I am an experienced higher education academic who is passionate about facilitating the development of people whether in higher education  working with students and colleagues or working in sport with coaches, coach developers, volunteers, and sport organisations. Originally from New Zealand, I joined Northumbria University in 2023 after working at the University of Stirling, University of Otago, and University of Waikato. 

My research also focuses on the development of people, with a focus on the psychosocial environment that can support or thwart individuals’ motivation, well-being, psychological needs, and performance. My work developing people continues in the wider community as a coach developer and sport coach.

My research focuses on understanding the processes and practices of coaches, teachers, and organisational leaders in their facilitation (or thwarting) of optimal human functioning within sport and education contexts. Specifically, I examine how (and why) these key influencers impact performers’, participants’, and volunteers’ motivation, performance, psychological needs satisfaction, well-being and life skill development. My research adopts a social psychological perspective to understand the social contextual and individual factors that influence coaches’ and athletes’ experiences in sport and includes the psychosocial development of young people.