CSM Directory

Biography:

I currently work as an Education Consultant for Wellington College China, a group of international and bilingual schools based in the cities of Shanghai, Tianjin, Hangzhou and Nantong. During my education career, I have held various leadership positions in both UK and international schools, including two top tier international schools in Shanghai. During my various leadership positions, I have led school improvement initiatives in reading, writing, assessment, oracy, and metacognition. I graduated from the University of Edinburgh with honours in Education. Whilst studying Masters in Psychology, I conducted research on the impact of coaching interventions on teachers’ mental health and wellbeing. I currently facilitate the Wellington College China coaching programme and support staff on our High Potential Programme.

Coaching philosophy

My approach involves partnering with leaders to identify and activate their strengths, remove barriers in thinking, and find options to tackle current challenges in life and at work. Using evidence-based coaching, I partner with coachees to unlock their potential and help them to thrive and function at their best by enhancing well-being, engagement, and performance. I draw on expertise, research, and evidence-based strategies from the field of positive psychology.

My coaching practice is based on trust, curiosity, and challenge. Establishing trust is crucial in any coaching relationship. This is achieved by agreeing and co-constructing partnership principles at the onset of our relationship. Once rapport and a common agreement is established, real transformation can take place in a supportive environment. My philosophy is based on curiosity for the coachee as a whole person. I believe it is important to coach the person, not the problem. In my practice I use strengths assessments and values exploration to get to the heart of what drives and motivates my coachee. Improved self-awareness and realisation of strengths and values is what empowers my coachees to set and attain aspirational goals. Challenge is also a key component of my practice. In my experience, coachees are looking for growth, so reflective questioning and an appropriate level of challenge is fostered.

As a certified organisational coach, I am passionate about developing people and helping others to make positive and sustained changes which result in benefits for themselves, those around them, and the communities in which they live and work.

Qualifications and Memberships

· MSc Psychology with distinction – Northumbria University

· Bachelors of Education (B.Ed) 1st Class Honours from University of Edinburgh

· Institute of Strategic Leadership and Coaching- Certified Organisational Coach

· Level 3 ICF Accredited Coach (ACTP Pathway)

· Personal Profile Analysis (PPA) and 360 Feedack Certified Practitioner with Thomas International

· Coaching trainer and speaker. Recent engagements include the International Positive Psychology Association World Congress, and Festivals of Education in Washington, Bangkok and Shanghai.