Janica is a strategy consultant and has previously worked in the NHS and academia. She is currently employed by Executive Insight Healthcare Consultants as a senior manager, and in addition to her professional services role, is also responsible for oversight of people management and development. 

Janica joined as a co-opted Governor in 2024 and has young children in the early years and primary school setting. 

Janica strongly shares the school values at Darell. She has a strong passion for equality in all settings, including education. Darell's commitment to providing accessible and enjoyable education for children, allowing them to define their aspirations, is truly inspirational. 

Marie has lived locally for over 30 years and both her children attended Darell school many years ago.

Marie holds a Master’s degree in Social Policy and Administration and a professional social work qualification. As a qualified social worker, Marie worked with the local community until her retirement in 2022 and continues to work as a safeguarding trainer. Marie is passionate about safeguarding all our children and hopes that her expertise complements her role within the governing body.

When not working, Marie enjoys travelling and is known for her expertise with a European rail timetable! Marie also enjoys fancy cooking, although not baking, and spends too much time in the garden.

Marie has always had the utmost admiration for Darell school and the ethos of kindness and inclusivity that runs throughout every school day. When in school, Marie sees this demonstrated by both children and staff, who all contribute to making Darell a warm and welcoming school.

Joss is Nuture Lead at the school.

Elaine is a Brazilian scientist with bachelor's and licentiate degrees in Biological Sciences and a PhD in Genetics and Evolution. She is currently a researcher at Royal Holloway, University of London. A strong believer in the transformative power of education, she recognises its vital role in shaping her own life.

Elaine has been part of the Darell family since 2021, when her daughter started Reception. Over the years, she has closely followed the school's activities, becoming a passionate supporter of its mission and values. She finds the school remarkable, with brilliant students and a dedicated staff, making it a place where she gladly invests her spare time. Whether joining school trips, participating in PSA activities—such as baking and selling cakes—or, more recently, serving as a school governor, Elaine is committed to contributing to this enriching environment.

Hannah is a design educator and researcher with over 20 years of experience developing and teaching sustainable, inclusive and future-focused design programmes. She is currently a postgraduate supervisor at University of Wales, Trinity St. David. Previously, Hannah taught for 12 years in the Department of Design at Goldsmiths University of London, and 7 years at the Institute for Design at Stanford University, California. Hannah became a parent governor at Darell in 2024. 

Simon graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1992. He is Dean of Design at the University of Arts London across Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Art. He has been awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts as well as the Peugeot Design Award for Ceramics. Simon has been a Darrell parent since 2023.

As a governor, Simon is a keen and enthusiastic supporter of Darell’s child-centred approach to education, which, along with its brilliant and committed staff, makes it a wonderful school and learning environment.

When not working or playing, Simon enjoys working on old motorcycles and watching rugby.

Misha is an English law qualified corporate commercial solicitor with extensive experience in the legal sector. She is currently the General Counsel of JDG, an innovative alternative legal services provider specialising in fast-paced industries such as professional services, fintech and FMCG. Recently, Misha has extended her dedication to the profession by becoming a mentor with the University of Law’s Legal Mentoring Scheme, supporting the next generation of legal talent.

Having lived in the local area for over 30 years, Misha has deep roots in the community. She was appointed as a governor in June 2024, motivated by her passion for education and a commitment to positively influencing children’s learning journeys and overall well-being. She was drawn to Darell’s inclusive ethos, its nurturing environment, and its steadfast dedication to helping every child unlock their full potential – academically, personally and socially. The dedication of Darell’s staff and the strong sense of community continue to inspire her in her role of governor. 

Outside of her professional life, she cherishes time with her family (especially cooking with her son) and loves exploring new cultures and destinations through travel. She is also a dedicated volunteer with Achieving for Children (Richmond), focusing on providing support for families of children with special educational needs, reflecting her strong belief in equity and inclusion.

As the Headteacher, Joe is an ex-officio member of the Governing Body.

Felisa qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2003 and has worked as a small animal practitioner in the UK, Ireland and Singapore. She is currently employed at Vets4Pets Feltham where she believes in providing affordable care for her patients and clients.  

She joined Darell as a co-opted governor in 2003 and is the chair of the Pupils and Community Committee. Her son attends Darell and is currently in Year 6.

 She believes that working together as a community will allow each pupil to achieve their full individual potential as well as for the school to be able to reach its collective goals. Her priority is that every voice should be heard.  She spends her days with patients who are unable to communicate and understands the importance of seeking the quiet opinion.

Her limited free time is spent with her family exploring the outdoors and walking the family dog , Enzo, the Italian spinone who is often seen at school waiting for his favourite human. 

After recently moving to south-west London, Catherine wanted the opportunity to get involved in the local community, and put some of her time and skills to good use. From her first visit, she has been consistently inspired by the commitment to making Darell a supportive and welcoming school for all its pupils, and is really proud to now be a part of that community.  

Catherine qualified as a chartered accountant in 2018. She now works in finance at a multi-club women’s football organisation, where she is able to combine her professional skills with her love of sports and progressing the women’s game across the globe. Luckily, there has been no requirement for her to get in goal (yet!).  

Away from sports, she loves to travel, particularly to experience new cultures and cuisines.  

Associate members are appointed by the governing body to bring specific knowledge and expertise to the committees to which they are appointed. 

Emma Claridge (Deputy Head) is an Associate Member to both the Achievement and Curriculum and Pupils and Community Committees. Emma has voting rights on both committees.

Laura Gavin (School Business Manager) was appointed as an Associate Member to the Resources Committee on 02-12-25 for a term of one year. Laura does not have voting rights on the Resources Committee.

Antoine Borysiewicz was appointed as an Associate Member to the Resources Committee on 02-12-25 for a term of one year. Antoine has voting rights on the Resources Committee.

Nikki Day (School Business manager) was appointed by the Governing Body as an Associate Member to the Resources Committee between 28.02.24 and 07.10.25.

Marianne Paemen was appointed by the Local Authority on 15.03.22 and stepped down on 18.07.25.

Kate Hatcher was appointed by the Governing Body as a co-opted governor on 15.03.22 and stepped down on 31.12.24.