Governors (ID 1448)

• Anne Garland
  Anne Garland

  I have been a school governor since 2009 starting this role at a primary school in St Albans before moving to a governor role at Sandringham in St Albans, and became a co-opted governor at Ridgeway Academy (initially Sir Frederic Osborn) in 2015.

  I grew up in North Yorkshire where I attended a mixed comprehensive school and then studied Ergonomics at Loughborough University after which I joined London Underground in their HR function. I continued my work at London Underground for 30 years in various HR roles including HR Manager for the Metropolitan and Circle Lines and Business Partner for Central Services.

  I have lived in St Albans for over 30 years and have 2 daughters who both attended local schools in St AlbansI was very involved in the PTA's of both my daughters' schools and on leaving full time employment took on the role of school governor to continue my interest in ensuring all children get the best education and to use the skills I developed during my career. Having enjoyed my governor roles in St Albans, I was delighted to join Ridgeway Academy at such an exciting stage of its development.

  I have held several roles as a governor at Ridgeway including the role of Chair for 5 years, finishing my term of office as chair in August 2023. I now hope I can continue using the knowledge and skills I have developed through my time as a governor.

  In my spare time I enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, canoeing and skiing as well as walking my dog.

  I am the link governor for equality, diversity and inclusion and Personal Development.

• Sally Parrett
  Sally Parrett

  I was born in Cambridge, moving to Hertfordshire in 1962 where I was educated and worked. I have carried out various roles in banking and financial services. For 12 years I worked in education in Hertfordshire, retiring in 2018, having been employed in various roles across Key Stage 1-5 in mainstream schools specialising in Special Education Needs and Student Wellbeing where I supported students, staff, parent/carers and worked with outside agencies.

  As a mature student I attended University of Hertfordshire gaining a degree in Education Studies with a specialism in Disabilities and Learning. I also attended the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education gaining further experience and qualification in Counselling Adolescents. More recently I returned to the University of Hertfordshire and successfully completedthe Foundation course in Art Therapy.

  While employed in schools I have acted as a Staff Governor and wanting to put all my experience to good use, I became a Governor at Ridgeway Academy.I believe in behaviour for learning and creating a safe, secure environment in school while supporting and developing the wellbeing of students.

  I am the link governor for behaviour, attitude and culture.

• Liz Tillett
  Chair of Governors
  Liz Tillett

  I have lived near Wheathampstead for 30 years. After university, I joined the Department of Employment (now Department for Work and Pensions) and worked there until 2014, running Jobcentres and benefit offices and doing a range of interesting domestic and international policy work.

  I am a keen (but not very good) skier and golfer. I speak French and Italian and a little Spanish and love foreign travel. I have always been interested in education and preparing young people for the world of work and am enjoying my involvement as a governor.

• Dan Townson
  Dan Townson

  Having grown up in Staffordshire, I have spent most of my life in the North before moving to St Alban's over ten years ago to take up my first teaching role. My wife and I have two children and a cat who mean the world to us. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, travelling, playing golf (though this needs some work) and spending time as a family.

  In my mind, education plays one of the most vital roles in children's development, which inspired me to become a teacher. I have worked in both the state and independent sectors, teaching Maths and PE, leading as a Head of Department and currently as a Housemaster. During this time, I have completed an MSc in Learning and Teaching at Oxford University and an apprenticeship in Education Management.

  I am committed to ensuring high aspirations for all the children attending Ridgeway Academy, as well as a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for all. I'm prepared to give time, challenge, strategic leadership, skills and knowledge to create highly effective governance.

  I am the link governor for standards and quality of education.

• Nicola Picariello
  Nicola Picariello

  I am a staff governor at Ridgeway Academy, and have worked at the school since 2017, and as a governor since 2020.

  I am currently Head of Sixth Form, having studied for my degree at the University of Nottingham straight from school. Whilst I kept my passion for History, I then worked in financial services and HR for 20 years before being lucky enough to be made redundant so I could retrain as a teacher!

  I completed my training at Verulam school with the Alban Teaching Federation and came to Ridgeway Academy as an NQT.

  I live in St Albans, have a son in his final year at Leeds Beckett University and two dogs who need lots of walks!

  I am the link governor for Staff Voice.

• Julie Williams
  Julie Williams

  I have lived in St Albans for over 20 years with my husband, son, daughter and two dogs). I was chair of the PTA at Verulam School in St Albans for 4 years until my son completed his A level and found involvement with the school extremely rewarding. I am delighted to have the opportunity to act as a governor at Ridgeway Academy.

  For the past 12 years I have been self employed as a business/executive coach, leadership skills trainer and facilitator. Prior to this I worked for 25 years at Sainsbury's and BP in a variety of roles including Graduate Recruitment, Procurement, Marketing, Project Management, Leadership Development, Change Management and Communications. In my spare time I volunteer with Rennie Grove Peace hospice and enjoy long walks with the dogs and travelling with friends and family.

  I became Vice Chair of Governors in September 2023 and am enjoying using my skills and experience to continue to support the school in achieving its goals.

• Cameron Smith
  Cameron Smith

  I have been a primary school governor in Hertfordshire since 2012 including eight years as Chair. I initially became a governor to support my own son's school and had responded to a school notice regarding vacancies at the time, I became a parent governor and quickly realised that governance provides essential support for all children everywhere. I have supported three primary schools in total including a current post at a primary school in Watford. I am excited to be at Ridgeway, I have agreed to be the link governor for disadvantaged students including SEND, pupil premium and children looked after.

  Born and bred in Swansea, South Wales, I attended one of the largest comprehensive schools in the UK. Subsequently, I left home to pursue studies at South Bank Polytechnic in London, following which I become a member of the RICS in 1986.

  I have lived in Hertfordshire since 2009, I have a daughter who now lives overseas and a son who attends secondary school in St Albans.

  Wanting to give something back is a well-worn phrase, but for most Governors this is true. I work full time in the Construction Industry, I am not an educationalist, and I love being a Governor

• Amanda Miller
  Amanda Miller

  I am a parent governor. I have 3 children. One daughter is in year 8 at Ridgeway. My son is starting Oaklands College in September. My youngest daughter goes to De Havilland Primary School in Hatfield.

  I am registered disabled due to a health condition and as a result I run my own small business. My hobbies are my animals (I have a few), attending concerts, Japanese culture, movies, Anime and Cosplaying at events.

  I am link governor with Kerri Lewinton for parental engagement.

• Dave Soltysik
  Dave Soltysik

  I am currently the Head of Media Studies and the Key Stage 4 English Coordinator at Presdales School. I have taught in three very different schools during my career – from those judged outstanding to those requiring improvement – and each experience has shaped my approach and strengthened my commitment to helping students succeed.

  As a governor, I bring a deep understanding of the classroom, curriculum and the wider challenges schools face. I am especially passionate about creating opportunities for young people and encouraging them to seize every one of them with both hands. I often remind my students, 'You will never have this opportunity again', and I firmly believe in the importance of making every moment count.

  I am also a strong advocate for the use of education technology to enhance learning and engagement. I believe that when used effectively, technology can open doors, and better prepare students for the modern world. My aim is always to support and challenge the school to ensure that all pupils, regardless of background, can thrive and reach their full potential. I am the link governor for attendance.