National Children's University Trust
Children's University is a network of centres that manage their
activities locally. These local centres are run by existing
structures and partners such as colleges and universities, Local
Authorities and groups of schools. CU Trust is the charity that
sits at the heart of this network, providing support, strategic
guidance, and organising fundraising and communications
activities.
Meet the CU Trust Team
Children's University is a network of centres that manage
their activities locally. These local centres are run by existing
structures and partners such as colleges and universities, Local
Authorities and groups of schools. CU Trust is the charity that
sits at the heart of this network, providing support, strategic
guidance, and organising fundraising and communications
activities.
Helen O'Donnell - Chief
Executive and Director of Partnerships
Helen joined Children's University in November 2015,
having previously served as Chief Executive for the Cheshire
Community Foundation (CCF). It was at CCF that Helen first
encountered Children's University by funding one of our local
centres.
Helen has extensive experience in the third sector with a
particular focus on education and helping young people from more
disadvantaged backgrounds access educational opportunities. Most
recently this involved acting as Head of Development at the
University of Liverpool where she was responsible for securing
charitable investments.
Email Helen with enquiries about national partnerships and
strategic issues or call +44 (0) 7532 802 249
Sonya Christensen - Engagement and Inclusion
Manager
Sonya joined the Children's University in October 2018
having come from a background in both Third Sector and Corporate
Management roles. Her recent experience as Development Manager for
the pioneering work of the Greater Manchester Social Work Academy
saw her tasked with improving Social Work education and Continued
Professional Development across Greater Manchester.
Her background as a Child Psychotherapist in primary schools and
as the Director of a National Lottery funded programme of life
changing services to families with multiple and complex needs has
fuelled her passion to widen access to services for children.
Email
Sonya with enquiries about setting up a new Children's
University or call +44 (0) 7383 435 810
Liam Nolan - Head of Communications and Stakeholder
Engagement
Liam joined Children's University in 2016 with a focus on
working with the Children's University network and shouting about
its many successes. As a former teacher of English as a foreign
language, he is passionate about education and the possibilities
Children's University opens up for young learners.
Liam has over 14 years' experience in the charity sector in a
mixture of fundraising and communications roles. Most recently he
has been self-employed fundraiser and worked on high-profile
digital projects for charity and government organisations.
Email Liam with enquiries relating to communications, PR
and media or call +44 (0) 7532 802 298
Cordelia Howard - Digital
Inclusion Officer
Cordelia joined Children's University in September 2019 as
Digital Inclusion Officer to work with the network in this exciting
period as we transition to Children's University's online
platform.
Cordelia comes from an Edtech background. She is passionate
about education and the impact that digital resources can bring to
help children realise their full potential and develop a joy of
learning. She has over ten years' experience working within
education, first as a specialist SEN worker before moving into
edtech where her focus has been on training schools and providing
technical support. At the heart of all her work is a real care and
interest in people.
Email
Cordelia with queries about Children's University Online
or call +44 (0) 7727 736 741
Sukie Duhra - Evaluation
and Quality Manager
Sukie joined Children's University in January 2020 to project
manage the Children's University EEF Evaluation Trial.
Sukie has over 14 years of experience working in the Higher
Education sector, this experience includes primary and secondary
school outreach, project managing data and evaluation projects and
closing the BAME attainment gap. The main focus of her career to
date has been on widening participation, raising attainment and
raising aspirations.
You can find out more about our Trustees
here.
