Governor Intros

Samuel Nguyen Hanes

Parent Governor & Chair of Governors

Term of office: 11th February 2021 to 10th February 2025 

Self nominated, appointed by Lime Tree Governing Body 

My background: I am a trained economist with 13 years' experience in public policy. management consulting and business administration. I am currently the Chief Operating Officer of the innovation charity, Nesta. In a previous role, I led a number of projects in schools looking for low cost, evidence-based solutions to increase parental support, attendance and pupil attainment. In my last few roles I have attended and reported to a commercial board of directors and a charitable board of trustees.

My interests: I grew up in a tough neighbourhood in Brixton and my first primary school was shut down by the local authority while I was in year 2. Years later, I was lucky enough to be awarded an assisted place to attend an independent secondary school. Of course, not every school can have the luxury of financial resources. Now that I have children of my own, I am passionate about making sure that they and their peers have an opportunity to be the best they can, regardless of personal circumstances.

Peri Williams-Ansah

Parent Governor

Term of office: 08/03/2021 to 07/03/2025

Elected Parent Governor, appointed by Lime Tree Governing Body 

My background: I’ve been working in Education for the last 15 years, I currently teach from pre-GCSE all the way through to degree level. 

I have a good understanding of the challenges placed on education establishments to fulfil the requirements of governing bodies (local and National), learners and parents/guardians.  Teaching classes in both face to face and remote learning environments has been complex for many and I hope to be able to support in this area by sharing resources and best practices that I have acquired.  I look forward to the opportunity to be more involved in the governance of the school and hope to make a positive contributions that will benefit all.

My interests: I have also been involved in coaching basketball for over 25 years within the borough and developing grassroots and competitive programmes (nationally and regional) for a wide range of participants. 

Nick Saunders

Foundation Trust Governor, Surbiton Education Health Trust

Term of office: 16/07/2021 to 15/07/2025 

My background and interests: I currently work for Southwark Council. I manage and support transformative projects and programmes across the organisation, helping us to meet strategic objectives and legislative requirements, whilst also being considerate of budget constraints. I hope to apply these experiences as a governor at Lime Tree.

My mum is a teacher and my dad has been the chair of a governing body for primary school. Having seen the impact they’ve had through these roles, I am very passionate about improving children’s educational outcomes and experiences.  

Outside of work, I play football every week, I have previously worked as a children’s football coach and hold the FA Level 1 badge.  

Jack Carden

Foundation Trust Governor, Surbiton Education Health Trust

Term of office: 29/3/2022 to 28/3/2026

My background: I am a chartered accountant by trade with over 10 years experience in senior finance roles across a range of sectors including Audit and Financial Services.  I am currently the Group Financial Controller for a large waste management company based in London. In my role, I enjoy working collaboratively with a range of departments across my company and communicating with stakeholders at all levels of the business. I look forward to getting to know the school, its staff and the wider school community during my time as a governor and playing a part in ensuring governance standards are upheld. 

My Interests: I am a local resident and originally grew up and went to school in the borough, so I am very passionate about ensuring the high standards of education that I benefited from are sustained for the next generation of children growing up in this amazing area. Aside from this I enjoy spending time with my young family and doing my best to keep up with my ever more energetic pre-schooler! I am a keen gardener and try to spend as much time outdoors as possible, which is why the school ethos of ‘healthy body, healthy brain, healthy heart’ is so important to me when raising my family. 

Richard Steer

Foundation Trust Governor, Surbiton Education Health Trust

Term of office: 29/3/2022 to 28/3/2026

I am a retired solicitor.  After working for the Director of Public Prosecutions and several London firms, I took a sabbatical when I travelled overland to Australia and there for a while.  On return to UK, I set up my own general practice in Teddington covering at various times, crimes, divorce, personal injury, neighbour disputes, commercial and domestic conveyancing and litigation.

I am married and have two adult children.

Both my parents were deprived of the standard of education for which they qualified and made some sacrifice to send me to a private school from 11 to 16 when I failed the 11+ due to a lack of any mathematical ability.  I re-joined the state system at 16 and went onto college, a degree and qualification as a solicitor.

I believe that without a sound base in early years education, it is difficult to progress later.  I hope I will be able to assist Lime Tree to provide the education to which every child is entitled.

Tom Ayling

Staff Governor, elected by staff

Term of office: 13/7/2022 to 12/7/2026

My background: I am a qualified teacher with seven years experience in education. I lead on Physical Education at Lime Tree and provide teachers' with PPA cover, this puts me in the fortunate position of helping children across all key stages. I am passionate about supporting children to lead healthy, active lifestyles and recognise the importance education plays in achieving this.  ​

My interests: I have always worked in the sports industry as a personal trainer and Leisure Centre Duty Manager. I am a keen sportsman and regularly play football, squash and golf. I love running and being outside. I was fortunate to have excellent opportunities to play sport during my childhood and I strive to provide all children with similar opportunities to access sport.

Natalia Smoktunowicz

Foundation Trust Governor, Surbiton Education Health Trust

Term of office: 20/3/2023 to 19/3/2027

My background: I was born, raised and went to school in Poland. When I moved to the UK, I studied Biomedical Sciences and completed a PhD research degree at University College London. I now work for a medical research charity, in the grants and research team. My role includes facilitating funding and communicating outcomes of fantastic and innovative research projects. I am passionate about learning and want to use my knowledge and skills to help the school provide the best learning experience and foundation for the future for the children.     

My interests: I used to do experiments in the laboratory and now I do projects at home with my children, from making models of a volcano to rearing and observing caterpillars turn into butterflies and tadpoles turn into frogs. I also love taking my family on long, nature walks so that we can explore the outdoors and observe wildlife together. 

Adrianna Hokanson

Foundation Trust Governor, Surbiton Education Health Trust

Term of office: 31/10/2023 to 30/10/2027

My background: I am a Los Angeles, California native with over a decade of marketing experience across diverse sectors such as television, advertising, commercial real estate, and education. My expertise lies in crafting and executing multi-platform marketing campaigns, blending traditional and digital strategies to create compelling brand narratives. The dynamic landscapes of Los Angeles and my journey in marketing have shaped my innovative approach to the field. Seven years ago, I embarked on a new chapter by moving to the UK, enriching my professional toolkit with a global perspective. My background reflects a passion for navigating the ever-evolving marketing terrain, where I continue to thrive on creating impactful campaigns that resonate across borders.

My interests: As a proud mother of two boys, my life is joyfully centered around the delightful chaos they bring. Balancing the responsibilities of parenthood with an amazing husband by my side, every day is a journey filled with love and laughter. Beyond our immediate family, we are blessed with a vibrant extended family and a tight-knit community of friends who add warmth and richness to our lives.

Suzanne Patricia Cardillo-Zallo

Associate Member

Term of office: 22/12/2023 to 24/7/2024

My background: For my day job I am a senior nurse working for the local community health organisation Your Healthcare, advising and supporting all the staff with child protection work. I am also involved in training staff and ensuring that Your Healthcare provides high quality and safe services for children and young people in Kingston. I am a member of the Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children Partnership and work very closely with colleagues from all organisations who work with children.

My interests: I have 3 children of my own who have now finished education, my youngest daughter and middle son are both at university and my oldest son who has learning disability and autism lives close to us in supported living. My interests outside of work are running, yoga and walking my dog on very long hikes. Myself and my oldest son trained together and ran the 2020 virtual London Marathon last year for the charity Mencap which made me immensely proud of him. It was his first marathon. I’m also very involved with the local group of Special Olympics an organisation which supports children and adults with learning disabilities to access regular sports training and take part in competitions.