After seventeen years working in secondary schools and a VI Form College, I joined Liverpool Hope University where I am now Associate Professor in Theology and Education. I studied at the University of Hull (BA (Hons), Theology and English Literature), the University of Birmingham (M.Phil, Theology and Education), the University of Leeds (PhD, Theology and Religion), the University of Liverpool (PGCE, RE) and the Open University (PG. Cert., Educational Management). I also hold the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies. I teach in the areas of Christian Education and Theology, Religious Studies & Philosophy. I have published two books on Christian worship, with a third on Catholic Education near completion and have edited five collections of essays. I am also Senior Editor for the Liverpool Hope University Studies in Ethics Series  which has presently eleven volumes in print. I have supervised a number of successful doctorates; my most recent are entitled: ‘Pursuing Eudaimonia : Re-appropriating the Greek Philosophical Foundations of the Christian Apophatic Tradition’ and 'Encouraging a Spirituality of Profound Responsiveness for Pupils and Teachers: A Paradigm of Spirituality appropriate for Education at the beginning of the 21st Century'. I am presently the external examiner for the MA (Christian Spirituality) at Sarum College, Salisbury and am passionate about widening participation and dispelling myths about studying theology, religion and education.

My research interests are : contemporary Catholic theology and education; collective worship in schools; Christian spirituality (especially the spiritual senses and Christian monasticism); Christian liturgy; theology and the arts; ; embodiment and religious emotion.  I am keen to receive enquiries for postgraduate and doctoral work in these areas.