Hello
I'm Susan - creator/founder of HIVE Learning and Wellbeing.
Firstly, and unashamedly, people are my thing. I love people. Aren't they great?
They fascinate and energise me, and when people work well together ... something MAGIC happens!
I have taken the leap outside of a 20 year career in education to start HIVE Learning to be able to share the best of the things I have learned with others, to inspire and get the best out of people.
My Story
Over 20 years ago, I trained as a primary school teacher and currently work as SENDCO 3 days a week at a North Yorkshire Primary School. Over the course of those 20 years, I've been teacher, coach, mentor, trainer, support, friend. My work as a senior leader has led me to work in different roles in a varied range of teams - giving me experience of the highs and lows of collaboration and everything in between.
Since 2000, I've specialised in mental health and wellbeing, completing additional training in my spare time. Firstly, completing courses online,then a trauma-informed diploma, and very proudly achieving a distinction in a BPS accredited Psychology Masters in 2025.
My school-based roles have allowed my to lead curriculum and wellbeing areas including English, Humanities, PSHE, personal development and mental health. I completed the Department for Education's Senior Mental Health Lead training in 2021 and the NPQSENDCO in 2026. I sit on the Hambleton and Richmond Locality Board for Inclusion.
Most recently, I have loved training as a mindfulness teacher. I've got my case study in to be marked so will hopefully be qualified by the end of September 2026 with the UK College of Mindfulness Meditation (accredited by the British Psychological Association).
Qualifications
University of Newcastle Upon Tyne
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BA (Hons) Lingustics, PGCE
CACHE
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Children and Young People's Mental Health, Mental Health First Aid
Centre for Excellence
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Mindfulness for Children
Complementary Medicine Association
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Trauma-Informed Diploma
Leeds Beckett University
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Senior Mental Health Lead
Northumbria University
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MSc Psychology with Distinction
Red Kite Teaching School
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NPQ SENDCO
UK College of Mindfulness Meditation
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Mindfulness Teacher (assessment pending)
Personal
I am passionate about communities, and it's probably no surprise that in my spare time, I get involved in local groups. Family is my anchor and I'm thankful to my children for leading me to coach, volunteer and sit on committees at my local scouts, rugby, cricket and air cadet organisations.
And when I'm all peopled out (as we are all are sometimes), walking in the local countryside with my pampered dog Kiwi keeps me sane and grounded. I practice mindfulness every day and wouldn't be without those moments of peace.
