Governor Profiles

I have lived in Harpenden with my family of six children for most of the last 33 years and I first became involved in School Governance in 1999 when I was elected as a parent Governor at High Beeches where my children went to school. Since then I have served in a number of school Governance roles at Sir John Lawes; Wood End Primary and now Harpenden Academy.

Throughout my professional life I worked in law enforcement, predominantly in the investigative specialism, in a number of different agencies. Latterly, while serving as a senior manager at the National Crime Agency, my role involved working with the Home Office on the strategic planning and governance of various government multi agency organised crime initiatives.

Now retired, I also volunteer as a selector for the International Citizen Service, a project for young people volunteering overseas funded by DFID and delivered through VSO. What little "me time" I have, after my family and being an active Governor, is spent involved in the local branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists' motorcycle section. I am a keen biker -it is great for blowing away the cobwebs!

My name is Caroline Merritt. I am a parent governor elected in Jan 2016. I am also vice chair, safeguarding and EYFS governor.  My background is social work and I used to manage children's homes for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Currently I am a network manager for children's centres in Hemel. This supports children under 5 and their families. One of our targets is around raising attainment in the early years foundation stage.  I am married with 2 children. One who is in year 3 at HA and a 2 year old who will join in 2019.

My two daughters joined Harpenden Academy from another school in November 2015, (Year 1 and Year 2 at the time).  I was elected as a parent governor in 2017.  My focus is on our Values.  The Values-Based Education program leads me to close links with the Deputy Headteacher.

Having worked directly with children from all walks of life and all abilities since 1980, I bring a deep understanding of their development, learning and ways to grow. As an NHS specialist for children focusing on communication and balance and being married to a higher education teacher in veterinary medicine, I have a good understanding of children's educational needs.

Being raised and educated in Germany, I can contribute a different system perspective to the governing body. Since moving to the UK in 1998, I also gained experience as a Chair of Professional Committees and as a Board Member of various institutions within and outside the NHS. 

Any spare time, I try to spend outside with my girls exploring, walking our rescue greyhound, building something or looking after our garden. 

I am a parent governor, elected in July 2017. My three children all attend the school –Tom in Year 5, James in Year 3 and Phoebe in Year 1.  Since Tom joined in 2013 (during the first year the school was open), I have volunteered in many different ways – classroom reading, as a lunchtime assistant, maths support in KS2, running the library, being chair of Friends of Harpenden Academy… I feel I know the playful, curious children and our unique school very well.

As a governor my aim is to help the school make the progress we need, whilst retaining things that make our school special. I am the link governor for both Mathematics and Science. 

As well as having time and enthusiasm to offer, I have a law degree, accountancy and treasury qualifications, and a financial management background.  In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, dancing and cycling. I also love snowboarding when I get the chance. 

My name is Gemma Moss. I am a Staff Governor elected in June 2017.   I started at Harpenden Academy in September 2016. I worked as class teacher to Year 3 for the Autumn Term and then Year 1/2 for the Spring and Summer Term. 

I am Music subject leader and enjoy teaching music, leading Singing Assembly and Choir. I have always enjoyed music from young as I learnt Piano and Flute. I am Talk for Writing lead which I am very passionate about and the impact it can have on children’s writing.  

Away from school I enjoy reading and watching a range of sports, especially watching my football team Shrewsbury Town! I am married and have been for the past 8 years. 

My name is Kate Watson. I am a Staff Governor elected in April 2018.  I have worked at Harpenden Academy since before our school even opened (April 2012) - helping to write and present the bid to the DfE. I have been a member of the teaching team and the leadership team since we opened and have taught across all age groups at the school. I am have been the Year 6 teacher for the past two years as well as the Key Stage two leader since we have had a Key Stage Two.

I am also the science leader and the PSHE/SMSC leader and am passionate about both areas of the curriculum: science as a way of developing children's curiosity and awe and wonder of the world around them and PSHE as a vital way of supporting children with their mental, emotional and social well being. I also lead our cross country club every week which involves running with between 20-30 children around our local parks before school - a wonderful start to the day whatever the weather. I am committed to developing and supporting children's mental and emotional wellbeing and their growth mindset to ensure each child reaches their potential and finds their own way to shine.

Away from school I love spending time with my two girls, who both attend our school, and I am happiest when I'm outdoors and being active. I love open water swimming and have participated in triathlons for over 15 years. I am also a huge fan of yoga and mindfulness and practise both alone and with my children. I love travelling and my favourite place in the world is Cornwall.

I was appointed to the board of Governors as a Community Governor in September 2018 to support Health & Safety and facilities.

My career has taken me across most of the ‘built environment’ having studied architecture and worked in private practice before moving to construction, facilities management and facilities  maintenance in a number of roles including; business development, sales and marketing, business change and operational roles.  My current role is the Head of Sales and Solutions for Integral, a national facilities service provider and forms part the wider Jones Laing Lasalle business.

Outside work I am passionate about all sports; mostly football and cricket (still playing for Harpenden CC)!  I support Liverpool FC and Yorkshire CCC (of course).  Into most things Italian; food, wine, holidays and opera and just adore my 9 year old daughter; Elizabeth Grace.