The Panel: 

Olivia: 

Olivia brings both lived and professional experience to conversations about education and alternative learning. Her perspective was shaped when her child was unable to attend school, leading her to support learning across mainstream, specialist, alternative, online and home-based education, and prompting a lasting interest in where and how learning can flourish beyond traditional classrooms.
 

Since then, Olivia has worked closely with families navigating SEND systems through voluntary roles and her current work as a SEND parent adviser for a national helpline. She holds a Master’s degree in the Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing and also works supporting adults experiencing mental health challenges. Her work is grounded in an interest in how education systems impact wellbeing, identity and access to opportunity.

Chris: 

Chris brings both frontline and research experience to conversations about psychologically healthy education systems. He began his career as a secondary school teacher before training as an Educational Psychologist, developing a specialism in youth justice, school exclusion and managed moves. Much of his practice has taken place within youth offending teams, Pupil Referral Units and Secure Children’s Homes, shaping his understanding of how education systems can both marginalise and restore.

Alongside practice, Chris lectures and supervises doctoral research at the Institute of Education, UCL. As Co-Director of Square Peg CIC, he works with young people and families who are excluded, unable to attend, or disengaged from education. In his role as Director of Research at States of Mind CIC, in collaboration with UCL, he leads participatory action research that centres young people’s voices in education reform and co-founded the Education Futures in Action movement. His work is grounded in a commitment to reimagining education alongside those most affected by it, with a focus on relevance, dignity and systemic change.

Jo: 

Jo brings both professional and lived experience to conversations about education and alternative learning pathways. After serving as a school governor and questioning whether the system allowed children to truly flourish, she deregistered her three children in 2017 and stepped into Bristol’s home education community, a decision that reshaped her family life and professional direction.
 

Originally an occupational therapist, Jo spent twenty years supporting people with neurological conditions to regain independence and completed a PhD developing an innovative vocational rehabilitation service. She co-founded Streams Education and is part of the founding team at the Streams Learning Hub in Bristol. She also works as a consultant with Finding the Flex, advocating for flexi-schooling and more responsive pathways for young people.

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