Governance

Jonny has lived in the borough of Southwark for 14 years of his life, and currently lives in the Camberwell area. He is married and has two children. In 2003 Jonny was ordained as a Salvation Army minister, and has since led 2 churches and currently has the position of the Salvation Army's intercultural mission enabler. This role sees Jonny travelling the country, trying to help the Salvation Army become far more racially diverse. Prior to joining the Salvation Army, Jonny was a qualified Financial Adviser, and also worked in the field of banking. Jonny is passionate about engaging more with the school for two reasons. Firstly, his son is a scholar at AASA. Secondly, he longs to see this school be a place where all people reach their potential and realise that everyone is uniquely gifted.

I have been a teacher for 15 years. I have taught Geography, Politics and Economics and was a Housemaster for five years in a boys’ boarding school. Prior to moving into teaching, I was a solicitor in a large commercial law firm for five years. I am very sporty, and in the past, played significant amounts of competitive cricket, rugby and football, and I continue to play competitive squash on a regular basis. I am also a keen linguist and speak fluent French, German and Italian, and I am currently learning Turkish. I wanted to become a Governor of Ark All Saints because I have always felt that the independent and mainstream sectors could help one another and whilst I hope that I can contribute, I am also confident that I will learn a great deal.

Eve Berry qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte and has over 12 years of being a Finance Director and a Board member in her career to date. Eve has worked predominantly in professional business services organisations across a number of industry sectors including international pharmaceutical and healthcare, publishing and business information and recruitment. A key focus for Eve is to create high performing and commercially supportive finance and administrative functions for the organisations in which she has worked. This benefits the organisational management team to increase their understanding of the critical financial aspects. This enables and better supports the senior team allowing improved informed decision-making to support efficient sustainable operations. Eve is delighted to be able to bring her commercial skills and experience to the school, in the role of Governor with particular interest in the finances and has been involved in the school since 2012.

Akshay has spent his career helping businesses to thrive, by ensuring that they attract and retain the best talent around. He currently runs an executive search and recruitment consultancy in the City of London. He holds an LLB (Law) degree from the University of Liverpool. He has interest in ensuring that pupils leave school with the best possible chance of continuing their education, with a view to broadening access to professional careers.

Miles is currently a policy adviser at Cancer Research UK and is also a director on the board of an anti-racism and advocacy organisation. Prior to this, Miles was a political staffer for UK Members of Parliament and candidates, and spent four years working for the Government on education, home affairs and Brexit negotiations. At the Department for Education, Miles was Private Secretary to the Schools Minister and witnessed daily how good schools and teachers dramatically impact life fortunes and help children from all backgrounds achieve their ambitions. Miles continues to be inspired by the dedication and care he saw and is excited to be part of the Ark family.

María Méndez Gallego is currently Wellbeing lead and PSHEE coordinator at an international school in London. In her role she oversees the pastoral welfare of the students, leading assemblies and working with teachers to create a culture of respect and care. She started her career at Eton college and moved on to Millfield school to teach Spanish and French. She then became Head of Spanish at Christ’s Hospital school. Maria is an examiner for the International Baccalaureate, holds a qualification as Digital wellness educator and has coordinated service trips to help schools across Tanzania. Maria is delighted to be part of the Ark family and hopes that her experience in education will be an asset to the school.

Mia currently works at Ark All Saints Academy as medical lead and behaviour coordinator. Prior to this she has worked in a variety of educational settings providing support to children with SEND and behavioural issues. She has a trauma-informed approach and a deep-rooted passion for supporting students using positive behaviour strategies, both of which can improve every students’ ability to access the education provided at school. She is dedicated to promoting inclusion and advocating for children, and this has led to her desire to become a governor.

Sherene qualified as a solicitor in 2018. Since then, she has exclusively practised in family law, and more specifically Public Law proceedings (child protection). She has gained a wealth of experience in the law in relation to childcare proceedings. Sherene joined the Local Authority as a Children’s Social Care Solicitor in 2021, which has enabled her to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the law and guidance in respect of children.

Sherene's motivation for becoming a governor stems from recently having a child of her own and therefore realising the importance of ensuring that children are given the best start to life which schools play a vital role in.