Meet the team

Jonathan has been Chief Executive of the PSHE Association since September 2016. He was previously the Head of Education at the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.

Jenny is our Deputy CEO and leads our Subject Specialist team. The team runs the Association’s CPD training, and offers personalised advice, support and training in member schools. Together with other team members, Jenny develops materials and resources, such as our Programme of Study for KS1-5. Jenny also leads on partnership projects with local authorities, charities and other organisations.

Jenny has worked in PSHE education for over 20 years, after qualifying as a teacher following an 8 year career in the NHS.  She was Head of PSHE education and Citizenship at a large secondary school for 10 years before taking a secondment to manage a project for us, which led to a full time role establishing the Association’s training and development programme. 

Jenny is passionate about PSHE education but when she’s not ‘spreading the word’ for PSHE, she can be found either in France or doing Zumba!

John oversees how the Association communicates and engages with a varied audience, from PSHE practitioners to the media and those unfamiliar with PSHE education and its benefits. He also works on a strategic level to support the organisation to translate schools’ needs into tangible improvements to our services.

John has enjoyed many years at the Association and in the voluntary sector overall, helping youth focussed charities to communicate the importance of their work and market the services they have to offer. He is particularly motivated by the need for all young people to gain access to the skills and opportunities that allow them to reach their full potential and sees PSHE education as a vital subject in this respect.

With a keen interest in the arts, John’s creative interests include playing guitar, photography and writing. John comes from just outside a little village in the west of Ireland called Ahascragh and enjoys frequent trips back there to water his roots and stock up on fresh air.

Jenny is one of the Senior Subject Specialists at the PSHE Association, working closely with the Director of Education to lead the Subject Specialist team. She has taught PSHE education since qualifying in 2009 and was previously the Team Leader for PSHE and Citizenship in two London schools, roles which included introducing a new PSHE programme of study and co-ordinating the student council.

Jenny has also completed a Masters in Teaching and Learning. She is passionate about inclusive education for all and has led young people’s LGBT groups in both of her previous schools — empowering them to campaign for their rights and challenge discrimination. She believes that PSHE education is crucial to equipping young people with the skills they need to navigate safe, healthy and happy lives.

In her spare time Jenny enjoys listening to live music, eating out and walks in the woods with her young family.

Liz is one of the Senior Subject Specialists at the PSHE Association, working closely with the Director of Education to lead the Subject Specialist team. She's passionate about global education and has worked with schools in over 20 countries — sharing best practice and collaborating on international, cross-curricular projects. Liz has also completed a Masters in Education, which focused on policy and the power of language, as well as on how to deliver difficult topics safely and effectively in the classroom.

Outside of work, Liz can usually be found attempting to run long distances, planning her next trip away or paddling in the sea somewhere along the Kent coast

Florence has taught PSHE education in a number of primary schools across London. Before joining the PSHE Association in 2021, Florence developed resources on a range of PSHE topics, including financial literacy, community, and inclusion. Florence has also worked with organisations such as the NHS and Public Health England to develop educational resources on physical and mental health. Currently, she oversees the quality assurance work on the Subject Specialist team, and enjoys supporting other organisations to develop safe and impactful resources for the PSHE education classroom.

When she isn’t working, Florence loves spending time with family and friends, going to dance classes, or volunteering at her local Saturday school.

Sarah began her teaching career in Salford, where she studied for the National PSHE CPD programme and as a result was inspired to implement and lead the subject of PSHE education in two primary schools.

Her passion and belief in this subject led her into a new role as a PSHE and Healthy Schools advisor for Wigan LA. This gave her extensive experience of working with schools on all aspects of PSHE, delivering training and developing schemes of work. Sarah then moved on to become a Lecturer in Primary Education at Edge Hill University, where she developed undergraduate and postgraduate PSHE education curricular and enjoyed teaching hundreds of trainee teachers every year in all aspects of high quality PSHE education. 

In her spare time, Sarah loves spending quality time with her family, going on long walks with her Labradoodle and baking birthday cakes for family and friends.

During her years as a primary school teacher, Claire studied for the National PSHE CPD programme and was PSHE lead in a large primary school. Since joining the PSHE Association, Claire has written and delivered training programmes to many teachers and leaders, supporting them with planning schemes of work and delivery of high-quality lessons. Claire is committed to equipping teachers with the knowledge, confidence and skills to allow them to make a real difference to the outcomes of their pupils.

In her spare time, Claire enjoys running, paddleboarding and her volunteer work with animal rescue charities.

Lydia began her PSHE education journey in 2010 after training as a teacher in the London borough of Hackney. She has taught and led the subject across the primary phase, and has direct experience of designing a bespoke curriculum. As an Assistant Headteacher in Personal Development, roles in leading safeguarding and pupil premium have contributed to her methodology of using PSHE education as part of a holistic approach to education.

Lydia has also worked with other schools in implementing their own PSHE education programme, as well as supporting trainee teachers across the teaching alliance. Lydia firmly believes in the vital contribution that PSHE education has in supporting young people’s wellbeing and preparation for life’s opportunities and challenges.

In her spare time Lydia enjoys playing and watching grassroots football, occasional drum playing and live music.

Karen’s teaching experience lies across both primary and secondary settings within different local authorities. She has held a number of deputy headships and has been a Head teacher. Karen has also worked as a Healthy Schools adviser and a county advisor for PSHE education.

Karen has led PSHE education in a number of different schools as well as being a school governor with responsibility for PSHE. She has worked for the PSHE Association as a Subject Specialist for the past several years having initially been both a member and Chair of the PSHE Association Advisory Council. Karen is passionate about the difference that high quality PSHE education can make to children and young peoples’ lives.

Before joining the PSHE Association, Bethan led PSHE education in an 11-18 school in Croydon. Her role included developing a PSHE education programme of study and facilitating students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development across the whole school.

Bethan has completed both a Master’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education Practice. She has undertaken research exploring the needs of teachers to manage disclosures and teach about domestic violence and abuse, as well as ways to develop higher-order thinking skills for students with special educational needs and disabilities. She sees PSHE education as one part of creating a more equal starting point for young people and empowering them to make decisions that reflect their own values and aspirations.

Monica has over 15 years of experience in education, as Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning, and leading PSHE education in state and independent schools. She is passionate about the potential of reserach driven, student-centred PSHE education, and enjoys working with teachers to make a positive difference in the lives of those they teach. 

Monica has a degree in Philosophy and Sociology and is a Philosophy for Children trained practitioner. When not working, she has developed a passion for running which her younger self would find hard to fathom! She also loves reading and long walks in North Yorkshire with her family.

Jasmine developed her love for PSHE delivering the subject in secondary schools in North London for five years, before joining the PSHE Association. She has experience creating curriculum plans for key stages 3 and 4, as well as developing new resources for teachers to use in their own classroom practice. She is passionate about schools championing inclusion and educational equity, and being foundational sites for all young people to feel cared for and properly equipped for life beyond the classroom. Alongside her work for the Association, in 2023 she completed a Masters in Social Justice and Education focusing on race and the curriculum.

When she's not working, Jasmine can be found baking in the kitchen or learning some new moves at a dance class!

Prior to joining the PSHE Association Sam taught in a variety of schools including state schools, independent schools and an international school. Sam is passionate about preparing students for life beyond the classroom, and over 13 years gained experience as a Head of Year, PSHE Coordinator and Personal Development lead, where she worked closely with students, parents and teachers to help develop and deliver student centred PSHE education.

In her spare time Sam enjoys cooking and spending time in the countryside with her family.

Helen oversees business development, finance, and operations for the Association to ensure the effective delivery of our services for members, such as training, events, and our contracted work with networks and Local Authorities across England. 

Following university & legal training in commercial litigation and family law, Helen worked with families and children as a Family Solicitor for over 7 years before moving into the education and charity sectors. Through working in primary schools and at a leading mental health research charity for children & young people, Helen has continued to develop a passion for supporting children, families, and the networks around them. 

At the PSHE Association, her work helps to support education professionals to deliver high-quality PSHE education to improve the lives of all children and young people across England. 

Outside of work, Helen’s interests include reading and learning French (slowly).

Robert handles member queries, administers memberships and training, and develops website content. He joined the PSHE Association in May 2013 as an intern and in 2023 celebrated 10 years working at the Association.

Robert previously worked at the Citizenship Foundation and assisted in organising the Youth Budget event and promoting the Chance to be Chancellor survey of young people’s political views.

Robert’s interests include politics, history and science fiction. In his free time he likes to play strategy based computer games, watch documentaries and comedy programmes and meet up with friends.

Sarah joined the PSHE Association in 2023 following a 2-year stint in academic publishing, where she worked as a Project Specialist on various conference, training, and audience engagement initiatives. She is committed to both organising high-quality training services for education professionals and championing young people’s learning, having previously held part-time roles within school settings as a tutor and playworker.

Outside of work, Sarah can be found rehearsing with her flute choir, volunteering at local music events, or seeking out indie art exhibitions across London.

Elliott joined the PSHE Association in 2023 eager to make a difference to PSHE education in schools, to better protect and prepare students for adult life — especially concerning issues like mental health and identity.

Outside of work they like to draw, play guitar, read and take care of their ever-growing collection of houseplants.

Isabelle joined the Association in October 2023 after graduating from King’s College London with a degree in Geography.

In her spare time, she enjoys watching films, visiting galleries and spending time in nature.

Sam joined the Association in January 2018, and now works in the marketing and communications team — helping keep members up to date on the latest news, resources and policy changes.

Sam previously worked as a Transport Coordinator for Children with Special Educational Needs and has spent time teaching English abroad. His interests include reading, Jazz and Art. In his spare time, he can be found running or playing tennis.

Sofia graduated from the University of Durham in 2018 with a degree in History. She spent the next couple of years teaching English abroad, before returning to the UK and starting her career in the charity sector. She joined the PSHE Association in November 2022 as Admin & Events Assistant and in September 2023 joined the Marketing and Comms team.

Outside of work, Sofia is an avid hiker and spends as many of her weekends outdoors as possible.

Joshua is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate at the PSHE Association. In collaboration with Subject Specialists and Dr Dusana Dorjee at the University of York, he is leading the development of a comprehensive suite of developmentally appropriate and evidence-informed resources aimed at promoting good mental health and emotional wellbeing among primary school pupils. Joshua previously worked as a mental health nurse in Birmingham and Oxford and holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees in Education.

For leisure, Joshua enjoys cooking, cycling and spending time with his friends and family.

Michael joined the Board in 2023. He is a Managing Director at Credit Suisse, where he has worked in the Investment Banking and Wealth Management divisions since 2006. Michael currently focuses on origination and structuring financing transactions for European clients. He holds an MBA degree from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. In his spare time, Michael enjoys an active lifestyle and tries to keep up with the latest developments in social science.

Marilyn is Professor of Education Engagement and Practice, Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Dean of Students at the University of Roehampton - a cross university portfolio focused on driving improvements in student success outcomes. Working with the executive team she plays a key role in shaping and implementing the university’s strategic vision and leading on the academic aspects of the student experience, supporting students to succeed in and progress from higher education with successful outcomes, including work to elimitate the degree awarding gap.

Marilyn began her career as a secondary school teacher, moving to Roehampton University, where she has been for over 25 years. Previous positions at Roehampton include Deputy Principal of Southlands College and Head of the Department of Education - and she retains a strong interest in this sector. She has extensive experience across secondary schools and higher education in teaching, initial teacher education, student engagement, consultancy, and senior leadership. At the heart of all her roles is a commitment to quality in teaching and learning, equality of opportunities, pastoral care, and professionalism. She has a voice on several education governing and advisory boards and in 2009 her achievements were recognised by the award of an OBE for services to teacher education. 

Vanessa has been engaged with the aims of the PSHE association as a class teacher, a middle leader in education and now as a Headteacher.  She is wedded to the principle of ensuring all children are provided with tools that can build social development, positive mental health, well-being and resilience in preparation for their growth and future life. As a Primary Educator and school leader, she is in a unique position to have the opportunity to build such key learning from the very beginning of children’s learning journey.

Klara Reddy is the Senior Lead Practitioner for Personal Development at Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT). OAT is one of the largest multi-academy trusts in England and educates over 30,000 pupils across five geographical regions. Klara heads up a team of ten collaborative and passionate Lead Practitioners and Enrichment Coordinators who specialise in the different components of Personal Development. Leading on all aspects of Personal Development, Klara is a specialist in PSHE Education, Careers Education and implementing youth social action.

Before joining OAT in 2018, Klara was an Assistant Headteacher and had taught in several schools in North Hampshire for ten years. She is a member of the Careers and Enterprise Company’s Education Leadership Advisory Group and Central Strategic Leaders Group. A busy mum with three children, Klara is currently completing her EdD at the University of Winchester, exploring the perceptions and experiences of non-specialist teachers teaching PSHE education.

Susie is a communications and business development specialist, with over 12 years of experience. She has built her career working in an agency environment and has advised businesses and organisations in sectors including hospitality, retail, technology, manufacturing and education. 

The first nine years of her career were spent working in public affairs and corporate communications, advising companies on engaging with Government, Parliament and the media. 

For the last three years she has specialised in business development and marketing, overseeing channels including podcasting, social media, PR, events, direct marketing, and formal bid and tender processes. 

Tim is Chairman of the PSHE Association and has been on the Board since 2015.  His career has been in private equity, working on investments in the UK and European buy-out market.  He is a chartered accountant and has a Classics degree from Cambridge University. Outside of family and working life, he enjoys watching rugby and playing tennis and golf. 

Jane began her career in early years policy before becoming a primary school teacher.  Following nearly a decade of teaching in south London primary schools, she moved into initial teacher education (ITE) in 2014 and has since worked on the primary and early years Teach First (TF) and PGCE programmes at UCL IOE.  

Jane has championed the role of PSHE education within ITE and since 2017, developing and running masters level specialism courses for primary and early years student teachers — with the aim of creating passionate subject leaders of the future.  A SAPERE registered trainer in Philosophy for Children (P4C), Jane also runs accredited P4C courses, which often involve supporting teachers to develop P4C as a pedagogy for PSHE.  

Sofie joined Medway Public Health Directorate in 2008 as a Sexual Health Improvement Practitioner, focussed on supporting young people to gain access to contraception and sexual health services. Within her current role, Sofie has a strategic responsibility for health intervention programmes for young people aged 5-19 years. Sofie has a wealth of experience in engaging partners, implementing, and coordinating health projects across a range of settings including schools, secure estate, and youth services. 

Sofie is passionate about being an advocate for young people and is fully committed to encouraging and supporting young people of all backgrounds to realise their own value and potential. 

Peter is a business and leadership coach in the UK and internationally. He has enjoyed a career founding and leading businesses involved in consulting, education and house building and worked voluntarily as a community organiser, school governor and trustee. A start up and scaling specialist, he works to improve organisational and individual effectiveness for business, community and social causes and is currently involved in the development of an international curriculum for life. He is particularly interested in the role that coaching techniques can play in contributing to awareness and personal development for young people. Outside work, Peter loves family time; boating; and hill and coastal walking; and 'test and learn' DIY. 

Weyinmi is a Chartered Accountant with experience in public and private sectors across a range of industries and disciplines. She trained with PwC and spent five years in audit, capital markets, and accounting advisory before joining Amazon as an Accountant, where she works today.

Weyinmi is also a trustee and honorary treasurer of Carers’ Hub Lambeth, an independent charity that supports carers in the borough.