Ruth Brown
Student Support Manager (Disability, Finance and Inclusion)
Email: ruth.brown@sunderland.ac.uk

I have worked in the Disability Support Team since graduating from the University of Sunderland in 2009 with a BA Sociology and Gender Studies. I have moved around a bit within the team and now lead the Disability Support Team. I have a post graduate qualification in Assessment and Identification of Dyslexia and other certificates in mental health, autism and most of the assistive technology out there.

I’m definitely team Sunderland as a former student and love being part of the university!

Abi McPartlin

Disability Support Adviser
Email: abi.fullerton@sunderland.ac.uk

Hi, I have worked at the University of Sunderland since 2006, in various roles including Graduate Support, Quality Support, Student Support, Academic Technical Support, and currently Disability Support Services.

I have a BSc (Hons) Psychology from the University of Sunderland, and an MA in Equal Opportunities and Society from Northumbria University.

I’m originally a Southerner and moved from the South West to the North East do my degree sometime way, way back in the 90’s, and I never left.

Lisa Baker
Disability Support Adviser
Email: lisa.baker-1@sunderland.ac.uk

I work as a disability adviser and also provide some study skills tuition. I have a degree in German and postgraduate qualifications in dyslexia, special educational needs and disabilities. I worked as a dyslexia tutor for numerous years. I have lived in various parts of England, but returned to my native North East and stayed.

Catherine De Muschamp
Disability Support Adviser
Email: Catherine.De_Muschamp@sunderland.ac.uk

Hello! I have been working at Sunderland since 2022. I graduated from Lancaster Uni and have had 25 years of teaching experience. For the last 10 years I worked in Secondary SEND settings, teaching young people with a very wide range of additional needs and challenging behaviours. I was also the Mental Health Lead, so I have a good understanding of how conditions like autism, ADHD, chronic illness, and physical disability can affect wellbeing and learning. I love to help people to access learning and see them thrive.

Sue Hall
Disability Support Assistant

disability.support@sunderland.ac.uk

Telephone: 0191 515 2952

Hi there! I have worked at the University of Sunderland for over 34 years, across a few different departments and job roles! I am the Disability Support Assistant in this great team and I answer a lot of student and colleague questions that arrive into the Service. I also provide support to colleagues in the team. This is a new venture for me in many ways and I am really enjoying helping and supporting students, and colleagues who support students, and feel I am learning so much on a daily basis about student life here at Sunderland.

I have grown up in Sunderland myself so feel like I know the region very well!

Julie Wood
Administrative Assistant 
Email: disability.support@sunderland.ac.uk

Telephone: 0191 515 2952

Hello.  I am an Administration Assistant Disability Support Team   I worked as a nurse for many years in my native Leicestershire before teaching the BTec Level 3 Health and Social Care course at a college of further education.  My family are originally from the North East so it is lovely to be ‘home’. 

Danielle Meikle

Specialist Study Skills Tutor

Email: danielle.meikle@sunderland.ac.uk

I have a BA (Hons) English Studies, PGCE Education and Post Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia and SpLD. I have 20 years’ experience working in education across FE, HE and adult settings ranging from teaching A Level English to managing learning support divisions. I have extensive knowledge of learning disabilities and SpLD’s and the best strategies to help students develop their academic skills and become confidence learners.

Kay Bowes

Specialist Study Skills Tutor

Email: Kay.bowes@sunderland.ac.uk

 Hello! I began my teaching career as an Adult Literacy Specialist, then completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy. I was Coordinator for Specific Learning Difficulties in a college of Further and Higher Education for many years. I assessed, supported and taught learners with a range of specific differences including Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Tourette's and particularly Autism. A personal interest led me to graduate with a master's degree in Autism in 2010. As a tutor, I am passionate about supporting students to overcome any barriers, so they achieve their full potential.   

Graeme Walton 
Specialist Study Skills Tutor - Term time only
Email: graeme.walton@sunderland.ac.uk

I've been working with the Disability Support Team since 2015. Prior to this I was a freelance trainer and education consultant, specialising in different fields including study skills and accelerating learning.

I am a qualified teacher who has also lectured in Business Studies and provided training on study skills throughout England, as well as working on a one-to-one basis with hundreds of students.