Governor biographies

Rev Monsignor Séamus O'Boyle, Foundation Governor, Chair

Parish Priest at the Church of The Immaculate Conception and St Joseph in Hertford.

Sheron Hynard, Foundation and Safeguarding Governor

I am currently a Foundation and Safeguarding Governor. I have four children at St Joseph's, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 6. My eldest who also attended is at college.

I work within a school setting as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) in year 3. I have gained experience in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. I have insightful knowledge of how a school runs from a day to day basis.

I feel I will contribute many aspects to the Governors and my knowledge and skill set will be beneficial to help our St Joseph's Community.

Marie Godfrey, Vice Chair foundation governor

I started as a governor in 2022. Both my children attend St. Josephs's. I am looking forward to being able to make a contribution to help the school remain a great place for our children to develop and learn.

I work as a senior health commissioner in the NHS, commissioning a wide variety of services for adults and have more recently moved into national cancer screening. I’m an occupational therapist by background, and my clinical expertise is in mental health.

Outside of work, I like to meet friends, garden and attempt ‘gyming’. I have a passion for music and the arts and love radio/podcasts. As a family, we try to be as environmentally conscious as possible, and we love living in Hertford.

Christopher Richards, Parent Governor

I have been a governor since late 2022. My daughter attends St. Joseph’s, and my wife works in Reception as a Teaching Assistant.

In my day job, I am a Senior Manager within banking where I work to detect and prevent financial crime such as fraud, money laundering, terrorism and sanctions evasion.

Outside of work, I am an active member of Hertford Lawn Tennis Club and help my wife with our allotment patch opposite the school where we grow lots of fruit and veg! I also love travel, food and wine.

Having struggled academically as a child, I’m a strong believer that a child's future is not solely determined by the exam grades they receive and it’s important that schools take a holistic approach to children’s development.

Theresa Whitfield Foundation Governor

My daughter was a happy pupil at St Joseph’s from Reception until she left for secondary school, and my niece still attends the school.

I have been a business analyst for nearly 30 years specialising in Technology. Over 6 years ago I joined Hertfordshire County Council as a Principal Business Analyst within Improvement and Technology, where I regularly work closely with Children’s Services.

I am a keen runner and Premier League football club season ticket holder.