I'm a Coach & Mentor for individuals and organisations, including for Arukah Network; an international community development charity that I helped to develop and grow. [Website here]

 

I'm an elected District Councillor in the UK. (I also hold the new role of Cabinet Member for Climate Change on my Council, and I am enjoying shaping this). 

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I am a Contributing Editor at the Ecologist magazine, and I'm a writer, including of freelance articles and book reviews on themes that align with my work and thinking (I'm also working on a book).

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I think communities are a starting point for improving connectivity, wellbeing and solutions to some of our world's most pressing challenges. I think listening is an underrated tool for creating change. I think reading a book is like getting to try on (and learn from) another life. I value and feel deeply peaceful when walking and being outdoors in nature. I feel 'in the moment' when I'm connecting with people, and when I'm helping to find creative approaches to challenging situations. 

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My experience includes... 

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  • Living and working around the world (largely in sub-Saharan Africa) for non-profit organisations. This includes working alongside communities, government departments, businesses and others. 

  • Developing and growing an international community development network. 

  • Coaching individuals and emerging organisations. 

  • Working as an associate coach for organisations that support college students and humanitarian workers. 

  • Consulting, including for the Devon New Economy Initiative, which works to build an inclusive regional economy that serves people and the environment.

  • Research, including on the rehabilitation of child soldiers in Northern Uganda, and the aftermath of the 2011 tsunami in Japan. 

  • Being Deputy Editor of the UK's longest-running Environmental Magazine (Resurgence & The Ecologist). 

  • Spending thousands of hours working on, and thinking about, community and individual development. 

  • Co-designing and leading group coaching outdoors 

  • Speaking at events, and hosting panel discussions.  

  • Facilitating organisation 'away days'. 

  • Local politics in the UK as an elected District Councillor and portfolio holder for climate change. 

  • Photography and documentary projects around the world. 

  • Four years working as an NHS Auxiliary Nurse. 

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I have a BSc in Biological Sciences, an MSc in International Development (distinction), and an NCTJ Photojournalism accreditation. I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). I am a MOE-certified coach (training accredited by the Institute of Leadership Management and Association for Coaching) and an Associate Member of the Association for Coaching. I am part of the Climate Change Coaches Circle, and am an alumna of the Rural Writing Institute. 

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