Vanessa Goucher

Hi, I’m Vanessa Goucher and I’ve worked with the EA for many years in the School Development Service, initially as a Literacy Officer as I’m an English teacher at heart, but more recently in the Leadership, Management and Governance Team (catchy name!). Having worked in the Belfast office for many years, I moved office to Newry last year, where you will always be sure of a warm welcome. The attached photo shows me at my happy place on Murlough beach with my youngest daughter, Zoe. I live about 20 minutes away from Newcastle, which is where I met my husband, so it’s a great place to chill out.

The topic of mental health and well-being has always interested me and in my family, we have had to face up to some difficult down times. I think it is vitally important in schools with students and leaders that we address the underlying issues of what can take away our good mental health, and what to put in place for good foundational practices. So that’s why I’m on the Champion team.