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Our Team

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Katie Heywood

Founder/CEO

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Miracle

Young Leader

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Michelle McDonnell

Director

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Laura Hughes

Pastoral Support

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Anthony Halliday

Assistant Facilitator

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Vian

Young Leader

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Maisy

Young Leader

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Dan

Assistant Facilitator

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Mirabel

Young Leader

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Julia Carlile

Ambassador

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Charlotte Lazenby

Managing Director

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Melissa Hale

Director

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Chloe Jones

Pastoral Support

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Holly McDonough

Assistant to CEO

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Shahd Mohammed

Assistant Facilitator

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Carly Hope

Director

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Our Ambassador, Julia Carlile

Hi! My name is Julia Carlile and I am a 24 dancer / actress from Merseyside, most commonly known for being lead member in the dance group MerseyGirls from Britains Got Talent, getting the golden buzzer and making it to the finals which led to many amazing opportunities.

I first came across Unistar in 2025 when I taught a dance workshop with their young people. From that moment, I loved everything about what they stand for and knew it was something I wanted to be involved with.

My journey hasn’t been easy, after being diagnosed with scoliosis at aged 6, I was told I would need surgery and would not be able to dance professionally after this. However, my determination and love for dance kept me going and 4 spinal surgeries later I have since returned to the stage despite some limitations… and a spine made of metal!!

I’m so proud to be Unistar’s ambassador because I’m really passionate about inspiring the next generation and I really believe in how powerful performing arts can be when it comes to building confidence, making friends, and opening up opportunities for young people.

I’m excited to help young people feel strong enough to achieve anything they want in this life no matter the challenges they  may face!

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Paul Barber, Honorary Patron

Paul Barber, the talented Liverpool actor, has been a supporter of Unistar from the very beginning. His encouraging message to young people is simple yet powerful: "Be yourself and believe in yourself!" 

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Read what our Young Worker, Holly has to say about working for Unistar....

My name is Holly, I am 17 years old and I have been a part of Unistar for over 2 years now. I started working as a young leader 18 months ago. I have now progressed to 'Assistant to CEO' and I love my job! Unistar provide an amazing community of people to work with and are so welcoming to new people. I first came across Unistar over 2 years ago when Katie, the founder, came to An hour for others for a drama workshop. From there she asked me to go to her Youth Theatre to play a part in a play, I instantly loved it. Once that play was over Katie offered the opportunity to work as one of the first young leaders of Unistar, saying yes was the best decision I could have made!I am so proud to work for Unistar and recommened to everyone whenever I can to join us! I love to watch the impact that performing arts can have on young people and how it can make their confidence grow, bring them out of their shell and create long lasting friendships!

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