I grew up in County Down, attending school there and then studied at Queen’s University Belfast. I became Irish in Britain in 1992 and I have lived and worked in London ever since.
I am proud to be part of a long tradition of Irish people who have committed their working lives to improving the lives of others in Britain through public service. I was a secondary school teacher and school leader in schools in Camden, Islington and Lewisham for 22 years.
In my current role as Head of Training and National Programmes at Anna Freud, I am privileged to be able to work towards achieving better wellbeing and mental health for Britain’s children and young people. I am also a school governor at two schools: a primary school in Southwark and a special school in Croydon.
I grew up in Northern Ireland at time of much upheaval and tragedy, but also a time of hope and ambition. Along with my partner and teenage daughters, I make frequent trips home to Northern Ireland to visit family and enjoy the beautiful natural environment and culture.
I believe that the experiences and concerns of the Northern Irish in Britain can and should contribute to the rich and important work of Irish in Britain.