Dr Hazel Harris

I work as an Adviser and am based in the Ballymena office, however, working from home where possible. I am delighted to be a Health & Wellbeing Champion within EA as I am interested in this area and feel I can make a contribution to the team. I am adaptable, focused and enjoy active listening, coaching and mentoring to help others. I have worked in a range of roles in education for 26 years, supporting children and young people, enabling them to reach their potential in life.

I started my career as a primary school teacher. I was seconded to Early Years and was the Enriched Curriculum Pilot Lead in the north east. I contributed to the development of the resource, Learning Through Play, working with an Interboard panel. This resource is available online and is significant during the Covid-19 recovery period as early years practitioners prioritise and plan for playful learning to promote the development of children’s social interaction and emotional wellbeing.

I have worked as a teaching principal and non-teaching principal for a combined total of fourteen years – different roller coaster experiences. It was very rewarding to achieve the prestigious Families First Best Primary School Award for Investment in SEN, recognised not only in supporting children with SEN but also extending support to parents by establishing a Parents Support Group.

It is vitally important to address the health and wellbeing of every corporate employee and those working in school settings, enabling them to work through challenging situations and build resilience. Life is full of opportunities and should be well lived.

Outside of work, I am a wife, mum, daughter, sister and aunt. I enjoy walking, cycling, pilates and reading. I love travelling but also spend much time locally in Portrush and surrounding area. I have volunteer community experience and a continuous approach to learning, reflection and skills development both formal and informal.