About

Since joining Sheffield Hallam University, I have been involved in teaching on the Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) in Working with Children, Young People and Families. I also teach on both the MA and BA in Social Work. I have become particularly interested in developing students' understanding of research and its place in practice.

I have an MA in Child Psychology (University of Nottingham) that ignited my interest in child development and in particular autism and communication disorders.

I then spent many years working in the voluntary and statutory sector with vulnerable children and families. Most memorable was 2 years working for Save the Children Fund in Hong Kong. I worked in a number of detention centres for Vietnamese asylum seekers. My job was to support young children's development through play-based education.

I went on to work in social services as a training manager for the children and families services. When I had my children I was lucky enough to get a part-time opportunity as a researcher at Royal Holloway, University of London. This cemented my passion for research. After some years I finally came back home to Sheffield and was delighted to accept a position here at Sheffield Hallam.

Specialist areas of interest

Child Development
Effective Communication
Safeguarding particularly neglect and emotional abuse
Forced marriage
Research methods
Domestic abuse and parental substance misuse
Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Multi-agency working

Teaching

Children, Young People and Families

I teach on FdA Working with Children, Young People and Families; BA Hons Working with Children, Young People and Families. 

Research

My research interests are: child development and safeguarding processes (including multi-agency working), child neglect, forced marriage, research methods, use of research in practice. 

Publications