Staff Profile

  • Lisa has always been passionate about creativity and the arts completing her first degree in Drama and Theatre Arts at Middlesex University in 2004. Lisa’s interest in arts and health developed when she worked offering activities provision in a day centre for adults with additional needs. She went on to complete her masters in Dramatherapy at the University of Roehampton in 2011.

    Whilst studying Dramatherapy Lisa set her own business offering projects and workshops utilising the creative arts to support individuals and groups in their development socially, personally and academically. Imaginary Ordinary has gone from strength to strength offering Lisa the opportunity to work within a variety of setting and with a range of individuals. She has worked with arts and community venues across the UK including theatres, care and residential settings, schools and forensic settings.

    Lisa first started working with the University of Northampton 3 years ago offering enrichment and specialist sessions as an associate lecturer. Lisa joined the university as a part time lecturer in September 2015 working with students across the BA Childhood and Youth and SEN and Inclusion courses.

  • Lisa teaches across the BA Childhood and Youth and SEN and Inclusion courses on modules in;

    • Creative and Media based approaches to working with inclusion
    • Creative and therapeutic approaches within children’s services
    • Youth offending
  • Lisa is currently researching the benefits and role of creativity and creative practice with Children and Young People experiencing mental health difficulties. She is interested how creative and psychological approaches can be utilised to offer children and young people better understanding of their emotional wellbeing and provide them with the tools to maintain their own emotional and mental wellbeing.

    Lisa recently completed a chapter exploring the provision of Dramatherapy with young male offenders in a secure setting which is due to be published within a new text from the Forensic Association of Arts Therapists Group (FATAG)

  • For publications, projects, datasets, research interests and activities, view Lisa Smallwood’s research profile on Pure, the University of Northampton’s Research Explorer.