I am currently Director of Practice Learning for the Bachelor in Social Work program and have overall responsibility for BSW students’ field work practice placements. In this role I work closely with our external partners in the voluntary and statutory sectors, NISCC, and the Northern Ireland Degree in Social Work Partnership (NIDSWP).  I co-ordinate the allocation of practice placements, ensure systems are in place to monitor student progress and to quality assure placements. I am also Chair of the Practice Assessment Panel.

I  practiced as a social worker in adult services for 20 years, first in community and hospital mental health services, and then as a social work trainer with a special interest in mental health and adult safeguarding. I also worked for five years in a Non-Governmental Organisation in Uganda, East Africa, primarily in a therapeutic role in mental health.  I took up post as a lecturer in social work  in Queen’s in 2013.   

My recent research projects have focused on the areas of bereavement, older people, mental health and adult safeguarding. I am also interested in cross-cultural research and, in particular, the development of culturally competent social work interventions.

I am module convener of all the practice placement related modules, and have been module convener of the preparation for practice modules. I currently teach a range of subjects including social work skills, adult safeguarding, loss and bereavement and therapeutic interventions. I also teach on the Master’s levels Mental Health pathway.