Awards 2010: Lesley Shows Her Determination
23 January 2010
Lesley celebrated her graduation success at the University's Saturday Awards Ceremonies
Lesley is an inspiration to anyone who has not had the opportunity to study for a degree early in their professional career.
”Colleague Kath Williamson
Issues such as alcoholism and marital separation don't just place strain on individuals, so the valuable role of family therapy in society is increasingly coming to the fore.
One of Derby's graduates this year is leading its development in the region.
Lesley Novelle has shown remarkable energy and strength of character to not only be part of the development of pioneering courses in this area of mental health, but also to study part time and look after her family.
Lesley has been lecturing for the last four years at the University of Derby on existing courses in systemic thinking and practice.
Lesley has also played a large part in setting up the region's first Masters degree course in Family Therapy and Systemic Psychotherapy.
She also works at Derbyshire Mental Health Services NHS Trust as a systemic psychotherapist.
At this year's ceremonies, Lesley received two awards - a PG Cert in Higher Education and a First Class Honours Degree.
Some of the work Lesley undertook for her degree was presented at a national conference and has now been written up and submitted to a family therapy journal.
The research centres on the area of 'patchwork text' - a method of assessment where participants develop their learning in relation to key aspects of a module by constructing short 'patches' in small peer groups.
Colleague Kath Williamson, associate lecturer and programme leader for the Post Graduate Certificate in Systemic Thinking and Practice, praised Lesley's work.
She said: "This is a wonderful success story.
"Her academic achievement is the culmination of many years of study and practice.
"Lesley is an inspiration to anyone who has not had the opportunity to study for a degree early in their professional career.
"She has also made a fantastic contribution to setting up the new Masters course which enables people to complete their training as systemic and family psychotherapists in Derby."
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For more details contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email s.redfern@derby.ac.uk.
