My Background
I’m a transformative coach, rock climber, co-owner of a climbing wall business, with a career background in the Further Education (F.E.) sector.
When I’m not coaching or at Boulder UK, I’m usually out climbing. I grew up next to Cannock Chase in the Midlands & from a young age, enjoyed spending time outdoors & playing sport.
When I was 17, a close family bereavement impacted on my whole family; it made me think about what was most important to me & about how I wanted to spend my time. A year later, before university, I decided to take some time out to travel to Australia, on a gap-year.
“Transformative coaching, is like travelling - it gives you the chance to explore, grow & will change how you experience & view the world.”
Leadership & team development are areas of coaching interest & experience.
I completed my first formal leadership qualification when I was in the Territorial Army (T.A.) over 20 years ago, during the period I was studying at the University of Leeds.
After completing a degree in history, I interned at a foreign policy think-tank in Washington D.C. When I returned to the U.K., I completed initial teacher training at Wolverhampton University before moving to Preston to start work as a Public Services lecturer, at an outstanding college in the NW England.
I spent the next 16 years working at the same college, with final 9 years as part of the Senior Leadership team, specialising in pastoral support & then quality management & improvement.
“Throughout my career in F.E. & in climbing, my most enjoyable experiences have been teaming up with others as they work towards achieving things important to them.”
Shortly after moving into my first Senior Leadership position in 2013, I applied for flexible working. I enjoyed my work & the increased level of challenge as an Assistant Principal but didn’t want to miss out on other things that were important to me, as my career progressed.
During this period, I made the first female ascent of the Traverse of the Gods at Craig y Longridge (8b+), climbed Austrian Oak (8b) at Malham & opened Boulder UK climbing wall. I also enjoyed being able to spend more time with friends & family.
In Autumn 2022, I was ready for another change and took the decision to leave my role as Director of Quality. I consolidated my skills & experience & started working as a transformative coach, alongside running the climbing wall with the rest of the team at Boulder U.K.
Moving into coaching allowed me to continue to work in alignment with my values & the service of others as well as more autonomy, flexibility & freedom to go abroad on longer climbing trips.
Rock-climbing is a lifestyle for me, rather than just a hobby; it is also a source of community, travel, fun & learning. I enjoy working with the team at Boulder UK, to introduce others to climbing & using it as a way to empower others & support personal growth.
Professional Training & Qualifications
I am a certified coach, with a Diploma in Transformative Coaching, accredited by the Association of Coaching (AC), the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) & the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Prior qualifications include Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - Post-Compulsory Education from the University of Wolverhampton a BA (Hons) in History (First Class) from the University of Leeds.
I am a trained Rock Climbing Instructor (SPA) & Mountain Leader (MLS), have completed the British Mountaineering Council’s (BMCs) Fundamentals of Climbing courses as well as the Foundation Coach training, Rock Climbing Development Instructor training & REC (Rescue Emergency Care) Outdoor First Aid qualification.
I am committed to continuous professional & personal learning (CPPL), work 1:1 with my own coach & am a member of Animas alumni coaching forums.
I am also passionate about the importance of prioritising health & wellbeing for success in sport, business & life & have completed Yale University’s The Science of Well-Being course to support coaching conversations in this area.
