I wanted a career where I could make people feel positive about themselves and help them find mindfulness. In Year 10, I utilised work experience opportunities to help me decide, working in a hair salon the first week just didn't fit my personality and for the second week I worked in a beauty salon, and it was here that I felt inspired and really enjoyed the calmness of the salon. Work experience encouraged me to apply for a beauty therapy course.

My job at Weston College is part of College Information Services (CIS) and I work within the Admissions department. In Admissions we work primarily with adult learners and provide them with Information, Advice and Guidance which could include funding information and how to enrol on courses...

 I take huge pride in working for Weston College, a sentiment that is shared by many colleagues. The experience as a whole is rewarding and fulfilling in ways I never experienced in 20+ years whilst in industry. To have a positive influence on young people's lives and then see them progress and flourish into a chosen career is an inspiring thing to witness. 

Had you of asked me 7 years ago was I going to become a teacher I would have said no. It was never on my radar. I was training to be a councillor and that was my sole focus. During my training there were many aspects that I really enjoyed; delivering information to my peers, clients and to organisations I was working for. After one presentation during my Level 6 Bachelor top up year, my tutor asked whether I had ever thought about teaching, and that was where my career in teaching began! 

As a new lecturer, I’m incredibly excited to join the Weston team and share my knowledge and passion for food.  I have extensive industry experience gained over many years and my first 6 months at Weston have been fantastic.  Teaching here fulfils a lifelong dream of mine – supporting new learners grown into confident and passionate chefs.  I love to meet new people and I’m a firm believer that with motivation and commitment, we can all achieve our dreams and ambitions.

My passion for cooking came to me whilst I was still in school, I spent my weekends working in local pubs learning traditional, simple, and honest foods. My summers were spent in very busy holiday resort kitchens, and this is where I got my first taste of large-scale catering operations made up of various teams all coming together for one purpose; to give the customer the best experience they possibly could! The ethos and team spirit enthralled me, but I wanted more!