About me

I live in Sussex, close to the Surrey and Kent borders and the beautiful Ashdown Forest, with my husband, children and Rocky and Bluebell, the bunnies.

I love reading, writing, poetry, languages, cooking, photography and walking.

I am loyal, calm and thoughtful, and have a wicked sense of humour. I also love roller-coasters and those very silly jumpy horror films (much to my husband’s distaste).

Like many of my fellow celebrants, I’ve come to this line of work after a number of years doing other things. I started out as a teacher of English and French to speakers of other languages, and I lived and worked in France, Belgium, Luxemburg and Russia.

For the last 15 years, I’ve worked in project management in the UK, in construction and higher education. These days, when I’m not being a celebrant, I work for a university in project and programme management. I promise this is as not as dull as it might sound! Most importantly, it means I love a good plan, a good rule, and a good rebel.

I am also a coach and mentor. It’s a true privilege to listen to people, to understand what makes them tick, and how I can help them to achieve what’s important to them.

I love ceremony and ritual, especially as a way to mark special moments and transitions in our lives. And I think we should be able to enjoy them without needing to make promises to anyone or anything other than ourselves and our loved ones. I love words and stories and believe in their awesome power to make us think, explore and express our emotions. That’s why I decided to become a Humanist celebrant.

Why choose me?

I am trained and accredited by Humanists UK, and adhere to their professional code of conduct. As a member of the Humanist Ceremonies Network, I am also covered by professional indemnity insurance, and have DBS clearance.

I’ve put a great deal of thought into the personal values that underpin all my celebrancy work (and my approach to life, in fact!) If you’re interested, you can read about them here.

Having lived and worked in countries other than the UK, I have a great appreciation for social and cultural diversity, too. I love languages. I am fluent in French and know small amounts of Italian, German, Hindi and Russian. If any of your guests are speakers of these or other languages, I’d be happy to include or learn a few welcoming words if you’d like me to!

I have perfectionist tendencies so will devote time, care and attention to pitching to your ceremony just right – and will leave no element to chance!

Basically, you’re in safe hands!