Our People
Ciara McGeown
Founder & Creative Director
Ciara McGeown is the founder and Creative Director of CMAC Creative Arts & Wellbeing, leading the development and delivery of inclusive creative arts programmes across education, health & wellbeing, community and commercial settings.
Ciara holds a BA in Drama from Queen’s University Belfast, a Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts from Belfast Metropolitan College, and a Diploma in Teaching Speech and Drama with the London College of Music (University of West London). With 20 years’ experience, she specialises in drama, communication and performance-based practice, supporting children, young people and adults to build confidence, communication, creativity and connection through the arts.
Ciara is a process-based creative practitioner, placing strong value on the creative journey as well as the final outcome. Alongside her arts practice, she has undertaken extensive study in psychotherapy, which continues to inform her reflective, trauma-aware and person-centred approach to creative facilitation.
Alongside her educational and facilitation work, Ciara provides creative direction across a wide range of projects, from long-term arts and wellbeing programmes to large-scale public events and performances. She works collaboratively with communities and organisations to create meaningful creative experiences that celebrate people, process and possibility.
Outside of her work, Ciara lives with her husband Michael, their two young daughters and two much-loved dogs. She enjoys family time, getting away on holidays, and the simple joy of a good book.
Bethany Hughes
Creative Assistant & Performer
Bethany Hughes is a Creative Assistant and performer with CMAC Creative Arts & Wellbeing, supporting the delivery of creative projects through rehearsal support, creative assistance and choreography across selected programmes and performances.
Alongside her work with CMAC, Bethany works as an Assistant Choreographer with the Showstopper Musical Theatre classes at The Bardic Theatre, contributing to the development and delivery of performance work with children and young people.
Bethany is also an accomplished performer, appearing regularly in large-scale seasonal events including Fright Night and Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle, as well as in short films and musical theatre productions. She is represented by a professional talent agency, IAP Talent Group.
When she’s not treading the boards or involved in creative work, Bethany enjoys spending time with family and catching up with friends. She brings energy, humour and a strong work ethic to the CMAC team, and is someone the whole team can rely on.
Ciara Scullion
Creative Support
Ciara Scullion supports CMAC Creative Arts & Wellbeing across selected programmes, working closely with service users to help sessions feel calm, welcoming and well supported. She plays an important behind-the-scenes role, offering reassurance, encouragement and practical support, and is never far away with a kind word or a comforting cup of tea when it’s needed.
Alongside her work with CMAC, Ciara has extensive professional experience in make-up and special effects, and is Head of Make-Up and Special Effects at The Jungle, leading the make-up department for large-scale seasonal events including Fright Night and Christmas Wonderland. She also works as a hairdresser, bringing the same care, attention to detail and people-first approach to her wider professional practice.
Outside of work, Ciara is married to Adrian and is a proud mum of three. She is valued within the CMAC team for her warmth, reliability and the genuine care she brings to every space she’s part of.
Cathal Donnelly
Creative Assistant
Cathal Donnelly is a Creative Assistant with CMAC Creative Arts & Wellbeing, supporting rehearsals and creative activity across selected projects. He brings enthusiasm, reliability and a genuinely positive attitude to everything he does.
Cathal assists with the preparation of rehearsal spaces and choreography, and is known within the team for his energy, focus and willingness to get involved. His presence adds warmth to the room and supports the collaborative spirit of CMAC.
Outside of CMAC, Cathal has a busy schedule attending a range of day opportunities and is a talented artist and painter, continuing to explore creativity in many different forms. Cathal is a much-loved member of the team and regularly reminds us of the importance of learning from one another.
Working Together
Alongside our core team, CMAC works with a small number of trusted sessional staff who provide cover and continuity when needed. We are also supported by a wider circle of creative collaborators and arts professionals, whose contributions and shared expertise enrich our programmes. These relationships are deeply valued and help shape the care, quality and consistency of our work.