Kay has worked with people of all ages in her roles as Early Years Professional, Teacher, Youth Leader and Police Officer over the past 40 years. Throughout this time, Kay has endeavoured to develop inclusive, authentic and motivational educational activities which meet personal interests and build upon current skills.

Kay’s current role is of Assistant Professor within the School of Communities and Education at the University of Northumbria (Newcastle).

Kay’s doctoral research, completed at the University of Sheffield, involved Early Years Practitioners as co-researchers. Together, Kay and her co-researchers investigated the inclusion of older adults in the lives of young children in an urban Forest School Environment. In doing so they explored interactions, knowledge exchange and the benefits of such activity.

Kay's national and international research into intergenerational practice, in its many forms, continues.