My first experience of coaching was through a 3-day CPD course as a teacher in 2009. I was already experienced in delivering staff training and CPD but as well as feeling re-energised about my own life, I came away from the course with a real sense of how coaching could personalise professional development in schools, transform school cultures, promote well-being and inspire students, staff and leaders.

Perhaps inspired by coaching course I attended, I was inspired to get a job abroad and I worked in a British International school as Head of English for 2 years. This was a life-changing experience for me, not least because I met my now husband there! It also gave me a new perspective on teaching. When I returned to the UK, I was more convinced than ever about the value and importance of coaching and in 2014, I trained to be a professional coach whilst continuing to teach part-time in Cambridge and began coaching individual staff and students as well as developing and running coaching workshops for staff, students and parents.

After the birth of my son, I had lots of questions about what I wanted next for my family life and my professional life, and along the way, I met many other mums who were asking similar questions. I experienced first-hand how having a baby changes and shapes every other area of your life and this made me understand the vital importance of supporting parents at this pivotal time. My coaching practice developed as a response to this need as I began coaching women who were on maternity leave or at a career crossroads in their life, as well as marrying my experience in maternity coaching and my experience in education by working for the MTPT Project as an accreditation coach.