GRACE GIBBONS

About Grace...

My name is Grace Gibbons, I'm 21 years old and I live in Buckinghamshire. In 2012 I graduated from the University of Portsmouth with a 2:1 in Psychology. My dream is to become an Educational Psychologist, but at the moment I'm a Learning Support Assistant in a secondary school. This means that I work with children aged 11-16 with special educational needs (such as ASD and ADHD), in a mainstream classroom setting. It is really rewarding and something I thoroughly enjoy.

In the past (whilst studying at university) I have worked with adults and children with special needs in a number of different environments. My main area of 'expertise' is Autism: I have worked with children and adults with severe ASD (meaning that they have very little language, and need constant care). I suppose this is why I have been placed at Camp Baker (VA), which is a camp that specifically caters for adults and children with developmental disorders. Although I have obviously have experience working with people with special needs, this will be in a completely new and exciting environment, which is why I was so drawn to apply.

I have been lucky enough to be appointed as a head counsellor; this means that I'll be there if any general counsellor needs advice regarding - for example - the best way to approach a difficult situation. It is a huge honour and I'm hoping to fulfill the expectations of the position with the best of my abilities, and have a great time doing it too!

Now, onto a little bit about me. Aside from psychology and working with people with disorders, my main passion is film. I am what one would call a 'film geek', or a 'movie buff' (I prefer the latter, makes it sound cooler). I'm not one of those who criticises a person for their film choice, for I love them all! My collection rivals Blockbusters; I have everything from psychological thrillers to Disney classics. As a result of this slight obsession, I also have a strong enthusiasm for drama, music, and art. I love going to the theatre, music festivals, and exhibitions.
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When I moved home from university in July, I decided it was high time I started to take care of myself (I'd been living the life of a student for far too long, and the microwave meals were taking their toll). So, as a result, I have taken up Zumba (which I attend twice a week), and I also swim and cycle. Hopefully this means I will be fighting fit by the time I fly out to my camp in June, fingers crossed!

Hope this isn't too long, and is everything you're looking for!
Many thanks,
Grace Gibbons