As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

Someone who made a difference! At school I had several brilliant teachers and could see the positive influence they had on people's lives - I really wanted to emulate that - and had great fun practicing on my 'class' of teddy bears!

How did you get involved in education?

Voluntary experiences in working with children, particularly through Girls' Brigade, played an important part (as did a lot of prayer!) in deciding to study at university to become a Teacher - and this led to me gaining a teaching post at the school where I conducted my dissertation research. God then 'looped things' and used this training and experience, along with a key conversation in a doorway, to challenge me to become Children's Evangelist for Arise and then Mission Development Worker for Girls' Brigade.

What would you do with a million quid?

Unfortunately that wouldn't be enough to buy Arsenal a decent striker, so I would have to employ the services of a good Financial Advisor! Seriously though, I would look to use the money to develop sustainable ministry which helped to ensure that every school in the country had a positive link with a local church; enabling walls to be broken and bridges to be built, so that even more people get to hear and see the Gospel message.

Who has been the biggest influence in your work?

God has placed some amazing Christian people in my life and they have all played an important role in shaping the way in which I work. I'm not seeking a pay-rise (!) but Ruth Gilson (Girls' Brigade and Arise National Director) has, in particular, been a great influence; especially in the way in which she challenges and guides.

Where do you see children act as catalysts for transformation?

In a wide-range of settings; from the playground to the parish church. Wherever children are, more often than not they have a great way of being direct and honest about things; not afraid to question and challenge what is, in an attempt to create what could and should be. Many also have an openness - a freedom, a belief that anything is possible; and so are prepared to take 'risks', that sometimes as adults we wouldn't even attempt and don't always appreciate or allow to happen. They also have a real hunger for hope-filled change; it's so encouraging and also refreshing to see the passion with which many of them share their faith and pray for others.

M.L. King Jr had a dream for society. What is yours?

My dream would be to see a society where people of all ages live free in the grace and knowledge that God knows, loves and cares for them - people not just receiving the Good News but being Good News in and through all that they do; living out the lives that God has perfectly designed for them.

What is the main hindrance to living the dream?

Not fully appreciating God's love and belief in us; failing to trust in Him and His power.

Which movie character do you most relate to?

Probably 'Donkey' from 'Shrek'. I would say that's because of my 'superior' karaoke singing abilities; my friends would say it's because I can find excitement in anything - and that includes my singing!

Jesus invited the children to come to him, so I ...

... would say, let's really value and welcome them too, as a voice and vital contributor into the change and shaping of our communities. Children are discovering faith, seeking to live this out and share it with others; let's be prepared to support them, but to also learn from them too.

I didn't get where I am today without ...

... the support of some great (and extremely patient!) friends on the journey

What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?

To prioritise and ensure that there is plenty of quality time for resting and recharging. The Bible clearly shows the importance of this, with Jesus removing himself from the crowds to have space. It's a lesson I'm still learning though - and a hard one at that, because it's easy to think that to make a difference we need to be working 24/7.

Forum for Change inspired you recently - what do you think caught?

People's passion and sense of purpose really impacted me. It was great to be amongst people who have a real heart for God-breathed change in their communities. What's more, it was great to explore and see the potential synergy and opportunities for us to work together as catalysts for change as we seek to share the Gospel.

What is your most green credential?

Until last night, I would say cycling - unfortunately I picked up a puncture and my attempts at fixing it weren't exactly 'road-worthy!' So instead, it would have to be the fact that I'm quite into 'recycling' - Blue Peter style; coming up with ideas and making activities that children can do using the random bits and bobs that I find in my home - mainly pizza boxes and chinese take-away tubs ... !

What would 'shalom' in education look like 10 years from now?

Places of education would be hope-filled environments, where all people not only felt loved, encouraged and valued, but also loved, encouraged and valued others too. We would see Jesus' commandment of: 'loving one another, as I have loved you' really being lived out.