Mrs India Merrett
Head of Girls' House
Mrs Merrett, formally known as Miss Patel, is happy to have been involved with life at Chetham's in a few guises-from 6th form student, Deputy Head of House, Practice Assistant, and now as Head of the Girls' Boarding House-a post she has occupied since January 2011. Born in Leeds, Mrs Merrett is half Irish, half Indian and very much enjoys playing Irish and Scottish folk fiddle. After Chet's, she studied Violin at LCM and RNCM and got married to Mr Merrett this year. Mr Merrett also works at Chetham's-in the Practice department, Girls' House and in Victoria House, where in January, he will take up the Deputy Head of House post. In their spare time, Mr & Mrs Merrett love to travel and spend time with family and friends.
Miss Paula Wilson
Deputy Head of Girls' House
Miss Wilson returned to Chetham’s School of Music in September 2012, having worked in Victoria House from 2005 to 2008. She studied music at Huddersfield University, is a percussionist and has a small obsession with musicals, juggling and sci-fi. In addition to her work at Chetham's she has worked in marketing for many years, for organisations such as The Bridgewater Hall and the British Red Cross although her most unusual job was as a children's entertainer called Charlie the Clown. Originally from Manchester, she loves the city because of its music, tea shops and arts scene and is always available for tips on cool things to do. She is delighted to be back working with the students and staff at Chetham’s!
Mrs Catherine Shepherd
House Assistant
Married to a Church of England Priest. Three children. My son was a pupil at Chetham's and my younger daughter is a House Assistant in Victoria House.
I've been a House Assistant in Girls' House since March 1999 so I must enjoy the work!
At home, I enjoy gardening, looking after my ten chickens and relaxing occasionally.
Miss Kristine Healy
House Assistant
Miss Healy has been working in Girls' House since September 2010. She is a flute player who studied at the University of Queensland School of Music in Australia and at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Miss Healy grew up on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, which is where she last experienced the season known to residents of the southern hemisphere as "summer". Despite the weather, Miss Healy is very fond of her adopted nation and really enjoys hearing all the stories, news and essential gossip from the fabulous residents of Girls' House during the Chetham's school year.
Miss Natalie Hirst
House Assistant
Miss Hirst has been a member of the Girls House team since January 2011. Brought up in Prestbury, Cheshire - she was once a pupil of Chetham's herself for 9 years. She plays the Viola, Violin and Piano and studied at the Royal College of Music in London. Miss Hirst enjoys to work as a Practice Assistant when not working in house and in her spare time is pleased to work as a regular Supporting Artiste on Emmerdale Farm!
Miss Clare Deady
House Assistant
Originally from the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland Australia, Miss Deady has been in the UK since December 2011 and at Chethams since January 2012. In between evenings at Chets, Miss Deady works at Bolton School and conducts a group at the Warrington Youth Orchestra. Miss Deady plays the french horn and also enjoys netball and going to see musical theatre productions. On her free weekends she really loves to discover new places in the "neighbourhood"... so far she has been to Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy, but she is working her way down a very long list!
Miss Norma-Jean Mercer, House Assistant
Miss Mercer has been working in Girls’ House since January 2012. Brought up in Bolton, Miss Mercer then studied Art and Design at Manchester Metropolitan University and recently completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Education. Outside of Chetham’s Miss Mercer teaches Art and Design at Horizon Care and creates art work for various commissions from wedding stationary to canvas paintings. Miss Mercer makes the most of her creative skills within Girls House during Saturday evening craft club which is currently over taken with sock bunny fever! Miss Mercer is also an avid Bananagrams player.
