I am Chair of Governors (co-opted) at Woodlawn School.

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My substantive role was Headteacher at Epinay Business and Enterprise School. Having been there for 17 years I felt it was time to retire and I left Epinay in December 2016.  I loved my time there and was sad to leave!

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I had the privilege of working at Woodlawn School as Executive Head teacher for two terms in 2014 whilst at Epinay and became a governor during that time. I have been Chair of Governors for eight years and really enjoying my role. I meet with Gill usually once a week and am always made very welcome.

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I have worked with children and young people with SEND for many years and feel it a privilege to work with the children and young people at Woodlawn School who achieve great success both educationally and personally whilst overcoming barriers to learning.

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The job as headteacher is challenging but rewarding as each day brings something different. I believe my experience helps me to understand the challenges faced by senior leaders in schools today. Woodlawn is a busy exciting place to work and I enjoy the challenge governors bring to school and working with Gill, senior leaders, staff, pupils and governors. I also enjoy meeting parents and other professionals.

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Prior to being a Head I originally trained as a Primary school teacher but then moved into special education where I taught both Primary and Secondary pupils. I moved into the hospital teaching service and my leadership career started in Newcastle upon Tyne where I was lead in Key stage 4 and Head of Sixth Form in a Secondary special school catering for the full range of additional needs.

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After two years as a deputy head teacher in an all age special school in South Tyneside I moved into headship.

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I became a National Leader of Education in 2014, as part of my leadership role when Epinay school became a Teaching School.

I am so pleased to be a governor at Woodlawn as it is challenging and exciting working with a team of dedicated staff and wonderful children and young people.

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I enjoy reading and research and finding new and creative ways of working. I fundraise for Cancer Research UK and am Parish Safeguarding Officer at my church. I also enjoy Pilates (since retirement!)

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I am married and have two grown up children. My eldest is a SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) in a Secondary School, having spent many years supporting children with special educational needs (and loved it!). My daughter lives in Australia and works as an occupational therapist, working mainly with vulnerable young people and adults.