Our Local Governing Body
David Eglese, Community Governor, Chair
I have lived in South Manchester since 2009, working in Higher Education for MMU and currently the University of Manchester as the Head of Data Science within the External Relations department. Prior to this I lived in South Yorkshire where I completed my undergraduate studies, teacher training and taught secondary ICT and Business Studies. I’m married with two children and play table tennis in the local leagues in my spare time. I’m passionate about education and supporting learners to reach their full potential.
You can contact our Chair of the Local Governing body by emailing d.eglese @kingswaycommunitytrust.co.uk, or by writing to David c/o Cringle Brook Primary.
Lisa Vyas, Executive Headteacher (CEO), Trustee
I am Executive Headteacher working across the Kingsway Community Trust. I have a strong commitment to working in Manchester and have taught in this area for the whole of my teaching career. I became headteacher at Ladybarn in 1998 and Green End in 2007, taking it from special measures within 7 months. I was in the first cohort of Primary school improvement partners and I have also mentored future headteachers through the Manchester Aspiring Leaders programme. I have a passion for working in urban schools to raise aspiration and self-belief of children and their families.
Ariana Yakas, Trustee & Vice Chair of the Trust Board
Lead Trustee for Safeguarding
I live in inner-city Manchester and I am an experienced Business Systems Analyst and IT Project Manager. Until October 2020 I worked for the Open University as an Associate Lecturer, specialising in Strategy Development, Project Management, Risk and Developing Successful Systems. I have been a school governor since 2000 first at my children’s schools and then at other local schools helping them develop effective governance models. I have extensive experience in helping schools in Special Measures, Performance Management, Finance and recruiting senior leaders in schools. I was chair of Kingsway Community Trust from 2012 until 2022. I have been a National Leader of Governance and in June 2016 I was awarded an MBE for my services to education (governance) in Greater Manchester. I have three adult children all who went to their local state schools.
Kevin Moran, Community Trustee
Lead Trustee for Personnel
I joined the Trust as Parent Governor in 2015 before becoming Chair in 2019 until 2023. I am now a Community Trustee on the Trust Board. I have worked as a Civil Servant in the DWP since 2001, and as a manager from 2009. Before that I worked for a short time for an examination board. In my spare time I like listening to music and watching films.
Philippa Bird, Parent Governor Cringle Brook Primary
I am currently an inclusion and diversity manager focusing on equality of opportunity within the financial services. My work experience spans strategic and media planning roles.
Along with our two children, my partner Trond and I feel at home in Levenshulme. We love being part of its vibrant, multicultural community. I try to stay fit and enjoy playing the piano, creative writing and travelling with my family.
Lis Smith, Staff Governor
I joined Cringle Brook as a Reading Assistant in 2015 and I am now a SEN & EAL Teaching Assistant.
For over ten years, I worked for the Christie Hospital in the Human Resources Department.
I have two sons and one daughter and in my spare time, enjoy going down to the allotment, doing the weekly park run and volunteering for age concern.
I love working at Cringle Brook and really enjoy the role of Staff Governor.