I stumbled into teaching and mentoring entirely by accident, but it became a life-changing journey that has shaped my career. What began as a small favour - introducing a few art sessions at the local primary school alongside my freelance work—evolved into something far greater. I helped that school achieve its ArtsMark status, becoming a recognised hub for artistic excellence, and I was hooked. I went on to establish art clubs and lead workshops for both KS1 and KS2 pupils, and developed Gifted & Talented programs and competitions across Hampshire. I also built a network of like-minded tutors, "The Classroom Creatives," to organise 'Arts Weeks' in schools and curate exhibitions.
Later, I transitioned into the SEN (Special Educational Needs) sector, earning a Further Education teaching qualification from Farnborough College. I spearheaded the creation of the Art & Design department for Post19, which became a full-time job and passion after an initial summer experiment in 2012 running workshops for young adults with disabilities. What started as teaching four students a couple of times a week grew over the following decade into a program supporting 148 students across three permanent sites in Farnham.
To expand opportunities, I helped establish a not-for-profit organization, Enterprise19, to generate income for additional training and vocational prospects. This endevor filled a critical gap in the adult SEN sector and provided young disabled individuals with meaningful pathways. The journey culminated in the creation of The Th3rdlevel, a real-life company designed to give our designers and creators access to genuine work experiences and training opportunities they simply couldn’t find elsewhere.
Though teaching and mentoring were never intended as my primary focus, they have become a transformative part of my life. The transferable skills I’ve gained and the profound positive impact I’ve witnessed have added invaluable dimensions to my professional life, equipping me with a unique and rewarding blend of expertise.
