Sarah Begley- Damson Wood LGB

I joined Damson Wood LGB in March 2023. I chose to volunteer to be a parent governor as my son attends Damson Wood and I also went to the school many years ago. I have fond memories of my time there and my son is thoroughly enjoying his journey, having been there since nursery.

I am a parent governor for Health & Safety and Compliance.

In my working life, I am an employment solicitor at a local firm of solicitors in Shirley. I have held this role for over 7 year and have been qualified in employment law for over 15 years.

I advise employers and employees on both contentious and non-contentious aspects of employment law. My day-to-day analytical, communication and pragmatic skills will hopefully be an asset to the trust in delivering their aims. I am also regularly engaged in the firm’s own CSR initiatives.

Outside of my professional life, I am a keen runner and enjoy engaging in community-based activities. As someone who has lived in Damson Wood for most of my life, I am passionate about the area and want to give back in any way I can.

Fay Goodman- Damson Wood LGB

I live in Yardley, Birmingham, with my son and niece. I am a filmmaker and composer with a passion for creating uplifting stories that inspire people to overcome challenges and reach their potential.

As a volunteer, I run The Conies Charity, which uses animated characters to teach children essential safety skills, encouraging them to stay safe in all aspects of their lives. Our teachings also promote values such as respect, kindness, and courtesy.

In October 2024, I was appointed as a parent governor at Damson Wood School. With a strong commitment to children’s well-being, health, and safety, I aim to support both the students and teaching faculty in every way I can. Previously, I served as a governor at my daughter’s secondary school, where I gained valuable experience in supporting young people. I believe we all have the power to make a difference by sharing, engaging, and dedicating our time to meaningful causes, and I am eager to contribute wherever possible.

One of my greatest passions is teaching and practicing martial arts and self-defence with people of all ages and abilities. It is incredibly rewarding to see individuals grow in confidence, self-esteem, and mental well-being through these practices.

Gurpal Dahele- Damson Wood LGB

I am currently working as a Year 4 teacher at Balsall Common Primary School, where I am passionate about supporting pupils academically, socially and emotionally. Prior to this role, I worked at Damson Wood Primary School for three years as a teacher, where I gained valuable experience teaching across the school. I also have worked a PE teacher and supporting pupils during lunchtimes. These roles allowed me to build strong relationships with children, staff and families, and helped shape my belief in the importance of a positive, inclusive school community.

I have a huge interest in education and in ensuring that schools continue to provide the best possible opportunities for all pupils. I am particularly motivated by the idea of helping to shape a bright and successful future for the school and its community.

In 2026, I was appointed as a Governor, as I wanted to give something back to the community that has given me so much over the years.

Outside of school, I am a keen football and cricket enthusiast. I also love travelling and consider myself a real foodie, always keen to experience new cultures and cuisines.

As my parents live within the Damson Wood community, I will always keep the needs and values of the local community at the forefront of my work.

Lauren Horobin - Damson Wood LGB

I joined Damson Wood LGB in January 2026. I chose to volunteer as a parent governor as my daughter attends Damson Wood and I am passionate about shaping a successful future for our school and community. 

I am a qualified teacher and specialise in the EYFS. I have spent the majority of my career teaching in the Early Years and KS1. I spent 8 years teaching at a school in Small Heath and was very committed to supporting children and their education. In recent years I moved from my permanent position into supply work, this has given me an insight into how different schools are run and has allowed me to experience a variety of year groups, getting to meet new students and parents, as well as helping to maintain a healthy work life balance, making sure that I can spend as much time as possible with my young family.

When I’m not teaching I enjoy dancing, particularly street and tap. I am aiming to become a qualified dance teacher in the next couple of years, and have achieved up to intermediate level in both freestyle and tap.

Andrea Lees - Damson Wood LGB

I joined Damson Wood LGB in January 2026. I have chosen to volunteer as a Parent Governor as both of my children attend Damson Wood Infants and I want to make a positive difference and be a part of the decision making and shaping the direction of the school and all of the children's education. I also want to learn more and gain experience in the structure of a school/academy.

I have spent all of my adult life working in education. I've gained meaningful experience in Early Years, Infants, juniors and completed some training to teach further education. My main focus has always been early years as I have a Level 5 (foundation degree) in Early Years.

However, I have experience working with children of all ages, as well as working with children with SEN and SEMH. I feel very strongly and passionately that all children should have the very best start in life. As a school/academy, I feel that it is our responsibility to ensure that every child receives the highest standard of education and care and have the best opportunities to thrive, regardless of their background.

Outside of my career, I enjoy walking, especially in hilly areas like the Malverns and the lickeys! I also enjoy doing arts and crafts with my children and cooking and baking with my children.

Felicity Clarke - Damson Wood LGB

I have been part of Embrace MAT since 2019, initially as Headteacher of Manorfield C of E Primary in Leicestershire before moving into a strategic School Improvement role within the Trust. I was particularly drawn to Damson Wood’s ethos of “Learning and Growing Together,” which emphasises an ambitious, inclusive curriculum and the development of the whole child. Their SPARKS values—Safe, Proud, Ambitious, Ready, Kind, and Successful—align strongly with my own commitment to building collaborative, nurturing environments where all pupils and staff can thrive.

Professionally, I have over a decade of leadership experience, including Headteacher, Executive Headteacher and Chief  Improvement Lead roles. I have led significant school improvement journeys, taking schools from “Requires Improvement” to securely Good, and have developed strong expertise in curriculum design, safeguarding, and strategic leadership. My work now includes shaping the Trust‑wide improvement strategy, developing consistent effective systems, and supporting leaders across schools. I also deliver on the NPQLT and coach school leaders. 

Outside of work, I value time outside walking in different locations and enjoying the beauty and peace fulness if nature.