My Background

From a young age I had a strong desire to connect with children, especially younger ones. My own childhood experiences, of being dyslexic, highly sensitive and feeling deeply were all taken-for-granted (undiagnosed Autistic) and where she began. My calling was to this healing journey which I'm now on, sharing a connection-based parenting paradigm with others.

 

My career as a Primary School Teacher started in 2005. My first job was in East London, at a diverse, vibrant and inclusive school.

 

Despite learning to deal with the various behaviours and needs that the pupils presented, nothing could have prepared me for becoming a mother myself. In 2008 my eldest was born and whilst oozing with love and adoration for this little being, I was on the other hand, completely overwhelmed. I was in fact unprepared, faced as I was with his medical problems and emerging unique self. After a while I made the decision to leave teaching. I started childminding and began to find my own wobbly way with mothering and working from home.

 

By the time I had my youngest in 2015, I loved the second little human as much as my first, which was a worry before having him. There were inevitable ups and downs of life regularly derailing my parenting. It wasn't what I wanted for me or my children but I didn't know how to change it. A turning point was when I stumbled across a 'connection and trauma informed parenting practice' (Hand in Hand parenting and Aware Parenting). This shifted the way I saw my children and I became more able to appreciate them for the beauties that they are. Beginning to work with Listening Partnerships gave me space to work on myself and therapy. I discovered I could change things by responding to my own needs and self, and so became less reactive and 'shouty'. These tools became my life lines.

 

My biggest realisation was that love and compassion for oneself is at the core of parenting. Stemming from this, 'connection is key'. All the work I have done has helped me to become a lighter, more present and playful mother and I feel excited to be in the position to share this, still often deep in my parenting journey. I am now a parent guide and offer support to other parents that are full to the brim and need safe space to unravel their parenting and family life. My self and my sons are both Autistic. I received a late diagnosis at 42. I now offer my support for neurodivergent families, especially mothers and carers.