Samantha Garner
Growing up in deepest darkest Gloucestershire meant I was very lucky to have an Enid Blyton type childhood, I was also probably related to most of the town I lived in with at least 34 first cousins alone!
After a music degree I worked in recruitment, then project management, before moving into education, specifically Special Educational Needs and Mental health. My education roles and experiences include:
- working as a SENCo in a large mainstream secondary school
- working in an alternative provision with children excluded from school
- working one to one with children in secure foster care
- working with independent settings on supporting SEN & Mental Health
As well as gaining a Honours Degree in Music, I have a variety of mental health qualifications including CBT Therapy, Counselling, Master Mindset Coaching and Positive Parenting.
I am also:
- a committee member for the Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Devon & Cornwall Branch
- Leeds Beckett University Schools Mental Health Award Coach
- Optimus Multi Academy Trust Awards Judge
Also...
I have set up a company called Balanced Schools Ltd designed to provide practical, accessible, practical mental wellbeing support for students and educational staff.
I’m currently on my second marriage (keeping him on his toes) and I have two daughters (ginger) and one step-son.
In my spare time I have an alter ego – Mrs Jones! I can be found occasionally performing around South Devon singing the best Soul & Motown from the 60s & 70s. I am also a member of a local cricket club, but mostly I just like sitting and watching my husband (current) play, hoping he doesn’t get injured.