Biography
My Background
I was born in Gelnica, Slovakia, in the '80s. I have lived in the UK since 2002. I have developed a successful career as an educator and an academic over the years thanks to my passion for the area of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. In 2021 I underwent a successful transition from being an SEN practitioner of more than 16 years to becoming an academic whose interests include: SEND, SEN inclusion, LGBT+ inclusion, neurodiversity, behaviour that challenges others and employment for young people with SEND. I am a former SEN teacher. Prior to my PhD studies, I held a leadership position managing the Ofsted area of Behaviour and Attitudes in an SEN school for the Blind. My PhD research centres around LGBT+ inclusion with children and young people with SEND. My research is employing mostly qualitative methods. I work as an Associate Lecturer in Education, Inclusion and SEND at the University of Derby. I also work as a researcher at Goldsmiths, University of London. I have appeared in several publications, including Dr Sewell’s book titled ‘Diverse Voices in Educational Practice’, in which I contributed to the ‘Voice Practices to Support LGBTQ+ Educators and Pupils chapter (8). I am bisexual and my pronouns are she/her.
My Education History
I gained my BA (Hons) Degree in English Language and Literature at the Open University in 2013. Following this, I successfully completed my PGCE studies at London South Bank University in 2014. In 2019, I gained my MA in Education qualification at Goldsmiths, University of London. Since September '21 I have been a full-time PhD student at the Department of Educational Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London.
