About Jo

School Anxiety & Emotional based School Avoidance (EBSA) Specialist

When a teenager becomes highly anxious about school, families can quickly find themselves in crisis.

Mornings become overwhelming.
Conversations about school lead to distress or shutdown.
Parents are left trying to support their child while worrying about missed education and the future.

Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is increasingly common, particularly among thoughtful, sensitive and neurodivergent young people.

But one of the hardest parts for families is simply not knowing what to do next.

That’s where my work begins.

My Background

I have spent over 15 years working as a teacher & senior pastoral leader within UK schools, I saw firsthand how parenting through school avoidance is emotionally demanding and draining.

This work allowed me to build a deep, practical understanding of effective approaches across a diverse range of teens and contributing factors.

I hold an Masters in Psychology, and my approach is informed by research into anxiety, avoidance behaviours and family systems.

This combination allows me to support families from both sides of the system — understanding how schools operate while helping parents navigate what is happening at home.

My Approach

When a young person becomes highly anxious about school, it can look as though there must be many different causes.

But in reality, what creates the intensity of the experience is how real and overwhelming anxious thinking can feel in the moment.

When the mind becomes caught in fearful thinking, school can begin to feel genuinely unsafe or unbearable. Avoiding school then brings short-term relief, which can unintentionally strengthen the cycle.

My work helps families understand how anxiety works from the inside out.

As parents begin to see this more clearly, the pressure around school often settles — and teenagers naturally begin to regain their footing and confidence again.

Studies of EBSA interventions show that when parents receive clear guidance and support, both anxiety and school avoidance behaviours can improve.

This is why my work focuses on supporting the whole family system.

Why families choose to work with me

Parents often tell me they feel relieved to work with someone who:

• is an EBSA Specialist, with experience working with a diverse range of teens
• has Inside Knowledge of Schools, as a former senior pastoral leader
• teaches a Psychology-Led Approach, that gives them insight into their own & their teen's mental health

EBSA can feel overwhelming, but with the right support families can begin to stabilise the situation and move forward.

My qualifications

Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Education

Masters of Science (MSc.) in Psychology & member of BACP.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

ICF Accredited Personal Coach (Distinction)

My work has recently been recognised by the Cambridge Leadership Academy, in partnership with the University of Cambridge, for my contribution to the wellbeing of young people.

My research into assessing the predictive relationship between parents’ parenting styles and the self- efficacy of their 11-16 year old children, is currently being reviewed for publication.

My wider research interests include metacognition in the secondary classroom and the role of oracy in supporting young people’s thinking and wellbeing.

Want to learn more about how I support families navigating EBSA?

You can find full details of my programme and how it helps stabilise school anxiety below

Explore the EBSA Programme