Early Years Leader and teacher, PhD research student, parent of children with autism and ADHD.
As a dedicated educator and parent of neurodivergent children, I've witnessed firsthand how systemic misunderstandings of autism and ADHD can erode self-esteem and hinder potential. My son's experience ignited a lifelong commitment to advocacy and my daughter's recent diagnosis deepened that resolve. I champion neuroaffirming practices that recognise autism and ADHD not as deficits, but as differences deserving respect. Through my teaching and research, I strive to reshape educational environments so that all children, especially those often overlooked, can thrive, feel valued, and succeed on their own terms.
Childminder and ADHDer
I have worked in early years since 2007 in the US, Australia and the UK. In 2023 my wife Jennifer Fletcher and I opened Free to Learn Childmilding together. We are all about self-directed play, respectful relationships and trying our best to be neurodiversity affirming.
Early Years Anti-Racist Trainer and Consultant
I am an anti-racist trainer and consultant with 20 years’ experience in education and early years leadership. As Director of The Black Nursery Manager, my work focuses on embedding anti-racist and inclusive practice locally, nationally, and internationally. I joined the Diverse Pathways collective to contribute my expertise in anti-racism, ensuring that early years approaches to neurodiversity and disability are grounded in justice, care, and the affirmation of every child’s identity and potential.
Education consultant and parent to autistic children
As a parent to autistic children, and my experience of working as a consultant with early years settings, being a part of the working group developing a guidance that understands, embraces and supports neurodivergent development has been an absolute joy. Firsthand I’ve experienced the detrimental effect deficit-based language and neurotypical approaches to development had on my children. I know there are many educators out there who want to create the right environments and support neurodivergent children so that they can thrive. The Diverse Pathways does this, drawing on expertise and experience, to expand and deepen our understanding of neurodivergent development.
Director of Lifelong Learning and Lead for Sensory Inclusive Schools
I am an Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner and Occupational Therapist with 20 years’ experience supporting children, young people, and families. Too often, I see young people being pushed along neurotypical developmental pathways at the expense of their growth, participation, and joy. I became involved in Diverse Pathways for Childhood because I believe every child deserves recognition and support for the way they uniquely experience the world. My passion lies in creating opportunities that value difference, nurture strengths, and ensure that childhood is about thriving, not simply meeting prescribed milestones.
Education Consultant and parent of neurodivergent children
Jo Gray is an experienced teacher, school leader, and Head of Education with a deep passion for play-based learning. Her MA in Educational Leadership explored the role of play beyond the early years, and she delivers training nationally on playful pedagogy, leadership, and curriculum. Jo has founded a national steering group, Play in Education, to champion play across primary education, ensuring curiosity, wonder, and joy remain central to learning. As a parent of two neurodivergent boys, Jo’s vision is rooted in equity and inclusion. This commitment led her to join Diverse Pathways for Childhood, alongside the awe she has for Kerry’s passion and knowledge.
Consultant , Highly specialist Speech & Language therapist, Researcher
I am neurodivergent Social Entrepreneur, Speech and Language Therapist, Writer and Lecturer. My work sits at the intersection of Race, Language and Disability. It is important for us to challenge dominant views of childhood development, I'm glad Kerry has created this space to do so!
Speech and Language Therapist
I’m a Speech and Language Therapist passionate about supporting neurodivergent children. I’m committed to raising awareness of Gestalt Language Processors providing support and training through child-led, neurodiversity-affirming approaches that help children thrive. My inspiration to be part of the Diverse Pathways for Childhood was through Kerry Murphy’s work and the opportunity to create wider spaces that honour each child’s individuality, communication style, sensory needs, and play preferences. For me, it feels like an invitation to both support and learn from a community.
Educational and Child Psychologist, carer of autistic child
I have passionately advocated for years to develop settings that are suitable for all children. I appreciate how DPfC thinks intersectionally about neurodiversity. I would like to build with others who see how different needs are interconnected.
Early education editor, former Early Years educator, Autistic adult, parent to an Autistic child
Having been an EY educator for many years, Diverse Pathways is the resource I wish I'd had to help me better support the children in my care. It's a privilege to contribute to getting this vital knowledge into the hands of those who need it.
Headteacher of Pound Park Nursery School
For the past five years, I’ve led a nursery school as headteacher, fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment where children thrive, families feel supported, and staff grow professionally. A central focus of my work has been championing neurodiversity—ensuring every child receives the understanding and tailored support they need to flourish. My commitment to equity and inclusion is what drives my interest in contributing to the Diverse Pathways for Childhood initiative.
Educational Psychologist
I'm deeply committed to driving systemic change that ensures every child is included. I'm especially focused on how the language we use and the ways we think about children's development influence the support we provide
ECE Consultant, autistic person with lived experience, and carer of autistic child
I am an early childhood education consultant with over 10 years of experience in the field. As a multiply neurodivergent and multiply disabled professional and parent, I bring both lived and professional perspectives to my work. I am passionate about promoting neurodiversity-affirming practice and improving the ways we support neurodivergent children and their families. I got involved because I believe the dominant narratives of child development too often set the stage for stigma and exclusion, and I want to help affirm that there is no single right way to be, learn, or grow.
Portage Worker
I have worked with autistic children and their families for over 25 years and also have the joy of constantly learning from my autistic family members. I decided to be involved because for many years I have been deeply frustrated with the deficit models and harmful, negative language that is used across education and health systems related to autism. I was privileged to be part of this project which I hope will be truly transformational and the start of ensuring a neurodiversity-affirming and non-pathologising view of early autistic development is embraced and embedded, far and wide.
Deputy Headteacher, SENCO, parent of 4 neurodivergent children (Autistic/ADHD)
I am a Deputy Headteacher and SENCO across a federation of three maintained nursery schools, with a deep commitment to inclusion. Having been married for 33 years to a neurodivergent man, and as a parent of four neurodivergent children, I bring both professional and personal understanding to my work. As someone with ADHD myself, I am passionate about celebrating neurodiversity and ensuring every child receives the early support they need to thrive. I wanted to be involved in the Diverse Pathways for Childhood to help shape systems that allow all children to grow as their authentic selves.
International School Teacher (Early Years and Primary)
I am a Deputy Headteacher and SENCO across a federation of three maintained nursery schools, with a deep commitment to inclusion. Having been married for 33 years to a neurodivergent man, and as a parent of four neurodivergent children, I bring both professional and personal understanding to my work. As someone with ADHD myself, I am passionate about celebrating neurodiversity and ensuring every child receives the early support they need to thrive. I wanted to be involved in the Diverse Pathways for Childhood to help shape systems that allow all children to grow as their authentic selves.
Early years educator
I’m an early years teacher, currently working as an early years practitioner in a local authority special educational needs advisory service. I have worked in a range of settings including a packaway pre-school, a children's centre and as a SENCO in a maintained nursery school. I have a MA in Childhood Studies and Practice in the Early years, a MSc in Psychology and have started a Professional Doctorate. I wanted to be involved in the Diverse Pathways for childhood because I am passionate about creating environments where all children are supported to thrive.
Inclusion Teacher
I’m an Early Years Advisory Teacher for SEND and Inclusion, passionate about creating environments where every child can thrive. My work focuses on supporting practitioners to understand and celebrate neurodiversity through affirming, rights- and strengths-based approaches. I joined Diverse Pathways for Childhood because I believe collaboration and reflective practice are key to creating meaningful and lasting change within our education system.
Autistic Advocate and Consultant. Early Years SEND teacher.
I want to be involved with Diverse Pathways for Childhood because it aligns deeply with my values of creating neuroaffirming spaces where every child’s authentic way of being and playing is recognised, respected, and supported. I believe in meeting children where they are—honouring their unique sensory worlds, communication styles, and monotropic rhythms of learning and exploring. Diverse Pathways offers an opportunity to help reshape systems and practices so that neurodivergent children can thrive, not just adapt, by fostering understanding, acceptance, and genuine belonging.
Early Years SENDCo/AuDHDer with lived experience/Parent of 2 incredible neurodiverse My work isn’t a job to me, Like Kerry, it’s a part of who I am, it’s my vocation. I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to support so many children and young people in so many different ways over the last few decades. I’m a firm believer that all children can reach their full potential, when surrounded by loving, dedicated and caring support systems and by individuals who have only the children's best interests at the heart in everything they do, to help all children to flourish and thrive within their families, environments, relationships and to be a part of their community. My passion is for every neurodivergent child and young person, to be successful in their own right, in whatever way that may be. And if I can make a difference to one child’s life, then it will all be worth it.
When we began Diverse Pathways for Early Childhood, we were deeply moved by how many people reached out wanting to be part of this work. Every message, conversation, and shared insight has shaped the direction and spirit of this project.
We give heartfelt thanks to the following people who have engaged with, endorsed, or promoted this project:
Emma Hartnell-Baker (she/her)/Dr Jane Park (she/her)/Ellie Latham-Mollart (she/her)/Cathy Gunning (she/her)/Holly Roue (she/her)/Alice Hill (she/her)/Jodie and Ava Edmunds (she/her x2)/Emma Butcher (she/her)/Emma Burgess/Becki Green (she/her)/Tess Dean (she/her)/Alice Davies (she/her)/Sarah Emerson (she/her)/Claire Prosser (she/her)/Ann Lowe/Veronica Green (she/her)/Simon Airey (he/him)
We continue to diversify this group and work towards meaningful representation across lived experience, professional roles, and communities.
If you would like to be involved in the group, please get in touch with us at queries@diversepathways.org