She is the author of the novel The Shadow Whisperer published 2020 to critical acclaim, Applied Theatre in Action: a Journey, as well as various plays, poetry, and other writings.
After completing a degree in English Literature and Linguistics at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, she went on to study direction and acting, where she specialised in applied theatre practices.
[2] This, in turn, has led to a number of studies, publications and works by Hartley including plays, academic articles, and poetry.
She has run projects around the world with TVO including work in Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Thailand, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, the USA and the UK.
Hartley is regularly developing new projects in the UK and abroad, working in conjunction with various other non-profit organisations and educational establishments.