I have always been fascinated by the human brain and what contributes to our wellbeing. I enjoy working within team environments and can take initiative to lead, when required. Also, being sensitive to the group dynamic. After working as a qualified Mental Health Nurse in an Adult Acute ward, I moved into Special Needs Education, as an assistant and onto train as a teacher. I have developed competencies in Learning Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Particularly in education settings, I like to include drama, music and play, that are therapeutic as well as educational.
This was a two year Post Graduate Diploma course, where I was able to hone my ability to make complex decisions, learn how to evaluate practice, co-ordinate care and advocate for patients' needs. Theory and practise were evenly balanced. As part of my training, I was able to work in a variety of settings as part of my placement practise, these included: a Forensic ward for men with Learning Disabilities; Specialist Addiction Unit; Older adult ward for people with Dementia and age related conditions; Mother and Baby unit; Community Recovery and Rehabilitation team; Depot clinic; clozapine clinic; Woman's shelter and refuge centre.
Over the three years degree course I was able to explore how theatre is made and develop a range of practical skills, from performing and devising to playwriting and directing. I studied a variety of topics - from ancient Greek theatre to experimental contemporary practices, from Shakespeare to cabaret performance, from clowning to contemporary black British theatre - and towards the final year, was able to shape my own course of study according to my own area of interest.
Practice and theory were constantly used to inform each other and the course had a strong emphasis on production.
