for Performing Arts Hong Kong, Social Anthropology degree from Cambridge University, MA in Acting from East 15 Drama School and a Foundation Degree in Adult Education from Worcester), all of which have been fascinating and invaluable, but the real work has been using this knowledge out in the real world.

I am an expert facilitator who has over 20 years experience. Creating spaces where brave conversations can happen and people feel empowered to make changes in the world is my bread and butter. This has taken in youth work (at Hackney City Farm being one lovely example), mental health support and education (delivering psycho educational workshops and support to over 5000 teenagers in Bristol and training 2000 professionals to do the same), movement and dance for therapeutic and performance purposes and generally helping organisations run. One of my favourite roles has been as Litter Pick Manager of Glastonbury Festival where I have a team of 3000 people to look after - possibly my largest scale choreography and social movement! Culture change takes time and I have time for that.

Whilst having a wealth of knowledge and experience of working in mental health settings, including regularly sitting in CAHMS triage and running drop in groups, I have resisted becoming ‘qualified’ as I aim to illustrate that good psycho education is available to us all. I take this experience in to my work as a Wellbeing Co-ordinator and Consultant. Currently I work with Aneurin Bevan’s Perinatal Mental Health team running creative sessions as well as work as a trainer in Bystander Intervention with Kindling Interventions. Real change comes when communities are equipped with the tools and knowledge to care for each other.

My movement practice is related to all this. I trained in contemporary dance in Hong Kong and continued at Cambridge, running the Kings Contemporary Dance Project. I spent a long time coming to terms with my own approach to dance and movement, but now in my 40’s am fully embracing the distinct perspective I have. I work extensively with Familia De La Noche creating joyous and inclusive work. I also freelance as a performer/performance artist, most recently on the HMS Morris album launch and recent music videos. I work with the various community groups bringing back the joy and playfulness of dance with people who have stopped or are unsure of how to get into their bodies. Recent work has been with Arts in Health with Aneurin Bevan Health Board and Groundwork in Cardiff.

I grew up in many different countries and have lived a quietly unconventional life, and I hope that that means if you work with me you will experience a open mindedness and collaborative approach that will bring the best to whatever we work on. Bring it on!