Staff

Senior Leadership

TAMARYN YARTU

Co-Headteacher

Hello, my name is Tammy and I’m originally from Cape Town, South Africa, where I completed a Bachelor of Education Foundation Stage and worked within a specialist environment where the focus was on early intervention. On moving to London, I worked at a Resource Base in Camden for three years, where I launched and developed the EYFS provision. I moved to Gesher when it opened in 2017, starting as an Early Years teacher before joining the Senior Leadership Team in my second year, where I developed the school’s primary curriculum. I became Headteacher at Gesher in April 2021. Following Gesher’s expansion into secondary provision, I have now transitioned into a co-headship model alongside Nikeisha, where we will continue to develop and nurture a community that identifies the importance of personalised outcomes for each child’s future learning and achievement.

NIKEISHA WEBB-HARDY

Co-Headteacher

Hi, I am Nikeisha Webb-Hardy, Co-Headteacher at Gesher School. I am from Jamaica, which is where I first discovered my passion for teaching. I completed my teacher training with a focus in Mathematics and English and later qualified post-grad in the areas of Language and Literacy, SEND and Inclusion, Leadership and Management, and Assessment. I am extremely passionate about maximising opportunities for all learners which has fuelled my drive for working with students with SEND. With 19 years’ experience as an educator, my journey started out as a teacher of English and Literacy Specialist working with students with dyslexia and other Literacy needs. I have worked in several secondary schools leading and managing SEND and Inclusion provision, EAL and psychometric assessments. I am looking forward to an exciting year as Tammy and I continue to work to ensure the success of our students, and build on our contribution to our wider community.

CHRIS GURNEY

Deputy-Head/Dramatherapist/Safeguarding & Wellbeing Lead

Hello! I am Mr Chris, the Deputy Head here at Gesher. My primary role is as the school’s Dramatherapist, and I trained at Roehampton University in London. I’m passionate about using this creative form of psychotherapy to support children with additional needs in their social-emotional development. Story, play and art are all key tools I utilise to creatively engage the children at Gesher, and explore wider themes that may otherwise be challenging to understand. As the Deputy Head, my main responsibilities are pastoral care and safeguarding, and supporting the well-being of both the children and the staff is at the core of my work throughout the school.

ROWAN EGGAR

Assistant Head Curriculum & Assessment /Class Teacher (Maternity Leave)

Hi, my name is Miss Rowan and I am the Assistant Head for Curriculum and Assessment. I have an MSc in Psychology as well as a PGCE from UCL. I have been teaching at Gesher for the past five years, and being part of the school’s journey into an all-through school has been a pleasure. I love championing our students to reach their academic goals in a safe, nurturing space. I am also passionate about sharing the ‘Gesher Way’ of supporting children with SEND with other schools and early career teachers. I am currently on maternity leave but looking forward to returning this year in the Summer term to continue supporting the development of Project Based Learning across the school.

DANIELLE PETAR

Assistant Headteacher: Inclusion/SENDCo

Hi, I am Miss Danielle, the Assistant Headteacher of Inclusion and also the SENDCO at Gesher. I have a degree in Psychology and a PGCE with a specialism in SEN from the Institute of Education. I have been in education for over twenty years and for the past fourteen years, I have been in the role of the Inclusion Lead/SENDCO with experience in various mainstream settings prior to joining the amazing Gesher community. I am passionate about working collaboratively and creatively to secure the best support and provision to enable all our children and young people to flourish through their own individual journeys. I am looking forward to working with you all and I am excited to see what amazing things the students achieve this year!

VICTORIA RUTTER

Head of Therapies

Hello, I’m Miss Victoria and I’m Head of Therapies at Gesher. I am a Speech and Language Therapist with over twenty-five years of experience, working in the NHS, as well as in the education and justice systems. This will be my fourth year working at Gesher and it has been wonderful to be a part of the school’s expansion into secondary. I love being able to see the students’ communication skills develop and flourish year by year, meaning they are able to make friends and fully engage with their learning. The Therapy team at Gesher are highly skilled, creative and ambitious; working side by side with Parents, Teachers and Teaching Assistants to deliver high-quality interventions that are as meaningful and functional as possible, as well as fun!

BRADLEY CONWAY

Head of Kodesh

Hi, I’m Mr Bradley and I have been the Head of Kodesh at Gesher since January 2023. With a Masters in Jewish Education, I am continuously developing my skills and understanding with a current focus on Neurodiversity and Leadership. I love teaching throughout all of the Primary and Secondary phases at Gesher and believe it is very important for students to engage with their Jewish learning in a fun, interactive, personal and accessible manner. I can’t wait to introduce new initiatives and opportunities that will enable each student, and their families, to connect with Judaism in their own way and have a strong Jewish identity.

GRAHAM FREEMAN

School Business Manager

Hi, my name is Graham. I joined Gesher School in December 2022 as the School Business Manager with responsibility for finance, personnel, property and IT. I grew up in the Netherlands but have been living in the UK since 1986. I have a degree in Management Studies from the University of Cambridge and have worked in Financial Services, Social Care and most recently in Education – a career change that has been incredibly fulfilling. I am delighted to have joined the staff Gesher School community and look forward to supporting the school in its growth and development over the coming years.

Teachers

LEIGH KENNEDY

Zayit Class Teacher

Hi, I’m Miss Leigh and I am the class teacher for Zayit class (EYFS and Year One). This is my fifth year teaching our youngest students at Gesher and I love being part of the Gesher community. I am from New Zealand and originally trained and worked as a Speech and Language Therapist in Early Years and Primary settings, before completing my teacher training in London. I have a passion for supporting children in achieving their full potential and having lots of fun while they get there!

LEAH WRIGHT

Gefen Class Teacher

Hi everyone, I am Miss Leah and have been a KS2 teacher for the past 2 years. I will be Gefen’s class teacher 4 days a week, sharing with Miss Emily. I am so excited to work in Year 3 and create amazing PBL projects! I will be joining the secondary team once a week to teach performing arts across years 7, 8 and 9 and I couldn’t be more excited! I have a huge passion for performing, and have a degree in Theatre Arts. Alongside working in the education sector for 10 years, I have also worked in various settings within television, and theatre, and mentored GCSE drama in mainstream secondary schools.

STEPHANIE SUNGTONG

Rimon Class Teacher

Hi, I’m Miss Stephanie and I am the class teacher for Rimon class. This is my third year teaching at Gesher, prior to which I worked in mainstream primary and secondary schools. I have also worked at a school for the deaf in Thailand. I really enjoyed my last two years in Gefen class and I’m really excited to see what this year will bring!

KATIE MCENALLAY

Chitah Class Teacher

Hello, I’m Miss Katie, the teacher for Chitah class at Gesher School. I have been at Gesher for five years and have a range of experience across the school. I previously taught the KS1 class for two years before transitioning to KS2. I’m thrilled to embark on this new journey with my new class. I am very passionate about supporting children with special educational needs and customising lessons to make their learning experience enjoyable and engaging.

EMILY BACON

Tamar & Gefen Class Teacher / Behaviour and Culture Lead

Hi, my name is Miss Emily, I have worked at Gesher School for the past three and a half years and I’m so excited to be working with Tamar and Gefen class this year! I have been teaching in SEND for the past 8 years and have experience with lots of schools around both London and Melbourne. I have had a range of experience from EYFS all the way to Secondary. This year I will be stepping into a new role as ‘Behaviour and Culture Lead’ so I’m excited to support the students not only academically but also with their mental health and preparing them for Secondary life the next year. I look forward to seeing you all in September!

JODI SAMPSON

Tamar Class Teacher

Hi, my name is Miss Jodi and I have worked at Gesher School for the past year. I have a passion for supporting pupils with SEND to help them unlock their full potential, which I have enjoyed doing for the past 5 years across a range of settings. Alongside my work at Gesher, I also work as a Training Consultant for Ambitious About Autism charity where I support schools in a range of boroughs with their autism provision. I can’t wait to welcome the new Year 6 class and watch the pupils learn, thrive and prosper this year... whilst having lots of fun at the same time!

AYMANE HAMIDI

Keren Form Teacher (English and PE Teacher)

Hi, I’m Mr Aymane and I am beyond excited to be continuing my journey at Gesher as Keren’s class teacher! My Gesher experience has been so fulfilling already and I am thrilled at the prospect of watching our school grow! My passion for teaching has only increased during my time at Gesher and I’m looking forward to continuing to teach English and PE to our secondary students. Also, I am eager to continue to help develop our careers programme to expose our pupils to the vast range of exciting work opportunities available to them in the future! But most of all, I can’t wait to have yet another fun-filled year with everyone in the Gesher community!

BETHANY RENTALL

Gevurah Form Teacher (Humanities and English Teacher)

My first year as a teacher has been a wonderful journey that will only develop further in September. I have thoroughly enjoyed bonding even more with both year groups and it has been lovely watching them grow into young teenagers. As the Gevurah (Year 8) form tutor this year, I am excited to aid students in settling more into secondary life and adapting to the changes and challenges they may face. Students have particularly enjoyed PBL, writing their own poems, and learning about the Tudors and The Black Death. I cannot wait for this year and will ensure your child continues to feel happy and safe at Gesher!

TIANNA MACLVER

Tiferet Form Teacher (STEM/Hospitality & Catering Teacher)

Hi, I’m Miss Tianna and I am so excited to be joining the Gesher team in September. I am from Canada and began my teaching career there. I developed a passion and specialisation for working with SEND students while in Canada and decided to move over here to pursue that passion. I have worked at another SEND school in the area as a teacher for the past two years. I have a passion for creating an environment that focuses on student well-being, hands-on learning, and collaboration. I am eager to put this into practice as the secondary STEM teacher in September.

HESHAM YASSER

Maths / PE Teacher

Hi everyone, I am Mr Hesham. I am very excited to start my new role as the Maths teacher at Gesher. I am from Egypt but have spent the last 20 years in West London. I am a Sports Business Management graduate and have been working in the school environment for the last 3 years. I am very passionate about Maths and am excited to change any negative associations with the subject. I am looking forward to meeting everybody and working towards helping students. I pride myself on my adaptability and using this to help students achieve their full potential.

REARNE BRAY

Life Skills Teacher

Hi, I’m Miss Rearne and I am the Life Skills teacher for early years, primary and secondary classes. I am so excited to be taking on this role at Gesher and continuing my journey here. I am from Australia where I originally studied and have worked in both primary and secondary schools teaching creative arts and humanities. I love seeing students reaching their potential and applying their strengths to everyday tasks.

Kodesh Department

SHOSHIE ROSS

Jewish Studies Teacher (Maternity Leave from November)

Hi, I’m Miss Shoshie and I’m delighted to continue my role from last year as a Jewish Studies teacher. I have an MA in Art Therapy and a BA in Photographic Arts. This will be my sixth year at Gesher School, my fifth as a Kodesh teacher and I look forward to continue enriching the children with my passion for Judaism and helping them develop their faith identity.

BELLA AARON

Primary Jewish Studies Teacher

Hi! I’m Miss Bella and I am the new Primary Kodesh Teacher. This is my fourth year at Gesher and my first in a trainee teaching role. I previously taught music to 4 classes and JS to Seorah as a TA in Gefen but will be starting and completing my teacher training this year alongside my role. I’m so excited to be co-teaching in Chitah once a week to support my training and I cannot wait to be a part of the Kodesh team. I look forward to inspiring the children to love all kinds and levels of Judaism!

STEVEN WAX

B'nei Mitzvah Support

Hi, I’m Mr Steve and I am one of the Jewish Studies teachers. I mostly work with secondary students but also have experience working with the younger students at Gesher as well. I have been teaching Hebrew, B’nei Mitzvah and Jewish Studies for thirty-five years. I am passionate about supporting the children to engage with (and enjoy) Judaism in their own way. As Rabbi Shapira (the Rebbe from the Warsaw ghetto) said, “the Jewish education of each child must be different, depending on mind, character, and all other unique qualities.”

Therapists

OLIVIA SIMMONS

Occupational Therapist

Hello, I’m Miss Liv. This year, I will be working as the Occupational Therapist for Zayit, Seorah, Gevurah and Tiferet classes. I originally trained and worked as an OT in various mental health and school-based settings in New Zealand. My main passion as an OT is assisting children in developing their skills through meaningful activities. I love to witness their “lightbulb” moments when they overcome initial challenges and enjoy supporting children in movement-based activities, getting active and having fun alongside helping children to explore and interact with new foods. I am excited to start my fourth year at Gesher, supporting sensory processing needs and seeing our children’s OT skills flourish while having a fun-filled experience!

CIARA CARTY

Occupational Therapist

Hi, I am Miss Ciara and I am one of the Occupational Therapists at Gesher. Prior to working at Gesher School I worked as an Occupational Therapist both in the NHS and Private section and in various settings including the community, children’s centres and SEN schools. I am very excited to be starting my second year at Gesher! This year, I will be supporting the children in Rimon, Chitah, Tamar and Keren classes, helping them to develop their skills through meaningful activities, while having lots of fun!

ASHLEIGH WOLINSKY

Speech and Language Therapist (Maternity Leave)

Hi, I’m Miss Ashleigh and I am one of the Speech and Language Therapists. I work with children in EYFS, KS1 and lower KS2. I started at Gesher in September 2019 and it has been incredible to watch the children’s progress and see the school grow and develop so much since I started. I am originally from Leeds but I moved to London when I started working in 2016 across the NHS and private sectors. I absolutely love working with the children, staff and parents here as it is so rewarding and I don’t go a day without laughing. I am looking forward to continuing to support the children until I go on maternity leave at the end of November.

HANNAH FLETCHER

Speech and Language Therapist

Hello! My name is Hannah and I’m about to join the Gesher team as a Speech and Language Therapy Practitioner. I’ve recently moved to the UK from New Zealand where I was working as a Speech and Language Therapist in a range of early year and school settings. I’m so excited to get to know the children, families, and staff of Gesher, as well as support language and communication through lots of fun and creative ways!

HOLLIE SMEDLEY

Art Therapist

Hello, my name is Hollie and I am very excited to be joining this September as Gesher’s Art Psychotherapist. I trained at Roehampton University for both my Master’s in Art Psychotherapy and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Prior to my work in schools I was a support worker for adults and children with learning disabilities. I look forward to providing a safe, creative and nurturing space for both groups and individuals in our new Art Therapy room.

MATTHEW SUMMERS

SENDCO / Creative Arts & Design Teacher (Secondary)

Hi, I’m Mr Matt and I am a SENDCO at Gesher. I am also delighted to be joining the Secondary team to teach Art and Design as art has been a long-term passion of mine, having a degree in Graphic Design and having worked in the industry previously. I have been lucky to have been a part of the Gesher family for the last four years and am currently going into my 20th year working in Special Education. Gesher has allowed me to work with an amazing group of students and I am passionate about them being able to access all the tools that will help them to achieve their full potential. I am so excited to start building the next generation of wonderfully creative minds, right here at Gesher, and can’t wait to share their work with all of you.

RACHEL QUINN

Therapy Assistant

Hello, I’m Miss Rachel and this will be my 2nd year as a Therapy Assistant at Gesher. Starting as a Teaching Assistant in 2021, I have grown in learning and delivering the therapeutic interventions that Gesher offer. Therapy is so engrained and intertwined across the school and I cannot wait to have another year of learning and growing with the students. I have always had a passion for therapy and I hope to continue watching the students flourish in all aspects of school life.

PUPLINDA GURNEY

Therapy Dog

Hi! I’m Puplinda, and I am a Therapy Dog at Gesher. I am a toy cockapoo (a toy poodle crossed with a cocker spaniel), and I live with Mr Chris. I usually come to Gesher once a week as I am still quite young. I love playing games and having cuddles, and the students at Gesher are learning how to take care of me whilst also helping me to learn cool tricks!

Teaching Assistants

MONIQUE LAUDER

Creative Integration Lead / Teaching Assistant (Zayit and Seorah)

Hi, I’m Miss Monique and I am a Teaching Assistant in Seorah and Zayit class, as well as the Creative Integration Lead. As well as my role as a TA, I plan weekly art sessions and organise the outside area for Zayit and Serorah. I have a wealth of experience working with younger children with an emphasis on early years education. During my career, I have worked in nursery school settings managing and a primary school where I was a high-level TA in early years in the morning and a playgroup manager in the afternoon. I have a strong connection in my personal life too and have supported various children with additional needs during this time. I look forward to teaching your children whilst working to help them reach their full potential and be involved in this wonderful school.

HARPER GRAY

Teaching Assistant (Zayit/Seorah)

Hello! I’m Miss Harper and I’m a Teaching Assistant in Zayit and Seorah. I am originally from Australia and started at Gesher towards the end of last year supporting Zayit class. I’m really excited to get to know and help develop the students' skills even more this year.

SIMONE JAFFA

Teaching Assistant (Seorah)

I am Miss Simone and I am very excited to be starting in September working in Seorah Class as a TA. I have an NVQ Level 3 and have worked with children for over 20 years. I have lots of experience working with children with special needs and I’m really excited for what this year will bring!

TALI FRASER

Teaching Assistant (Gefen)

Hi, I’m Miss Tali. I’m new to Gesher and I’m a teaching assistant in Gefen. I recently graduated from the University of Nottingham with a BSc in Psychology and I’m looking forward to the year to come. I’m really passionate about supporting each child’s individual needs and have experience working with children through nannying and kids camps.

DANA ROSEN

Teaching Assistant (Gefen)

Hi, I’m Miss Dana and I’m a Teaching Assistant in Gefen class this year! I am very excited to be starting my third year at Gesher. I have a degree in Psychology and Special & Inclusive Education and have experience working in a variety of settings including camp, nurseries, SEND schools, a primary school in Israel and supported accommodation for adults with SEND. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what this year brings in terms of the children’s growth, as well as Gesher’s exciting new initiatives!

BRADLEY COX

Teaching Assistant (Chitah)

Hi, I’m Mr Bradley and I am a Teaching Assistant in Chitah Class. I joined Gesher in February after a wonderful time volunteering here. I’m thankful Gesher has given me the opportunity to work with such an amazing team. I enjoy creating meaningful connections with the students and helping them in fulfilling their potential. I’m looking forward to my future with Gesher.

ALISSA WARNER

Teaching Assistant (Chitah)

Hi, I’m Miss Alissa and I am the class Teaching Assistant for Chitah Class. I am so excited to be with this class as it will be my second year with them! I cannot wait to watch them grow even more and take them to their highest potential! I absolutely love working at Gesher School and am looking forward to another great year ahead!

MALI SINCLAIR-HORNE

Teaching Assistant (Chitah)

Hi, I’m Miss Mali and I am excited to start my third year at Gesher School as a teaching assistant. I look forward to working in Chitah class and having a great year together! I studied Early Childhood Studies (BA Hons) which developed my passion for working with children. My experience with children ranges from 8 months to 15 years old. I have gained this experience through working in nurseries, and schools, volunteering and nannying. I look forward to continuing my journey at Gesher School and supporting the development of these amazing children!

CHANI GELLER

Teaching Assistant (Tamar) & Shomeret

Hi, I’m Miss Chani and I am one of the Teaching Assistants in Tamar class. This is my fourth year at Gesher and I look forward to seeing the children continue to flourish as the year goes on. Having graduated with a degree in Mathematics, I am also excited to be running Maths intervention across the school. Part of my role also includes being a Shomeret (kosher supervisor) for kitchen and food-related subjects. I am keen to see what this year will bring for both staff and children!

LINCOLN PAMMENT

Teaching Assistant (Keren)

Hi, I’m Mr Lincoln and I am a Teaching Assistant in Keren class. I travelled from New Zealand to the UK in April and have just joined Gesher for the new school year. I am super excited to be working with the year 7 students and have loved the brief time I’ve interacted with them so far. I am looking forward to not only assisting them but also learning from them and forming meaningful bonds with all of them. I am excited about all the challenges the school year will bring me!

AIMEE HARRIS

Teaching Assistant (Keren)

Hi, I’m Miss Aimee, and I am the teaching assistant in Keren class this year. I have recently graduated from the University of Birmingham with a Psychology degree. During my degree, I have had a particular interest in child & developmental psychology, and I believe that every child has the ability to flourish and reach their full potential. I have many years of experience with children in a SEND setting, and I can’t wait to start working at Gesher this year. I look forward to my future within the school.

RICARDO DECASTRO

Teaching Assistant (Gevurah)

Hi, I’m Mr Ricky and I am a Teaching Assistant in Gevurah class. I have been part of the “Gesher family” since the first day and have seen first-hand how amazingly our school has grown! As a member of this great team, I look forward to another prosperous year -- engaging with our students and empowering them with the best learning tools, thus providing a wholesome and effective education.

NICKY SEERS

Teaching Assistant (Gevurah) / Family Support

My name is Miss Nicky and I am so excited to be joining Gesher school. I have worked in SEND education on and off for over 30 years. I have worked as a nanny, and as a supervisor in a day nursery, and for the last 10 years, I’ve worked in a SEND setting as a Family Support Worker and a TA. I have my own connection with SEND and have done a lot of training over the last 12 years to widen my knowledge and it’s become a huge passion to learn, educate and help other parents/carers. I am so excited to be part of the Gesher family and to get to know all the young people and their families.

ED VALATKA

Teaching Assistant (Gevurah)

Hi, my name is Ed. I was born in Lithuania but lived in Ireland most of my life. I have travelled the world playing professional football and have experienced lots of different cultures and languages. I have three years of experience working in schools across London, both mainstream and SEND and am really excited for the year to come. Outside of school I coach football and own a 1:1 football business. My hobbies are reading, meditation and yoga.

SASCHA NATHAN

Teaching Assistant (Tiferet)

Hi, I’m Miss Sascha. This is my first year at Gesher and I’m excited to be working with Tiferet class. I have a BSc in Psychology from University of Nottingham and have a background working in SEND schools and summer camps. I’m really excited to continue my progression within the education sector and creating positive relationships with the students.

Media Team

HOLLY EDWARDS

Head of Media

Hello! I’m Miss Holly, the Head of Media at Gesher. This is my third year and I’m particularly excited for this one since we’ve recently unveiled our state-of-the-art Makerspace and media zone! I’m really looking forward to collaborating with the students and fostering their enthusiasm for a variety of digital media platforms. I also take great delight in capturing these experiences in The Bridge, our adult learning journal, which provides us with a platform to showcase our incredible endeavours. I have over nine years of experience in post-production and multimedia across various industries in Australia and the UK.

DANNY CAZZATO

Media Team Designer

Hi, I’m Mr Danny and I am the Media Team Designer. It’s my third year at Gesher, I had two wonderful years as a TA in Tamar Class, but the kids will not get rid of me that easily as I will be very happily supporting the TA teams when needed in all classes. My previous roles and background have been in graphic design, art and project management working in top design agencies. I also was a Project Manager at the LEGO group and worked at Action for Children where I managed and created a marketing team. I’m very honoured and proud to be part of Gesher’s Media Team.

Support Staff

IMOGEN ARCANGELI

Head of Fundraising

Hi, I’m Imogen! I joined Gesher in the new Head of Fundraising role in May 2023, with experience in education and the cultural sector. I first became motivated to support people with SEND when working in an adult autism assessment centre. I can’t wait to make a difference at this inspiring school!

JUDY STRAKER

Office Manager

Hi, I’m Judy! Working at Gesher since September 2022 has opened my eyes to the closeness of the Gesher community. I’ve really enjoyed this past year being able to build relationships with students, parents and staff alike. It’s a joy to watch the staff supporting the children, not just with their studies but their life skills too. I look forward with anticipation to what next year has to hold.

ANTARA AMIN

Finance Administrative Assistant

Hi, I’m Miss Antara and I am the Finance Admin Assistant in the Reception Office. I’ve been working at the office for a year now and I enjoy the company of the Gesher community. I assist in the financial process at the school and ensure the behind-the-scenes run smoothly.

BARON WILDE

Premises Manager / Caretaker

Hi I’m Mr Baron, I am the school’s Premises Manager/Caretaker/Minibus Driver. I have been with Gesher since it opened, supporting the school, parents and staff with their requirements and helping to keep everyone in the Gesher family safe. I look forward to seeing what this year will hold.

JAKUB KONOPKA

Security

Hi, I am Mr Jakub and I am one of the Security Guards. I have been working at Gesher since the school opened in 2017. My role at Gesher is to ensure that everyone stays safe but I’ve also got to know all the parents, staff, and students really well.

MARCEL MOISOIU

Security

Hi, I am Mr Marcel and I am one of the Security Guards. I started working at Gesher in 2018 and really enjoy my role. As well as keeping everyone at Gesher safe while they are on-site, I also provide security for when students go on trips.