I was born, have grown up, and have always lived in Plymouth. In fact I went to school on the same site as the University of Plymouth. I have had an eclectic working career, which includes 5 years in the Royal Navy. I found nursing later in life, after working as a support worker for young adults with learning disabilities, mental health issues, and other identified areas of need. Between 2002-2005 I completed a Diploma (He) in Nursing (Mental Health) at the University of Plymouth. This sparked an interest in learning and self-development which led to a BSc (Hons) in Health Studies, an MSc in Ageing, Mental Health, and Dementia, and most recently (2020) a PhD in Mental Health, which I completed at Lancaster University as a blended learning student. This was all whilst working full time in the NHS. I have been an associate, honorary and full time nursing lecturer (MH) in 2018 within the School of Nursing & Midwifery. However, in 2022 I moved into research and I am currently Research Fellow for the Enhanced Health in Care Homes & Developing Research in Care Homes projects. 

I am a PhD student supervisor (inc reflexive supervision)