Your ability to inspire and nurture young minds is a testament to your exceptional talent and love for teaching. Through your guidance, you’ve not only imparted knowledge but also instilled confidence and curiosity, shaping future educators and leaders in profound ways.

Beyond the classroom, your kindness, wisdom, and support have been cherished by everyone fortunate enough to work with you, including myself.

With deepest gratitude and best wishes,
Anne-Marie xx

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you on behalf of the faculty and the university for everything you’ve contributed over the years. Your dedication to education, expertise, and steady presence have made a lasting impact—not only on the university, but on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside you.

Your support, insight, and expertise have meant a great deal, and you will truly be missed. I am sure you are excited for whatever comes next for you, and I have no doubt you'll bring the same excellence and integrity to your next chapter.

Wishing you all the very best in the journey ahead.

Jacob

Warren x

Tanya xx

Best wishes

Dave x

Michelle P

We have been on a journey, you and I, that has had similar bumps along the way. It has also come with many highlights and led to many positive outcomes.

You have made a huge difference to the university, the sector, and most importantly, the many lives that will be better for your research and leadership.

I can only hope to build on the amazing work you have done to advocate for children, families and the professionals who support them.

Take care and enjoy this next chapter. Take your time to enjoy family and friends and doing the things that are close to your heart.

I will do my utmost to support and guide the team through the forthcoming challenges and opportunities.

With best wishes,

Julian

I want to express a heartfelt appreciation to you for all the support, guidance and wisdom you have shared with me for so many years. You have provided me with so many opportunities, contributing to where I am today. You have been an inspiring leader, researcher and Social Worker.

You have inspired many, with students from many years ago still asking "does Eunice still work there" :-). This is a testament to your impact, presence and kindness.

I have no doubt our paths will continue to cross over.

With best wishes for what comes and is crafted next

Robin

Best wishes

Becky x

Eunice, you have changed lives, transformed futures and created hope. Don’t stop now! All the very best, Toby P.

As you conclude your time at the university, I want to thank you for the guidance and steady encouragement you've offered me as I began my own academic career. Your clarity, positivity, and confidence in my work helped shape my early development as a lecturer. While our careers have overlapped briefly, your influence will continue through the many you’ve supported.

Wishing you all the best in retirement and in whatever comes next,

Lesley

You have led with compassion and understanding and I'm very grateful. Wishing you all the very best in your next chapter, where I'm sure our paths will cross.

Kyffin

(PS, that's supposed to be a picture of a 'Golden Thread!!!)

It’s been an absolute pleasure working alongside you over the past four years. You’ve been a true inspiration. Your dedication, passion & commitment to children, families & especially to early years services & education is truly exceptional. The impact you’ve made & will undoubtedly continue to make is profound. You’ve touched & improved so many lives.

Your compassionate & inclusive leadership approach has meant a great deal to so many of us & your presence in the faculty will be deeply missed. Thank you for everything you’ve contributed & for always making time for a kind word & a chat.

Wishing you all the very best in your next chapter - you’ll be greatly missed.

Warmest wishes,
Gail xx

During your time at UON, you have inspired students and staff alike. I am sure that you will continue to inspire people as your journey continues.

Enjoy every moment with your beautiful grandchildren, family and friends. Don't look back, only look forward.

Jo.

After devoting your time to your work for so many years I do hope you are able to have a well earned rest now, although I cannot imagine you will be sitting around knitting all day! Enjoy spending time with your grandchildren, lovely family and friends and look after yourself. All the best, Gill x

I hope you like the photo I took of a happy moment on a sunny day long ago.

Neil

It’s been an absolute joy (and occasionally a whirlwind!) working with you. Your fierce commitment to championing children, families, and those whose voices are too often unheard has left a lasting imprint, not just on me, but across the University and well beyond. 

I’ve always admired your ability to zoom out to the bigger picture while somehow juggling a hundred things at once, all with your trademark energy and good humour. Thank you for being such an inspiring force, and for making a difference in so many ways that matter. 

Wishing you plenty of well-earned time with your lovely family, and just enough new adventures to keep things interesting in this next chapter. I do hope our paths continue to cross. 

Warmest wishes, 
Helen x 

Wishing you joy and plenty of laughter in the years ahead.

Love

Claire

What an absolute pleasure it has been to work with you and learn from you. I knew you long before I came to work at UON and you were such a big part of my motivation to come here – your commitment to advocating for children and families is known far and wide and you never stop demonstrating this, improving the lives of so many people.

Thank you so much for the mentorship, support and guidance. Your ability to see the unique strengths in all of us is wonderful – these are the golden threads, and you have ensured that we know how to follow them.

I can’t wait to see the amazing projects you continue to lead on, driving change and lobbying for the very best start in life for the next generation.

Thank you, I look forward to continuing our work together

Helen xxx

You challenged bias, broke old ground,
Lifted every voice to make it sound.
With books and blocks, and justice too,
You shaped a UON world seeking fairness and truth.

These shared hot-desks will still hum your name,
A legacy that sparks and won’t wane.
Though change is here (we won’t say more!)
You’ve opened up several doors.

Many thanks for your insights Eunice! Best wishes Emel

Facilitating my PhD has been one of the greatest gifts and I absolutely love every aspect of it. The joy I find in this work and the growth I’ve experienced are a testament to the confidence and encouragement you’ve always shown me.

You have touched and transformed the lives of so many, children, families and colleagues and I feel incredibly fortunate to be one of them. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for believing in me and for walking alongside me on this journey.

And above all, I know we will always share a friendship (My fairy-godmother ha ha ) one built on mutual respect, laughter and a shared passion for making a difference. Love Michelle x

It’s been a pleasure working with you, and I hope this next chapter brings you joy, fulfilment, and well deserved time for yourself. Many thanks and very best wishes!! Roshnix

As you start the next part of your journey, I want to recognise the incredible legacy you leave behind. Your unwavering dedication to social work, early childhood studies and especially your pioneering contributions to the first 1001 days have made a profound and lasting impact on countless lives.

You’ve been a source of inspiration, compassion and wisdom - always advocating for the most vulnerable and championing the importance of early childhood development. Your work has not only shaped policy and practice but has also touched hearts and transformed futures.

Thank you too for your generosity of spirit and the example you’ve set for us all. You will be missed, but your influence will continue to guide and inspire.

Wishing you joy, relaxation and new exciting adventures in this next chapter.

With love

Nick Allen x

I have found this very difficult to write!

You have been such an important and pivotal part of my journey, the words 'thank you' do not feel enough.

You observed the session I taught for my interview here at UON (the first time!) ALL that time ago - and look where that took us. Thank you for believing in me and giving me that opportunity.

Your passion for children is an inspiration for us all, and your fierce advocacy has changed lives.

We have all been very luck to have you in our lives - thank you.

This is a new chapter for you, and there are some really exciting and much deserved opportunities ahead - you will be shaping lives in a big way - still!

Your warmth and joyful friendship is something that I shall continue to hold dear, and I look forward to hearing all about these next adventures.

Now, the sands have shifted, you are pivoting your diamond and this time is yours.

Samm XXX

Although I am so very sad that we will no longer be working together this is outweighed by two greater goods. The first is a great excitement for you and how your new freedom will give you more time and choice to continue your significant advocacy and positive contributions to improving the world for children and young people (No pressure!) The second is a deep appreciation and gratitude for all that I have learned from you and the genuine empathy and care I have experienced from you and seen in your wider practice and leadership. I hope there will still be opportunities for our hour long 5 minute chats to occasionally happen and rest assured that you and your work will continue to guide and shape our practice, and actually - who we are. Thank you for everything. Rachel xx

I am not going to be able to articulate how truly thankful I am to you. You have been part of my journey from the very beginning and who would have thought I would be here now working as a member of your team. You have always seen something in me and believed in me when I couldn't see or believe in myself. Your passion, drive, commitment and advocacy for children has been deeply embedded in us all and I am proud to share those values. THANK YOU FOR ABSOLUETLY EVERYTHING you have done for me, supported me with and continue to do so. You are one special lady! You often remind us about our personal story, the one that shapes who we are... well, I'm sending lots of love as you embrace a new chapter in yours.

Candiece xxx

It had to be string' or a Peter Andre selfie or our friend Floella!! We have had SO many wonderful experiences together over so many happy years working with you and I was learning from you always. You are an inspirational person, so much passion, innovation and compassionate wisdom that has transformed the childhoods of children and families across the globe!

Thank you for everything you have taught me, supported me in or for just knowing you were there. So excited for you to have the opportunity now to embark on a some new adventures and so grateful that our friendship continues . Much love, Sharon xx