Please briefly describe your clinical/medical experience to date?
I have been a health play specialist for 23 years and now manager of the play specialist team at Oxford for one year.
What motivated you to enter paediatric care in the first place?
I had been working with children in the nursery setting initially to gain experience following gaining my child care qualification. I always knew I wanted to go on and work with sick children in hospital and managed to secure a job as a play assistant. I then embarked on the training to become a qualified play specialist, and have never looked back. It is so empowerign working with children and their families on what can be their darkest days, and making it a better experience for them through play.
How will the funding from The Evie Dove Foundation help you to advance your career and your impact/services to children?
The funding means I can do the BA Top Up in Professional Practice Working with Children 0-19 years. This gives me the full degree and a broader knowledge of how to support the families, as an individual I work with, and to support the team I lead further with the families they come into contact with. In time, this course will empower me to lead the team better, and help me with restructuring the team to encourage stability and progression for their careers.
How did you find out about The Evie Dove Foundation?
Through other play specialists when networking.
Tell us about yourself!
I live on the perimeter of the Cotswold near Blenheim Palace. I am married with two teenage children and two cats. I enjoy walks around Blenheim, attending concerts and watching my children play football.
Anything else you would like to tell us about your experience, future aspirations and motivations?
There is always something to learn. there are new developing challenges for families within mental health, supporting with neuro-diversity, and following on form the Covid Pandemic.
