Click a team member to read their bio
With over 15 years’ experience working in Creative Health, Leon is CEO at both Orb Community Arts, and independent sister organisation Pioneer Projects in Craven. He has previously worked as a professional musician, and as a manager in music retail, and has an Honours Degree in Ethnomusicolgy. He is also on the Board of Trustees at The Place in Settle, and Chain Lane Community Hub Knaresborough, and a Director of Season Well CIC.
Anna has a background in drama and education is passionate about making theatre accessible for all. Anna enjoys singing, puppetry and spending time walking in the Yorkshire Dales!
Deborah’s role as a Route One to Wellness Coordinator brings together the experience she has gained through working with families in schools, as a pastoral administrator at Wellspring Therapy & Training, and as a volunteer CYP Bereavement Listener with Just B. She is currently studying to be a person-centred counsellor through York St John University.
Gemma is a history graduate and science loving primary school teacher turned community mental health and wellbeing advocate at Orb. A museum enthusiast and owner of a delightfully stubborn beagle, she brings curiosity and compassion to everything she does. When she has a moment to spare, she loves spending with her family, reading, and walking in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
Rebecca has a background in Arts and Visual Communication. Graduating from Leeds Arts University in 2020. She started on Orb’s Kickstarter scheme and had since become one of Orb’s Creative Facilitators specialising in Art and Textiles. She is a keen Mario Kart player and is in the top 5% worldwide of online players. Not to mention an award-winning Victoria sponge maker.
Andy first came to Orb as a volunteer in 2012 whilst studying music technology at university. He was inspired by applying the skills he was learning in a community-based setting whilst been able to help people at the same time. He now has over 12 years’ experience working in mental health and community arts and has run and contributed to a variety of standalone projects, music and writing groups and one to one music sessions. He has a great belief in enabling and empowering people to play and access music whatever their ability level.
Ruth has a background in finance and business management. She’s a spreadsheet nerd who loves nothing better than reconciling petty cash. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and hiking in the Yorkshire Dales. She once recorded a vinyl record of Christmas Carols with the Brownies and she stole the show with her glockenspiel skills.
David has over 35 years working in the arts as an artist, curator, musician, and creative producer. Originally trained as a textile print designer, he has previously worked as Director of visual arts charity: London Printworks Trust; Textile Design Professor at KHB Weissensee, Berlin and with stints in arts funding for the Arts Council England and The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. He is passionate about the role of creativity in our everyday lives and works to bring people who may not ordinarily hang out together into the same space to collaborate and be creative. He once spent many an evening DJ-ing and promoting club nights, but his knees have finally advised him to stop all those sorts of shenanigans.
Sally is an experienced teacher and special needs advisor with a background in helping children, young people, and schools to shine. With an MA in Character Education, she approaches challenges with kindness and creativity. Now part of Orb’s glitter ball team, she puts mental health and wellbeing firmly in the spotlight. When she’s not working, she hosts a dinner-time podcast that’s proudly picked up several totally made-up awards.
Like most creatives Kylie's career has taken many twists and turns, from EastEnders to vintage clothing to creative health.
With a penchant for character comedy and disco dancing, Kylie knew she had found her calling when she spotted Orb's disco ball. She has a passion for supporting others to find joy through a creative outlet and is amazed at what can be discovered if we are given the space and opportunity to do so.
With a penchant for character comedy and disco dancing, Kylie knew she had found her calling when she spotted Orb's disco ball. She has a passion for supporting others to find joy through a creative outlet and is amazed at what can be discovered if we are given the space and opportunity to do so.
