Ana

Learning Community Facilitator

I am part of the Learning Community, which will run at the SG community centre. My job is to support the young people who attend and help them pursue self-directed learning. Self-directed means that young people are free to follow their interests and don’t have to learn from a set curriculum, like they would in most schools. We also make decisions about the centre and decide upon rules together, as we believe in fairness and collaboration!

I have two children, Henry and Robin. Henry has been a Spectrum Gaming member since August 2021 and we have attended a lot of meet-ups together over the last few years!I’m neurodivergent but didn’t know it when I was younger. Learning more about myself has helped me to make the most of my strengths and be kinder to myself when I find things challenging.I love spending time outdoors in nature. It helps me feel calm, especially when life has been particularly noisy or busy!I enjoy being creative, for example starting random projects, making things or painting.
I’m also learning to play the piano.I used to be a nurse, then moved to education and trained in early years. I worked in a preschool, then as a teaching assistant in mainstream primary.I’ve met some amazing young people but have also seen how difficult school can be sometimes. I’m grateful to be part of SG, having seen all the amazing work they do. I hope the Learning Community can be a safe and happy space for young people who have been unable to find a setting that works for them.

Casper is my dog. I love him because he is soft, silly and always happy to see me!