Meet the team

Discover the passionate individuals driving the
Children’s Capital of Culture

Our team is dedicated to creating impactful experiences for children and young people.

Sarah Christie

Sarah Christie

Programme Manager

Sarah supports children and young people in Rotherham to make their ideas happen through events and activities. She handles everything from writing funding bids to running workshops, planning strategies, and taking young people on trips. Sarah's role is integral to ensuring the success of the Children's Capital of Culture, as she works closely with various stakeholders to bring innovative ideas to life. Her dedication and passion for empowering the youth of Rotherham are evident in every project she undertakes.

Leanne Buchan

Leanne Buchan

Head of Creative Programming

Leanne ensures plans for Children's Capital of Culture stay on track, connecting with businesses, funders, and partners locally and globally. She also supports other Council teams to integrate the programme into their plans. Leanne's role involves constant vigilance for new opportunities and collaborations that can benefit Rotherham's children and young people. Her strategic vision and ability to foster meaningful partnerships are crucial in driving the programme's success and ensuring its sustainability.

Rachel Stothard

Rachel Stothard

Strategic Partnerships Manager

Rachel builds relationships with partners and develops engagement opportunities. She is key in securing sponsorships and sits on various boards to promote Children's Capital of Culture, including Moving Rotherham and the Cultural Partnership board. Rachel's expertise in partnership management ensures that the programme receives the necessary support and resources to thrive. Her proactive approach and strong networking skills make her an invaluable asset to the team.

Sarah Williams

Sarah Williams

Programme Coordinator

Sarah coordinates the overall programme and project management, supporting traineeships and recruiting volunteers for cultural, sports, and tourism activities in Rotherham. She ensures everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Dr Becky Parry

Dr Becky Parry

Creative Learning Manager

Becky develops opportunities for nurseries, schools, and colleges to participate in the programme. She is passionate about creativity in teaching and learning across the curriculum and is always keen to hear from educators.

Abi Cobb

Abi Cobb

Engagement Manager

Abi manages social media, co-organises large-scale events, and delivers activities for children and young people. She is a graduate of the Young Producer programme.

Sophie Ellingham

Sophie Ellingham

Engagement Assistant

Sophie supports the team after her traineeships at Wentworth Woodhouse and Flux Rotherham. She is passionate about film, travelling, and writing.

Darlene Galabe

Darlene Galabe

Engagement Assistant

Darlene, a Drama & Film Studies graduate, is reconnecting with the community to build arts experiences for young people.

Maria Sofragiu

Maria Sofragiu

Engagement Assistant

Maria helps plan and deliver large-scale arts and cultural events. With a background in visual arts, she runs workshops to inspire young people.

Mallika Ahmed

Dawn Richmond-Gordon

Creative Skills Manager

Dawn is a seasoned theatre professional with years of experience in the industry. She is enjoying her new role as Creative Skills Manager, where she continues to inspire and empower others through her passion for the arts and commitment to fostering creative growth.