Marian Pearson (Chair of Governors; Local Authority Governor)

I am originally from the North of England and from a family of teachers. I broke with tradition and entered nursing at 18 years of age. I worked in healthcare for nearly 50 years in both the NHS and the Independent sector. I was privileged and humbled to care for patients at the most vulnerable times in their lives.

I worked as a Director of Clinical care for the last 18 years and bring experience in leadership, business and governance as well as developing strategic organisational change.

I am a proud mum and grandma and love spending time with my family.

Natasha Beeby (Vice Chair; Co-opted Governor)

Originally from Yorkshire, I travelled south to complete my PGCE at Cambridge University. I have followed my two passions, music and English, throughout my 10 years as a teacher. 

I am Head of English at Hoe Bridge School and have been a governor with WBJS for 3 years. I sit within the C & L committee and I am vice chair. 

I am passionate about engaging children with relevant learning and harnessing skills that are lifelong. Inspiring children and developing a love for the natural world so that we may learn from it is at the heart of my teaching: be it sustainability, diversity, or interdependence. There is much that we can learn and ensure a world in which we all can live for generations to come.

We are very lucky now to have books and reading material at our fingertips. Be it newspapers, journals, kindles, audiobooks, there is a plethora of ways to establish a good reading diet. Books offer so much to young minds: as a teacher, it is my priority to find books that speak to children and promote a curiosity with the world around them. In the words of Barack Obama, "Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible." 

Currently, I am reliving early books with my son who loves We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Elmer and The Hungry Caterpillar. 

Carolyn Brown (Co-opted Governor)

As a 32-year veteran teacher of English and journalism, I am pleased to join the board. I am originally from the US, but I have been living and teaching abroad for 23 years in the Netherlands, South Korea, Switzerland and Hong Kong and now for the past seven years in the UK at a large international school. My current role includes Deputy Head of English for the Senior School and lead teacher for Grade 8 English. 

I hope that I can bring my strong curriculum background, as well as excellent communication skills to the table and work with the Board of Governors to make West Byfleet Junior School the very best it can be. 

Paul Hardwick (Co-opted Governor)

As a current Deputy Headteacher, I am fully aware of the importance of the Governing Body in supporting the Head and the team to ensure the school is well managed. I have been teaching for 18 years across both private and state sectors and experienced education systems in different countries (Australia and Rwanda).

I am currently a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader and fully trained for this vital role.

With my combined skills I am  an excellent communicator, regularly meeting with parents to discuss their child's progress. In addition, I have a very strong sporting background which I intend to utilise for the benefit of the school and its strategy for Sports Premium. 

Tamzin Mandelli (Parent Governor)

I have a commercial background, having qualified as a solicitor over 24 years ago. I have worked in private practice (both small and large national firms) as well as for a local authority. I am regularly involved in strategic business planning and am fascinated with the differences and similarities between the different generations in the workplace.
I have two children, one currently at West Byfleet Junior School and the other coming up
through infants. My niece and nephew are older and both have autism. I have witnessed the struggles that they and their parents have faced over countless years.
I strongly believe that all children should have the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential. I am also conscious of the pressures on teachers and schools, both financial and otherwise.
I hope that as a governor, I will be able to make a difference for both pupils and staff.

Raúl Nadat (Co-opted Governor)

I am originally from West Yorkshire but moved to London and Surrey in 2003. I am currently a project manager within the Civil Service, where I have worked in the UK and overseas for 18 years. I have worked for the Department for Education, Department for Business and Trade as well as The Home Office.

My own child is currently at primary school and this gives me an active interest in my governor role. I believe my skills and experience in leadership can bring a strategic  perspective to West Byfleet Junior School.

I am a passionate football fan and like to watch movies, visit the theatre and spend time with my family.

Emma Rennie (Co-opted Governor)

I am a qualified accountant with nearly 20 years experience in a variety of finance roles including financial analysis, banking and financial control. I decided to become a governor because I wanted to give something back to the local community. The skills I have acquired during my career will help West Byfleet Junior School to provide the best for all its children.

As a parent of two daughters, I am keen to ensure all children are able to achieve their full potential, whatever challenges they face. I am a great believer in Inclusion and Diversity and wish to support the school in helping children benefit from all the opportunities on offer to them.

Alison Rolland (Parent Governor)

My current job is as a data manager in the Education Sector which brings vital skills to the governing body. I am passionate about the school and will be responsible for ensuring the vision and values of our school are maintained. I am interested in bringing a new perspective to the strategic vision for the school.

As a parent at the school I will also be bringing a different perspective to support our children's futures.

I am fascinated by how children learn and want to use this curiosity to support school improvement to ensure all children achieve their potential.

Jonathan Scott (Co-opted Governor)

I have 25 years leadership experience and management experience from a varied portfolio of jobs within the military, these include commanding a military school, training 3500 people  a year; leading a learning environment, shaping young individuals on the cusp of their careers and delighting in each individuals growth and success.

I have managed the careers of hundreds of soldiers and civil servants  throughout the course of my career and am very interested in well being. I also have experience in managing an organisation's finances including Public Private Partnership and procurement contracts.

As the son of two teachers, one being a Primary School Head for 37 years, I witnessed the importance of the parent governor's role and all its aspects.

In addition, I feel that I can add value with a solid link to the community and in particular its serving and ex serving members and their children.

Emily Strawson (Staff Governor)

I have been working in education for over 10 years in both mainstream and specialist education sector. I have previously served on another governing body and found the challenge an interesting opportunity to develop the strategic  vision of the school.

My knowledge and passion for high quality teaching and learning is the heart of my own personal ethos and believe we should strive to ensure the best learning opportunity for all.

Since becoming a mother, I find myself looking into the future and wondering what educational system my own children will encounter and therefore ensuring we are not only reflecting on the here and now but ensuring we protect  WBJS for the future.

Ben Wasserberg (Headteacher; Ex officio Governor)

I have been working in education for over 20 years and have a wealth of experience in both teaching and leading in schools in Surrey, Richmond and internationally. I love working with children and seeing them grow and flourish. I am proud to be part of the West Byfleet Junior School Community and relish the job of making sure our school is a fantastic place for children to come to and learn, every single day.