I’m so glad you’re here. It would be amazing to find out more about you, what brought you here and what topics you would like to discuss, get support with or share experiences on. I’ll start with me! I’m Brenda, I’m mum to two grown up boys ( they are men really but to me, they will always be my little boys). Both are diagnosed autistic and one also is ADHD. They are both amazing but have had their own challenges, which also became mine. One of them is a dad now, so I have a beautiful two year old granddaughter. I’m also AuDHD! 🤩 I’ve been a teacher for 21 years, 15 as a Special Ed teacher, mainly working in special schools but for the past 4 years as an advisory teacher for my LA in mainstream schools. Most of my advisory work is about making mainstream schools more inclusive and skilling up staff to support children with additional needs and complex behaviours. As a parent and a teacher, I’d love to share some of my experience with both teachers and parents, so we can share together how best to support our kids, in school and out! I love football and my favourite team is Arsenal FC! ❤️ I look forward to hearing from you and connecting with you all. 🫶

We all have one. 
In education, one of the most important things we aim to foster is a growth mindset in ourselves, our colleagues, and in the young people we support.
We are, quite literally, in the business of growing brains. If I were in the business of growing tomatoes, and I wanted to grow the best tomatoes possible the kind people would want to eat and enjoy I’d learn everything I could. I’d study the different varieties, what makes them thrive, and the conditions they need. I’d make sure they had the optimum environment for growth.
I’d ensure they had the right light, the right food.
I’d care for and nurture them daily, watering them just the right amount.
I’d watch closely to see if they needed support or direction.
I’d use the best available research, read widely, and learn from experts. Sure, I could throw a few seeds into a pot or scatter them in a flower bed and let nature take its course. And yes, some might survive and even flourish.
But the real growth the intentional, sustainable, meaningful kind happens through care, expertise, and purpose. I’m not a tomato grower, though.
I work with people. 
And I’m deeply interested in what the optimum conditions are for growing our brains. That’s my passion, my special interest. If you're on this journey too as a teacher, leader, or someone supporting young minds let’s keep learning together. How do you look after the growing brains in your care? What do you do to create a healthy environment for learning and development?
How are you cultivating a growth mindset in your setting for students, staff, and yourself? Let’s share, form connections and grow together.

I’m so glad you’re here. This space is for parents, carers, and supporters of children and young people who want to build stronger, more connected relationships, at home, at school, and beyond. My work is rooted in the science of connection, understanding how stress impacts the brain and body, how environments shape our sense of safety, and how that safety forms the foundation for learning, wellbeing, and inclusion. Whether you're navigating everyday challenges, seeking to understand behaviour through a brain-based lens, or just wanting to show up more calmly and confidently for your child (and yourself!), you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll find support, tools, and insights grounded in neuroscience to help both adult-child and adult-adult relationships truly thrive. Let’s grow, connect, and learn together. Let me know what you would like support with and I’ll try to help. 🧡