I am a community-based researcher, educator and artist. I have spent more than 30 years working to understand how violence in all its forms (including all the systemic violences) impacts learning in any setting and at any age.

My main emphasis is on discovering, and then teaching others, ways to reduce the negative impacts of violence, neglect, and other traumatic experiences. I am passionate about developing ways to support learning for everyone, whatever the past or present experiences that shape engagement with learning, teaching, and living life creatively. 

When we try to learn something we choose to take on, or to support students, clients, or family members who struggle to learn and change it can be frustrating for all concerned.

Do you worry that you need to know more to understand what is wrong, or what to do? I have seen wonderful shifts and learning success when we turn towards these difficulties, name them, look closely at them, and get creative. Each one of us is different. There is no one size fits all. But there are many small things that can make a large difference.  Are you curious how you can learn with more ease, or support others to learn and change?

Our brains are brilliant. They help us survive whatever circumstances life throws at us. Sometimes the conditions we grow in, or continue to live in now, make survival strategies vital. They may also become habit and get in the way of any new things we try to learn.

Too often these brilliant survival strategies are judged negatively. Instead we can bring curiosity to learning. This helps us observe, and experiment with new approaches . When we change our focus from disorders or disabilities, something remarkable happens. Learning can become easier, more successful.