I grew up in a village with a specialist school supporting young people with physical disabilities. My local sixth form college supported children from this particular school, and many became my friends when I attended alongside them.

Upon qualifying as an Occupational Therapist (OT), I embarked on a diverse rotation through various disciplines before fulfilling my goal of working in Paediatrics. My professional journey led me to support young people in schools, colleges, and residential care settings, both permanent and respite homes. My focus has always been on providing them with access to strategies and equipment that foster independence. I recall teaching a young boy in one school to tie his laces, a skill that became known as "Mary's Laces" – and it continues to be embedded throughout the school. I like to think that his life is a little brighter now that he can be independent with this.

I love considering the occupations that might interest and enthuse the young people I support and that could lead to them developing skills to enhance their life. My life has been filled with moments of joy when the young people I have supported have made a connection to the world. This could be by doing a shared activity, accessing via a switch an activity of daily living they could not do before, or simply being able to engage with the world in a way they see others doing. So often it is the smaller things they are happy with, and this makes me think differently about life every day.

Over time, my specialisation has evolved to focus on children and young people with autism. As a visiting lecturer on the Autism programme at Manchester Met, I've had the privilege of introducing OT concepts to attendees, often being referred to as "hen's teeth" due to our rarity.

I am very lucky to be able to say that I absolutely love my job and I am looking forward to meeting more inspiring children during my time at High Peak School.

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