I am originally from a small town in northern California, not far from San Francisco. Initially, I came to England to study English literature at the University of Sussex as part of my degree at the University of California. The lure of travel led me to return to England after graduating from university, where I undertook further study at University College London, met my husband and ‘ran away’ with a theatre group specialising in community action and campaigning. I learned a lot about myself, teamwork and the UK’s diverse communities after touring the length and breadth of the UK for three years. The skills and insights I gained were invaluable when I began working with marginalised young people and adults in inner London, including young people who had just left care. This work was rewarding, very challenging and at times heartbreaking.

I finally settled on a career in teaching. I worked in inner city further education colleges as an English teacher, teaching students from beginner through to university level, and as a senior manager with responsibility for curriculum, quality and student support. I loved, and continue to love, teaching and seeing students progress and achieve their goals. It is wonderful to meet students who have started with very little English or very basic skills and find they are now doing the course or job they are passionate about. I am still working in the further education sector, helping colleges and training providers develop anti-racist curricula – I care deeply about providing education and training that enables all students to succeed.

I was involved with the initial group which founded Sanctuary in Chichester but work took me away. I began volunteering as an English tutor with Sanctuary in late 2021, first at the Drop-In and then at the Women’s Group and the hotel. I love being back in the classroom, sharing ideas with my fellow volunteer tutors, developing materials, and above all learning from our students and helping them gain the skills they need to succeed. 

My advice to potential new volunteers is to talk to other volunteers and trustees about the opportunities open to you, ‘work shadow’ other volunteers once you have joined the organisation to get an idea of what different roles involve, enjoy what you do and ask for support when you need it – Sanctuary in Chichester is a welcoming community to all.