What inspired you to be a teacher? 

I always loved learning different sports and my own Prep and Senior School PE teachers inspired me to strive to help others learn in a team environment. My mother was a teacher and a serious sportswoman who played sports well into her 70's - so she certainly inspired me!

Tell us about your path into teaching:

I studied P.E. at Warwick University for 4 years, gaining an Honours degree and QTS. Whilst there I really evolved my love of sport, from the main team games and racket sports to take up kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and volleyball. I also played softball and baseball, having been brought up in my teenage years on American and NATO bases in Europe. I also selected to study at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth after finishing university and became a Helicopter Pilot in the Royal Navy, which was an amazing life for a while.

What do you love most about teaching?

I love teaching because helping children learn about themselves and learn new skills is the most rewarding experience every day!

What were you like at school?

I adored my Sport and Art. I very nearly went on to study Fine Art at University, but I just could not see myself dying my hair pink and wearing grungy clothes all day!  At school, I was a boarder from the age of seven - and had a prestigious appetite! 

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a military pilot and a PE teacher and I have been lucky enough to do both and, while very different, they share a great deal of the same skill sets!

What’s the funniest moment you’ve had in a classroom?

My funniest moment took place on an Under9's football pitch, after changing ends at half time, a young lad kicked off and proceeded to dribble past his whole team (with them screaming his name to stop) he looked up, saw his own goalkeeper and shot into the top corner as everyone watched transfixed! The opposition and his own team could not believe what they had seen. He turned, put his arms out and ran around his team screaming gggooooaaaaallll! It was the best shot he ever made! We did win the match though!

What’s the most important lesson you can teach?

The most important lesson you can teach is to put others first.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

I am always so proud when I bump into old boys and girls and they tell me what they are doing in their lives, sporting or otherwise!

What are you most excited about at Marlborough House this year?

Matches at last! After the longest and worst year for PE departments!

What makes Marlborough House such a special place to be?

We are a genuine community which starts with the youngest aged two and continues for the rest of their lives!

Quick-fire questions:

School House: Dunbar

Years at MHS: nearly 27 years

Clubs: Swimming, gymnastics, indoor hockey, cricket etc etc!

Unusual fact: I was born in Cyprus and I have a birthmark in the shape of Cyprus!

Highlight of my day: Banoffee Pie

The book I am reading: The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis

Most memorable moment at MHS: When laying in a bivi on the Year 8 leavers’ trip at Skern Lodge one night, one of the children asked the instructors and I “can someone turn that bright light off please” - sadly we couldn’t help as it was the moon!