Global Patron

Michael Flatley

Michael Flatley first stepped onto the world stage 26 years ago in Riverdance; a
performance he created that caught the attention of millions around the world. He went on to create a full-scale show of the same name and two years later his next show Lord of the Dance. Since then, his name and live shows have become synonymous with spectacular artistry and grand scale productions that have mesmerised audiences around the globe. 

He has created, directed and produced several successful shows and has performed at iconic locations. With his conviction that “nothing is impossible” Michael Flatley has broken many world
records throughout his career.

Michael Flatley has been recognizsd by many establishments and received numerous awards for his contribution to the entertainment industry and the promotion and enrichment of the arts. His philanthropy extends across Europe and the Americas in a variety of sectors
from the arts to sports, medical research, children’s charities and supporting the elderly.

His determination and drive to succeed against the odds have been an inspiration to people from all walks of life and has encouraged many to follow their dreams.

Founder & Chair

Bethany

I graduated from University in 2008 with a first class honours in Contemporary Dance and established Nuvo Wellbeing; an award winning social enterprise 6 months later, after identifying a lack of suitable physical activity provision, to boost health and wellbeing within local communities – often suffering from health and social inequalities. The multi award-winning social enterprise has supported thousands of people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. 

Since establishing Nuvo Wellbeing I have also completed a PGCE and MA in Professional Dance with a key focus on Community and Health. Awards received include Ernst & Young Future 50, The Gazette Chief Executive Awards; North East Young Business Person of the Year, David Goldman Prize for Innovation & Susan Dobson Business Woman of the Year and Social Entrepreneurs Index 2020.

Project & Communications Manager

Natalie

My connection to Nuvo Wellbeing spans beyond my current role, as I attended dance sessions under the instruction of our founder for over a decade, allowing me to see the founding of Nuvo Wellbeing and development to a successful social enterprise.

I graduated from Newcastle University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies in 2017 and shortly after began working for Nuvo Wellbeing. Since then I have gained a range of qualifications including Dip in Mindfulness, Dip in Laughter Therapy and CET, and I now manage Nuvo Wellbeing and our training branch ActivCare Training.

I am passionate about empowering lives through accessible wellbeing programmes and have been recognised as a ‘Change Maker’ in Northern Power Women Future List 2024.

Finance & Administration Officer

Pauline

I joined Nuvo Wellbeing in 2009 working part-time as a Finance & Administration Officer and have seen the enterprise grow from strength to strength. I am based at the Head Office in Billingham and enjoy hearing about the fantastic work the Practitioners are doing within local communities when they pop in to the office each week.

Working in such a community focused organisation is very inspiring and has led me to develop my own personal interest in British Sign Language and Counselling. I enjoy greeting our guests when they visit the office and look forward to welcoming you on your next visit.

Business Adminstration Apprentice

Millie

I have attended Nuvo Wellbeing’s community dance sessions and performed in many of the shows for over 7+ years. In 2022 I completed a Level 3 Sport Qualification and Level 2 Exercise to Music Qualification to allow me to deliver Dance and Fitness sessions for Nuvo Wellbeing before then joining the team full-time as a Business Administration apprentice. 

I am keen to support Nuvo Wellbeing’s mission and expand my own skills to increase the organisations ever growing community!

Non-Executive Director

Roisin

I am delighted to join Nuvo Wellbeing as a Non-Executive Director. As an Irish Dance Teacher and ex-professional dancer, I believe that my passion, experience and interest in dance, wellbeing and positivity will align well with Nuvo’s ethos and ambitions for the future. I am a keen supporter of charity and possess a strong community focus. Furthermore, as my roots lie within the North East, I am honoured to be involved in a local, community driven, innovative enterprise.

I have danced since the age of three under my mother’s Irish dance school, Healy-O Donnell School, which I now co own and co teach, taking a seven-year break to travel the world as a principal and back line dancer in Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. In addition to my dancing career, I also studied Law, graduating from Newcastle Law school back in 2013. In 2018, I qualified as a solicitor and currently specialise in Private Client work at McKeag & Co Solicitors in Gosforth. Believe it or not, there are many transferable skills between being a dancer, dance teacher and a lawyer!

I thank the Nuvo team for inviting me on their board and I am excited for what lies ahead!

Non-executive Director

Lesley

After being diagnosed with an Underactive Thyroid at 25 years old I realised the importance of staying active. I strongly believe activity is paramount for our mental and physical wellbeing. I worked in the health and wellness industry for over 10 years before moving on to providing support to businesses.

I am passionate about spreading the word about wellness and activity as I personally know how it got me through a horrid health scare and still plays a huge role in my life today at 53 years old!

Training Coordinator

Rachael

I graduated in 2015 with a degree in International Retail Marketing and following this, I completed my PGDE in Primary Teaching. I have always been enthusiastic about education, I love helping people reach their potential and to see them grow in confidence. Having a diploma in Child Psychology has given me a deeper understanding of the biopsychosocial model of health which supports my role as Training Coordinator. 

I am so excited to have joined the Nuvo team as I feel so strongly about their wellbeing mission. 

Dance & Fitness Instructor

Becca

From the age of 3 I loved to dance! At 21 I graduated from the University of Northampton with a BA Hons in Dance and have continued my passion for Dance at Nuvo Wellbeing. During my time at University, I had the opportunity to see first hand the power of movement and dance in the community in my role as Manager of Playgrounds Dance Company.

After graduating from Northampton with a 2:1 in Dance, I went on to qualify with my Level 3 Personal Training Fitness qualification with pre and postnatal specialty. Using these skills I built a successful community-based fitness company where I continued to carry out my passion to deliver and teach others how to live an active lifestyle and the impact it can have on quality of life.

Over the past 10 years I have witnessed first hand how important keeping active is, and how fun it can be! I love working with a wide range of ages and abilities, using a variety of activities to engage and facilitate movement. I’m excited to work with Nuvo-Wellbeing and get into the community to make a difference to the lives
of individuals seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Dance & Fitness Instructor

Charlotte

After training competitively for 8 years in freestyle disco, latin and ballroom, I went on to complete my degree BA(Hons) Dance and Performance in 2016. It was here where I became captain of the Dance Society and advanced contemporary choreographer, which is where my love of teaching began. Since then I’ve had teaching roles in schools, universities and clubs across the UK allowing me to meet people from varying cultural, economic and social backgrounds, and deliver sessions to a wide range of ages, genders and disabilities. 

In addition to teaching, I worked for the NHS as a physiotherapy associate practitioner where I gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in assisting, assessing and treating older people to support rehabilitation as well as adults with long term health conditions. I’ve achieved qualifications such as Moving and Handling Assessor, Fire Marshall, Safeguarding Level 2 & 3, Care Certificate and Emergency First Aid. Some personal achievements include being a part of Team UK at the Cheerleading World Championships, winning ‘Best Overall Club’ for BNU Dance Society which I captained, awarded a National Scholarship to study at Bucks New University and achieved Premier Championship Level in ADFP freestyle dancing nationally. 

Nutritionist & Tutor

Catherine

I am a qualified nutritionist, tutor and chef with over 30 years of experience in the food industry.

I began my journey straight from leaving school, when I worked in hospital kitchens training to be a chef. From there I moved to London and became a licensee, running a pub restaurant for a number of years. After deciding to move back to the North East, I began running a school kitchen.

Knowing I had practical experience behind me, I made the decision to pursue a more academic career and began studying for my BSc degree in Food Science and Nutrition at Northumbria University. Once qualified, I also studied for and obtained my PGCE from Sunderland University.

My role within the Nuvo Wellbeing team involves delivering practical healthy eating sessions within the local community. These courses are aimed at educating people on how to make healthy lifestyle choices, while cooking on a budget.

Dance & Fitness Instructor

Greta

I am a movement specialist specialising in yoga and dance training. While studying a degree in Contemporary Dance I discovered the restorative, physical and mental benefits of exercise and yoga. I am passionate about working with the community and helping others discover the benefits of yoga.

My classes focus on relieving stress and promoting wellbeing through movement. I’m a dedicated movement specialist who strongly believes in the health and stress relieving benefits of yoga and exercise. For me, it’s not about tracking the miles ran it’s about how exercise makes you feel.