Governors

Amy Crighton

I joined the board of Governors as a Foundation Governor in the summer of 2022. As well as being a parishioner of the Parish of St Maries, I am also a former pupil of St Mary’s Haslingden, as well as a parent of two KS1 children who attend St Mary’s Haslingden, I therefore have a longstanding connection and genuine passion for the continued success of St Mary’s School.

I grew up in Haslingden and moved back in 2014 after moving to Manchester to do my law degree and subsequently my formal training as a solicitor.

My career background is a Corporate Recovery Solicitor, and I am currently the Head of Legal for a boutique firm of Insolvency Practitioners in Manchester City Centre.

I sit on the Curriculum Committee and believe that I can bring value to this Committee from both my personal position as a St Mary’s Parent, and my professional experience.

In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends and also travelling.

I am really looking forward to my journey as a St Mary’s Governor.

Sian Davies

I joined the governing body of St Mary’s in September 2018 as a Foundation Governor. By background I am a Speech & Language Therapist and I currently manage speech & language therapy, stroke therapy & neurorehabilitation therapy teams at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. I also spent many years as a clinical lecturer at The University of Manchester.

I am on the Curriculum, Standards & Effectiveness Committee and am the nominated governor for SEND, Literacy and Religion. I hope I am able to use my clinical background and experience in leading teams, education & governance, as well as the challenges of managing NHS budgets, to this role.

I grew up in Sidcup, Kent, and moved to Helmshore after graduation. My interests are dancing and theatre and I regularly travel to Lourdes as part of a pilgrimage group. As a parishioner of St Marie’s I am looking forward to really growing our school-parish links and to spending more time in school with the staff and children and being part of the family of St Mary’s.

Daniel Greenhalgh

I joined the governing body of St Mary’s in November 2019 as a Parent Governor. By background I am a Civil Engineer and have been responsible for delivery of major infrastructure projects and management of contracts. I am currently the Director for the Northwest at Canal & River Trust, the Waterways and Wellbeing charity and I previously served in the Royal Air Force on leaving school.

I am on the Resources Committee and am the nominated governor for Pupil Premium. I am able to use my background and experience in leadership, risk management, health and safety, governance and financial management in my role to support the school staff and governing body.

My twins have attended the school since reception and I also grew up in the Rossendale valley.

Ann-Marie Jones

I am parent governor and have been on the governing body for 8 years. My term of office will sadly come to an end in November 2023.  Both myself and my 2 children attended the school so I feel very committed to it. 

I have been a member of the PTA for 13 years and still volunteer despite my children no longer attending the school. I have also volunteered at the school for 10 years and come in every morning ((before work!) to make bagels for the children who attend breakfast club. I enjoy helping the staff and being part of the extended St Mary’s family! 

I work as a payroll clerk part-time and in my spare time I also volunteer locally at Brownies and Guides.  

Geraldine Mather

I have been serving as a Foundation Governor for over 10 years.  My two children and myself (many years ago) attended St. Mary’s RC Primary and we all enjoyed our time at this school with happy memories.​

I am currently Chair of Resources and Link Governor at St. Mary’s RC Primary and work locally as an Accounts Clerk/Administrator.

We are very lucky to have such highly qualified teachers who care and nurture our children to flourish in their school life, together with experienced office staff who all help run the school so successfully and an effective governing body who provide support.

Maureen Misell

I first became a Parent Governor over 20 years ago while my three children were attending St Mary’s.  I am now a Foundation Governor on the Resources Committee, Chair of the Curriculum Standards & Effectiveness Committee & Vice Chair of the Governing Body.

As a Governor at St Mary’s, it is a privilege to work with, support & to challenge such a dedicated team of staff who provide a safe & happy school where all our children are valued & encouraged to develop to their full potential.

I moved from Manchester to Rossendale in 1996 and I am currently the Finance Director of a small building company based in Haslingden and as retirement gets closer I hope to spend more time gardening, dog walking & reading while holidaying anywhere that’s warmer than the UK.

John O.Reilly

I was born in Bluebell, Inchicore, Dublin and moved to England in 1969. I started work in a textile mill in Bamber Bridge, then went onto work at British Aerospace before joining the Lancashire Constabulary in 1981.

I had a 30 year career within the Police and served most of my time in East Lancashire. I had a couple of years at HQ in research and development, training officers to become trainers, R & D into new legislation and as a self-defence instructor.

A full, varied and interesting 30 year Career!

I retired in the rank of Inspector and Chairman of the Lancashire Police Federation.

Since retirement, I have been involved in caravan repair and maintenance, painting and decorating and have become a grandad.

Joining the board of governors in December 2022 as a Local authority governor, I hope to be able to contribute to the future of our school, its’ staff and especially the children.

Matt Wiseman

I have served on the governing board at St. Mary’s since 2010. I am a registered Social Worker and work for the Adults Learning Disability Team at Blackburn with Darwen Council. I also have many years’ experience working for community organisations providing information, advice, and guidance services.

I grew up on the outskirts of Norwich and moved to Rossendale in 2004. I am married to Mrs Wiseman who is a HLTA at St. Mary’s in Key Stage 2. Our two children have both attended St. Mary’s School.