Our Staff

Melissa Peachey

Head of Learning Enrichment

BA (Hons), PGCE, OCR Level 5, NASENCO Award

Melissa Peachey

Head of Learning Enrichment

I started my teaching career in 2005 at a mainstream school in Lambeth, before teaching internationally in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and then at London Prep schools.  I was a class teacher for twelve years across Key Stages 1 and 2, and have been a Literacy Co-Ordinator and Head of Year.  My passion is helping all children to fully enjoy their school years.  After qualifying as a Specialist Teacher, I became a SENCO in 2018.  I greatly enjoy working across the school with children and their families and working closely with the staff.  Out of school, I am a SEND and Safeguarding governor at a local mainstream school.  Prior to teaching, I worked in advertising.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study
The Study is a uniquely welcoming community.  The pupils always smile and stop for a chat when they pass by and all the staff helped me to settle in, with the camaraderie in the staff rooms.

Tell us something that we might not know about you
I am always keen to try new things – with mixed success!  From Thai cooking to salsa dancing, I will give it a whirl.  It reminds me how our little learners feel when they bravely try new things in their school day.

What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
As part of a round-the-world trip, I taught at a school in India for three months, and slept in my classroom!  I would wake up every morning to children chattering outside my door, pinning on garlands of flowers and their drawings of Mickey Mouse.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?
I loved playing the game 40 / 40, tearing around outside with my friends and trying to sneak up to the base before we were spotted!

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Ellisa Lopez

Year 2 Teaching Assistant

CACHE Level 3

Ellisa Lopez

Year 2 Teaching Assistant

About me …

I joined The Study as a Teaching Assistant in 2010.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

I love seeing the progress the girls make in their first year of school. Learning their sounds, writing their first words, getting creative with the art they produce and making new friends. It’s incredibly satisfying to see them move onto Year 1 with many new skills and lots of confidence.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

My parents were both famous dancers. They starred in the 1960’s film Summer Holiday and my Dad was the first British dancer to be in the American production of West Side Story. They met and fell in love at the theatre.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

I loved swimming and my roller skates.

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Geraldine Latarse

Reception Teaching Assistant

BA (Hons), Paris, NVQ4

Geraldine Latarse

Reception Teaching Assistant

About me …

I was born and grew up in France. I studied English at university and have lived here for more than 20 years. I’ve always loved working with children and find my job very rewarding; I’ve worked at The Study since September 2010.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

When the whole school came together during our production of All Around The World. I could see how all the girls I’d taught in the past had grown and flourished; it made me feel very proud.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I love playing tennis.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I once did a bungee jump and found it exhilarating!

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Sonia Gonzalez

Year 1 Higher Level Teaching Assistant and After-School Care Coordinator

NVQ 3 Early Years Care and Education, Higher Level Teaching Assistant Level 4

Sonia Gonzalez

Year 1 Higher Level Teaching Assistant and After-School Care Coordinator

About me …

I joined The Study 18 years ago as a Nursery Nurse in Reception and I am now lucky enough to have the same role in Year 1.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Setting up our first After-School Care club and getting the opportunity to look after the girls that come along each day.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I have run the London and Paris marathons.

What was your favourite thing to do as a child?

I loved cooking Spanish food with my wonderful Mum.

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Ann McGrath

Year 1 Teaching Assistant

NVQ 3 Early Years Care and Education

Ann McGrath

Year 1 Teaching Assistant

About me …

I have worked in Early Years and Key Stage 1 education for more than 30 years. I joined The Study team in 2008, first as Nursery Nurse in Reception and now as Teaching Assistant in Year 1.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Working with the girls and wonderful colleagues every day.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

Playing make believe with my brothers and sister.

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Sandra de Freitas

Teaching Assistant

Cache Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Sandra de Freitas

Teaching Assistant

About me …

I worked at a catholic primary school for five years before I joined The Study in 2011, where I’ve supported as a Teaching Assistant in all the year groups at Wilberforce House.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Every day stands out as I get to be creative and encourage our girls to do the same.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

My son is a singer songwriter and a few years ago he opened the Capital Summertime Ball at Wembley Arena. It was a very proud mum moment.

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Joanna Veerapen

Spencer House Teaching Assistant

Cache Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Joanna Veerapen

Spencer House Teaching Assistant

About me …

Before I had children I worked as a retail manager for Laura Ashley, Habitat and Cargo. I loved the creative side of these jobs, including merchandising the stores and creating room sets. I returned to work in a small private local nursery once my two sons were at school and this is where I discovered a love for working with children! I joined The Study 11 years ago and, during the first lockdown, I completed my NVQ 3 in teaching and learning.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

When a girl in my class won the RSA children’s art competition.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I lived in Australia for six months in my twenties and spent an amazing afternoon in a hot air balloon over the Red Centre.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

When on holiday in Egypt my family and I walked up Mount Sinai in the dark to see the sunrise over the mountains. It was a truly magical sight and well worth the very long walk.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

Digging into our dressing up box and playing make believe games with my siblings.

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Lisa Davies

Year 2 Teaching Assistant and Breakfast Club Coordinator

CACHE (NNEB) Diploma in Childcare and Education (Level 3)

Lisa Davies

Year 2 Teaching Assistant and Breakfast Club Coordinator

About me …

I have worked in childcare and education since 1997 – I knew from a young age this is what I wanted to do. I started my career in day nurseries in the West Midlands and over a number of years worked in nurseries, schools, after-school clubs and at a nurture group. When I moved to London I worked as a Nanny for a family in Wimbledon, supporting their two children through nursery and prep school. I joined The Study in 2017.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

I love seeing how the children grow and flourish at school. Every girl has her own strengths and at The Study we help them to find and nurture these; I’m very proud to play a part in this journey.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I love karaoke and I used to run my own disco and karaoke business. Unfortunately, the band Steps already had a Lisa or that would’ve been my alternative career!

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I flew in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon and it was amazing.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

My roller skates and I still own two pairs. Roller disco anyone?

Etra Martin

Year 3 Teaching Assistant

Montessori Diploma

Etra Martin

Year 3 Teaching Assistant

About me …

I originally trained as a Montessori teacher and spent several years teaching in nurseries in London. I began working at The Study in 2010 and, for the past four years, have been a Teaching Assistant in Year 3.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

There have been many memorable moments during my time here but school trips are always a highlight. From eating lunch on the beach at Hastings trying to avoid the seagulls to exploring the Egyptian Room at the British Museum, they are always a joy to be a part of.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I love to travel.

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Katia Marzocchi

Year 3 Teaching Assistant

BSc London Guildhall University, CACHE Level 3

Katia Marzocchi

Year 3 Teaching Assistant

About me …

I have worked at the Study as a Teaching Assistant in Year 3 for seven years.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

My stand out moment has to be the whole school production of All Around the World that was performed at New Wimbledon Theatre. It was not only wonderful to see the girls on stage but also to be a part of the team working backstage to bring the show together.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I’m a keen walker and enjoy raising money for charity. I’ve taken part in several walks for charity, including the Marsden March for The Royal Marsden Charity and and The Thames Bridges Trek for Cancer Research UK.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

Anything to do with arts and crafts, especially play dough, painting and knitting. I still love to do all of these things with my children today.

Mamiko Hogwood

English as an Additional Language (EAL) Teacher and Child Supervisor

BA University of Alberta

Mamiko Hogwood

English as an Additional Language (EAL) Teacher and Child Supervisor

About me …

I majored in Psychology and Criminology at university in Alberta, Canada. When deciding between becoming a teacher or a police woman in the 90’s, I discovered that there was a height requirement to become a police officer, which helped persuade me to pursue a career in education!

I’ve never looked back and have been teaching EAL for over 25 years. I started in Japan then taught in South Korea, Australia, Poland and now in the UK. I joined The Study team in 2018. I was an EAL pupil myself, as I moved from Japan to Canada in my childhood. My experiences have inspired me to to be the EAL teacher I wish I’d had.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Dressing up teachers at The Study in Japanese Kimonos when the girls learnt about Japan in Summer 2021.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I am a qualified Zumba instructor.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Teaching karate and meditation methods to traumatised Somalian refugee children in Australia.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

Skipping. I used to skip after school until dinner time.

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Jessica Burrell

Learning Support and Teaching Assistant

BSc (Hons) Roehampton, CACHE Level 3

Jessica Burrell

Learning Support and Teaching Assistant

About me …

After completing a Sociology undergraduate degree in 2010 I was temporarily employed as a research assistant at Roehampton University. One year later I joined The Study as a Teaching Assistant at Spencer House and loved my experience teaching the older girls. In 2015 I joined Wilberforce House as a Learning Support Assistant and continue to enjoy seeing them all thrive and develop confidence. The emotional wellbeing of the girls is something I’m passionate about and, after years of inspiration, I am now studying an MA in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy with Children, Adolescents and Families.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

There have been many! The whole school production All Around the World was particularly memorable. The girls were brilliant and I enjoyed the team spirit surrounding the entire event.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

In my free time I enjoy baking, cake decorating and sugarcraft. The unicorn theme is my favourite!

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I climbed Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica when I was 10.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

My table top post office – it even had sliding doors and a perspex screen

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Judi Aldrige

Reading Support, Wilberforce House

BSc, University of Cape Town

Judi Aldrige

Reading Support, Wilberforce House

About me …

I did a Chemistry Degree at the University of Cape Town and worked as an Industrial Chemist for a pharmaceutical company in Johannesburg before moving to England many years ago. Once in London, I worked in recruitment and then ran my own consultancy. I stopped when my daughter was born and joined The Study, a few years ago now, when my youngest was seven. I help the girls in Reception with their reading and could now apply for Mastermind with Biff, Chip and Kipper as my specialist subject!

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Working with a wonderful team and watching the girls grow and develop as they progress through the school.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I’ve taken DNA from wild rhinos in South Africa as part of a conservation project.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Looking down at Machu Picchu at sunset, having walked uphill all day to get there.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

Playing schools with my sister and building camps in the garden.

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Lucie McDermott

Teaching Assistant, Spencer House

BA (Hons) University of Southampton

Lucie McDermott

Teaching Assistant, Spencer House

About me …

After graduating in 2020, I decided I wanted to embark on a career in Teaching. I joined The Study in Autumn 2021 and, so far, have loved every minute. I have learnt so much already and I really enjoyed getting to know all of the girls.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

The Year 4 production of Honk! The girls worked so hard to put on an amazing performance.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I love baking! I spent most of lockdown baking different yummy things. The Great British Bake Off is my favourite TV show of all time.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

Polly Pocket. I loved dolls and dress up games!

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Sophie Bailey

Teaching Assistant, Spencer House

BA (Hons) Royal Holloway, University of London

Sophie Bailey

Teaching Assistant, Spencer House

About me …

I joined The Study in September 2021, having completed my undergraduate degree in French at Royal Holloway, University of London. I work as a Teaching Assistant at Spencer House and absolutely love it here.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

Goodness, there are so many to choose from! The Year 5 trip to Kidzania is something I remember fondly, seeing the girls learning about different careers and trying them for themselves was wonderful.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

I used to be a pupil at The Study!

Samantha McDonald

Teaching Assistant, Spencer House

Samantha McDonald

Teaching Assistant, Spencer House

About me…

I always enjoyed supporting my own children with their studies, so I welcomed the opportunity to work at their international Primary school in Madrid. After 13 years living in Spain, we returned to Wimbledon and I continued working at a local girl’s Secondary school within their SEN department.  I moved back to the Primary sector in 2019 when I joined The Study.  I am based at Spencer House where I work supporting teaching and learning in English and Maths.

Tell us about a moment that stands out for you from your time at The Study

I love witnessing the girls’ ‘lightbulb’ moments.  It is so important to encourage resilience and seeing our students finally grasp a maths concept or producing a piece of work that they are truly proud of is so fulfilling and rewarding.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

When I lived in Spain, I used to have my own business designing and making jewellery.

What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

We lived in Hong Kong for 3 years and were lucky to visit lots of amazing places in Asia including the Forbidden Palace and the Great Wall of China.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

I loved reading as a child.  In particular, historical fiction really fired my imagination and eventually led to me studying History at University.

Wendy James

Wendy James

Reception Teaching Assistant, Wilberforce House

Wendy James

Reception Teaching Assistant, Wilberforce House

About me…

It has been a privilege to work throughout my career in a range of roles to support children, young people, adults and families within my community. Working within education as a Manager of a Pre-school and as a Teaching Assistant for the last nine years has been the most rewarding and inspiring of my career.

Tell us something that we might not know about you

My family and I love animals and have two mini-lop rabbits called Syd and Bella. Bella was a rescue pet, so can still be a little shy and Syd is extra cheeky and loves to play.

What’s the most surprising or adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I’ve been lucky enough to travel extensively and reap the benefits of seeing and experiencing other cultures. Highlights include backpacking around Australia, Asia and Europe. Whale watching in the Azores was unforgettable.

What was your favourite toy or game as a child?

As an energetic youngster, I loved speed and spent many hours on my classic Tomahawk bicycle – it had a long seat, raised handle bars and was marvellous.

Interested in working with us?

As a renowned prep school for girls in South West London, we pride ourselves on our academic and creative excellence, but believe learning means so much more. Our values – compassion, courage, creativity and curiosity – are as relevant to the way we work with our staff as they are to our girls.

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