Governor Biographies

Holly Green (Chair)

Co-Opted Governor – October 2020 – 2024

I have been a governor at Westfield since October 2016, both as a parent and co-opted governor and I am now the Chair of Governors. I have lived in Berkhamsted for 20 years and my 3 children attended Westfield. I worked in the Procurement and Business Process Outsourcing industry for over 15 years which has given me a wide range of skills and experiences to help in my governing role.

I am delighted to be a part of the Westfield team and I’m passionate about ensuring that all its pupils have the opportunity to reach their full potential. I am the link governor for SEN, Pupil Premium and Sports Premium.

Andrew Doran (Vice Chair)

Co-opted governor – July 2017 – 2025

I have been a governor at Westfield since 2013, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Both of my boys attended the school and are now at Ashlyns. My wife was a parent volunteer, coming in to school to listen to the children read, and I was looking for a way that I could also contribute that would fit around having a full-time job in London. I have worked in Financial Services for over 20 years and am currently managing the IT changes for the American, European, Middle Eastern and Asian offices of Africa’s largest bank. I am currently the Chair of the Finance, Premises and Personnel Committee and the Computing Link Governor.

Dan Boot

Co-opted Governor – February 2021 – 2025

I joined the Governing Board in February 2021, I have two children who attend the school and another who will hopefully join in a few years’ time. I am the Link Governor for Maths as well as a member of the Finance, Personnel and Premises Committee.

My background is in Computer Science and I work in the Research & Development division for a multinational Consumer Healthcare company.

I’ve lived in and around Northchurch for the last 15 years. I bring significant experience in strategic planning, budget management and a whole lot of passion and positivity to the team! 

Debbie Hawkins

Parent Governor – September 2017 – 2025

I have been a parent governor at Westfield since September 2017. As part of my role I am the governor for safeguarding and work with the Head Teacher and Governing Board to ensure the school effectively fulfils all of its safeguarding responsibilities to keep children safe. I am also the link governor for mental health and wellbeing, for both children and staff.  In terms of my career, I have always worked in the public sector in change management and improvement, initially in local government and now in the NHS based at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. I very much enjoy being a governor at Westfield, and hopefully make some contribution, along with so many others, to the ongoing success of the school.

Mary Gaughan

Co-Opted Governor – March 2019 – 2023

I joined the governing body in 2017, first as an Associate and then as a Co-opted Governor.

My background is in Human Resource Management, Leadership and teaching. Working with leading business schools/universities such as the Bath School of Management, Imperial College, and Ashridge, I deliver customised executive Leadership Development in sectors ranging from education, the NHS and global organisations.

I live in Berkhamsted and am passionate about education and how it influences an individual’s personal path to success in life. Westfield stands out for me in its values and the culture it creates to enable every child to achieve their potential and I am delighted to be able to contribute to its efforts and achievements.

I am the Clerk for the Finance, Personnel and Premises Committee.

Charley Eriksen

Parent Governor – December 2020 – 2024

We joined the Westfield community in March 2019 and I joined the governing board in December 2020.  I have two children in Westfield School and we are very thankful to have found such a welcoming and wonderful school.  I am a chartered accountant and have years of experience of finance in schools and nurseries in both the UK and abroad.   I hope my skills will help the board with their decision making and look forward to working with the entire team to ensure Westfield School continues to provide an excellent education for our children.

Kate Moody

Staff Governor – February 2021 – 2025

Emily Millar

Parent Governor – November 2021 – 2025

I joined the Westfield Governing Board in November 2021. I have four children who attend Westfield and I am pleased to be part of the supportive and welcoming school community.  

I am a secondary school teacher and a SENDCO-in-training and hope my experience here can be of benefit to the board. I am passionate about the education our children receive and feel strongly about the inclusion of all children within our setting.  

I am very much looking forward to working with the other members of the board to ensure the ongoing exceptional education our children receive.  

Alex Traube-Childs

Co-Opted Governor – September 2022 – August 2026

Paulius Gailiunas 

Parent Governor – September 2022 – August 2026

I have joined the Westfield family in 2020, when my son started reception here, and began my role as a school governor later in 2022. I have a huge passion for learning new things and it allowed me to have a rather diverse career, that included teaching music, running a small recording studio, working as a photographer, and managing an electronics lab. I currently work as a software engineer. I think my diverse skills and perspectives transfer well to assist the board of governors, particularly in relation to health and safety, which is my current focus. I am very excited to be working with the governing body and the school to ensure Westfield continues to be a safe and enriching space for our children.