Pearson mentors
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Who are the Pearson mentors?
Our Pearson mentors come from all over the business, ranging from geography, role, and experience level. Our mentor will provide the Student Diversity Ambassadors with support and guidance as they navigate their journey through school, by discussing topics such as personal skill development, CV building, and university applications. These mentors can serve as role models and relate to the personal experiences and backgrounds of their mentees.
Find out more about our Pearson mentors below.
Meet the mentors
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Ali Allerton
"After leaving university I had a wonderful – if all too brief - stint travelling in Australia and the Far East. My career path took me from mobile phones, to breakfast cereals, to motorbikes, to pharmaceuticals, and I finally settled in education. After doing a PGCE I spent a few years teaching, and heading up Vocational Business and Law at an inner city sixth form college. I loved this time working directly with students, and as well as teaching I enjoyed being a form tutor, helping pupils to develop their employability skills and supporting them with UCAS applications. Although I don’t miss the marking and lesson planning now that I’m no longer teaching, I do miss the students and can’t wait be involved in this exciting new programme."
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Lisa Merrison
"I have worked for Pearson for 10 years and started in the sales team as a Sales Consultant. Since then I have worked my way up and have been a Curriculum Manager creating sales enablement tools and resources for the sales team for our BTEC portfolio and I am now a Regional Sales Manager, managing 6 sales consultants. I am passionate about enabling people to progress their lives through learning and feel it doesn’t matter at what stage in your life you do that. I have actually done more learning and training as an adult than I ever did when I was a teenager!
I have also had many years in recruitment and HR and had 3 years in apprenticeship recruitment matching young people to apprenticeship job vacancies so I think I have the knowledge to help young people get on their career ladder. An old boss said to me the person who has never made a mistake, has never learnt anything”. I think he may have been referring to the famous quote by Einstein - saying that if you have never made a mistake before then you haven't done anything new. He is saying that doing things wrong and making mistakes isn't a bad thing, it is simply part of the learning process."
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Christine Fischer
"I joined Pearson in 1996 as an Administrator in the International Division of Schools. Over the years I have learnt and worked in different areas of the business, moving into Schools 15 years ago. I started in the role of PA (Personal Assistant) at the same time and supported different senior roles. I currently work as an EA (Executive Assistant) for Sharon Hague, Managing Director of Pearson Schools Qualifications.
My skill set consists of an expert at organisation, time management, diary administrator and project management. I love challenges, so often I take on projects outside my remit. I am also an IiP champion, MHFA, and part of the Employee Engagement Group.
I decided to volunteer as a mentor not only because I am old and wise! But the breadth of my experience I would be able to share with someone. Over a year ago I decided to become a Governor of a school genuinely thinking I may be able to give something back. Seriously it has been a great experience and I have learnt so much so in true Pearson style always learning."
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Stacey Di Gregorio
"I am one of Pearson’s Senior Development Managers, I have been with Pearson for just over two years. I support Secondary schools but prior to this I was supporting Primary Schools within Pearson. I have always worked within the Education section, since completing my Education and Sociology degree at University. In one of my previous roles I worked as a Connexions Personal Advisor, where I supported young people with some of their life choices, including careers and personal issues. I love that I have been given the opportunity to be one of Pearson’s Mentors, as I thoroughly enjoy supporting young people and I look forward to sharing some of my experiences."
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Jose Martinez
"I’ve been living in the UK for the past 7 years. I moved out from Spain because I wanted to start a new career as I was struggling to get a decent job in the media back home. In the UK, I’ve developed my career in the marketing world, working for agencies, B2B and B2C companies of various sizes. Currently, I work as Portfolio Manager at Pearson UK schools.
An easy-going individual, I’m keen to listen to your aspirations and career goals to try to give you the best possible advice. I’ve already mentored students in the past and I enjoyed every minute of it, so I’m looking forward to this opportunity!"
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Sandra Osarobo
"I was born in Nigeria, but I had the opportunity to live in Spain when I was about 6 or 7 years old. When I was 13, I left Spain to come to England so that I could perfect my English. I was asked to give a brief bio of myself but as usual I don’t really know how to talk about myself, as it is much easier to describe others rather than oneself. So, instead, I asked my friends, and this is what they told me to tell you. My name is Sandra, and I am caring, funny, curious, reliable, and ambitious. I want to be a mentor because I like sharing ideas, knowledge, and experience. I like to motivate others through experiences that I have gone through."
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Paul Viner
"I have worked in digital marketing for 13 years. Currently I am Head of eCommerce and web strategy for the Pearson School Qualification business. In my spare time I like to run and take part in at least one running event a year.
The reason I would like to mentor came when I realised how much I would have liked some advice when I first started out in my career. It can feel there is only "one path" to your chosen career, which is far from the truth. There are many routes to get where you want to be, it's just understanding how your skills can get you there."
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Bethany Selkirk-Harris
"I work within the Customer Success Team as part of UK Schools Sales at Pearson. I first joined Pearson when I left school and started a Level 3 Sales apprenticeship. I am now currently in Year 2 of my Level 6 Business Management Degree Apprenticeship. Outside of work, I love to travel and COVID has forced me to explore more of the UK. I also enjoy Ice Skating and socialising with friends!"
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Sheena Newland
"When I worked as an MFL teacher, I really loved seeing my students develop in their learning and as people - especially when they went on to pursue languages as part of their degree, travels or career. As a parent of teenagers, I also know just how much young people have to juggle and cope with on all fronts. By getting involved in mentoring, I hope I can be a source of support, especially for any budding linguists out there!"
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Clare De-Bank
"I've worked at Pearson for almost 16 years, and am currently the Head of Brand & Portfolio Marketing in our Pearson School Qualifications team. I'm passionate about helping people get the best from themselves, with team learning & development being a real priority for me. I can't wait to work with, and learn from, everyone taking part in the programme!"
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Garcia Cardoso
"Before joining Pearson, I worked in a sixth Form College as a Teaching Assistant. I thoroughly enjoyed my interactions with students during mentoring and coaching sessions. Working at the College provided me with valuable experience and really helped me to see that I am very passionate about helping people achieve the best version of themselves. I feel that coaching and mentoring gives me the best opportunity to continue in this endeavour and I am looking forward to the opportunity to help new clients. In recent years, I have acquired leadership skills that have enabled me to coach and use a variety of motivational approaches to enable Pearson employees and others, achieve personal goals, develop within the organisation, and improve their confidence."
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Aneeta Raindi
"I work as a Senior Partnership Manager at Pearson. I have worked with schools (in some form or another) for the last 13 years. Proud and devoted to my city and trying to make it better through education. Passionate about working with local communities to support individuals in need - I am always open to ideas. I love to travel and drag my little girls around with me, which they love! Being active is very important to me and have just started indoor rock climbing."
Emma Howlett
"I am head of General Qualifications Content at Pearson within the Pearson School Qualifications arm of the organisation. I have worked at Pearson for over 14 years and started my career as a Communications Coordinator. Before working at Pearson, I worked for the National Probation Service after completing my degree in Psychology. I have recently completed a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling as I have a genuine interest in personal growth and development of others.
Working alongside amazing colleagues each day really motivates me. I currently have a team of 40 people and I really enjoy supporting my team members to achieve their goals and reach their full potential in their role. I recently embarked on some interesting work around upskilling the wider department and looking at ways to offer opportunities for learning and development. Working in an environment such as Pearson, where things change and evolve really helps to keep me motivated and provides me with opportunities to stretch and challenge myself."
Mabintou Sevede
"I have been working at Pearson for nearly 20 years. I started as a temporary member of staff whilst studying maths at Reading University. Since then, I have worked in 3 different departments gaining a wealth of experience across the General Qualifications spectrum."
Nada Khalaf
"I joined Edexcel during 2015 as an account specialist for the Middle East and Europe. I then joined the Modern Foreign Languages team and for the last 4 years I worked as an MFL Subject Leader. I have worked at different places such as The Hunterian Art Gallery/ University of Glasgow and Natural History Museum as well as a few years of teaching. I enjoy working with all age groups as I work sometimes as an interpreter for the Arab community.
While I was in the Middle East, I studied languages, one of which was Arabic. Currently I am studying a business management degree at the University of Kent - Pearson College."