I have living experience of mental health issues and of being an unpaid carer. I’m also a registered mental health nurse (RMN), with a background in neurodivergence and community mental health, and a healthcare researcher.

I came to nursing in my late 20s, with a background in theatre production, playwriting, acting and costume. Like many ADHDers, I’ve had a variety of jobs; backstage on the West End, packing boxes in a warehouse, working in marketing, admin, in shops etc - all while running a theatre company in my spare time.

It wasn’t until I received autism and ADHD diagnoses (read more about my journey to self-discovery here) that everything clicked for me, both professionally and personally. The more I understand about the links between undiscovered / unsupported neurodivergence and mental health, the more my own and my clients’ mental health struggles make sense to me.

I love being able to help other neurodivergent people and educating professionals about neurodivergence, and I feel that intersectional accessibility is the way forward. I’m hopeful that my research work will be part of our society changing to become more inclusive and less painful for neurodivergent people.

In my spare time, I still enjoy theatre, writing, singing, sewing/embroidery and a dozen other half-abandoned hyperfixations/special interests. I love living by the sea in Brighton and being with friends (1-1 with lots of rest and no group socialising of course). I’m constantly trying to find some kind of movement practice that works for me (fighting executive dysfunction every step of the way), and I’m passionate about politics, social justice and trans rights.