Programme Coordinator, Hastings & Bexhill

I joined Villiers Park in 2011 in a role which has transformed over the years and is now called a progression coach on the Future Leaders Programme in Hastings and Bexhill. I have enjoyed working with hundreds of young people mentoring, coaching, laughing, chatting, going on educational and career inspiring visits, residentials and running workshops. All the while feeling very privileged to share in their journeys and help them to visualise and attain their future goals.

I have now progressed onto the role of Programme Coordinator for the region, which means that I manage the team and organise the activities as well as still coaching a small cohort of students.

Prior to Villiers Park, apart from a brief stint as an Auricular Acupuncturist and Ayurvedic massage therapist, I worked in education in different capacities such as at a local educational trust that helped students with behavioural difficulties and what was then called gifted and talented students. I worked for the Japanese Ministry of Education for two years helping Japanese teachers create interactive English classes at 5 rural secondary schools in Chiba Province, Japan. I did a degree in Chinese language, politics and economics and worked at The Royal Society, managing scientific exchanges between Britain and China. At a certain point I got a master’s degree in Chinese art, philosophy and religion and then became manager of a Chinese travel and information centre in London. I taught English in several countries as a way of getting around and seeing places and have been lucky enough to pick up five languages along the way.

Outside of work I love to paint, draw and write, see friends, spend time with my dog. Sometimes I add singing, dancing, yoga and Qi Gong to that list. I’m a secret film buff, love reading and have just discovered audio books.