Board of Management

Norma brings a diverse background in business, finance and the performing arts to her role as Chairperson of the Board of Management at True Nature Sudbury School. She worked with Aer Lingus for 21 years and holds a Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) qualification, bringing valuable financial knowledge and professional experience to the Board.

After leaving Aer Lingus, Norma homeschooled her children for over three years. This experience strengthened her belief in providing children with greater freedom, flexibility and choice in how they learn. Her children joined True Nature when the school first opened, drawn by its self-directed approach and the opportunity it offered them to explore a wider range of interests within a supportive community.

Norma is passionate about creating an educational environment where children can discover who they are, develop their creativity and learn through exploration, experience and trial and error. She values the opportunity TNSS gives young people to step beyond conventional expectations, follow their individual interests and develop confidence in what is possible for their lives.

Helen is an entrepreneur, educator and business owner with extensive experience in strategic planning, marketing, communications and organisational development. As Managing Director and founder of two successful holistic and wellness businesses, she has built and grown educational and wellbeing organisations, bringing expertise in leadership, governance, business development and community engagement. Helen holds a BSc in Human Resource Management, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), has PRINCE2 Project Management certification and is a qualified Mediation and Conflict Resolution Practitioner.

Passionate about democratic and self-directed education, Helen believes children thrive when they are trusted, respected and given the freedom to direct their own learning. As a parent of a child attending True Nature Sudbury School, she has experienced first-hand the positive impact of this educational approach and is committed to supporting the school's long-term growth, sustainability and mission, helping it flourish as a leading model of democratic education in Ireland.

Sarah-Jane is the Treasurer of the Board and also plays a key role in supporting the school's administration and operational development. Inspired by the positive impact of the Sudbury model on her own daughter, she has become a passionate advocate for democratic education, self-directed learning and restorative practice.

Sarah-Jane brings a wealth of experience in leadership, governance and education. She holds a PhD in Organisational Behaviour and a Professional Diploma in Teaching Mindfulness, and works as a group facilitator, mindfulness teacher and sustainability educator. With over a decade of experience in academia and extensive involvement in non-profit boards and community organisations, she contributes valuable expertise in governance, strategic development and community engagement.

Gillian is a Board Member of True Nature Sudbury School and is also a key member who supports the operational and administrative aspects of running the school. Gillian is passionate advocate for democratic education and the Sudbury model. With over 20 years' experience as a qualified Social Care Worker, she has dedicated her career to supporting children, young people and families to reach their full potential.

Gillian brings experience in social care, education, mentoring, administration and restorative approaches to conflict resolution. Inspired by her own journey as a parent and home educator, she embraced child-led learning and joined True Nature Sudbury School when it first opened. She is committed to supporting the school's vision and helping it grow as a thriving democratic learning community.

We are seeking an External Board Member (Advocacy) to join our Board of Management and bring an independent perspective to the school. We are looking for someone with an interest in democratic education who can help strengthen our voice through advocacy, public relations and stakeholder engagement, while supporting greater awareness, recognition and understanding of democratic education in Ireland.

If you are interested in using your experience and skills to help shape the future of democratic education, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at tnssboard@gmail.com.

We are looking for an External Board Member (Advocacy) to join our Board of Management. We are seeking someone external to the school who shares an interest in democratic education and can bring an independent perspective to our Board, with a particular focus on advocacy, public relations, stakeholder engagement and helping to build greater recognition and support for democratic education in Ireland.

If this sounds like a role you would be interested in, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at tnssboard@gmail.com.