Governor Profiles 

Dr Joanne Williams 

I am an educational psychologist, working in a local authority role with a specialism in complex needs. My research interests are community psychology, human rights and children's rights, emotional well-being and trauma informed practice. I am a current member of York Human Rights City Network, representing the education sector.  I have previously worked in early years, primary and secondary education roles. I also have been a support worker for children and adults with Autism and learning disabilities.  I have four children, all of whom have benefitted from being pupils at Strawberry Fields.  I am one of the co-chairs for Strawberry Fields Primary School and have a role within SEND and equalities. I am passionate about social justice, equality and diversity and all children realising their rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN, 1989). In my spare time I enjoy being with my family and friends and spending time in nature and the outdoors. This year I have started to train and play for a women's football team which I absolutely love! 

Kelsey Thackray  

I am one of the co-chairs and a parent at Strawberry Fields Primary School. I have a son, who is currently in Year 4 and loves attending this school.  

I am a Deputy Headteacher at a primary school and have worked in education for the last 14 years. I am passionate about providing the best education and experiences for the pupils I teach and want to share this passion, as a governor.  

The majority of my experience has been within Early Years and I currently have responsibility for this area, as a governor. I am also a member of the Education Committee.  

Outside of work I love to spend time with my family, travelling and having adventures whenever possible. 

Andrew Thompson 

I’ve worked in the rail sector as an electrical systems engineer since 2017, specialising in Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Earthing and Bonding (E&B) assurance. My role involves setting out strategies, identifying and managing risks and reviewing technical information. This often involves engaging with and managing multiple stakeholders on a variety of projects throughout the UK. I have been a governor at Strawberry Fields since 2022 and am currently the Maths governor. I hope to use my experience as a practicing engineer to help with my role as a governor. 

Kelly Richards  

I began working at Strawberry Fields as a lunchtime assistant in 2017. I currently work in year across school supporting children who have additional needs. I am also the senior playworker for our Extended Services and part of our safeguarding team. 

I have been the staff governor since 2020. 

Outside of work, I like to go and watch my son take part in motocross, and I also enjoy reading and yoga. 

I am also a trained Childline Councillor for the NSPCC. 

Kirk Worsnop 

I have been a governor at the school since 2020. I’m the Regional Engineering Manager for global energy technology company and look to bring my experience of dealing with personnel issues, budget control and management to my role as a finance governor at the school. I find being a governor a very rewarding role and it’s great to see the leadership shown by the board having a positive impact on the school.  I live locally in Garforth and my son attends the school, my interests include golf, rugby league and skiing. I try to stay active and love getting out in the countryside on weekends hiking up in Lakes, Moors or Dales. 

Lindsay Robinson  

I am the School Business Manager for Strawberry Fields Primary, a role in which fills me with pride. My bond to the school started in 2009 as a parent, as both my children attended Strawberry Fields. I then joined the Strawberry Fields Team as part of the Office team, in a part time role, and have stayed ever since. 

I live in Garforth with my husband and have two beautiful girls, outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and family, running and going to the gym. 

Nicola Hara 

I become a parent governor at Strawberry Fields Primary school in March 2020, and later a co-opted governor in 2024. I have responsibilities around safeguarding and attendance. I am the Operations Manager at Ahead Partnership Limited, a social enterprise that partners with employers to help them in their role enabling young people to achieve their full potential. I live in Garforth with my husband and son, whom has had a wonderfully supportive journey at Strawberry Fields. 

Robin (Rob) Niven 

I have been a Governor for around 25 years and have been at Strawberry Fields since its inception.  

I was the Governor responsible for the building of our school. I have held almost every position at some time on the Governing Body, including 8½ years as chair.  

My “day” job is a Fire Service Watch Manager at Leeds Bradford Airport. I hope to use some of my skills from that area to help with my role as a governor and vice versa.  

I am currently a Health & Safety governor. 

Susan Mumby - headteacher 

I am proud to be the headteacher of Strawberry Fields Primary School, having joined the school in January 2017. I began my teaching career in 1996 and have enjoyed teaching across all phases, and in a range of contexts from a rural school in Calderdale to an inner city school in Leeds. I have a particular passion for early years education and spent much of my career leading the early years foundation stage prior to headship. Before joining the staff team at Strawberry Fields, I was headteacher of a faith school in Wakefield.  

Strawberry Fields is an incredibly special community with a positive attitude and child-centred ethos focused on developing the children both academically and morally. Our motto is ‘learning together, building the future’ and we all take great pride in this mutual support and journey towards wholeness and fulfilment.  

Outside of school, I enjoy reading and music, and spending time with my husband and three children. 

Suzan Reece  

Having taken early retirement from a 35 year career in Regional Restaurant Management and College lecturing I became a Foundation Governor with responsibility on the resources committee.  

In semi-retirement, I have volunteered for a Cancer charity, the local in bloom group, the NHS during covid, and previously at large events e.g. 2012 Olympics, marathons etc  

I also have a part time role as a community champion with a national retailer, helping to fund worthwhile causes in the community, as well as Exam Invigilating at a high school in Leeds and as an Exam Marker with an awarding body.  

My interest in primary education was prompted by my experiences with post 16 children  

I enjoy music, theatre, reading and the outdoors, as well as trying to tame an allotment 

Tim Bradley 

I am Deputy Headteacher at Strawberry Fields Primary School. It is an absolutely wonderful job. Our school is such a special community, with incredible staff, fantastic children and supportive families. I am proud and lucky to be a part of it! We have a child-centred, warm and open ethos at the school which I believe helps allows our children and staff alike to feel happy, safe, fulfilled and valued. This is the bedrock of what I believe makes our school the place it is! Any visitor to our school comments on the positive atmosphere and the cheerful welcome they receive.  

I have been a primary school teacher since September 2000. I began my career at Lower Wortley Primary School in Leeds, where I stayed for over a decade. I have also taught at two schools in Wakefield, and, on a regular supply basis, at schools in Sydney, Australia. I came to Strawberry Fields as deputy in January 2016. 

I have been on the governing body since I started at the school. As well as being responsible for Governor Development, which includes arranging opportunities for governors to visit schools, I also keep the governing body informed about curriculum developments, and the Pupil Premium and Sports Premium funding, which mirrors some of my in-school responsibilities.  

I am in the privileged position of having the chance to teach throughout school, sometimes moving from F1/nursery to Year 6 in the same day! This gives me a real insight into how curriculum implementation and teaching and learning works ‘on the ground’ around school, which is really helpful both in my role as Deputy and as a governor. I am also music leader in school, and our weekly singing assembly is one of the highlights of my week. 

Away from work, I live in Wakefield with my wife, two daughters, and dog, Luna. I help to coach my daughter’s football team. I enjoy reading, both fiction and non-fiction and I love music. I play the drums (well) and the guitar (badly). 

Helen Marshall  

I have been a governor at Strawberry Fields for 14 years; I was approached to join the GB following my work with a local charity – Business in the Community – when I led a team which designed and built a reading garden, then went on to be a volunteer reader with years 5 and 6. 

I have sat on several recruitment panels in my time at Strawberry Fields and am responsible for the appointment of 75% of the SLT  

I have practiced law for over 20 years, specialising in personal injury and workplace health & safety. Currently my work focuses on vulnerable clients and those with capacity issues. 

Daniel Pickersgill  

I am the newest school governor at Strawberry Fields Primary School joining in 2024. I am also a parent of two children, one of which attends Strawberry Fields.  

I am a Database Technical Specialist within the financial sector handling large data volumes related to financial loan and saving accounts. My role mainly involves operational support of internally built database systems as well as being involved with strategic discussions on future changes.  

I am hoping to utilise my professional skills and knowledge in my role as a governor. I enjoy spending any spare time with my family and friends.