·      Why did you become a mediator?

I became a mediator in 1998 having specialised in family practice at Lightfoots for three years, I was becoming more frustrated with the confrontational approach to family law at that time. I was also being asked by clients if both them and their partner could instruct me in their divorce proceedings – sometimes after the proceedings were underway and their partner was not happy with the way the proceedings were going. I had been through a divorce myself and seen first hand the affect of separation and divorce on my young children and the importance of a friendly relationship between their dad and me . I read about the Family Mediation Association who had recently started courses in London, and I enrolled with them for one of the early courses. I had a real affinity with the process of mediation and made it a priority in my practice.

·      What do you enjoy about your job?

I really enjoy engaging with couples and helping them to work out arrangements for their separation for their children and themselves and guiding them through a very difficult time. I love that mediation is child focussed and seeing both parents I feel that I get to know the family and can work alongside them. No two families are the same and I enjoy working with their different views and cultures in finding a way forward for their children and family. I enjoy that in mediation the things that are important for each child, each parent and the wider family are acknowledged, and we work together in a collaborative way to find the best solutions for each situation. It is a forward focussed and hopeful way of working and I feel that I have a lot to offer.

·      What is your top tip for someone getting divorced?

Obtain information about process and options before taking any steps to sort out the separation.

·      How do you relax?

I have a busy life with grandchildren and caring for my eldest daughter and to relax I like to walk in the countryside on my own with my dog and am fortunate that there is beautiful countryside on our doorstep in the Chilterns. I love gardening and I also like to read. My ideal place to relax is in the sunshine preferably in Greece with a good book and a glass of wine.

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