Briefly, could you tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I trained in Australia as an adult nurse and then moved into mental health after working with neurosurgical patients and developing a fascination with the brain. After working as a clinical nurse consultant in a mood disorder unit I moved to the UK in 1991 and worked in various settings including drug and alcohol, older adults, first episode psychosis and physical health, weight management and medication management at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and IoPPN where I did my PhD in antipsychotic-induced weight gain and worked in various research teams. I joined the Faculty in 2012 and have never looked back!
What does your new role as Head of Department (Interim), Mental Health Nursing involve?
A lot of juggling! Working closely with the amazing mental health team as well as Professional Services, to try and ensure that everything runs smoothly and we are giving the best to our students as well as taking care of ourselves and each other.
What makes studying,teaching and researching mental health nursing at King’s so unique?
King’s is a very special place – it is full of people who are world class experts in their fields, and who are incredibly intelligent but also approachable and supportive. I love being part of an institution with such a unique tradition and history that has managed to retain its excellence whilst moving with the times and adapting culturally. Teaching nurses is such a privilege and I am proud to be able to contribute.
What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?
Definitely the people – the location is brilliant too. And it is NEVER boring.
What do you do with your time outside of work?
I love travelling and have a long bucket list of locations (next stop, Sri Lanka), I love cooking and baking, I’m a churchwarden and run the music (I play piano) at a very vibrant and diverse church; I volunteer as a gardener for the Royal Parks and at a Legal Advice centre, I love reading, performing musically and movies – and spending time with my wonderful sons and friends.
What do you think people in the Faculty would find most surprising about you?
I used to play keyboards in a punk rock band.
Quick fire:
Hidden talent?
My nerdy general knowledge.
Ideal dinner guest?
Michael Crichton.
Favourite food?
Anything Asian involving seafood.