The St Mary’s Staff Mentoring Scheme is open to all staff. The aim of the scheme is to provide support to staff with their career and professional development.
Mentoring can be effective in so many ways, including:
- developing mentoring skills as a leader/potential leader; mentoring is one of the criteria for Associate Professor and Professor roles on the Academic Career Pathway
- providing a source of information, knowledge, expertise, and experience
- exploring and developing individual career potential
- managing additional or new roles and projects
- developing leadership skills, providing a safe place for reflection
- supporting individuals through change
- problem-solving skills development.
Staff from all levels of experience are welcome to contact a mentor.
The mentoring process
The St Mary’s Staff Mentoring Scheme operates on a self-selection basis. Please follow the steps below to arrange mentoring.
Mentoring works best when you are clear on what you want to achieve from the process. Some goals might be ‘gain clarity on my career plan’, ‘learn about the culture at St Mary’s’, ‘develop my self-awareness and skills as a leader’.
Once you know what you want out of mentoring, look through the mentor bios below to identify a mentor who can support you in that area.
Reach out to your selected mentor to find out if they have capacity to support you (please note, mentors give their time voluntarily, and we cannot guarantee mentors will be available when you are seeking mentoring). If they are open to mentoring you, arrange an initial meeting to talk about your goals and expectations for mentoring. At this stage one, or both of you might decide that you’re not a good fit, and that’s totally fine!
Once you have met to talk about your goals and expectations, and you and your mentor are both happy to move forward with the mentoring relationship, sign the Mentoring Agreement.
NB: You should both sign this on DocuSign. Learning and People Development will receive a copy of this for our central record of mentoring partnerships. This is to ensure we know which mentors are already partnered and we can report (anonymously).
We recommend having six to eight meetings (roughly) monthly over an agreed period of time, but this may differ depending on your goals.
At your final mentoring meeting, you should review the goals you both agreed at the start of the mentoring process, and talk about your next steps after the mentoring finishes. This might include whether you have met the goals you set out to achieve via mentoring, how you will apply your learning, and what further development or support you will look for going forward.
For any questions, or support with the process, please contact Learning and People Development.
St Mary's mentors
We have mentors from across the University at different levels and areas, both from Academic and Professional Services. You can find information and contact details of all St Mary's mentors below.
I started my educational career as a secondary teacher of modern languages, before working for a local authority as an advisor. I have worked at St Mary's for more than 20 years in a variety of roles, most recently as Professor within the School of Education. I now work part-time at St Mary's, focusing on all aspects of educational research, women in leadership, and student mental health and wellbeing. I have benefited personally from mentoring over the years and valued the space to reflect and engage in professional conversations. I also love doing the same as a mentor! I am happy to work with colleagues on any aspect of career progression, including leadership and research.
Email: annalise.gordon@stmarys.ac.uk
Finished my PhD in 2015 and started a full-time role as a lecturer in Sport Psychology at St Mary’s. I was the programme director for Sport and Science for 2017/2018. I was promoted to Head of Department for Sport and Exercise Science in 2022 as well as Associate Professor in Sport Psychology. I have since taken on a job share as Head of School for Sport, Exercise and Applied Science. I like to help others and really love the idea of supporting others within the University, regardless of their job role. I think it is important for everyone to have someone to turn to or speak to throughout the journey of their career.
Mentorship: Aurora, Diversifying Leadership, presenting, teaching and learning.
Email: jade.salim@stmarys.ac.uk
In my role as Programme Lead, I manage over 400 students and work with the 26 members of staff who teach the modules. Before becoming the Programme Lead, I was a programme Director for 5 years. I am the Academic Integrity Lead for Primary Education and Chair academic misconduct panels. I am a member of the University Extenuating Circumstances Board. I am also a senior lecturer in the Institute of Education and a Senior Fellow HEA. I have experience of mentoring staff from a range of departments at St Mary’s. I think mentoring is important as it provides space and time for staff to reflect on their work and possible next steps, in a safe and confidential enviroment. I can offer mentoring support in course and programme leadership, specifically with managing staff and supporting students.
Email: kathryn.ezzeldin@stmarys.ac.uk
I came to academia as a mature student having had a career as a journalist on the Observer Newspaper. I have an MA and PhD in Modernist Literature focussing on the representation of food. I have had various positions: Learning Development Lecturer; PD for Foundation Year; Associate Dean for Research. I became a mentor because I benefitted from the guidance of two key people. Both helped to build my confidence and move me out of my comfort zone. St Mary’s is a small university which relies on the enthusiasm and dedication of its staff members. Mentors play a role in supporting and encouraging staff to help them go above and beyond. This benefits the individual and the wider University community. My expertise lies in research, teaching, and learning and in understanding strategy and leadership.
Email: kim.salmons@stmarys.ac.uk
I have been at St Mary’s for 10 years. I lead the PgCert in Academic Practice (PGCAP) for new lecturers, the HEA Fellowships Programme and academic CPD and contribute to the development of university policy. My team and I organise the annual Festival of Learning & Teaching. I am Co-Chair of the St Mary's Women's Leadership Forum and a mentor for Advance HE's Aurora programme for women in leadership in HE. I am passionate about women's development in the workplace and how mentoring can support change and growth.
Email: laura.minogue@stmarys.ac.uk
Marcia joined St Mary's University as a Quality and Standards Manager and holds over 19 years’ experience of working in the Higher Education sector. With considerable responsibilities across Admissions, Registry, SITS, Quality Assurance and Academic Governance processes, Marcia oversees all aspects of Quality Assurance, Enhancement and wider University initiatives. Marcia graduated with a BSc Business Information Technology and Management and MSc Information Technology Security with Distinction. She has also completed Springboard and Aurora and is currently working on her Associate HEA Fellowship. Marcia has recently been nominated for St Mary’s Outstanding Performance Award in celebration of individuals who embodies St Mary's Values and Unsung Heroes.
Email: marcia.kelly@stmarys.ac.uk
My role at St Mary’s is as Co-Research Lead and a member of the Professional Doctorate team in the Institute of Education. Prior to working in HE, I have held roles as a playworker, secondary school teacher, youth worker, psychotherapist and independent supervisor/coach/mentor. What motivates me most is the process of working alongside people, supporting them in their work/life, and in particularly, helping them navigate times of personal and professional challenge and change. I see mentoring as fundamentally being a process of meeting, listening, talking (sometimes walking!) with people, as they explore specific areas of their professional lives. Mentoring is an enabling and ‘championing’ process, helping people focus on specific areas of their working lives, recognising and valuing each person’s unique experience, role and identity in their work. I am interested in mentoring on a wide range of issues, including role/career development and change, confidence building, presenting/teaching, leadership, and research.
Email: mark.price@stmarys.ac.uk
I’ve been teaching in HE for 30 years and have taught at other universities, both red brick and online. I enjoy teaching and research and like to support staff in either or both of these areas. Being a mentor is a way of giving a formal structure to what we do informally for one another as colleagues. Mentoring is a good way for us all to share experience and knowledge and to help us feel more confident about what we do. I can offer mentoring support in the areas of teaching or research or any area you feel I could offer insight or a listening ear.
Email: michelle.paull@stmarys.ac.uk
20+ years' experience of working with clients and athletes in the fields of sport science and injury rehabilitation. 15+ years in Higher Education with several years' experience of programme directing and line managing. In general terms, I enjoy helping others to achieve more and so am always keen to guide staff with less experience of Higher Education. Specifically, I can guide staff with approaches to quality assurance, (re)validation advice, first steps in external examining. Furthermore, I am always cognisant to help those in the first few years of academic work make small gains alongside their main role, to later realise their portfolio of work can be useful for additional CV expansion.
Email: rik.mellor@stmarys.ac.uk
I am a Chartered Psychologist with the BPS, sit on various journal editorial boards, and have published several books. I collaborate with several external organisations: NHS, English Institute of Sport, and various charities. I'm passionate about the student experience and creating inclusive environments and curriculums. Outside of academia, I'm a trustee to the charity LimbPower that aims to engage amputees and individuals with limb impairments in physical activity to improve quality of life. I'm a proud husband and dad and I'm at my happiest when I'm with my family, supporting the local community (e.g., ParkRun), or running or biking or paddleboarding. Since I can remember, I've always been passionate about helping others and enabling them to thrive. Mentors come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be so valuable to enabling us to stop, reflect, and perhaps re-story how we decide to live our lives. Areas of mentorship: leadership, managing pressure and conflicting demands, navigating turning points, or just being a critical sounding board. Happy to listen with no agenda.
Email: ross.wadey@stmarys.ac.uk
I am a trained careers practitioner and a committed supporter of belonging, inclusion, and diversity. I love to support colleagues to grow in confidence, and to develop their own reflective skills. I have worked in a variety of sectors from education and the civil service to Buddhist chaplaincy in prisons and choral conducting. I can offer a coaching approach and a safe place to think and be heard. I worked at SMU in 2017-2018 in the Careers Service, and returned as Head of Employability in 2022.
I have been fortunate enough to work in a number of organisations and roles related to customer service, IT service delivery, project support and as an Executive Assistant. This has enabled me to have experience in working with large organisations and a wide range of people from different backgrounds. Working in technical teams has enabled me to deal with complex problem solving and provide help and advice to all the teams within my department. I think offering mentoring and coaching helps staff who might be dealing with challenging situations or decisions speak in a confidential and safe environment, which our mentoring network offers. I feel like this is a valuable skill to offer to staff and I am pleased to have to opportunity to be part of the mentoring network.
With over 15 years of teaching experience, having taught within FE for a decade, I really enjoy supporting staff to develop their skills and confidence in the classroom. I am currently the Course Lead for the MSc in Applied Sports Nutrition programme, a certified Level 3 Instructor Anthropometrist (ISAK) and a registered Performance Nutritionist with the Sport and Exercise Nutrition register. I am really looking forward to being part of the mentoring programme, excited to build relationships and support in any way I can.
I have been working in higher education for 15 years. Throughout this time I have held a variety of roles, the most recent of which is Co-Head of School for Sport and Exercise Science. Throughout my career the help and support I have received from others has been invaluable to me and I would like to pass this on to others. I enjoy working with people and building connections, I see mentoring as a mutually beneficial relationship where experiences can be shared, discussed, and looked at from different perspectives. I can offer mentor support in a range of areas including; teaching and learning, research, and leadership.
With a focus on cognitive and clinical psychology, I bring a passion for understanding behaviours and decision processes, particularly in health and medical settings. As a Registered Clinical Psychologist, I integrate therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) into my work. Participating in the Aurora Higher Education UK programme has strengthened my commitment to fostering inclusive environments and supporting women in academia. At St Mary's, I serve as the Careers/Employability Lead (CEL) and contribute to the Athena Swan Working Group. My primary goal as a mentor is to inspire and guide individuals to reach their academic and personal aspirations. I am dedicated to mentoring staff, including those with international backgrounds who may sometimes feel a bit disoriented in a new environment, offering support and guidance to help them navigate and thrive in their new surroundings.
Before joining St Mary's in 2023, I worked in Hong Kong for over 15 years where I had the privilege of mentoring trainees and members in their early to mid-career stages. I find great satisfaction in supporting others and seeing them grow. I have formal education in Human Resources and Psychology, and I'm also a trained personal and corporate coach. Whether you're navigating your career journey or looking for support during transitions, I am here to create a safe space for reflection, learning, and growth.
I joined St Mary’s at the end of 2020, having taught in local schools where my role included mentoring trainee teachers to successfully complete their school placements. Prior to teaching, I worked for a range of businesses in various roles, including HR, where I also had the opportunity to support colleagues across the organisation through mentoring. I enjoy helping others and feel that being able to support people to navigate their way to achieve their goal is a privilege. Mentoring is a valuable and positive experience for all, and I am delighted to be part of the mentor team at St Mary’s.
During my 19 years of working at St Mary's, I have had the privilege of mentoring of staff and students. I have also been a mentee and I appreciate and understand the issues and concerns that can arise. I can support by providing a safe space for conversations, action planning and reflection. As co-chair of the Parent and Carers Network I am keen to encourage a growth mindset for future development.