I am a late diagnosed ADHtistic (ADHD and Autistic, more commonly written as AuDHD), queer and disabled person. I am a mother, living with multiple chronic conditions, who has navigated the bumpy road of being different to my peers in family, friendship, education and employment.

I have a lifetime of dealing with bullying in education and employment, because being different is “apparently” a threat to be eradicated.

I decided in my 30’s to train to be a teacher, as I wanted to make a difference to those students that are often othered and let down. Sadly after 5 short years as a secondary school teacher, I had to leave mainstream for both my mental and physical health.

At this time I still had yet to receive formal diagnoses for my neurodivergence and chronic physical conditions, this left me without the reasonable adjustments I needed to protect myself from the bullies.

Apparently openly ADHtistic and Queer teachers are not welcome in secondary education, despite my students giving my classroom the title The Rainbow Room as a safe space for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent students, during break times and after school.

I am now working in education outreach; teaching and mentoring the students who were let down by the system, like I was.

I am a fierce advocate for the neurodivergent, LGBTQ+ and disabled communities. I am especially passionate about supporting fellow disabled/marginalised teachers, students and their parents!