Gemma has worked for SHINE Academies since 2014 and was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in September 2022. Prior to working for SHINE Academies, Gemma worked in the private sector in project management and people functions, such as recruitment and talent management.

Gemma is experienced in all operational and educational functions within the MAT and demonstrates experience in transforming schools to provide better educational opportunities and outcomes for all pupils. She led the conversion process for our existing schools and understands both the legal and human elements involved in this. She is passionate about nurturing individuals, creating an aspirational environment, and providing opportunities to all stakeholders, both within the MAT and within our local communities.

 

Gemma is an experienced system leader and is passionate about creating an equitable education system for all children. She is a Trustee for another Multi Academy Trust and recognises the contribution schools make to creating great local communities.

 

Gemma holds a BA Hons in School Business Management

Marie  is the Director of Primary Education for SHINE Academies having previously worked as Headteacher at Northwood Park prior to promotion in 2017. She initially joined Northwood Park Primary School as an NQT and gained significant experience in all aspects of education, leadership and school improvement, with particular interest and specialism in SEND, Family Support and Safeguarding. 

As a dedicated educational professional, Marie has extensive school improvement experience and expertise, particularly in the rapid improvement of inadequate schools. She works closely with Head Teachers and Executive Leaders to strategically plan and bring about school improvement in all aspects of primary education. 
Marie graduated with a BEd Primary Hons, holds the NPQEL qualification and advocates staff development, talent for individuals at all levels. 

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Following a career in local government finance with Wolverhampton City Council, Katy settled on a career within internal audit where she led on the delivery of audit services to the Council's education department and schools / academies.

 

Katy joined SHINE in 2020 as MAT Finance Manager, before being appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from September 2022. She has considerable experience as a former school governor / Director within a Multi Academy Trust.

 

Katy is a Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA)

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Liza was appointed Director of Operations in September 2022. 

 

She brings substantial skills and experience in operational and administration management for both primary and secondary settings.

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Prior to commencing work in the education sector 8 years ago, Liza's career was spent in Commercial and Corporate Banking.

Here she held senior roles in HR, Business Management, Sales, Marketing, Project Management and Risk.

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Liza also has 8 years experience of being a school governor. 

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Suki has worked with SHINE since 2015, starting as a Family Liaison Officer working with children and families. As the MAT expanded, Suki’s role transitioned into becoming the lead for the Family Support Service. Suki’s professional background consists of working with     0-19 years since 2001. She has worked in various external settings consisting of Salvation Army, Safer Schools Partnership, Children’s Centres and working for Wolverhampton and Walsall Local Authority. Experience ranges from Domestic Abuse, reducing risk of anti-social behaviour and leading Early Help Assessments.

 

Suki has been newly appointed as a Director in Family Services. Her specialism consists of creating bespoke delivery for children and families, offering targeted support where needed. Suki has also created robust auditing systems that highlight a range of service monitoring.

 

Suki holds a HND in Early Childhood Studies, BA in Professional Childhood Studies, National Professional Qualification in Centre Leadership and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Years).

Nicola joined the Trust as Headteacher of Busill Jones Primary School in April 2023, having previously supported Northwood Park Primary School as governor for curriculum.  Nicola has worked across a range of schools within the Black Country over the last 24 years and is particularly passionate about improving outcomes and opportunities in disadvantaged communities. She is an experienced Headteacher with a track record of rapid school improvement, most recently as Headteacher of a secondary school in Wolverhampton taking Progress 8 from -0.9 to +0.15.

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Nicola has vast experience leading all areas of school improvement and is a SEND specialist with a particular interest in neurodiversity and supporting children with complex needs. In addition, she volunteers for Swim England and firmly believes in the power of sport to transform children’s lives.

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Nicola holds a BSc Hons in Biomedical Science and a PGCE in Secondary Education.

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Natalie joined Northwood Park Primary School as Headteacher in September 2023.  Prior to this, she was Headteacher at Lodge Farm Primary School from 2016 after holding various roles in schools across the Black Country for ten years.

 

Natalie is experienced in all areas of school improvement. She is particularly passionate about safeguarding and families and improving opportunities for all.

 

Natalie holds a BA Hons in Business and a PGCE in Primary Education.

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Lisa has worked at Villiers Primary School since gaining qualified teacher status in 2006. In September 2014, she became an Assistant Head Teacher in a new senior leadership staffing restructure, after the school was placed in Special Measures. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, she helped rapidly improve the school in order for it to be removed from Special Measures in just 18 months. In April 2017, Lisa was asked to act as Head of School to support the school’s transition when joining SHINE Academies and in April 2018, she was appointed the substantive Head Teacher. In 2017 and again in 2022, Ofsted deemed Villiers to be a ‘good’ school. 

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Alison was appointed as Assistant Finance Manager in April 2018, having worked for Villiers Primary School since October 2006.  She previously worked in Manufacturing Finance and Administration with West Midlands Police Force.

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Alison is a highly motivated individual with over 15 years of finance experience overseeing transactions and reconciling monthly financial reports. 

A collaborative individual with a track record of effectively building solid teams to meet business needs and achieve demanding financial targets.  She is a fervent supporter of building and developing the MAT’s success.

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Alison holds a AAT Diploma in Accountancy and Diploma in HR, Payroll and Administrative Management.

Raj joined SHINE Academies in September 2022 as Finance Assistant.  

 

 Raj is very passionate about bringing her knowledge which she obtained from her educational programmes to SHINE Academies.

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Raj is well experienced in Microsoft packages and holds an AAT level 3 Qualification in Accounting

Katy was appointed a Governance and Compliance Specialist for SHINE in April 2023 following nearly five years working as a School Governance Advisor across multiple schools and Trusts within several local authorities.

 

Prior to this Katy worked within the insurance sector as an international accounts handler and client advisor.

 

Katy has recently completed the Chartered Governance Institute Certificate in Academy Governance and has also previously been a Trustee of a local Single Academy Trust.

Katie was appointed into the role of HR Manager in March 2024. Katie has over eight years of HR experience working within the education sector including work within higher education, Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools across several local authority areas. Prior to this, Katie has worked for the NHS within employee relations, recruitment, and learning and development.

 

Katie is an associate member of the CIPD and holds a master’s qualification in human resource management.