Mari joined NASS in 2020. She is the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer and provides policy guidance to NASS members as well as lobbying the government on their behalf.  The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) currently represents over 450 special schools in the Non-Maintained, Independent and Academy sectors, and has recently opened its membership to all special schools. NASS supports research, best practice and professional development within the sector.

Mari previous has worked across local government in various policy roles, including working at the Local Government Association as a senior member of the policy team.  She holds a degree in Public Policy and Government from the University of Birmingham and also completed an MBA in 2012, gaining a distinction for her dissertation on using human and cultural factors to measure future success of mergers and acquisitions.  

Mari is passionate that all children and young people should have access to the right education, that will provide them with the best opportunity to meet their full potential. She is a SEND parent, who continues to advocate for her child to get the support that they deserve. Prior to joining NASS, she was on an extended career break, which included time supporting her daughter through a period of unelected home schooling when no suitable education provision was available.