Converge at Northumbria University
Boosting wellbeing through creative education
Meet The Team
Converge Director
Ally Hunter-Byron
Hi, name is Ally Hunter-Byron and I have been involved with the project since 2016 during the initial pilot. Not a native Geordie, I have worked in the region as an Arts Development worker, Performer, and Youth and Community worker for the last 19 years. I’m a graduate form a Northumbria, and it has been wonderful to return to take up my role as Project Coordinator for Converge. Converge nourishes your soul and brings creative learning opportunities for all involved. When I consider ‘what I love the most about my job’, it has to be the inspiring people that I get to meet and work with. Both Converge students and University students are at the heart of our work. We take risks, step outside of our comfort zones and nurture our inner creativity. I feel truly lucky to be involved!
Converge at Northumbria Lead - Head of School of Design
Dr Heather Robson
Hello! My name is Heather Robson and I am the Head of the School of Design at Northumbria University and have the privilege of working with Converge at Northumbria from it’s very beginnings. Creative practice is my passion, I have always worked in a creative Faculty and believe everyone should have the opportunity to engage and explore arts and creativity as part of their everyday life. The thing I love about Northumbria and Converge is that anything feels possible, and together we can make a positive difference, grow opportunities, knowledge and creative confidence to change our worlds for the better.
Research Lead
Dr Toby Brandon
Toby is an academic at Northumbria University and his lack of any natural creative ability has not stopped him being a long standing fan of Converge. He supports all aspects of Converge in terms of developing research, conducting ongoing evaluations and is committed to its long term development.
Engagement Coordinator
Cat Catizone
Hi! I'm Cat and I am the Engagement Coordinator here at Converge at Northumbria, as well as this I am a theatre maker, performer and facilitator based in the Northeast. I’ve been involved with Converge since 2017 in its pilot, where I was a student volunteer on the first course that we ran and have really been involved ever since in different capacities. My role within the organisation involves delivering workshops, mentoring Northumbria Uni students, student enrolment and all things involving our wonderful students and their involvement. I love watching everyone learn and grow, whether that is the Northumbria students or the Converge students. Some people have been with us for a long time, so you really get to know each other well and seeing how everyone has developed from day one is just really exciting. I think Converge is a really fun, supportive and unique learning environment where you can come along and try new things and really develop your craft, whatever that might be.