I am from Manchester, but moved to Wales in 2003. After witnessing family members experience mental health and working in the care sector with adults who have additional needs and behaviours that challenge, I decided to complete a BSc in Psychology. After researching Master’s programs, I discovered Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). I completed a MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Therapy and PGcert for Supervised Practice in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Therapy at the University of South Wales in 2015 and 2016. I have worked in the field of ABA since 2015. I started as a case manager and worked with children from 2 to 7 years old. From case manager, I then accepted the role of Area Positive Behaviour Support Assistant for an adult residential service who support adults between 18 and 67 years old who were diagnosed with Autism, mental health, learning difficulties and or behaviours that challenge.

My time in adult residential services provided me with some wonderful experiences and it educated me on the reality of the health and social care provision that adults who had additional needs or behaviours that challenge receive. Having this information encouraged me towards my career in applied behaviour analysis more, ensuring that I could provide services that maximise their potential and independence and use methods which were evidence based and person-centred. In addition to completing my Masters, I also completed my Level 3 and Level 5 in Health and Social Care. This allowed me to increase my knowledge and understand the Health and Social care sector from a different perspective and opened up new opportunities to improve the care provision of the clients I was responsible for.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing board games or interactive games with my family, and listening to crime podcasts or the latest audiobooks. I enjoy going for walks with my dog, watching films at the cinema, and going for food with my friends.