Penn is a Chartered Psychologist (BPS), a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), and a registered Counsellor for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She completed her BA in Counselling Studies and PGDip in Counselling Psychotherapy at York St john University, UK. Her PhD in Psychology was undertaken at University of Leeds, UK. Penn has worked in a variety of settings including NHS, voluntary and private sectors. As an academic Penn has spoken at various conferences across the UK and internationally and has been awarded various prizes for her research and use of creativity. Penn’s research focuses on exploring lived experience, relational ways of working, and exploring the use of creativity and includes working with a range of vulnerable groups who have experienced mental health challenges, trauma, and bereavement. Penn is an Associate Professor, Programme lead for a BA in Counselling and Mental Health, and Course Lead for a PGDip in Humanistic Counselling. Her teaching and therapeutic approach is underpinned by humanistic philosophies and theory. As a practitioner Penn continues to work with a range of psychological difficulties including working with trauma, bereavement, and the impact of trauma on relationships.