I completed both my Undergraduate and Masters degrees at Liverpool John Moores University. Shortly after completing my Masters degree, I gained a position as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and PhD researcher at Edge Hill University in the Department of Sport and Physical Activity. Upon completing my PhD in 2018, I moved to the Department of Applied Health & Social Care to pursue my interest in Mental Health and Wellbeing. The department re-branded in 2022, and I now work within the Department of Social Work and Wellbeing in the Faculty of Health Social Care and Medicine. I am a HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist (Health). I specialise in health behaviour change. I undertook the British Psychological Society (BPS) Stage 2 Health Psychologist training to obtain HCPC Chartership.  

My PhD studies investigated the effectiveness of school-based physical activity interventions for adolescent girls. This was a mixed methodology project. Regular engagement in physical activity is known to have numerous physical and mental health benefits. Yet, activity levels across children and young people are declining across time and the prevalence of mental health and wellbeing issues is increasing. My primary research interest is exploring the relationship between physical activity and mental health and wellbeing. I have numerous other research topic areas of interest which usually fit within this overall theme including; resilience building, health behaviour change, body satisfaction, social media, and public health. I have experience and interest in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and systematic reviewing.

I currently supervise two PhD students. One PhD Student is investigating the potential use of physical activity and psychotherapy as an intervention approach to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. The second PhD student is investigating the use of outdoor adventure activities to build resilience in female youth. I supervise one MRes student who is exploring a social media analysis to investigate how counselling is perceived online.

I currently lead the following modules: 

- Wellbeing Department Lead for Dissertations (L6)

- HUG3100 Dissertation Literature Review (L6)

- HUG3240 Dissertation Primary Research (L6)

- HUG2213 Understanding Research (L5)

- HUG1137 Professional and Academic Skills (L4)

I also contribute to: 

- HEA4444 Research Methods (L7)

- HUG4048 and HUG4049 Dissertation (L7)

I primarily teach on the undergraduate Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing degree programme. I am currently supervising Undergraduate and Masters Dissertations. I supervise one MRes student and two PhD students.