Pamela is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing. Her teaching and research expertise is in child and adolescent developmment, social and emotional wellbeing and inclusive practice. Her professional background is in interprofessional and interdisciplinary provision for children, young people, parents and families. The underlying aims of Pamela's work relate to improving the life chances and wellbeing of children and young people, particularly those who are in situations where disadvantage and discrimination are common experiences and where they have little power over their circumstances. Pamela has been in a number of leadership roles at Northumbria, including Deputy Head of Department, Director of Education and Head of Subject for Children and Young People. She is currently joint lead for the Inclusive Education Research/Expert Group.

Pamela's research and teaching are supported by the core conditions of person-centred and relational practice. Her mixed methods doctoral research developed an argument for the place of horses as authentic and therapeutic partners in relational work with excluded young people, whose everyday lives have not previously provided them with experiences of relationships characterised by respect, trust and acceptance. The outcomes piqued her interest in examining other creative experiences and interventions that aim to improve children and young people's wellbeing and self efficacy. She is currently focusing on building research capacity in this area - and under the wider umbrella of Northumbria's cultural partnership activitiy - is involved in consultancy and evaluation work with the children and young people's team at Live Theatre. Early findings from this research activity are indicating that engaging in a creative community can enhance children and young peoples confidence and self-worth and sense of belonging.

Pamela is keen to continue to collaborate with colleagues within and outside of Higher Education both to advance excellence in teaching and to support research with children and young people.