Dr Sam McNally
Senior Lecturer in Childhood
About
Sam has a background as a primary school teacher, play therapist, and ocean therapy practitioner. Sam is a Senior Lecturer in the Childhood Department at the University, where she enjoys supporting students to understand trauma-informed practice and to prepare them for a range of careers with children and families.
Sam has a keen interest in mental health and wellbeing and finds an instinctive pull to the sensory richness of the sea to regulate and restore calm.
Professional
Professionally, Sam has over 25 years of experience working with children, young people, and families across primary education and therapeutic practice.
Her career spans roles as an educator and a qualified therapist, integrating evidence-based pedagogy with creative, relational approaches to support growth, resilience, and emotional development.
Sam is the Academic Area Lead for Childhood and the Programme Coordinator for the BA (Hons) Childhood with Therapeutic Play.
She also works closely with our partner APAC delivering the MA in Practice Based Play Therapy.
Research
Sam has undertaken research considering the pervasive nature of trauma and the benefits of utilising trauma-informed practices. She also has experience of using creative and multi-media methodologies.
Sam’s current research interests include working therapeutically with children and young people with a history of trauma, the use of ocean therapy for wellbeing, and career options for childhood graduates.
Other department members
Chris Smethurst
Co-Director - Institute of Education and Social Sciences
