Working with teenagers for over a decade has given me a deep appreciation for how complex adolescence really is. Behind grades or attitude or busy schedules, there are often young people quietly carrying anxiety, self-doubt, pressure, loneliness, fear, perfectionism, or uncertainty about who they are and where they’re heading.

When working in schools, I became one of the ‘go-to’ teachers: the teacher students would turn to when life got tough. I was so honoured that they trusted me, and quickly found that the most meaningful moments of my career happened in these conversations. It felt magical when a student finally felt able to say what was really going on, when they felt listened to, when they began to see themselves differently and implement positive changes.

So, I trained up as a coach, wanting to create the kind of space that allows young people to slow down, reflect, build confidence, and feel more connected to themselves.

At the same time, my love of English and literature has always shaped the way I see the world. Stories help us understand ourselves and others. They help us make meaning, imagine possibilities and feel less alone. Story & Self grew from this intersection of my love of literature and my passion for helping teens to understand themselves.