My passion for language and communication led me to study Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh. Initially, I aimed to become a Speech and Language Therapist. However, my deep curiosity for culture and connection took me in a different direction: Japan, through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.

What I thought would be a one- or two-year experience turned into nine years of learning, teaching, and personal growth. I fell in love with the people, the language, and the richness of everyday life in Japan. During my time there, I worked at a children’s special needs school, where I discovered the power of communication that goes beyond words. Through sensitivity, creativity, and empathy, I built meaningful relationships with children of diverse abilities, adapting my teaching to meet each individual’s unique way of understanding and expressing themselves.

This experience has shaped my current work. I deeply value diversity and inclusion, and I incorporate these principles into my freelance practice by supporting neurodiverse clients, small business owners, and artists with their access needs and creative communication. My approach is person-led and responsive, combining structure with flexibility to help people express themselves and engage with the world in ways that feel authentic and empowering. I often utilise storytelling, journaling, and visual methods to support emotional processing and self-expression. Whether collaborating with artists on access support or assisting small business owners through reflective storytelling, my aim is always to create space for clarity, autonomy, and creative confidence to emerge.