In The Real Wonderland

I am a neurodivergent (2e), native English-speaking teacher with 35 years experience in delivering, designing and managing early childhood education, health and child development programs. I am a fully Registered (certified) Teacher in Australia, specialising in Early Childhood, Inclusive Education, Trauma-Informed Practice and Therapeutic Play. Through my independent teaching practice, "In The Real Wonderland" I support teachers, educators and families from all over the world, who are searching for meaningful alternatives to high-pressure and standardised approaches to education, teaching and child development.

My work focuses on using authentic play, deep inquiry and affirming relationships as the basis for children's learning. I design educational experiences and resources for children - as well as parents and teachers - that embrace and affirm children's diverse thinking and communication styles, authentic play, neurodevelopmental needs, their natural curiosity and desire for inquiry, and which foster each child’s sense of autonomy, connection and self-worth. I aim to provide children with learning experiences that are humanising, by placing their dignity - their preferences, motivations, and aspirations – at the centre of education. I want learning to connect with each child's heart and, through that experience, inspire (or re-inspire!) their sense of purpose, connection and wonder in our world.

Some of the teaching and education awards I have achieved include: ** Deakin University (Excellence in Teaching Practice) ** NSW Dept Education (Innovative Children's Programs and Empowerment) ** ACT Dept. Health (Infant/ Early Childhood Mental Health) ** NAPCAN National Awards (Infant/ Early Childhood Mental Health and Development).

**Master of Teaching (Early Childhood/ Inclusive Education) (Deakin University - Australia) **Master of Play Therapy (Deakin University/ CDU - Australia) Bachelor of Nursing (UWS - Australia) **Graduate Degree of Psychological Science (current, Deakin University - Australia) **Graduate Diploma in Trauma Recovery (UNE - Australia) **Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion and Education (UNE - Australia) **Other (selected) Certifications/ Licenses: Hanen Speech, Circle of Security, Neurosequential Development / Therapeutics, DIR-Floortime/ FEAS assessment, Sand Therapy, Art Therapy, Orton Gillingham, MacqLit, Boardmaker, GLA/ P speech development, Talk For Writing.

My experience includes working with children from trauma, disability, non-English speaking, marginalised, medically fragile/ chronic illness, and neurodivergent (including gifted) backgrounds. I have worked in many clinical and professional education roles, supervising new teachers and health practitioners, as well as maintaining my own practice skills. Over the years I have won many government and sector awards for my work in designing and delivering innovative early childhood programs. I have visited and lived many countries during my career, including India, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Timor Leste and Thailand. Throughout my career, I have gained a range of specialised skills and certifications, and have taught other professionals in areas of: - Child mental health - Neurodevelopment and neurosequential development - Trauma and behavioural support - Literacy, including phonics and speech education (with a focus on the Science of Reading approach) - Play therapies and interventions - Sensory-motor development - Health education - Nature-based/ outdoor/ re-wilding education