Governors’ Profiles - Willow Primary School

Governors' Profiles

Vivienne Turner

Co Chair/ Trustee/ Health & Safety

My name is Vivienne Turner and I have lived in Langley for over 30 years. I have three children who all attended Marish. My youngest child only left in 2021. I became a parent governor about 9 years ago, and was appointed co chair of governors after Reverend Grayson retired. I work for British Airways as a dispatcher, fortunately part time, which gives me free time to support the school. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of the Trust and to see the hard work of all the leaders and staff that drive the success of our schools.

Jen Wills

Trustee/SEN

Having worked in education for 48 years, with 30 of those years in Senior Management roles, it is a pleasure to be a governor and Trustee at Marish Academy Trust. My experiences range across all aspects of education with a particular interest in SEND. I look forward to continuing my contribution to this forward thinking and excellent Academy.

Gill Denham

Executive Head Teacher/Trustee

I have been the Head Teacher at Marish Primary School for over 23 years and the Executive Head Teacher of Marish Academy Trust which includes Willow Primary School, since it’s inception in February 2013. However, even after that length of time, I am still excited to come to Marish Academy Trust each day. This is because, there is always something to learn and work to be done to support our community.

I am never happier than when I am teaching in a classroom so, I still try to do this everyday. I believe this keeps me grounded as a head teacher because I share the experiences of the staff and get to know some of the children well.

During the pandemic, I realised I could rely on every single person here to go the extra mile to help a family in need. From governors and trustees, leaders and teachers to support and facilities and administrative staff, the Marish and Willow team really do whatever it takes. I have worked in several schools and such dedication and care for community well-being is rare, so I count myself privileged to be a part of the ‘dream team’ we have here at Marish and Willow

Sunitha Vaidnayath

Parent Governor

I joined Marish as a Parent Governor in January 2020 when the world was grappling with the challenges of the pandemic, Having worked in this school as a volunteer for a few years, I had the urge to contribute more to the school and wanted to become a governor to make a positive impact on the student community.

I have a Bachelors in Commerce(Hons) and started exploring the field of education following a long career as a Banker in different geographical locations – where I was a senior operations analyst handling the remittances, audit and internal controls. After completing many stings in various primary schools, I am currently, working in a local primary school handling interventions for KS1 and KS2 including Speech and Language Programmes. I also have my own tutoring business – something that I have nurtured over the years. I also work with Susan Daugherty Education as an Event Manager and an invigilator – assisting and managing events at various locations to successfully run the 11 plus mock exams! When I do find some, I try to paint or go for long walks – especially with the Ramblers group.

I enjoy being robust and working together as a team, interacting with parents and helping anxious children grow – while keeping our society in mind at all times!