Meet the team

Simon brings a broad range of skills to the Trust. Having worked many years as a designer he became interested in education. He has delivered training to adults since 2000. In 2014 qualified as a secondary school teacher completing his NQT year in Ascot. He has a passion for learning and loves getting out of the office to work with visiting schools. He lives with his family in a houseboat on the Thames.

Heather has many years of experience in a variety of educational settings: working with teachers, parents and children. She is passionate about the value of learning outside the classroom. In previous roles she has enjoyed organising and leading school trips and holiday activities.

Vanessa has a MA in Archaeology, and a PGCE. She has taught from Nursery level through to University in various London schools and in New Zealand and Central America. She has been involved in a wide variety of teaching positions including the Old Royal Naval College and the BRASS EL Pilar Programme. She also runs her own living history business, Puku B, delivering experienced based workshops to schools.

Neil has enjoyed many years of educating both children and families in environmental issues and conservation – including positions with the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, and at a number of international conservation bodies, based in countries a diverse as Peru and the Philippines. With degrees and a post graduate diploma in Environmental Management, Neil also has a wealth of experience in heritage education, working with prominent museums, organisations and institutions across London at Key Stages 1 – 5.

Chris has taught Geography (KS2 to KS5) in both state and independent schools within SW London for 23 years and he was also a Head of Geography during that time. Alongside his teaching experience, MA and PGCE in Geography Education, he has a passion for the outdoors and working with young people. He has been involved with the D of E since 2004, is a volunteer county skills instructor for the Scout Association and also a GCSE / A level Geography Tutor.

Our previous director returns to us from travelling the world to take on the role of teacher. Andy’s many skills and talents, along with his in depth knowledge and experience of running both our courses and the charity make him a valuable asset.

Morwenna has a Primary PGCE and a MSc in Psychology. She has supported children’s learning as a class teacher, assistant psychologist and mentor in a variety of settings, from orphanages in India to primary schools in London. Now working as a freelance teacher, Morwenna loves teaching outdoors and is extremely motivated to educate and inspire children about nature and the environment around them.  

Elaine has a MA in Education.  She was a classroom teacher in the US, Romania and the UK.  Her love of history, museums and object-based learning led her to become a freelance educator.  She works at many London heritage sites with children from EYFS through KS5 and particularly enjoys how artefacts can instil a sense of wonder with people of all ages, herself included.

Monica has BA Honours in Sociology and Anthropology, PGCE and NPQH qualifications. With 30 years’ experience as a primary teacher and leader for Inclusion and SEND in Tower Hamlets, Monica took early retirement to put her passion for heritage and museums into practice with schools and families.  She has worked across all the Bristol Museums and period houses and on the SS Great Britain.  In London, she has worked for English Heritage, Tate Modern, Tower of London and across the Imperial War Museum sites. 

Jo-Anne has an MA in Cultural Heritage Studies and a BA in History and Archaeology. She has been involved in a number of teaching positions and has worked for the British Library, National Portrait Gallery and the Museum of London. She has published several articles and is always looking to new challenges.

Christine has an MA and a PGCE in History. She has over 20 years experience teaching in schools and museums. Museums include HMS Belfast, Imperial War Museums and National Army Museum. She has a passion for mudlarking and volunteers with the Thames Discovery Programme to record foreshore features. Christine is skilled at working with all ages and enjoys running our In the Footsteps of Mudlarks walks. She is also Brown Owl for a Brownie pack.

Brenna is a qualified zoologist with a passion for enthusing others about the natural world. She specialises in teaching Rivers and Environmental Issues programmes, and enjoys nothing more than discovering shrimp, eels and leeches with school groups on the foreshore. Brenna also runs her own initiative in London, Wild Capital, providing wildlife based activities for adults, families, schools and communities.

Connor is an ecologist and outdoor education specialist with a particular passion for insects. He works across London delivering engaging, hands-on sessions that help young people explore nature up close and build confidence in outdoor spaces. In his spare time, Connor studies dung beetles, and he enjoys introducing students to the parts of nature that are often overlooked.

David has an MA (Hons) in Scottish History and leads archeology sessions with Thames Explorer Trust. He has over 15 years of freelance history teaching experience at Tower Bridge, Scottish Borders Museums, Historic Scotland, Fulham Palace and also worked at many historic sites around London including the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and Water and Steam Museum. He is also the founder of history walking company ‘Heritage Guides’.

After over 30 years of teaching history, Susie is now “searching” for it as part of her freelance teacher role. She is passionate about the tangible side of the past and the way the foreshore can take us back in time. Susie has a great deal of experience to bring to her new role especially related to the teaching of students with SEND and making learning accessible for all.  She is currently focused on researching and documenting the amazing variety of clay pipes found by the river.