On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the unique talents, hobbies and achievements of the incredible women who support the Downe House community in their day-to-day roles at the School. Whilst their job titles define what they do, beyond this there are stories of passion, perseverance and personal growth. From elite-level athletes to artists, linguists, adventurers, and environmentalists, the ‘hidden lives’ of our staff make them inspiring role models, and make Downe House such a diverse, dynamic and empowering place for girls to learn.
We are featuring a selection of our amazing members of staff, whilst recognising that every woman at Downe House has a story to tell which makes her much, much more than her job title.
Mrs Mireille Cook: Global Internships Co-Ordinator, AKA The Triathlete
Mireille organises our Global Internship Programme which offers Sixth Formers the opportunity to undertake work placements in a variety of businesses in countries all over the world. When not at her desk, Mireille competes as a high-level triathlete, earning selection for Team GB….
“I never set out to be a triathlete—it all started when a friend challenged me to enter a local race. I borrowed a bike, threw myself into the unknown, and discovered a passion that has shaped my life ever since.
Since that first race, I’ve gone on to represent Team GB in my age group, win the European Age Group Championships, and even take on the challenge of an Ironman—where I somehow survived a chaotic sea swim with 2,000 other competitors! But triathlon is about more than competition for me. It’s about resilience, balance, and pushing my own limits.
Working in education is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also demanding. Training keeps me grounded, challenges me, and reminds me of the importance of making time for personal growth. Sport has given me the courage to try things I never thought possible—and I encourage everyone to embrace challenges, whatever they may be, and see where they can take you.”
Mrs Alison Keeling: Teacher of Art, AKA The Maker
Alison inspires a love of art in our girls, helping them to explore their creativity through working with clay. When not in school, Alison is a practising ceramicist, producing exquisite pieces…
“My ceramic work is deeply connected to the world around me, particularly in its exploration of vessel forms, colour, texture, and organic shapes. Growing up in rural Wales, surrounded by dramatic mountains, rich biodiversity, and ever-changing weather, has profoundly shaped my creative process. Some of my earliest memories are of hunting for flint with jewel-like hues or marvelling at the intricate textures and colours of mosses and lichens. Nature has always been my greatest source of inspiration, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have grown up in an environment that encouraged curiosity and creativity.
Art has always been at the heart of my life. My love of drawing, painting, and making led me to art school, where I specialised in ceramics and 3D design. Clay, as a medium, offers endless possibilities—from its construction techniques to the fascinating chemistry behind surface treatments, firing, and glazing. It is a material of infinite exploration, filled with challenges and discoveries, and I still feel I have only scratched the surface of its potential.
I primarily use hand-building techniques such as coiling and slab construction, alongside throwing, to develop my work. Most of my pieces are stoneware-fired and oxidised, with textured surfaces created through incised marks and sgraffito patterns. I layer oxides and coloured slips to build depth, finishing with matte glazes that enhance the textures beneath while adding further complexity.
For me, art is more than just a practice—it is a way of seeing, questioning, and engaging with the world. The process of making constantly fuels my curiosity, shaping not just my work, but my way of life.”
Ally Keeling Ceramics (@zephyr_art66) • Instagram photos and videos
Mrs Charlotte Sabnis: Housemistress & Head of Modern Languages, AKA The Linguist
Charlotte is Housemistress of Holcombe, supporting Upper School boarders, and also leads on Modern Languages at Downe House: a teaching role to which she is superbly suited as a fluent speaker of four languages (with two more being learnt, to add to this tally)…
“My passion for languages has always been about connecting with people and uncovering new cultures. While I don’t speak all five of my languages like a native, I still consider it an accomplishment! I can speak English, French, Russian, and Spanish fluently, and I can read and understand Arabic (though I’m still working on speaking it!).
Each language I’ve learned has unlocked access to a new world—whether it’s people, literature, music, or cinema. Understanding both a culture and its language go hand in hand. I studied French, Russian, and Arabic at university, and I’m now tackling Hindi, inspired by my husband who speaks it as a second language. The goal? To finally get the humour in Bollywood films! The comedy often gets lost in translation with English subtitles.
There’s nothing quite as rewarding as being understood by native speakers or watching a TV show without relying on subtitles. I’ve also had the privilege of living abroad and gaining experiences like seeing the view from the Sacré-Cœur steps in Paris and doing an internship in interpreting at the European Parliament in Brussels during my Sixth Form. These experiences, along with my language journey, continue to fuel my love for learning and connecting with the world.”
Mrs Fay Butler: Housekeeping, AKA The Marathon Kayaker
Fay works as a Housekeeper at Downe House, but it’s on the water that her true passion lies – as a long-distance kayaker and environmentalist…
“I’ve always been passionate about staying active, but my hobby of marathon kayaking has truly transformed my life. I paddle regularly for Pangbourne Paddlesport Club, training at least twice a week throughout the year, and it has become more than just a physical challenge—it’s a mental escape, too.
I compete in some of the most renowned and gruelling races, including the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race—a 125-mile, non-stop event that tests endurance to the limit. Along with participating in the Hasler, Waterside, and Thameside Series, I also take part in numerous charity events throughout the year. These competitions are not only about pushing myself physically, but also about giving back to the community and supporting causes that matter.
Kayaking has been an exhilarating journey, helping me maintain physical fitness while also providing clarity for my mind. It’s a sport that demands resilience, focus, and balance, all of which have helped me in other areas of my life.
My love for kayaking was sparked by my brother, who introduced me to the sport, and since then, I’ve become an active member of my community. I support initiatives such as Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions and participate in the annual Paddle UK clean-up event in June, helping to keep our waterways clean and healthy. Being on the water has made me even more committed to environmental sustainability, which is something I hold close to my heart.
For me, paddling is a way of life. It’s about pushing boundaries, supporting the environment, and being part of a wonderful community that shares a common love for the sport and nature.”
Miss Jemima Potter, Assistant Housemistress, AKA The Athlete
Jemima supports girls in Willis, a Sixth Form boarding house, but sport is what she’s all about: having competed for Great Britain at tennis, she now coaches U18 England girls rugby in strength and conditioning – inspiring the next generation of athletes…
“Sport has shaped my life—not just as an athlete and coach, but as a tool for building character, resilience, and teamwork. My journey began with national-level tennis at U18, progressing to Division 1 college athletics in the US. Now, I coach with the U18 England Rugby Performance Development Group, where I lead strength and conditioning for girls in Middlesex, Essex, and Eastern counties. This role allows me to shape athletes physically and emotionally, guiding them to become well-rounded individuals, not just competitors.
Coaching across various sports, including county-level netball, I’ve learned that sport teaches life lessons beyond the game. It’s about developing mental resilience, emotional control, and pushing beyond limits. I believe it’s essential to nurture life skills—time management, communication, and teamwork—alongside technical abilities. This prepares athletes to succeed not just in sports, but in life.
My experience as a U18 national tennis player and competing at Division I in the US, along with my background in strength and conditioning, has equipped me to guide young athletes through this transformative period. I’m proud to help them grow into mentally and physically strong individuals, ready to face challenges on and off the field.”
Ms Elisabeth Ashley: PA to Headmistress, AKA The Magician’s Assistant
Liz acts as PA to Mrs McKendrick, supporting the Head with her busy schedule. Earlier in her working life, Liz worked in a supporting role of a very different kind – as a glamorous magician’s assistant on stage shows in Europe…
“While I may be the PA to the Headmistress, my journey before joining this role was anything but conventional! My love for dance began at the Bush Davies School of Education & Theatre Arts in the mid-Eighties, where I trained passionately for a career in performance. After graduation, my big break came unexpectedly when I spotted an advert in The Stage, a showbiz newspaper, looking for ‘three female dancers’ for a magic show in Switzerland. The audition was at Pineapple Studios in London, and after three hours of on-the-spot tap and jazz routines on a hot June day, I was lucky enough to be chosen out of 250 dancers!
This led to an unforgettable eight or nine months performing at Retonio’s Magic Casino in Degersheim, Switzerland. The show was an old-school cabaret revue that combined magic, illusions, and dance. I had the chance to perform in some truly spectacular acts, like playing a ‘Bond girl’ in a James Bond routine with a vanishing drinks cabinet and working with Desiree, a 25-year-old live crocodile, in an exotic Eastern-themed illusion where the magician made her disappear. One of the most memorable moments was when I ‘magically’ passed through a solid wooden board wedged between two giant dice-shaped boxes. It wasn’t all magic – let’s just say I have the scars to prove it!
Though my career path eventually led me to the role of PA to the Headmistress, my experiences as a performer have shaped the way I approach everything. The discipline, creativity, and confidence gained through my time in the performance world still inform the way I work today. Dance taught me to think on my feet, work in a team, and remain adaptable, all skills I now use daily in my role.
Though I may not be on stage anymore, I carry those formative years of performing, surprises, and sequins with me – both in and out of the office. For me, life’s all about bringing passion, dedication, and a little bit of sparkle to everything you do!”
Mrs Lesley Vallance: Resources Manager, AKA The Artist
Lesley runs the Resources Department at Downe House, managing supplies, printing and publications. When not in school, Lesley has a passion for art – painting and drawing, but also creating set designs for community theatre…
“Creativity has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was always surrounded by pencils, brushes, glue, and whatever materials I could get my hands on, completely absorbed in making something new. That passion for art has never left me.
Painting and sketching are my way to unwind from the busyness of everyday life. I work primarily with artist acrylics, as they best suit my style, but I also love working in pencil and pastels. While I mostly create for personal enjoyment, I occasionally take on pet portrait commissions, which allow me to combine my love of animals with my passion for painting. My inspiration comes from nature and surrealist art, often starting with a simple animal sketch before building a more imaginative final piece.
Beyond painting, I channel my creativity into set design, building, and painting for The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company. With limited funding, I enjoy the challenge of repurposing and recycling furniture and materials to create imaginative stage sets. One of my favourite projects involved transforming a single bed base into a fireplace—a perfect example of how creative thinking can bring a production to life.
For me, art isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way of seeing the world, problem-solving, and bringing ideas to life in new and unexpected ways.”
Mrs Ruth Kingston; Housemistress & Teacher of Geography, AKA The Adventurer
As Housemistress of Upper School boarding house AGS, Ruth is fully ensconced in Downe House life during term time, but exploring the world is a passion which has taken Ruth to a long list of countries, and her experience and knowledge of other places and cultures feeds back into her role as a geography teacher…
“Geography isn’t just something I teach—it’s something I live. My love for travel has shaped how I understand the world. From the unrecognised state of Transnistria to the mountains of New Zealand, I’ve seen how geography connects with politics, history, and culture.
Teaching for me is about making learning real. I share my travel experiences to show my students that geography is everywhere—whether it’s the climate impact on Mozambique’s coastline or the complexities of Eastern Europe. I want my students to see that geography is more than just a subject; it’s a journey.
I recently returned from Algeria, where the lack of tourist infrastructure made it an even more unique adventure. And one of my most unforgettable travel moments was when I took a train from Moldova to Ukraine through Transnistria—a country that doesn’t officially exist! We explored, exchanged currency, and got stuck at a station when the trains were cancelled. A border guard helped us arrange a 2-hour drive to Odessa, which turned into quite the story!
As a geography teacher, I see the world as one giant classroom—full of diverse landscapes and experiences. I’ve been lucky to live in places like New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Mozambique, and I hope my students feel inspired to explore the world too.”
Mrs Stephanie Waite-Roberts, Housemistress (York), (aka: The Explorer)
Stephanie’s role supporting Sixth Formers in York is all-consuming when the girls are at school, but this side of her life is balanced by her sense of adventure and dedication to fitness…
“Working as a housemistress in a boarding school can be all-consuming, so I’ve always made sure to have fitness events lined up in my calendar. It’s a way to make the most of my time off, ensuring I get the balance I need. The gym has become my sanctuary—a perfect place to switch off from work and focus on my physical well-being.
After university, I moved overseas, eager to see the world and explore new places. My husband and I actively seek out reasons to travel, often combining our love of fitness with new adventures. Whether it’s exploring a new city, discovering hidden gems in remote locations, or hiking in the mountains, it’s a win-win. We recently spent time in Austria on a ski holiday, and while we’re not quite at the level of competing in ski races, we love being outdoors, staying active, and discovering the beauty of the world.
Balancing my passion for fitness with the demands of work has led me to new challenges. I’ve taken part in Hyrox competitions, which test both strength and endurance in various functional fitness challenges, and have even combined these with my love for travel. In fact, over the course of just six months, I managed to travel to 13 countries, which is an adventure in itself!
Having both competed at an elite level in sports during my younger years, fitness and movement have always remained priorities in my life. I believe that staying fit isn’t just about physical strength—it’s about pushing yourself, embracing new challenges, and maintaining a healthy mindset. Whether I’m training for an event or simply enjoying the outdoors, each new adventure shapes me as an individual and allows me to share those experiences with others.
The balance between competitions and travel has been nothing short of remarkable. But more than that, it’s the life lessons from these experiences—resilience, discipline, and the spirit of adventure—that continue to inspire me every day.”
Mrs Tara Reeve: Director of Admissions, AKA: The Foreign Correspondent
Tara has a key role at Downe House bringing on board new pupils and their families, work which requires superb communication skills. Tara has these in abundance, having worked in a ‘previous life’ as a BBC journalist, with a long spell in Moscow…
“I’ve always believed that languages are a powerful way to connect with others and uncover stories that might otherwise remain untold. My career as a journalist began at BBC UK, where I honed my skills in storytelling. This role led me to Moscow, where I worked as a journalist for BBC News. While there, I had the opportunity to connect with the lives of ordinary Russian people, and my knowledge of Russian, both the language and culture—which I had studied at University—enabled me to share their stories authentically on radio and TV.
Today, as the Director of Admissions at Downe House, I use my passion for relationship-building to work with UK Prep Schools, international educational consultants, and families. I lead a wonderful team in the admissions process, ensuring that Downe House is the right fit for each student and supporting them throughout their journey with us.
I’ve been part of the Downe House community for over 16 years, initially joining as a Teacher of Russian and Sixth Form Housemistress. Over time, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing Downe House as both a teacher and a parent, with three teenage daughters currently at or having recently completed their education here. This perspective allows me to fully appreciate the transformative experience our students have at Downe House.
My love for languages continues, and I am currently learning Japanese, a language that helps me strengthen our connections with the Downe House community in Japan. I believe that learning another language is an invaluable tool for opening doors to new experiences and deeper connections, and I encourage everyone to embrace the opportunity to learn a second language.”
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