I graduated from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) with a B.Ed (Hons) degree in Physical Education and Science in 1997 and taught in a number of secondary schools within Liverpool and Knowsley. I took up a post with Liverpool City Council in 1998 as a part-time Youth and Community Worker, working with young people in youth centres and on detached, supporting their personal, social and political development. I have worked in a number of senior positions within the statutory and community sector over the last fifteen years, in both Liverpool and Norfolk. 

I returned to study at De Montfort University in 2002 gaining my JNC qualification and completed my Masters degree in Youth and Community Work at Manchester Metropolitan University. I have presented my MA research, 'The Will to Empower' at conferences in England and Ireland.  My principal research interests lie within the area of youth participation and political education and the impact on youth and community development, leadership and decision-making. I am keen to work with young people as researchers and support them to design and undertake research focused on their own interests. I am now studying at Doctoral level and my future research plans include an exploration of the Community Participatory Action Research, working with local community organisations to develop our commitment to social justice locally.