CSM Directory

Biography:

I am a former headteacher with 15 years of senior leadership experience. In 2016 I founded and became Lead Coach at The Thinking Academy. We specialize in delivering personalized coaching and supervision services to schools, both individually and in groups, while also providing comprehensive coach training and qualification. Currently I have the privilege of working closely with over 50 headteachers on an individual basis, as well as collaborating with Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and schools to enhance leadership teams and integrate coaching practices into the education system.

My background includes a BA (Hons) and QTS in Science, along with NPQH accreditation. In 2015, I obtained an ILM Level 5 coaching certification, and over the past nine years, I've cultivated my expertise in educational coaching, furthering my qualifications with a Coaching Supervisor certification at ILM Level 7, alongside additional training in NLP and Action Learning Set delivery. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to coach a diverse range of individuals, including CEOs, Principals, National Leaders in Education, and Headteachers across both primary and secondary sectors, supporting and challenging them in their leadership.

My coaching philosophy is grounded in values of curiosity, courage, authenticity, simplicity, and influence. I approach each coaching session with authenticity, building trust and fostering an open and honest dialogue around educational challenges. Through curious questioning, we explore not only surface-level symptoms but also delve deep to uncover root causes, facilitating simple and effective resolutions. I firmly believe in the power of continuous learning and strive to empower my clients to embrace bravery and confidence in their leadership roles, fostering greater self-awareness for more impactful team leadership to build the best experiences for children and students.

In every coaching dynamic, my focus is on understanding client’s needs, exploring their aspirations while acknowledging any potential barriers to success. Using a diverse array of coaching models and tools, I create a supportive environment for deep learning, enabling reflective and solution-focused sessions in every coaching conversation.