Meet the team

Helen Smith, Pre-School Manager / SENCO / DSL

I have been working in education since 2012. I am deeply passionate about supporting children’s growth and development, and I take great pride in creating an environment where every child feels valued, safe, and inspired to learn.

I believe that each child is a unique individual with their own voice, interests, and way of seeing the world. I am dedicated to nurturing children’s natural curiosity, encouraging them to explore, be creative, and develop a lifelong love of learning. I recognise that this stage of each child’s journey is incredibly important in shaping their future, and it is a true privilege to be part of that. Building strong, trusting relationships is at the heart of what I do, and I strive to ensure every child feels heard, understood, and truly cared for.

Outside of my role, I find peace and joy in nature, especially in forests, where I enjoy listening to the birds. I also love spending time by the seaside, finding calm in the sound of waves gently lapping the sand. I am a proud mum to my 6 year old daughter, which has further deepened my understanding of the importance of compassion and connection in early childhood.

I grew up on a farm in South Africa, where I spent my early life surrounded by nature before moving to the UK in 2013. My experiences have shaped my appreciation for the outdoors and the importance of providing children with opportunities to explore and connect with the natural world.

Saira Shahzad DSL

I am a mum of three children, and my youngest attended St. Martin's preschool, where I decided to work with children.

I have a MA degree in Statistics from overseas. I am a qualified Early Years Educator and Teaching Assistant with a passion for working with early years children. I have recently completed my ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) training which gave me a wider picture to support children's emotional well-being.

Nancy Blaker

I enjoy the variety of my role at the Pre-School, dealing with finance, admissions, funding, staffing and the day to day running of the pre-school.

Samantha Manzambi, QTS

With over 17 years of experience as a qualified Primary school teacher, I have had the joy of guiding children as they learn and grow through their first experience of school. Most of my teaching has been in Reception and Year 1, where I’ve nurtured curiosity, confidence, and a love of discovery. Alongside my classroom work, I’ve gained valuable experience in a Nursery and children’s centre, deepening my understanding of early childhood development.

Now, as both a teacher and a mum living in Epsom, with two young children aged 4 and 6 attending St Martin’s school, I cherish the privilege of supporting your young children as they embark on their first steps of learning at St Martin’s pre-school. My passion lies in creating a safe, inspiring environment where every child feels valued and excited to explore the world around them.

Karon McKnight

Nia Owen

I joined St Martin's at the beginning of the new academic year in September 2020. I am a qualified Nursery Nurse and have worked with early years children for over 30 years!

Sandra Barrow

I have worked in childcare for over 25 years and have loved every single minute!

Each day is a new opportunity, watching the children grow and learn is so rewarding. I am excited to be helping the children enjoy their time at St Martin's Pre-School and preparing them for their onward school journey.

Tina Fox

I have worked in education and childcare for over 30 years! Throughout that time I have worked in a variety of settings. I joined St Martin's Pre-School in 2020.

As a member of bank staff I very much enjoy working both one to one, and with small groups of children, to support their learning, through play-based activities.

Lindsey Hammond

Aareka Phillips

Fay Todd

I'm Fay i am new to the early years sector after being a mum and a carer . I am enjoying something new. To be able to support the children in their learning journeys and caring for them as they grow and develop.

Michele Roberts

My two girls, one of whom is in her 30's, attended St Martin's Pre-School many years ago and I have never left since! It is obvious that I thoroughly enjoy working at the Pre-School and my role helping the children to grow and develop to their best potential.

Dee Scripps