Our staff

SONIA CASE EXECUTIVE HEAD TEACHER
Actress in the original 1970s Poldark, Sonia then worked in advertising and market research. Following the birth of her children, Sonia heard the call of teaching, thank goodness! As the daughter of wartime refugees, Sonia is proud to live and work in a city which celebrates diversity and makes everyone welcome. The Belham Primary School is her new pride and joy, alongside her children and two grandchildren.

LIZ COHEN HEAD OF SCHOOL
After studying French at the University of Leicester, Liz completed her PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University College and has been in Education ever since. She is used to working in socially mixed schools, which has fuelled her passion for embedding diversity and inclusion into the curriculum. In her spare time, Liz can be spied doing one of three things: running around a netball court; annoying her neighbours by practising the piano; or planning her next European culinary getaway.

SHARON BAXENDALE ASSISTANT HEAD INCLUSION / SENCO
Assistant Head and responsible for Inclusion at Dulwich Hamlet, Sharon provides Belham staff, parents and pupils with advice, support and consultancy on all matters that support our vision that 'everyone matters'. Sharon holds the Advanced Diploma in Special Educational Needs and was seconded to the LA to support the transfer of Statements to Education, Health and Care Plans. When not enjoying the delights of the 37 or P13 bus routes to travel between both schools, she likes to engage in a bit of carpentry and archaeology.

ALISON SPRAKES ASSISTANT HEAD/ HEAD OF EYFS & KS1
From an early age, Alison could be found with a lab coat and goggles trying to create different potions and explosions in her parents' kitchen! This has translated itself into a love of food and a keen interest in science education. Having worked with children in both New York and China before moving to London, Alison could not be more delighted to play a role in establishing the Belham Primary School.

TOM TURNHAM HEAD OF KS2 & YEAR 3 'DENIM' CLASS TEACHER
Tom's childhood was spent in Canada and Forest Hill. Before settling on a career in teaching, he worked in banking. For the last five years he has worked at our sister school, Dulwich Hamlet, and also as a Design Technology consultant. He passionately believes that children have the right to a broad education that is not confined to the classroom or to traditional subject areas. He is a keen runner and amateur triathlete who can often be found in a park or on a beach with a good book.

CATHERINE VIALA YEAR 1 'WOOL' CLASS TEACHER
Catherine taught English in Japan for two years, having graduated from Durham University in English, French and Italian. This inspired her to train as a teacher in the UK many years later, after working for marketing agencies and clients such as British Heart Foundation and Land Registry. She completed her teacher training at Dulwich Hamlet Junior School, where she stayed for three years, before joining the Belham.

KATE GORELY YEAR 3 'CALICO' CLASS TEACHER

Kate studied Cultural Studies at Birmingham University and then trained in Mental Health at Kings College London. After having her children, she developed Art based projects and created innovative learning spaces in schools and in the wider community. With inclusion, community and creativity at the centre of her vision, Kate is delighted to join the Belham and to develop Art and Design across the school.

CHARLOTTE CARTER YEAR 2 'LINEN' CLASS TEACHER
Charlotte passionately believes that every person should be equipped with the skills to think critically and to debate effectively, and her interests in philosophy and the arts are at the root of her teaching. She graduated from the University of York, with a degree in Language and Linguistic Science, as well as the University of Cambridge. Throughout her life, Charlotte has slowly moved further south and has settled in the local area of Peckham, almost retaining her accent!

CHRISTINA SAULLO YEAR 2 'COTTON' CLASS TEACHER
Christina studied Anthropology at Goldsmiths and had aspired to write her own ethnography from deep in the Amazon Rainforest. However, fate took an unexpected turn and at 21 she ended up getting a job in Marketing and Events for a chain of London bars and restaurants. Although her passion for travel, cooking and music were deeply satisfied, she did not feel fulfilled. She then started working for a national charity and helped run a children's and young people support service in Wandsworth. After working in over ten schools in that borough, and then later as a Learning Mentor, she decided to complete her Masters in Primary Education and work in her beloved community of Peckham and is absolutely loving her new role as a class teacher.

CHRIS FINNEY YEAR 1 'FELT' CLASS TEACHER
Chris completed his degree in Education and Pedagogy then went on to work as a learning support assistant for children with complex social needs. After this experience, he began his teacher training at Dulwich Hamlet Junior School whilst completing his PGCE in Primary Education at Goldsmiths University. A family made up of teachers meant there was no other career path! He is passionate about music and science and transfers these interests into his teaching.

LAUREN HOGG RECEPTION 'VELVET' CLASS TEACHER

LOTTIE ATKINS RECEPTION TEACHING ASSISTANT
Lottie lives locally, and since leaving full time education has worked as an early years practitioner in an outstanding nursery within the area. Here she found her passion, focusing on the development of the young. Lottie has also worked with older children, when she volunteered in a youth club. She brings enthusiasm and dedication to her role at the Belham and is very happy to be a part of the team.

LARA KOLAWOLE RECEPTION TEACHING ASSISTANT
From an early age Lara has loved caring for children. She turned her hobby into reality by becoming a trained teacher abroad as well as a busy mother of three children! Lara then worked in social and retail sectors in London for many years. Four years ago she decided to channel her passion for working with young children by going back into schools. She is absolutely delighted to be part of the Belham team working with young minds!

MARY MELLOR RECEPTION TEACHING ASSISTANT
Mary has worked with children off and on for many years in a variety of roles including working in a Montessori nursery and managing summer camp programmes. After volunteering at her son's school she felt ready to pursue a full time career in education and trained to become a Teaching Assistant. Mary loves her new role and has strong ties with Dulwich Hamlet Junior School, with one of her two children currently attending and her husband running the after school cookery classes.

KONSTANTINOS VASILEIOU YEAR 1 'WOOL' CLASS TEACHING ASSISTANT
Konstantinos grew up in Athens and has worked as a teacher in Greece, Berlin and Finland. He earned his BA in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Derby, holds a diploma in teaching children with special needs and is currently studying counselling psychology. Konstantinos believes pupils have an active role in the learning process and their creativity is a potential way to learn, solve problems and face their everyday present and future life.

MONIKA KUBIAK YEAR 1 'COTTON' CLASS TEACHING ASSISTANT
Monika worked as a child psychologist in Poland and as a psychologist assistant in Italy and speaks both languages, alongside English. She joined the London educational environment in 2010 and was one of our first Belham recruits. As well as loving being with Cotton class, Monika is a huge fan of Gene Kelly musicals and Umberto Eco novels.

ARABELLA LOPEZ JUAN RECEPTION 'SILK' TEACHER
Arabella holds a Master's degree in Teacher Training specialising in PE. She speaks Catalan and Spanish, and moved to England in summer 2013 because of her interest in British culture. She loves to dance and holds a professional grade in contemporary and classical. She believes that music is a very important part of our lives which everybody should have a chance to enjoy.

IWONA MOUSLI YEAR 1 TEACHING ASSISTANT
After completing her Foundation Degree in Childhood and Family Studies, Iwona worked in the Bilingual Nursery (French-English) as a deputy manager. After having her own children she devoted herself to being a full-time mum. She enjoys working with children and is delighted to join the Belham team with her youngest daughter who is in Year 1. Iwona loves jazz and plays the accordion in her spare time.

MAXINE JOPPA YEAR 3 'CALICO' CLASS TEACHING ASSISTANT

LAVERNE MILLER YEAR 2 'LINEN' CLASS TEACHING ASSISTANT
Laverne has lived locally in Peckham for nearly 20 years. After leaving the corporate world to become a full-time mummy, she decided to follow her passion to work and study as an Early Years Practitioner, where her experience with children grew further. Laverne is very excited to have joined the Belham as she feels passionate about providing support to the development of the children in her community.

SCHNEEDA THORPE RECEPTION TEACHING ASSISTANT, EARLYBIRDS & OWLS SUPERVISOR
Schneeda works at the Belham in a number of roles including Teaching Assistant, Earlybirds and Owls. Schneeda lives locally and is a dedicated mother of two and also a grandmother. Shneeda is passionate about supporting the young people in her community and has spent time volunteering with vulnerable young women - assisting with their education and personal needs. Shneeda is very much enjoying her time at the Belham Primary School.

ETIENNE THOMPSON OWLS SUPERVISOR
Coming from a sporting and arts and crafts background, Etienne has completed a BTEC National diploma in sports development and coaching, as well as an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. Having previously worked at Dulwich Hamlet Junior School, Etienne is delighted to have the opportunity to work at the Belham, drawing on his passion for education and child development.

KATE MALECKI OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Kate grew up in Herne Hill and went to Dulwich Hamlet Junior School, so she hasn't moved far in life geographically! Having spent 10 years in advertising, Kate returned to art school in Camberwell to fulfil her passion for textiles. She still looks with jealousy at the fun the Belham children are having with paint and glitter. Kate has three children, aged 11, 9 and 7 who have heard all about the Belham and are desperate to join.

JANIECE-FIONA CALLENDER OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Janiece has worked throughout Southwark’s children services in various roles including as a family learning facilitator. Within the Parent Mentors’ group she has written books and produced dvds for families with children under 5 years old. She has a passion for empowering parents to build trusted relationships with their children, helping them learn practical communication skills and develop their abilities to bring up confident, happy children.

CLAIRE CONNOR OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
For 24 years Claire worked for the Metropolitan Police Service as an Admin Officer within various specialised units. She has been local to the area all her life and is now looking forward to working at the Thomas Calton site (the school her mum used to attend way back when) and is super excited that she and her two children are now 'Belhamites'. In her late teens Claire enjoyed her time helping a local Brownies group and is looking forward to working with children again.

MARIKA SONNE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

SHELLIE LUCAS RECEPTION TEACHING ASSISTANT
Shellie is very much a local girl, having lived around the corner from the Belham since birth. In fact her father was a pupil at the original Old Bellenden school in the 1960s! Shellie was a hairdresser, but since having two children (who are both 'Belhamites') she has devoted her time to raising her family. She is very enthusiastic about being part of the Belham school and creating a nurturing environment for children at the heart of the community.

AGNIESZKA ROTUSKA-SEKSAF MIDDAY SUPERVISOR & OWLS
Agnieszka moved to England from Poland 25 years ago. She decided to be a stay at home mum and was a parent volunteer in her children's school for many years. During that time she qualified as a Teaching Assistant. Agnieszka lives locally in Peckham and is thrilled to be part of the Belham school, to share her skills and experiences to help create a happy and nurturing environment for all the children. She loves a good book, long walks in the nature and spending time with her family.

ROSEMARIE GAYLE MIDDAY SUPERVISOR & OWLS
Rosemarie grew up in East Dulwich and after leaving school worked as a nursery teacher. She then went on to work in the health and social care field. Now that her twin daughters are grown up, Rosemarie has found her passion to be working with children. She is experienced with children with behavioural issues and SEN, and is delighted to be part of the Belham team, helping to create a warm and caring environment.

ANGEL CASTILLO YEAR 2 'COTTON' CLASS TEACHING ASSISTANT
Education has always been a part of Angel's life, even before settling in the UK. Being part of a school brings joy to her as she loves to interact with people while helping them to learn. She actively volunteered in learning centres soon after arriving here. So great is Angel's love for teaching that she taught aspiring teachers at university level. Having also set up and taught in pioneering schools and English camps for 4 to 16 year olds, Angel sees herself sharing in the success of the Belham.

SANA SHEAKH MIDDAY SUPERVISOR

LEISY CHAO-BATLLE MIDDAY SUPERVISOR

GARETH HAMILTON-BRAITHWAITE MIDDAY SUPERVISOR
Gareth completed a foundation degree at Goldsmiths University studying a BA in Social Science, Community Development & Youth Work, and is also NVQ Level 3 qualified in Children's Care, Learning & Development. He has lived in Peckham from birth, and cares very much about the development of the young people in the area. Gareth is also a professional DJ, qualified gym instructor, and radio presenter on Reprezent FM.

SABRINA WEATHERS MIDDAY SUPERVISOR
Sabrina's background is in music and since joining her church choir aged 11 she has gone on to record, write and perform reggae-influenced songs, achieving UK top ten hits in the late 1990s with her R 'n' B pop group, Fierce. Sabrina has even appeared on the X Factor, singing with South London Voices, the contemporary gospel group she founded and directs. Sabrina lives locally and is the newest member of the Belham's midday supervision team.

PAUL ABOUA CHEF
Paul cooks for 360 Dulwich Hamlet Junior School children and another 150 at the Belham, serving up healthy, nutritious and delicious meals every day. Before working at the Hamlet, Paul worked in restaurants both in Paris and London, where he achieved Head Chef status. Hailing from Cote D'Ivoire, Paul is a natural born French speaker. He particularly enjoys cooking dishes with a French-Asian twist.

YOLANDE SY CATERING
Yolande loves working with children of all ages and provides invaluable support in the kitchen. Like Paul, Yolande speaks perfect French due to her Ivory Coast origins. When not working with food, Yolande enjoys tennis and visiting the gym.

SIBLA KONATE CATERING
Sibla takes great pride in working in a school kitchen and helping children eat great food. She loves reading with her children. Like Paul and Yolande, Sibla also originates from the Cote D'Ivoire and is another French speaker.

JOY IDEHEN CATERING