I completed a music degree in theory and composition and a masters of music therapy. I have been a music therapist for over a decade and a music teacher for seven years. My professional roles have offered me extensive experience and training working with children with varying diagnoses such as, autism and ADHD. I am a PhD candidate at Goldsmith’s University and my research is about musical cultures in schools with a focus on inclusion, labels, power and accessibility.

​

As the lead on Communication and Interaction at Ilfracombe Junior school, I support children with diagnosis such as autism and ADHD, or those who may struggle with social interactions, self-regulation and/or expressive/receptive communication. As an integrated staff member, I work with children directly to help understand their strengths and to create a more accessible school environment for them. I work directly with teachers and teaching assistants to ensure adequate provision, the monitoring of this provision, and its potential impact. Our team focuses on consistency in our ‘universal’ provision offer across the school, both in and out of the classroom. Much of this work, and my understanding of its potential, is enhanced by my time teaching children in music and engaging musically with some children individually or in small groups.