Bridgett Thornton

Hi, my name is Bridgett I was born in Ireland but have lived in UK for over 40 years. I am an education manager for an OFSTED graded OUTSTANDING Neurodiverse college for 16-25 years old. My background was a long way from education.

We left Ireland to escape severe domestic violence so as a child I have suffered adverse childhood trauma.

I trained as a chef, throughout my career I always coached people to reach their full potential. Then one day I woke up and took control of my destiny.

I studied and achieved the Certificate in Education, then my degree in Post Compulsory Education for 16+. Working with adults in professional roles, is where I really started to practice coaching and loved seeing people changing their lives and achieving their goals.

I love teaching and learning and it's a real passion for me. In 2010 I started working with people who had learning difficulties/disabilities. My focus was to change peoples' mindset about what these people could achieve rather than focusing on what they couldn't do.

In 2018 I developed a provision for neurodiverse young people aged 16-25, who have Education, Health and Care plans. The programme supports them in the preparation for adulthood and the world of work. The provision has grown from 10 students to 32 in 2024. 

I can coach many of these students but some of these young people need more and that’s how I was introduced to Havening. Many of these young people have been traumatised from their school experience. Many suffer from anxiety, stress, fears, phobias and some have experienced adverse childhood trauma. 

Havening along with other strategies has enabled these young people to reach their full potential and we have a 100% positive progression. We offer Havening to the families and our staff. Students are encouraged to self- haven to help them regulate their emotions. Positive affirmations are a daily routine for all.

Areas of specialisation:

Life coaching, Teaching and Learning, Neurodiversity training,  Listening skills, Empowerment, Self-development.

Happy to connect for collaborations nationally and internationally sharing experiences and learning from each other is positive for all.