Hi, my name is Lynne and I have been lucky to call Gran Alacant home for the last 5 years.  People fascinate me and I love to hear about their adventures and life stories.  Over the next few months, I will be sharing some interview with GA’s very own Superstars! 

This month’s interview is with Heather Williams.  Heather is a busy working mum of two beautiful children son Jayden (11) and daughter Raia (16).  She has lived in GA with her husband Gary for nearly 16 years.

HEATHER, WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO SPAIN?

“We are originally from East Lancashire.  We talked about wanting to raise our family outside of the UK. We initially considered United States but finally decided to come to Spain.”

WHAT MADE YOU MOVE TO GA?

“I got a job in King’s College, The British School of Alicante, teaching Primary school children and stayed there for 12 years.  

My husband Gary started working there as a part-time Teaching Assistant then later as a Primary PE Teacher.”

TELL ME ABOUT GA ENGLISH CENTRE?

“I opened the English Academy at the Novamar Centre back in 2016.  My aim was to build a language centre in Gran Alacant, where children could learn English in a fun, friendly and creative environment.”

Heather initially worked part-time building her Academy and part-time at King’s College.  After 2 years, the Academy was doing so well that she decided to take a leap of faith and focus on building her business. Today, Heather has 130 children on the academy roll with ages ranging from 3 up to 18.  This number is growing year on year.  

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST WORK CHALLENGE?

“Lockdown was a difficult time.  Changing from face to face teaching to online learning was a steep learning curve for me.   I felt like I had to turn into an IT expert overnight.   

Navigating technology, software and online resources was challenging.  

At times, I felt like a kid’s entertainer.  

This coupled with the fact we had 2 teachers and 2 students in the same house all going through the same challenges … 

it was stressful.”

With every challenge comes new opportunities and Heather said she is now grateful that the online learning opened the door for her to teach children as far afield as Russia and Lithuania. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

“The best thing about teaching is having a positive impact and helping my students develop their English skills.  I enjoy seeing them grow in confidence and hearing the positive feedback from their parents.”

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR SPORTY FAMILY

“My husband Gary played semi-professional football for Accrington Stanley, Doncaster and Morecombe football clubs. My daughter Raia reached National level in rhythmic gymnastics and my son Jayden is doing really well at Polanens Athletics and Santa Pola football club.” Jayden recently finished 1st in the 1000m Santa Pola Mini Marathon. 

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

“I enjoy walking and keeping fit. I also enjoy crafting and creating gifts for friends and family.  In addition, our family pets, Kobie the cat and our dog Milo, keep us busy and entertained.”

Heather is one of the most humble people 

I have been fortunate enough to meet since moving to GA.  She is a machine when it comes to fitness; she is a superwoman juggling her own business, being a mother and wife and is so modest when it comes to her own incredible achievements and those of her beautiful family.

Thank you so much Heather for sharing your story and your gorgeous photos with us. I wish you and your family continued success and good fortune in the future.