Chris Akpakwu

Chris is an experienced business leader and human resources professional with extensive experience in banking, project management and human resources, specialising in business transformation, M&A, employee experience and leadership development. He is a Chartered member of the CIPD and an alumnus of the University of Sunderland Business School. He enjoys supporting young people with access to early careers as a mentor for the Social Mobility Foundation.
Chris is a parent governor with two children at Orchard and is looking forward to bringing insights and experience to support Orchard & Shepherdswell values and maintain high standards
Riyike Duru

Riyike is a strategic and analytical professional with experience within fashion and hospitality industries. Riyike specializes in forecasting, analysing data and developing key business insights to guide decision making and strategy development. Riyike has a BSc from Northampton University and MBA from University of Sunderland.
She is passionate about advocacy for children leading her to be a youth mentor and now a governor within EMAT. Riyike lives within Milton Keynes with her husband and daughter where Orchard and Sheperdswell Academy are located.
Kirsty Weatherspoon

Kirsty is an Early Years specialist teacher and has been working within the sector including KS1 for over a decade. During this time, she has been a both a team leader and manager of an Early Years setting where she enjoys teaching young children and instils valuable hands on learning experiences. This helps the children make sense of the world around them - thus building strong key foundations as they begin their educational journey.
She has an Early Years teacher qualification (EYTS) and is very much looking forward to obtaining her Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) this year.
Having previously run a pre-school which was charity owned and part of the committee she ensured the smooth running of the Early Years setting. She is also a member of a local carnival committee who are dedicated all year round to organise and co-ordinate a fun packed family weekend out every summer.
Kirsty is currently a Reception teacher at Shepherdswell Academy and joined in August 2022. She is also part of the school PTA.
Deepika Sargur Prasad

Deepika is an IT professional with over a decade of experience in the life sciences industry. Her career has been marked by a client-facing role where problem-solving and effective communication are paramount. One of Deepika's greatest natural strengths is her approachability. She believes that being open and accessible is key to fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Beyond her professional life, Deepika has a deep passion for working with children, a passion that dates back to her university days when she ran summer camps. These camps focused on arts and crafts, providing a creative and engaging environment for children. Driven by a passion for bringing positive change to society, Deepika is committed to contributing to an educational environment that supports and nurtures every student.
Bekky Salako

Bekky holds a BSc in Social Work and an MSc in Children and Adolescence Mental Health. She currently works in children's services, driven by her passion for supporting children.
As a school governor with EMAT, Bekky focuses on both child and community welfare. This role has provided her with valuable insights into collaborative efforts that benefit children and the community. Bekky aims to advocate for vulnerable children and promote a holistic approach to education that includes mental health and well-being. Her dedication to making a positive impact is evident in her commitment to these responsibilities.
Bekky is motivated by her passion for effecting positive change and hopes to continue managing her dual roles effectively, thereby supporting vulnerable families and children while contributing to her community.
Zaiba Rehman

A dedicated and insightful School Governor with a BA in Psychology and CIPD Level 3 certification, Zaiba brings a wealth of knowledge in human behaviour and organizational development. Having studied and lived in India before moving to the UK in 2013, she brings a rich, multicultural perspective to her role, enhancing her ability to engage with diverse school communities.
Motivated by a strong desire to give back to society, she joined the school’s governing body in 2024 to make a meaningful contribution to education. Her expertise in psychology equips her with a deep understanding of emotional and social dynamics, which she applies to support student well-being and staff development. Her background in HR through the CIPD qualification allows her to contribute to effective governance in areas such as policy development, staff relations, and strategic planning.
Zaiba has also experience working in sales and customer service for BP Pulse, Capita and Card Factory. With a passion for making a positive impact, she is committed to helping the school thrive by using her skills to foster a nurturing and supportive learning environment for both students and staff.
Graham Knight

Graham is a Programme Director / Consultant currently working in an international military environment specialising in communications, intelligence and cyber projects. He has an extensive background in telecoms and electronics spanning various business sectors. Graham is an associate of the BCS and holds PRINCE2 and MSP Practitioner and APMP qualifications. Away from work, Graham is married with 3 children, so a lot of his time is spent driving and supporting them at ballet and gymnastics lessons. When he does get the time, he likes classic cars and running.