Governor biographies

Rev Monsignor Séamus O'Boyle, Foundation Governor, Chair

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

Gerrad Crosby, Foundation Governor

I have spent my career in education, first working at Finchley Catholic High School and more recently joining Mount House School in 2023. Throughout my career I have taught Maths, Politics, History and Classics. I was an Assistant Head at Finchley for ten years, holding various roles such as Head of Curriculum, CPD and Catholic Life, but probably mostly remembered for my time as Head of Sixth Form from 2016-2022. I am currently Deputy Head Pastoral at Mount House School and serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (amongst many other roles).

My wife is also a History teacher; she is currently looking after our four children at home, who are our pride and joy.

I am a keen sportsman and like visiting exhibitions at museums (if I get the time these days!).

I see a career in education as a vocation and a genuine gift to be able to guide and support the lives of our young people. As a governing body, we will endeavour to provide every student with the opportunity to grow in God's love, to be the best they can be.

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.