Hello! I'm Helen

Experience & Qualifications 

I have had several roles in a variety of education settings including classroom teacher, 1-2-1 tutor for students with additional needs, Advanced Skills Teacher, Head of Department, Head of Year, NQT Co-ordinator, Teaching and Learning Development Team member, and Masters in Teaching and Learning Coach. I hold the following qualifications in teaching:

• 2001 - Post Graduate Certificate of Education (Further Education) from University of Keele
• 2003 - Qualified Teacher Status
• 2007 - Master of Teaching (Distinction) from Institute of Education, University of London
• 2008 - Advanced Skills Teacher (AST) Status
• 2009 - Master of Arts in Creative and Media Education (Distinction) from University of Bournemouth

I have experience of working in a range of settings, including: single sex and co-educational schools, non-selective and grammar schools, private schools and academies, schools for pupils with additional learning needs and/or disabilities, pupil referral units and secure mental health services. 

Since leaving teaching, I have continued to work with children, young people and families by supporting those who have been impacted by sexual abuse and I have gained the following qualifications:

• 2017 - OCN Level 3 - Working with Women and Girls in the Sexual Violence Sector
• 2017 - OCN Level 3 - Introduction to Handling Disclosures
• 2017 - OCN Level 3 - Awareness of Child Sexual Abuse
• 2018 - OCN Level 3 – Certificate in Domestic Abuse: Prevention and Early Intervention (Merit)
• 2019 - OCN Level 3 – Responding to Victims of Sexual Violence (Merit)

I have also undertaken Continued Professional Development on a range of topics, including: harmful sexual behaviours, gangs awareness, sexual health, trauma-informed practices and safeguarding.

I am currenlty in the third and final year of the MA in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy for Children, Adolescents and Families at the University of Roehampton. The course incorporates theory and practice from person-centred, attachment-based, psychodynamic and CBT approaches. 

Voluntary Work

I have done a range of voluntary work with children and young people and vulnerable adults in a variety of settings including: 

• acting as an Appropriate Adult and attending custody and police interviews with young and vulnerable people who have been arrested
• facilitating lessons for young people in a secure mental health unit on consent in romantic and sexual relationships
• acting as an advocate for women who have been subjected to domestic abuse/violence and sexual violence
• running groups and workshops for young survivors of sexual violence
• providing emotional support by telephone for vulnerable adults during the COVID-19 lockdown
• providing support for women exploited in the sex trade