Meet our coaches

‘Being a coach on the Bridging project is the opportunity to offer what I wish I had received in my first year of university to help me navigate the changes and challenges that come from a new place and new experiences.’

‘I am a certified Executive Coach and an academic with the University of Westminster Business School (Mentor of the Year 21/22). My coaching philosophy is that coachees are whole and resourceful. I am skilled at encouraging coachees to ask difficult questions of themselves and of others, discover solutions, and create possibilities to move coaching to create the life they want. I am passionate about unlocking the potential of young people as they embark on their academic journey at university, and supporting coaches to help students thrive and excel is very rewarding.’

‘I am an autistic woman with over three decades of professional experience. I have a profound belief in each person's extraordinary potential. I also appreciate the need to belong and the challenge of establishing yourself in a world of endless innovation and competition. I aspire to gently guide coachees towards a place of increased self-awareness, self-confidence, and, critically, self-respect.’

‘I have witnessed first hand how essential support in the first year of university is for students.

Using my MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, my mission is to improve students’ holistic wellbeing in higher education.

Coaching in the Bridging Project gives a space to do just that. I am honoured to be part of this program and continue to make a positive impact on students' lives.’

‘I am a qualified coach and a chartered psychologist who has spent over 25 years in Higher Education either doing research, teaching or as a leader. I am passionate about social justice, especially in education and am excited to be part of a project that supports young people into higher education. Everyone should have access to someone to talk to at moments of transition and I'm delighted to be part of the team that successfully delivers on this.’

‘I believe that university access isn't just about getting in but also about thriving whilst you're there. Through my work with school pupils, coachees and university students, I've seen how beneficial one-to-one guidance can be. By coaching on the Bridging Project, I hope to give back the support I received during university and help great undergraduates fulfil their ambitions.’

‘I am a strong believer that everyone should have the opportunity to live up to their potential. As such I’m excited to be working with The Bridging Project to help make that a reality.

My goal is to provide the best possible coaching support to students as they transition into their university life by drawing on my own time at university, as well as long corporate career and cultural experiences from living and working abroad.’

‘Drawing on my personal university experience, and coaching experience, I prioritise providing a supportive environment for individuals to develop their own strategies for success. My mission as a coach is to empower students to create solutions that will benefit them throughout their university journey and beyond, fostering resilience, growth, and self-discovery. I'm honoured to be part of The Bridging Project and excited to see what we can create together.’

‘Having worked in Higher Education for the last five years, I'm passionate about supporting students from all backgrounds to access and get the most out of their University experience. My lived experiences of being a neurodivergent person of colour and experiences of other identities have also informed a keen interest in intersectional approaches to wellbeing.

It's important to me that I can enable those I work with to recognise their unique skills and talents - and help them feel empowered to use them in navigating change and challenge.’

‘I am driven by the belief that supporting students at top universities can empower them to create positive changes in the world. Growing up in diverse North London, I deeply appreciate the immense value that diversity brings to our communities.

My passion for coaching has underscored the importance of self-exploration in gaining a better understanding of oneself and effectively navigating life's challenges.’

‘Using my experience as a coach gained from my own business, and also my MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, it is wonderful to see students gain confidence both personally and academically each term on the programme. Coaching with positive psychology is extremely powerful and enables the students to focus on their strengths and yet understand what resources they need to find, in order to thrive in their first year. It truly is an honour to be their coach and part of this very important life transition for them.’

‘I am currently studying a MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology.

I have often felt alone in my academic life, coming from a traditional African household, with the immense pressure to “come home with top grades”. I had to learn coping skills to manage the stress and thrive.

With my knowledge and experience of coaching and positive psychology, I hope to be the guide that I never had to these students during these challenging times.’

‘Originally from London, I went to the University of Leeds to study Politics. I currently work in communications in the civil service.

I am really excited to be a coach with The Bridging Project as I struggled with the transition to university and living in a new city so I’m keen to help support undergraduates succeed in their first year and beyond.’

‘I am a recent graduate of a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology (Distinction).

I am in the process of setting up my personal coaching business, whilst working towards accreditation.

I am thrilled to be on the team and to help students through this unique and formative stage in their lives.’

‘I am an educational member at KCL and have a desire to deliver the best educational opportunities for students. I am also passionate about students’ wellbeing which led me to study for a MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology. I have coached and mentored students for over 20 years and look forward to bringing my experience to support students on The Bridging Project.’

‘As a trained coach with a MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, I am passionate about supporting emerging leaders to become the leader that they want to see in the world.

I was the first person in my family to go to uni and have spent 30 years in the creative industries. Looking back I realise how much having a coach would have given me confidence in who I was and that I wasn’t alone in my struggles. With this experience, I hope to be able to support students on their journey.’

‘I’m an ICF accredited career and leadership coach with over 30 years’ experience as a lawyer, commissioner and leader in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

I’m passionate about helping young people who’ve experienced disadvantage to thrive. I’m committed to enabling students to successfully navigate the transition of starting university, to develop confidence, clarify what they want to achieve and get the most out of their university experience.’

‘As a Coach with a Human Resources background, I have seen the way in which coaching allows people to learn great insights about themselves, set realistic personal goals and overcome and manage life's challenges. The first year at university can be an overwhelming time with a huge amount of change. It is a privilege to be able to play a small but significant part in making the transition to university a successful one.’

‘I have worked as a life coach for many years and have an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology.

I am passionate about the potential of young people and feel honoured to be involved in the Bridging project supporting students during their first year of university as this is such a pivotal time in a person’s life, not only studying at a university but often leaving home for the first time too.’

‘My first-hand experience of coaching novice teachers in their personal and professional development led me to believe in the power of coaching. I also know the importance of having the right support through critical life periods, hence wanting to be part of The Bridging Project to support students. I wish to use my expertise in coaching and positive psychology to journey alongside students to thrive during their university days.’

‘I am a GP and a coach, supporting people to thrive both professionally and personally. I’m currently studying for my MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology. I also studied medicine at The University of Manchester and so I’m aware of the challenges that first year undergraduates face, as well as the positive impact that coaching can offer during this time of change and transition. I’m delighted to be part of the coaching team at The Bridging Project.’

‘My career has been working in HR, executive and leadership development, UK Banking and Retail. I am a professionally accredited coach and now invest most of my time coaching young people – teens, emerging adults, early careerists.

I feel privileged to work with The Bridging Project, collaborating with enthusiastic and like-minded professionals, committed to providing the best possible support to young people who are looking to live their lives on their own terms while realising their incredible potential.’

‘I have a varied background in coaching, mental health support and communications and I'm delighted to bring it all together as a coach for The Bridging Project. I love how powerful coaching can be as a tool to give people the space to think, grow and realise their potential and I look forward to working alongside students at such an important time in their lives.’

‘I’m passionate about helping young people to thrive and succeed at university and beyond. As a trained coach, I believe that coaching can be powerful, empowering, and transformative, especially for students as they navigate this exciting and significant time in their lives. I want to support students from all backgrounds and hope to make a positive impact in their lives.

I would have benefited from this program when I was at university, so I’m thrilled to be a part of The Bridging Project!’

‘My undergraduate studies played a pivotal role in my personal development which makes me familiar with the evolving changes that one can expect to experience during this time.

I am honoured to be a coach on The Bridging Project and to support young adults through this transformative learning experience.’

‘Having struggled in my first year of University with little support and being unprepared for university life, I understand how difficult the transition to university can be, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

I am proud to be able to offer my support as a certified coach on The Bridging Project to empower students in higher education to overcome any challenges they may face on their journey.’

‘I am a self-employed coach, with an MSc in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, and a senior lecturer in UEL’s Architecture Department.

Diversity of thought and experience are important in all professions and I aim to encourage students to harness this. As a neurodivergent person myself, I feel strongly about supporting other neurodivergent individuals through utilising strengths and facilitating awareness.’

‘I have over 20 years experience as a Social Worker and Counsellor and have a MSC in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology.

I am keen to support The Bridging Project as I am also from a disadvantaged background. Growing up in near poverty and being the first in my family to go to University, I know that if there had been support like this at the time, things would have been different.

I am passionate about working with young people to help them build resilience and overcome challenges - they are our future and worth investing in.’

‘I lead our therapies work at Terrence Higgins Trust and recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Coaching Psychology. I wish I’d had access to something like coaching when I was younger, as it can provide such a useful and transformative space at a time when decision making is so important and consequential.’

‘I have dedicated my career to helping others find their voice, build their confidence and develop resilience. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, I signed up to coach with the Bridging Project to support new university students in overcoming their fears, achieving their goals and reaching their potential.’

‘As a teacher who has worked in the UK and abroad, I have had the opportunity to work with students from a whole range of diverse backgrounds. I wanted to join The Bridging Project as a coach to support students with the transition to University and the array of challenges that this can bring. I'm very much looking forward to helping students achieve all that they want from their University experience.’

‘Having been an educator, mentor and coach for over twenty years, I believe there is nothing quite like helping people discover and develop their talents, and overcome life’s challenges. The Bridging Project's mission is one that is close to my heart having needed this kind of support in my early adult life. I hope to provide a positive and nurturing space to help those entering university become the best they can be.’

‘I’m a Community Engagement Manager with over a decade of experience in education and charity, committed to helping young people achieve success, regardless of their background.

As a coach, I believe in the transformative power of coaching and the positive impact it can have. I was the first generation in my family to go to university and would have valued a coach to support me at that pivotal moment in time. I am honoured to be involved and look forward to the journey.’

‘As the first in my family to attend university, I had to navigate several challenges on my own, so I know firsthand how valuable one-on-one support can be. This is why I'm passionate about giving back and providing the support and encouragement I wish I had, and to empower students to thrive in their academic and personal journeys. I hold an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology and I am an accredited coach with the European Coaching and Mentoring Council.’

‘I am a qualified and accredited leadership and career coach, with over 25 years working as a programme and partnership manager in education. For many years I led university widening participation teams, supporting young people to explore, experience and navigate higher education, delivering social mobility and equity of access and participation. The opportunity to continue to work with young people through TBP is an exciting way to bring together my professional experience and coaching and to continue my passion to enable young people to make the most of their education journey.’

‘I coach high achievers to find a simpler, lighter way to reach their potential. More performance, less stress. I'm excited to partner with The Bridging Project because of the huge compound impact of people benefiting from coaching earlier in life. As a free school meals child and first generation graduate, I'm also motivated to support students who may be feeling quiet pressure to fit in or keep up. Prior to coaching, I spent over 20 years as an advisor and confidant to government ministers and international CEOs in London and Hong Kong.’

‘I am passionate about supporting others to reach their full potential as they navigate (and embrace) life’s challenges. I am excited to be part of The Bridging Project coaching team, supporting students to flourish and thrive through their first year of university and beyond.’

‘I am a certified and bilingual coach, coaching in both English and Spanish. I have been working in and around Higher Education for 20 years; firstly, as a postgraduate researcher, then as a lecturer / academic, and now in the coaching and mentoring space supporting adult learners from a diverse range of backgrounds and industries. I am passionate about making coaching accessible to all as a way to enhance lifelong learning and personal and professional growth. My coaching approach is curious, creative, flexible and kind.’

‘After a career of more than 25 years in the consumer goods industry I am now dedicated to providing coaching that helps individuals navigate change, embrace new opportunities, and transition with confidence. Whether it’s moving into higher education, stepping into a new professional role, or adapting to a significant life change, I am passionate about supporting people through periods of uncertainty and equipping them with the mindset and skills to succeed in new environments.’

‘Getting into top universities against all odds is such a special achievement, so I’m glad The Bridging Project exists so that our brilliant students thrive when they get there! I hope to make a difference by sharing my positive and challenging experiences at Cambridge to give my students great support and a boost in confidence!’

‘I was drawn to coaching because I believe in the transformative impact of empowering people to understand themselves and find the path that works for them. I am proud to be part of The Bridging Project and to have the opportunity to coach students - enabling them to develop as people and build a sense of belonging when at University.

As a qualified coach I will look to bring my coaching skillset to serve my coaches as best I can. I will also look forward to learning from them as they explore their challenges and opportunities.’