I am a Senior Lecturer in Human Movement Studies (Health and Physical Education) and Creative Arts in the School of Education at Charles Sturt University (CSU), where I also serve as Discipline Lead for these curriculum areas. In these roles, I have a strong influence on curriculum design across undergraduate/postgraduate programs and have designed and redeveloped many subjects.

With more than 35 years of experience in education, I have taught and managed programs in physical education, dance, creative arts, and health/wellbeing across international contexts. After beginning my career in the UK, I spent 13 years as Head of Physical Education at the International School of Geneva, Switzerland. In 2004, I returned to the UK as a Senior Lecturer at Bath Spa University, where I coordinated the primary postgraduate physical education program, taught across undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and supervised education students in the Professional Masters program.

Since joining CSU in 2013, I have continued to combine teaching, research, and leadership in curriculum design and professional experience. I completed my PhD at CSU in 2019, titled ‘A genealogy of the governance of the body in physical education in England (1902-2016)’. My academic qualifications also include a BEd (Hons) in Physical Education, Dance and Special Educational Needs, an MA in Dance Studies, a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Social Research, and a Diploma in Research on Yoga in Education. I have further extended my wellbeing expertise through a Mindfulness Level 1 Certificate (MTIA, 2019) and as a qualified Mental Health First Aider (2024); I am now teaching MHFA courses to health students at CSU.

My career has also been shaped by extensive consultancy work in physical education (with dance) curriculum design. I am the University of Cambridge’s international senior lead consultant for physical education, working on long-term projects with their partners: UNESCO, UNICEF, Montrose, and national ministries of education. My in-country work in Egypt, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Myanmar has supported the development of new national curricula and professional learning programs; it has a particular emphasis on inclusion.

Previously, as the UK consultant for Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS, STEPS PD, Western Australia) from 2007-2012, I deepened my focus on early years movement education – this is a continuing research passion. It inspired my book: ‘Fundamental Fun: 132 Activities to Develop Fundamental Movement Skills’.

Beyond academia, I maintain an active presence in professional and public education conversations. With a strong social media following and regular appearances on podcasts, radio, and television, I engage widely on issues related to physical education, sport, education, health, wellbeing, and inclusion (especially gender).