I'm the founder of Strong Horizons, a trauma-informed wellbeing consultancy rooted in lived experience, scientific understanding, and compassionate care.

With a BSc in Psychology and early training in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), I launched one of the first stress management consultancies in the North East, delivering workshops and one-to-one support across schools, universities, the NHS, and private businesses.

I later spent 28 years in the police service, most of it as a Detective Inspector leading complex investigations into child exploitation, modern slavery, domestic abuse, homicide, and serious violence. I was also a nationally accredited hostage and suicide negotiator. Working in high-pressure environments while caring for loved ones with complex needs gave me firsthand insight into the toll long-term stress and trauma can take—personally and professionally.

Despite using cognitive-based tools and my love of running to stay resilient, I eventually reached burnout. The strategies that had always worked stopped working. I was overwhelmed by constant fatigue, self-doubt, and guilt—feeling like I was failing at work, at home, and in caring for those I loved. I withdrew from friends and colleagues, lost interest in activities I once enjoyed, and felt my resilience begin to crumble.

Desperate to break the cycle, I turned to breathwork, cold water immersion, and mindfulness—practices that transformed my wellbeing and opened the door to deeper healing. This journey led me to explore the science of stress, trauma, and the nervous system. I’ve experienced firsthand the profound, life-changing impact of trauma-informed practices that honour the deep connection between mind and body, and the power of learning to understand and regulate the nervous system.

My mission is to share this knowledge and create safer, more compassionate spaces where individuals and communities can heal, grow, and thrive.

Today, I’m a Certified Trauma-Informed Coach and Wellbeing Practitioner, with training in multiple evidence-based modalities. I’m proud to partner with The Mental Wellbeing Company, having completed their ICF- and CPD-accredited Somatic Trauma Informed Coaching Certification, and I’m part of the world’s fastest-growing Trauma Informed Professional Network.

Through Strong Horizons and my partnership with The Mental Wellbeing Company, I deliver trauma-informed workshops and 1:1 coaching designed to educate, empower, and provide practical tools that support the mental health and wellbeing of your team, your organisation, and yourself—empowering resilience and inspiring growth.