Stephen O’Brien

My mother leaving school at 13 and going on to raise 4 children as a divorced Catholic woman in a land far from home, impacted significantly on my upbringing and what I held important. Quite simply, my siblings and myself had to do well for our Mum’s sake.

Education runs through my veins, I remember playing teachers and pupils with my brother from the day that I started primary school. It seemed that I was destined to be a teacher from my first day of schooling.

I have worked in the Viridis Federation for coming up to 15 years. I consider it the greatest of privileges to have been headteacher of all three schools at different times. Orchard will always hold a special place in my heart, being the first Hackney school that I worked in. I love coming to work each day and that is all you can ask for really.

Felicity Headen

I was born in Peterborough, moving to London when I was eighteen to study Geography at UCL. I felt an immediate affiliation with the vibrancy and diversity of the capital city and knew it was where I wanted to live and work.

I always wanted to work in education. I was initially inspired by my mum who has also been a teacher her whole career. I have fond memories of visiting her school during my own INSET days and then role-playing the events of the day with my teddies at home!

During University, I worked as a play worker during the Summer Holidays. This cemented my decision to complete a PGCE.

I have been a teacher since the age of 21, working in two schools prior to Orchard Primary where I initially started as EYFS Phase Leader.  In the past eight years, I have also held the position of SENCO and Deputy Headteacher.  I am now incredibly proud to be Headteacher of such an exceptional school! Coming to work each day is a real pleasure.

Zammedin Siddique

Born and bred in Stepney, East London, I proudly identify as a British Bangladeshi. Initially, I worked at a Saturday children’s club, organising enriching activities and assisting underprivileged students with their schoolwork.

Transitioning to Orchard Primary as a teaching assistant, I found my passion for educating and empowering young minds. Motivated by this, I pursued a teaching career after completing my PGCE.

Returning to Orchard, where I was nurtured, I have spent 12 fulfilling years as a dedicated educator, now proudly serving as a senior team member. My journey reflects a commitment to providing quality education and shaping brighter futures for the next generation.

Erin Gillham

Milton Keynes born; Basingstoke bred. At heart, a commuter belt girl. The town felt small, looking for adventure; I decided to travel the world.

Moved to the big smoke to start a new chapter; My career path did not seem clear. ‘Kids seem to like you,’ almost everyone said. ‘Become a teacher, my dear!’

Work experience convinced me they might just be right; back to university it went by in a glance. PGCE complete; interview done; Orchard Primary gave me a chance.

15 years later, the halls I still tread; via Southwold, Hoxton and back (twice). The community spirit here is ever green, and for that – being at Orchard – I love.

Ivita Grozde

My journey into teaching began in a small town in Latvia and led me to a teaching assistant position in London at Orchard, my first experience with English schools.

My dedication to education drove me from a teaching assistant to a teacher as I wanted to inspire, educate and make a difference for each child.

Throughout my journey as a teacher, I encountered a range of challenges that tested my abilities and pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. What I love most about Orchard is the feeling of belonging that makes us all thrive!

Megan Lovett

I grew up in a very creative family full of artists, musicians and teachers, attending primary school in Hackney and then moving to the South West for the latter part of my schooling.

I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, even practising taking the register with my cuddly toys as a child! After studying fashion and textiles at university, I worked as a designer for a while before deciding it was time to follow a path in education.

I started at Southwold as a Teaching Assistant and now here I am at Orchard! I love working alongside all the kind and welcoming staff, but most of all I love seeing the difference we can make to the lives of the inspirational children that we teach!

Sharon Costello

I have experience of working in schools for over 20 years now. I am still having a wonderful time having worked in the Viridis Federation for 15 years!

I am very fortunate to be able to work with all year groups within our school and have some fantastic memories of past pupils and staff that have worked with us. Many former pupils still stop me outside of school and tell me of their achievements since leaving Orchard, it makes me feel very proud to have been a part of their learning journey.

Many siblings have also passed through Orchard’s doors and it’s been a pleasure to have had a role in their educational achievements. I will continue to share my best practice with present pupils so they can aspire to work towards their goals in life.

Rahima Islam

As the second youngest of seven siblings born to immigrant parents, I became the first in my family to attend university, proudly earning my degree at UCL, a Russell Group institution.

Inspired by my German teacher, who believed in me when no one else did, I became a teacher to spread the same kindness and encouragement.

One of my fondest moments at Viridis was our recent interactive and fun Christmas get-together, which highlighted the joy and unity I value in my work.

Edit Madarasz

My journey started at Southwold Primary School as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. After four years I moved to Orchard where I have been inspired and motivated to further develop professionally.

Throughout the years, I am delighted to have seen so many pupils grow and develop into confident learners before happily moving on to the next stage in their journey.

Every day in our community is a different day but the joy I get from teaching never changes simply because of how the parents, pupils and all my colleagues work together.

James Tilden

My story starts across the Atlantic, way back in Canada. There, I got my start working with children in day camps over twenty years ago. As I progressed, I knew giving back to my community, ensuring an equitable and well-rounded education to all, was what I wanted to devote myself to.

Eventually, after pursuing an undergraduate degree, I went on to study my Bachelor of Education in Ottawa. Then, I took the plunge — my journey took me to the wonderful London, England, where I got my start as a primary school teacher and began exploring this wonderfully diverse, world-class city.

Originally at a school in West London, my career blossomed into subject leadership roles, even becoming middle leader, an Apple Distinguished Educator and speaking at Google conferences. Eventually, though, I wanted to move closer to my community, Hackney — to give back locally — so I came here, Orchard Primary School where, in September 2024, the latest chapter in my story began. 

Jessica Mendoza

I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. I knew I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. My siblings and I would frequently role-play as teachers and students at home. 

I completed my teaching degree in Toronto, Canada and upon graduation, I made the decision to move to London on my own. A year after moving, I began teaching at Orchard and have loved getting to know the community and other staff ever since.

My favourite part about teaching at Orchard is knowing that the students genuinely enjoy coming into school and want to learn. It feels very humbling to be a part of that.

Ina Davison

Half of my family are British and the other half are from Zimbabwe but on both sides of my family, nearly everyone is either a teacher or teaching assistant – it’s basically our family business!

I have always loved music and began violin lessons aged eight after my mum saw an advert for the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in our local library. I carried on learning the violin throughout school and then studied music at university.

Growing up in Hackney, I was surrounded by all different types of cultures and this has impacted both the music I listen to and the music that I teach. I love working as the music teacher at Orchard as it means I get to teach every single child in the school!

Meski Abdi

I worked part-time in a Nursery, where I discovered my passion and love for working with young children. During this time, I was also studying Primary Education with QTS at the University of Cumbria.

My experience expanded as I completed numerous work placements across different year groups, including Reception, Year 2 and Year 6.

After qualifying, I am now a proud teacher of a Year 3 class. I thoroughly enjoy my role and look forward to seeing my students every day. As an Early Career Teacher, I have gained numerous skills thanks to the support and guidance of the wonderful staff around me, who have been instrumental in my development.

Myles Hoary

Growing up,  school was never something that I enjoyed. This continued for many years until I met an exceptional teacher named Mr Crofty.

He had an incredible gift for bringing lessons to life, captivating everyone with his words and transforming geography into the most exciting subject.

As I began contemplating my future, I realised the profound impact Mr Crofty had on my life. Inspired by his passion and ability to connect with his students, I decided that I too wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of children like myself. From that moment, my path was set.

Natasha Tannis

I grew up in Buckinghamshire where I thoroughly enjoyed my childhood spent horse riding and travelling to the beautiful Island of St Vincent every summer with my family.

After completing work experience at a local bank, I then spent many years working at Barclays Bank. Having my daughter drew me to education as I wanted her to experience a multicultural classroom setting. This inspired me to enter the world of education and I started as a Teaching Assistant at Southwold Primary School where I worked for many years.

Now I am nearly finished with second year of teaching at Orchard Primary School. I love the diversity of Orchard Primary School and the satisfaction I get from seeing the children achieve their learning potential.

Yeliz Siddique

I was born, raised and educated in Hackney, coming from a Turkish family. After completing my MA in Psychoanalysis, I realised I was uncertain about which career path to pursue. My sister suggested applying to work as a Teaching Assistant at Orchard and I have not looked back since! 

I worked as a Teaching Assistant for a few years in Key Stage 1 and loved being in the educational setting, working with children.  Recognising that teaching was the career path I wanted to pursue, I transitioned to a Higher Level Teaching Assistant role before finally starting my teacher training.

A few years later, I am now a proud and experienced teacher and middle leader. I am passionate about my profession and relish working with young people, who are the leaders of the future. I look forward to educating, inspiring and challenging them every day. I cannot see myself in any other profession!

Adina Toma

Born and bred in the capital city of Romania, I moved to the UK with my family and started at new chapter. My career path was not set just yet.

The need to know more about my children’s education and future led me to volunteer at a local primary school. The Headteacher and teachers that I have worked with, as well as the children, brought out a hidden passion for teaching.

It was a long and stressful journey, splitting my time between my own children, voluntary work, supply work and qualification courses but it paid off! I came to Orchard in 2018 and am still here many years later giving all I have to the Year 6 children and team.

Ivy Andrews

I spent a significant part of my adult life proudly raising four wonderful and successful young men. Wanting to continue using my nurturing skills, I began volunteering as support staff working with Year 3 pupils.

After a year of volunteering, I was offered a permanent role as a Teaching Assistant.

Over my time, my passion for working with children has grown. I am deeply committed to supporting children, meeting their learning needs and continuously challenging them to ensure that they feel engaged and valued.

Daniel Amel

Warsaw born – London refined. At heart, a tech enthusiast since my early years. I took things apart, figuring out how they worked and soon enough, computers became my domain. Building, fixing – first for friends, then for clients. My love for IT only grew stronger with time.

I began my IT career at a company that operates colleges and nurseries and runs one of the leading websites on education. This experience gave me the foundation to grow.

Six years ago, I moved to London and now, the Viridis Federation is where I call home. Supporting staff, pupils, and systems alike. I’m part of the backbone that helps everything run and that is something I am proud of every day.

Beverley Shore

My career in schools started when I worked in a private school overseeing catering, after a career as a personal assistant to a Director of company. From there, I began working in a local school as part of the admin team.

I started working at Hoxton Garden when it was called Burbage School. I was the office and school business manager responsible for school finances and the office team. My role has evolved over the last 16 years and I am now responsible for all 3 offices and premises across the Viridis Federation.

My favourite part of my role is working with lots of different people and making sure the schools are well-looked after. My favourite Viridis memory is when I was given the opportunity to take on more responsibilities and support and parents and local communities further.