I joined the Board of Governors at Rockcliffe in 2021 as a parent governor, when my daughter was in Year 3. Although she has since moved on to Marden Bridge Middle School, I’m not quite ready to leave this wonderful community, and I continue to serve as one of the Vice-Chairs. I am an academic psychologist at Northumbria University, where I undertake research on wellbeing and behaviour change. My role is also focused on teaching and curriculum development (although my students are slightly older than the Rockcliffe pupils!). My wife co-owns Little Acorns Childcare in Whitley Bay, and being involved with the nursery has given me valuable insight into early years education, which I bring to my role as governor. It’s a real privilege to support such a fantastic school, and I’m proud to continue contributing to its ongoing success.

I joined the Rockcliffe family as a Foundation Governor in 2023 to offer support the teachers, parents and young people within my area and contribute to our wonderful community, yet with every visit I learn something new, and I feel privileged to be part of such a welcoming and inclusive team of education champions. As a Carbon and Sustainability Advisor for Historic England, I contribute to the development and implementation of our net zero and sustainability strategy, including government policy advice, as well as give advice to the heritage sector. I am incredibly proud of Rockcliffe’s Green Flag Award status and offer my knowledge of adopting sustainable environmental, social, and financial practices as Rockcliffe continues to thrive. Prior to this I worked as a Project Administrator for both the Great North Maths Hub and Northumberland Tyne and Wear Science Learning Partnership, supporting North East teachers in accessing quality STEM CPD and teaching materials. With an academic background in History and Museum/Heritage Studies, these may seem like unusual career choices, which is why I’m incredibly keen to engage young people to explore transferable skills and weird and wonderful jobs from an early age. I have also recently completed my term as Co-Chair of the Historic England Race Equality Network and continue to remain an active member, for Rockcliffe I offer my experiences of creating and advocating for safe, inclusive, and diverse spaces to staff and our wonderful Inclusion Officers and Wellness Gurus.

I am an educational psychologist based in a nearby authority. I work with children, their families and school teams to support children's learning and social and emotional development, with a particular focus on social, emotional and mental health. Rockcliffe holds a unique and important part in our family, and wider community life, and I am grateful to be able to contribute to this as a Parent Governor.