Mike Collier - Chief Executive Officer

Mike was appointed as CEO in September 2023.  Prior to this Mike was Deputy CEO of the Trust and was previously Headteacher at Walker Riverside Academy for 11 years during which time he also undertook a part-time headship at the William Lovell Academy in Lincoln.  Walker is in one of the most disadvantaged areas of Newcastle and from this Mike has a passion for ensuring the Trust provides a highly inclusive education for all pupils attending TCAT schools.

Mike is committed to ensuring that TCAT provides the very best education for all children attending our schools.

Melissa Dobrianski - Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary

Melissa joined the TCAT central team as Head of HR & Business Operations in October 2020 and was appointed as Chief Operating Officer in September 2023.

In her role Melissa is the specialist lead across the Trust for all aspects of HR and provides strategic HR support and advice working in alignment and partnership with our academies.  In addition to shaping employment policies and practices, ensuring the Trust has robust recruitment and onboarding practices and supporting the Trust's culture, Melissa is also responsible for other areas of strategic leadership including being the Trust's Company Secretary and leading on business support and external SLAs and contracts.

Prior to working in the TCAT central team, Melissa worked in a smaller MAT as a Chief Operating Officer and previously held a role leading a team of HR staff providing HR services to schools within Sunderland Local Authority.

Melissa is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, has a degree in Business Studies and a Masters in Human Resources Management.

Steve Downing - Director of IT Learning & Services

Steve has been employed as the Trust's Director of IT Learning and Services since September 2022, prior to this he led the IT Service at Walker Riverside Academy.  Steve is a qualified teacher and SLE and has the benefit of a wealth of experience as both a classroom teacher and leading an IT team to give a real insight and understanding of the educational IT requirements of our schools in addition to business requirements.  Steve has over 15 years of teaching and leadership experience within IT, Computer Science and digital strategy.  He was designated as a Specialist Leader of Education in 2014 and a Google for Education Certified Trainer in 2017.

Steve holds a LLB (Hons.) Liverpool University, MSc (Computer Science) Newcastle University, PGCE Leeds Metropolitan University, MA (Education) Northumbria University and a  NPQSL.  Steve is also a Google Certified Educator Level 1 & 2, Google for Education Certified Trainer and a Google Certified ChromeOS Administrator

Steve's ethos is:

"If it’s not good enough for my own children, it’s not good enough".

Narinder is currently a Deputy Headteacher at Monkwearmouth Academy overseeing the Quality of Education and Personal Development and was appointed Partnership Coordinator in June 2024.

Narinder has a honours degree and a PGCE in history and has the NPQH qualification. Narinder has been a senior leader for 12 years and in that time she has led on pastoral, history, teaching and learning, assessment, quality assurance, appraisal and CPD. 

Narinder's Belief: 

"As a Teaching and Learning Lead, my core ethos is rooted in the belief that an exceptional education experience is the foundation for a life of opportunity and success.  Every student, regardless of their background or starting point, deserves access to an outstanding and equitable education. I am dedicated to developing a culture of high aspirations and continuous improvement, where every classroom is a space for both academic rigor and joyful discovery."

Leanne joined Walker Riverside Academy as Director of Maths in September 2023 and has been appointed as a Partnership Facilitator for Maths from January 2024.

Leanne has a honours degree and a PGCE in maths and has the NPQH qualification.  Leanne has been a senior leader for 19 years leading on maths, teaching and learning and data as well as acting as a consultant developing e-technologies.

Leanne's ethos is:

"Young people are the future and we must provide them with a future which has options through educational opportunities and support."

Amanda is currently Assistant Head of Science at Monkwearmouth Academy and a Partnership Facilitator from January 2024.

Amanda has a honours degree in biochemistry and a PGCE in Chemistry.  Amanda has been employed as a Teacher of Science, has acted as a mentor for ITT and ECT students and also has pastoral experience as a Head of Year and Transition Coordinator.

Amanda's ethos is:

"Science should be made accessible to all students.  Understanding science allows young people to explain phenomena in the world around them, develop an inquisitive mind and make responsible decisions in their everyday life."

Joanne is a highly experienced senior leader who has achieved the National Professional Qualification in Headship with a passion for pedagogy and quality teaching. 

She leads CPD, English and Quality of Education at North East Futures UTC and has had significant experience teaching and leadership at Walker Riverside Academy.

Linsay Carmichael is a passionate geographer and an experienced Assistant Head Teacher with a strong focus on curriculum design and implementation. With a robust track record in leading quality assurance and enhancing teaching and learning practices at Walker Riverside, Linsay is dedicated to fostering professional development among all educators enabling them to make the best decision for their own context. 

Holding qualifications in Senior Leadership, Leading Teacher Development and as a Qualified Coach for Leadership and Management, Linsay combines her expertise across a range of education areas with a passion for supporting colleagues and learners to be the best they can be.