About Penny
My Journey
Every Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England accredited instructor brings a unique blend of professional and personal experiences that shape the way they teach. My journey has given me deep insight into the pressures that impact mental well-being, making me passionate about delivering training that is not only informative but also engaging, relatable, and transformative.
I spent over a decade working in high-pressure trading environments, brokering stocks primarily on the NASDAQ and NYSE. It was a fast-paced, male-dominated industry where stress was part of the culture, and poor coping mechanisms were commonplace. Burnout was everywhere, yet mental health remained a taboo subject.
At the same time, my partner was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and unable to work. The stigma around mental health was so strong that I found it easier to tell colleagues he was “on the dole” rather than openly discuss his illness. Looking back, I’m astounded by how much attitudes have changed—but also by how far we still have to go.
What has kept me well?
Life after finance brought new challenges—property development, financial strain, marriage, fertility struggles, raising children with special educational needs (SEN), divorce, caring for aging parents, and navigating economic crises. Many of these experiences will resonate with others, and yet, despite the pressures, I have never been diagnosed with a mental health condition. That led me to question: What has kept me well? Why was I once so influenced by stigma? Why is mental health still misunderstood? And how much do our backgrounds, experiences, and genetics play a role?
These questions ultimately led me to train as an MHFA England Instructor. My goal is to create a learning experience that is insightful, practical, and empowering. Mental health is a serious subject, but that doesn’t mean training has to be dull. I bring energy, warmth, and even laughter into my sessions, ensuring that learners leave feeling confident, informed, and equipped to support colleagues, friends, and family.
Rewarding aspects of my work.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is that learning is always a two-way street—I have gained something valuable from every learner I’ve met. Together, we break down stigma, build understanding, and create workplaces and communities that truly support mental well-being.I spent over a decade working in high-pressure trading environments, brokering stocks primarily on the NASDAQ and NYSE. It was a fast-paced, male-dominated industry where stress was part of the culture, and poor coping mechanisms were commonplace. Burnout was everywhere, yet mental health remained a taboo subject.
At the same time, my partner was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and unable to work. The stigma around mental health was so strong that I found it easier to tell colleagues he was “on the dole” rather than openly discuss his illness. Looking back, I’m astounded by how much attitudes have changed—but also by how far we still have to go.These questions ultimately led me to train as an MHFA England Instructor. My goal is to create a learning experience that is insightful, practical, and empowering. Mental health is a serious subject, but that doesn’t mean training has to be dull. I bring energy, warmth, and even laughter into my sessions, ensuring that learners leave feeling confident, informed, and equipped to support colleagues, friends, and family.
