First and foremost I am the mother of three children; a role that continues to give me much joy. I am also a registered midwife and a qualified antenatal teacher with the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).

Over many years I have gained great personal enjoyment from helping and supporting the learning of adults and children. More recently I have found special rewards in working with parents-to-be; helping them to gain the confidence, skills and knowledge to improve their birth experiences and their enjoyment of parenthood.

My training and experience have made me a strong believer in interactive approaches to learning and I try to adapt all my courses to the unique needs of each group of people. For this reason my courses are small and I am able to make the most of my own knowledge and experience as a professional facilitator; I am also able to respond rapidly to any specific needs that may arise during a course. The handouts and notes used in my courses are up-to-date and evidence-based and I regularly lead antenatal courses in Kent on behalf of the NCT.

I have spent several years as a community midwife on the borders of Kent and East Sussex. I am currently doing the occasional hospital shift for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. I am a practicing member of both the Nurses and Midwives Council (NMC) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).

I represent the NCT on the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Midwifery Services Liaison Committee where I introduce the views of parents into NHS local planning and management. This, and my ongoing experiences as a midwife and NCT facilitator, has provided me with broad insights and understanding of local maternity services, as well as the needs of today’s parents.

In addition to nursing and midwifery qualifications I possess diplomas in Antenatal Education, Montessori Education and a post-graduate degree in health management.