Professional background
I am currently employed as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde undertaking research, teaching and knowledge exchange activities. My research focuses on child abuse and neglect, adoptive families and disabled children. I am also Course Leader for the BA Education and Social Services, an innovative degree programme that responds to the Scottish Government’s agenda around integrated services. I originally trained as an occupational therapist and worked with adults and children with learning disabilities and mental health issues. 

Personal/professional interest in adoption
My interest in adoption comes from both my personal experience as an adoptive parent and my professional experience as an adoption researcher. I am currently undertaking a study of sibling relationships of children in long-term foster care and adoption and have recently completed research  on the views and experiences of abused Deaf and disabled young people who come into contact with the child protection system. I am also part of a collaboration between the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Strathclyde, the Fostering Network and Quarriers exploring barriers and enablers of permanency for disabled children. I am a member of the Coram BAAF Research Group Advisory Committee. 

Hobbies
I am a novice runner and a keen but incompetent knitter.