Sarah Martin-Denham University of Sunderland, UK

Sarah Martin-Denham is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the 'Post Graduate Certificate National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination' and a Masters short course 'Supporting children with Social Emotional and Mental Health Needs' at the University of Sunderland.  Sarah is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Vice Chancellor Teaching Fellow, Chair of an independent SENCO network and a Convenor of an interdisciplinary research network for developing knowledge, understanding and approaches for supporting children who are experiencing adverse childhood experiences.  She has extensive knowledge of learning and teaching in the North East of England in a variety of settings ranging from Early Years to Higher Education.  Sarah began her career as an infant school teacher in Sunderland then taught from entry level to foundation degree level study in a college.  For the last ten years Sarah has successfully developed and led four programmes and research projects in the School of Education at the University of Sunderland.  Through her work with children and families over the last twenty years and her own neurodiverse abilities she has developed a particular interest in special educational needs and disabilities.