Career:
Following her degree, Patrice dabbled with the notion of becoming a physiotherapist and spent some time as an athletic director in the US. She worked primarily with young people with complex social, emotional and physical disabilities. It was during this time that it dawned on her that her passion lay in working with young people and a career in education would provide her with the most job satisfaction.
She originally trained and worked at Mapledown School in north London, a specialist school for students with severe and complex learning difficulties. While here she learned to use PECS, Team Teach and Makaton. Her time at Mapledown hugely shaped her inclusive, student centred and pastorally motivated approach to education. In 2011 Patrice made the decision to move to mainstream education and took up the post of Director of Sport at St Martha’s. From here she held several positions such as Housemistress, head of SMSC and more recently Assistant Head. She feels privileged to have been part of the transition from St Martha’s to Mount House and watch our wonderful school go from strength to strength.
Main Responsibilities
- To oversee the mental health and wellbeing of students in the whole school.
- To be a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Whole school student leadership.
Personal Interests
It will come as no surprise that Patrice loves sport and has a particular passion for netball. She regularly watches Pulse play at the copper box in Stratford and would one day love to meet Tracy Neville, ex England Rose head coach. She still plays netball regularly and so Tracy if you are reading this, GA please.
She enjoys travelling to interesting locations around the world, especially Palawan in the Philippines, Gili Islands in Indonesia and various locations in India. She enjoys setting herself physical challenges such as completing a charity cycle riding from Ireland to London. In her spare time she volunteers for Shout 85258, a free text messaging service providing support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
