Mairead McCormack is a Programme Officer with Arts Care and a Visual Artist with a background in textiles. She holds a First Class Honours in Textile Art with Design and Fashion from Ulster University. Her practice combines fabric manipulation, hand embroidery, analog and digital collage, and painting to explore themes of identity, memory and connectivity. Alongside her practice, Mairead had over 10 years of experience developing and delivering creative workshops and community arts programmes across a range of settings. She has worked with organisations including Nerve Centre, Arts Ekta, Craft NI, Voluntary Arts, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and the Lyric Theatre. Mairead is passionate about making art accessible to everyone and creating warm welcoming spaces where people can build confidence, connect with others and discover the joy of creative expression.

Stephen Doyle is a Project Officer with Arts Care. He is a medical doctor (MB BCh BAO Hons) and a writer of literary fiction. He holds a PhD in Medical Education that extensively incorporates Lacanian psychoanalysis. He is deeply interested in the role of arts and culture in society and its impact on physical and mental wellbeing. His work sits at the intersection of artistic practice, psychoanalytic thought, and intercultural exchange.

Barry Macaulay BEM brings over 25 years of expertise in health, social care, and disability to Arts Care, joining from his role as NI Director at the Stroke Association.  His career began in social work and advanced into senior management within the third sector, notably with RNIB and Stroke Association.  Recognised for his impact on Disability Sport in Northern Ireland, Barry was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2019.  A dedicated musician, Barry has been involved with Arts Care for over 15 years, volunteering his talents at countless sessions and events, making him a familiar and passionate advocate for the transformative power of the arts.

Stephanie McKervill joined Arts Care in 2018, bringing a wealth of experience and a lifelong passion for inclusive theatre.  A trained actor, Stephanie has toured extensively across the UK, Ireland, Europe, and the USA in both plays and musical productions. Her work spans roles as director, producer, playwright, and facilitator, with a commitment to creating accessible theatre.  Previously, as Creative Manager at Dark Horse Theatre, she championed ‘the Silent Approach,’ fostering an inclusive space for all.  Stephanie is a dedicated advocate for Creative Health and collaborates closely with Arts Care’s talented artists.  In her downtime, she enjoys singing, playing piano and clarinet, blues dancing, and performing whenever she can.

Julianne Skillen joined Arts Care in October 2023, bringing over 28 years of experience in participatory arts, community, and education.  Originally trained as an art historian and teacher, Julianne has held diverse roles, including Funding Officer for ACNI, Belfast City Council, and TNLCF, as well as Development Manager at Community Arts Partnership and Heritage Officer for ArtsEkta.  She is deeply passionate about the transformative power of the arts and the joy of creativity for its own sake.  Julianne is also a skilled florist and floral arts facilitator. In her spare time, she loves connecting with nature, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing with her dachshund, Frank.

Karen Parkinson joined Arts Care in November 2022, bringing a wealth of expertise in finance and accountancy across diverse sectors.  Since joining, she has transformed Arts Care’s finance department, providing invaluable insights and support.  Passionate about the charity sector, Karen previously spent over 13 years with Sure Start and continues to volunteer with Helping Hands – Autism Support. Known for her vibrant personality, she’s also recognised for having the prettiest office and the most impressive nails around!

Michelle Young is a creative writer, educator and Literacy consultant passionate about empowering young people to find their voice. A former primary school teacher, she now specialises in using creative writing, storytelling and spoken word to build emotional literacy, connection and wellbeing as well as confident writers. Through her work, Michelle helps young people express themselves through words, visual art, and multi-dimensional creative projects. As part of the IGNITE Programme, Michelle will guide participants in capturing their ideas, dreams and solutions to community issues, using creative problem-solving techniques rooted in emotional awareness, empathy and innovation. She is particularly committed to helping young people articulate real-world, achievable solutions to problems in their local environments – supporting them to take ownership, build confidence, and foster a sense of purpose and pride. Michelle brings extensive experience from both educational and community settings. She holds a BSc in Psychology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and a CPD Certificate in Personal, Social and Health Education. Alongside her IGNITE role, she is Writer-in-Residence for Arts Care in the Western Health & Social Care Trust and runs her own creative writing business, Ink Wing Academy. Michelle also facilitates for The Pushkin Trust and Community Arts Partnership, using the words within the arts to drive impact and positive change.

Graham Ginty is a digital artist, electronic musician and educator with over 25 years’ experience working across music production, animation, filmmaking and digital art. A passionate advocate for using creative technology to empower and inspire, Graham specialises in hands-on, accessible workshops that introduce young people to the expressive potential of digital tools. As a Project Artist for the IGNITE Programme, Graham will use iPads, styluses and creative software to help participants explore social issues that matter to them through digital storytelling, animation, sound, and visual art. His sessions will encourage imaginative problem-solving while nurturing confidence, collaboration, and creative agency. Young people will have the chance to pitch real-world ideas and express their voices through interactive, tech-driven mediums. Graham brings extensive experience from both educational and community arts contexts. He previously lectured in DJ skills at SERC, helped establish the acclaimed SonicAcademy.com, and now runs Waveform Digital Media, delivering creative digital programmes for youth. His work with organisations including WheelWorks, Bounce Culture and The Grand Opera House has consistently focused on widening access to the arts and making creativity fun, relevant and future-focused. Graham’s IGNITE sessions promise to be vibrant, inclusive and full of possibility.

Mhairi Sutherland is a visual artist, educator and curator with over two decades of experience delivering creative projects that foster community connection, emotional wellbeing and social engagement. Throughout her career across Scotland and the island of Ireland, Mhairi has specialised in socially engaged practice, using art to empower individuals and groups to explore contemporary social issues. As a Project Artist on the IGNITE Programme, Mhairi will support young people to creatively problem-solve real-world challenges in their communities, helping them to connect with their local environment, build pride of place, and express solutions through visual storytelling. Her approach is rooted in collaboration, empathy and creative thinking, encouraging participants to develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for the world around them. Mhairi has delivered innovative programmes with organisations including the Verbal Arts Centre, CAWT, SEUPB’s PEACE IV initiatives, the Woodland Trust and the Prison Arts Foundation. Her work consistently champions young voices and fosters critical thinking through accessible, impactful creative engagement. She holds a PhD from TU Dublin and an MFA with Distinction from Ulster University. Mhairi’s involvement in IGNITE will ensure young people are equipped to articulate change through creativity, connection, and community-led action.