Governors
What is the role of the Governors?
The Governors are a body of people who are responsible for a huge array of duties ranging from managing the school budget, to employing staff, to overseeing the curriculum, and ensuring the upkeep of the building. Our Governors work very hard for the development of successful learning at Summerswood.
Who are our Governors?
Mr Dean Docherty:
(January 2022) Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor - Current term of office: Dec 2021 - Dec 2025
I am a Vice President at a large investment bank and have worked within senior fraud roles for 20 years in both the public and private sector. I am a local resident and wish to bring my skills and experience to my local area and Summerswood.
I have experience in policy, strategy, risk and financial services.
I look forward to contributing to Summerwood’s governing body and working alongside other governors.
Pecuniary Interest - wife is a teacher at the school
Ms Zara Vangelova:
(November 2022) Vice-Chair of Governors, Parent Governor - Current term of office: Nov 2022 - Oct 2026
My daughter is currently attending Summerswood Primary School and I really wanted to get involved and contribute to the continuing improvement and development of the school and the local community.
I am a qualified accountant, and I have extensive experience in financial management and controls, statutory accounting, process improvement and business transformation across the private and not-for-profit sector.
I believe in the importance of raising confident and inspired children who strive to bring the best in them and others, and I look forward to working with the other governors to support the school.
Pecuniary Interest - child in school.
Miss Sarah Kneller:
Headteacher (September 2014)
I became Headteacher at Summerswood in September 2014 and am enjoying working alongside our governors. They are a supportive group of people who are committed to working alongside me to make Summerswood the very best it can be.
Pecuniary Interest - Headteacher
Miss Kathryn Mitchell:
Deputy Head Teacher (April 2025)
I have been a teacher since 2010 and am a qualified SENCO with a strong commitment to inclusive education. I joined Summerswood Primary in April 2025 and have been proud to contribute to the school’s journey of improvement. In my role as Deputy Headteacher, and currently as Co‑Acting Head, I am dedicated to ensuring that every child feels valued, challenged, and inspired to achieve their best.
Pecuniary Interest - Deputy Head teacher
Mrs Jenny Crabtree:
SENCO - Staff Governor (2022), Current term of office: Sept 2022 - Aug 2026
I have been the SENCO at Summerswood for the last 3 years. Previous to this role, I worked in a primary school in Watford where I was the English, French, History and PE lead. I was also a Governor there. I enjoy gardening and spend time at my allotment, reading and various crafting projects.
Pecuniary Interest - Senco
Mrs Karen Simpson:
School Business Manager (July 2025)
I have worked at Summerswood Primary School since 2015 with a short break during 2024/2025. I started as an administrator and then Secretary to the School Business Manager. I have 3 children who all came to Summerswood Primary School and have been successful in their education.
Pecuniary Interest – School Business Manager
Ms Paula Gregory:
Co-opted Governor (2002) Current term of office: Oct 2022 - Oct 2026
I have been a governor at Summerswood Primary since 2002 and have seen so many positive changes. I have two grown up children that came to this school and thoroughly enjoyed their time here. I am a Computing teacher at a local secondary school and a swimming teacher at Borehamwood Swimming Club.
I am the Vice Chair of the School Improvement Committee and responsible for safeguarding.
In my spare time I enjoy growing fruit and vegetables and love a good novel!
Pecuniary Interest - I am a local swimming teacher and committee member; Squirrels leader of the First Elstree & Borehamwood Scouts; my son is a Teaching Assistant.
Mrs Abbi Rozentals:
Parent Governor (September 2023) - Current term of office: Sept 2023 - Aug 2027
I'm a parent of a child at Summerswood School. I volunteer within my community including in nursery kitchens, cooking for the NHS with You Donate We Deliver during Covid, and at Borehamwood Foodbank. I previously worked in school raising awareness about the effects of crime through workshops, and gave emotional and practical support to young victims and their parents. I have also been a Zumba teacher, am trained in teaching exercise to music, and am a trained gym instructor. I am currently studying nutrition online and have a small business making healthy meals.
Pecuniary Interest - child in school
Mr Ben Bernstein:
Co-Opted Governor (October 2025) - Current term of office 8th October 2025 - 7th October 2029
I have previous managerial experience over many years at a number of Intl Investment Banks and have worked within multiple areas including aviation financing, commercial lending, IT and card financing roles for 20 years in both the public and private sector. I have a passion for aviation which included a stint at EasyJet in Luton looking at Aircraft Systems IT. I am a local resident and wish to bring my skills and experience to my local area and Summerswood.
I have experience in HR, strategy, risk, aviation and financial services.
I look forward to contributing to Summerwood’s governing body and working alongside other more established governors.
Pecuniary Interest - None
Mrs Megan James:
Parent Governor (October 2025) - Current term of office 8th October 2025 - 7th October 2029
I am a parent of a child at Summerswood School & I enjoy being actively involved with school life, including being part of the schools PTA, Friends Of Summerswood. I work as a Swimming Instructor & I have a background in Early Years & Foundation Stage Education. I am passionate about supporting children's wellbeing & helping to create a positive school community.
Pecuniary Interest - child in school/Friends Of Summerswood PTA
Mr Taibur Rahman:
Parent Governor (October 2025) - Current term of office 8th October 2025 - 7th October 2029
I am currently working as a Customer Service Manager at Entain Group and hold a Master’s degree in Marketing and Innovation from Anglia Ruskin University. My daughter has been attending this school since 2021, which has allowed me to develop a strong connection with the school and its community. As a school governor, I am keen to use my professional experience in leadership and communication to support the school’s strategic goals and contribute to its continued success. I am passionate about helping create a positive learning environment for all pupils and strengthening the school’s relationship with the wider community.
Pecuniary Interest - child in school