Mrs Hartley began volunteering at Heathlands in 2018, quickly developing a passion for supporting the school community. In 2020, an opportunity arose to join the staff team, and she was delighted to begin her career as a Learning Support Assistant. In 2024, she began training to become a qualified Higher Level Teaching Assistant and now enjoys teaching classes across the whole school.

Adventures to Aylmerton, Mersea and Bawdsey Manor have been among the highlights of Mrs Hartley’s time at Heathlands.

In her spare time, she takes great enjoyment in painting scenery and making props for the school’s various productions, including a starry nativity scene, Shrek’s swamp, Aladdin’s marketplace, snowy Viking mountains, Lord Farquaad’s castle and many more.

Mrs Hartley holds a degree in Theology from King’s College London and enjoys spending time with her two children, ginger cat and pet tortoise.