Where are you based? I am based in Swindon, Wiltshire. I work from a lovely, private office where I offer both face-to-face sessions and online via Zoom, Skype or Teams.

What do you love about The Thrive Programme? I love the Thrive Programme because it is so accessible. You can do it independently or with a coach to guide and support you and, because it is all about learning how to manage your own beliefs, thoughts and emotions, it works for each individual, unique range of needs and experiences.

I am generally a pretty positive person, with a ‘take life by the scruff of the neck’ attitude, but there were some deep-seated anxieties holding me back and blocking me from doing things I wanted to.

For me, the Thrive Programme has opened up a new world where I am in control and the things I DON’T do are because I’ve chosen not to rather than because I daren’t try.

What did you do before you became a Coach? I have a degree in Education and Lifelong Learning and for many years have worked in Primary Schools supporting children and young peoples’ social and emotional development. In the Autumn term I spend time with the 5 year olds in Reception, supporting them to settle into school life. The summer term is largely focussed on the 11 year olds preparing for their transition to secondary school.

Through my volunteer work as a youth mentor I support young people (13-18 years old) whose lives have taken a bit of a wrong turn. So many of the children I support have very low self-esteem, lack of confidence and little self-belief which is expressed through behaviours that don’t really work so well in school or the classroom. Many of them feel confused, resentful and angry as life seems to ‘happen ‘to them’. I noticed that often the adults closest to the children also struggle with similar issues resulting in a range of anxieties and difficulties.

The Thrive Programme helped me to understand how much I am in control of my thoughts, emotions and beliefs – and how these underpin how I experience life. Being a coach allows me to support others to overcome their own limiting beliefs and learn how to live their life – better. With joy, enthusiasm and fulfilment.

What do you do when you're not working? I love being out and about. Most early mornings I’m out with my dog - a little lurcher. We love going off-road exploring the local tracks, trails and bridleways and make the most of living close to the Ridgeway National Trail. We enter the odd running event too. I discovered motorbikes (a rather unexpected and wonderful ‘mid-life crisis’) and need very little reason to head out in search of new routes and good cafes.

I’m a member of a local EVS (Emergency Voluntary Service) and help deliver essential items for the NHS on a Blood Bike – in all weathers! If there is any time left I like to read, cook and spend time with family and friends.

An interesting fact? I enjoy long-distance running and have completed a few ultra-marathons. Definitely the hardest was the Thames Path 100 (miles) which I entered as a 50th birthday ‘treat’. I’m very happy to have ticked it off my bucket list and doubt I’ll do anything else quite that long.

What year were you born? 1967.

What languages do you speak? English.

How would your friends describe you? Down to earth.

Do you see clients online or face-to-face? I offer both.

What time-zone are you in? I am based in the UK so GMT time zone – BST in summer months.

What are your working hours? I offer fully flexible working hours as I appreciate how difficult it can be to fit sessions in around work and other commitments.