Man joined Bird College in April 2021; she is a qualified Accountant (FCCA) and holds a master’s degree in International Accounting and Financial Management from University of Glasgow. Man has more than 10 years finance and account management experience. After qualified from chartered certified accountancy practices, she joined the charitable sector 6 years ago as a senior finance person with the intension to apply financial skillset to support worthy causes.
Man has a track record of transforming internal procedures to achieve financial objectives. Her area of expertise was overseeing accounting function; managing systems and procedures to ensure best practice in terms of financial control and compliance with relevant regulations such as SORP and pension; preparing annual statutory financial statements, budget and forecast; managing annual audit.

Lutfur joined Bird College in November 2022; as an Assistant Accountant with first class BA honours degree in Accounting and Finance. Lutfur was an Assistant Management Accountant in his previous role, progressing towards becoming an Accountant. Lutfur has been keen to advance in accounting and finance and has over 8 years experience with local community, retail and education. With a strong financial background, Lutfur has a proven track record of understanding and articulating needs and requirements of management involving wider operational departments. He possesses excellent communication skills, thrives with variety, enjoys working within a dynamic team solving problems and has an ability to adapt new strengths to suit the changing demands of a business.

Tiffany recently joined Bird College in February 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Finance from City University in Hong Kong and has successfully completed the ACCA examination with over a decade of experience. Throughout her career, Tiffany has worked in various industries, gaining valuable expertise in Finance and Operations. Additionally, she has demonstrated her adaptability by working on office setup projects in prominent locations such as Beijing, Shanghai and Vietnam.

Daniel originally trained as a performer at Bird College, but has always had a passion for the technical side of theatre. He has been fortunate enough to do event management, lighting and sound design and operation for professional events across Birmingham and London. Daniel’s experience both on and off the stage has allowed him greater insight into the inner workings of a professional production and has only served to inspire and fuel his artistic vision.

James studied Stage Management at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, later obtaining his honours degree. James joined the college as an Assistant Stage Manager and Technical Support in 2019, before becoming Stage Manager in 2021. He has also had the opportunity to work professionally in touring, concerts, opera and plays alongside his career at Bird College.

Androniki has been actively involved in performing arts for a while. However, in recent years, she has developed a keen interest in the production aspect of theatre and has had the privilege of working with several companies on various productions in London, among them Bird College. Through her work, she has gained valuable insights into the creative process and demonstrated a clear aptitude for the technical aspects of theatrical production. Her hard work and dedication eventually earned her the position of Assistant Stage Manager, which she began in September 2023.

After a short period as a Bird College student, Emily joined the faculty as Assistant Stage Manager in 2022. Emily has always had a passion for theatre and has enjoyed developing this further within the capacity of the production team. Her performance training has aided her professional development, and she looks forward to the growth the role has to offer.

Georgy Baratashvilli has Georgian roots, although he was born and raised in Moscow. He demonstrated from a very early age a series of innate talents for drawing, painting, music and became a professional dancer for fifteen years. Georgy then went to study design and patternmaking in Moscow, before moving to London to complete his degree at the London College of Fashion and MA at Central Saint Martin’s fashion academy. During his studies he won several design competitions leading to collaborations with Preen and Puma. Georgy joined Bird College as the costume designer in 2017.

Dave Joined Bird college in Nov 2023.
He has been working in theatre for 35 years as a designer and set builder.
Dave came into theatre as casual show crew for The Orchard Theatre in Dartford, and gradually expanded his horizons, moving into construction at The Young Vic, Royal Court and others.
He then moved across to Rose Bruford as their professional practitioner in set construction.
Immediately prior to joining Bird College, Dave held the position of Deputy Head of Stage at The Bridge Theatre building five or six shows per year, however, the huge success of Guys and Dolls led to a long extension, with no sign of a new challenge in the near future.
The part time role at Bird College allows Dave to use his creative skills whilst he can still do freelance work in the professional field when opportunities arise.

Calum joined the college in March 2019 from Paddington Sports Club in Maida Vale where he had been the Facility Manager for two and a half years. Prior to this Calum spent a further 5.5 years in Leisure Management with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) as Centre Manager, Operations Manager, and Health and Fitness Manager. Calum simultaneously held the Operations Manager position at the Eltham Centre for 2 years. His final position within GLL was part of the team that successfully launched the newly refurbished Leytonstone Leisure Centre (formerly Cathall) in 2014.

Prior to moving into management in London, Calum graduated from Stirling University in Business Studies and Sports Studies, combined honours and was awarded with the Airthrey Trophy for ‘Most Talented Sportsperson of the year’ in his final year. He has maintained this passion in helping people develop throughout his career, and this was one of the driving forces behind seeking a move into the Education sector.

Calum manages the newly restructured facility team, reception team and cleaning contractor to manage the entire site maintenance and premises. He is also Chair to the H&S Management Committee.

Paul started his career in facilities at the age of 16  working for a London advertising company as a post room assistant. He was there for 14 years and finished his role as a facilities coordinator. Paul has also worked in media and construction industries.

In March 2017 Paul started working at Bird College on a temporary basis and was employed permanently from September 2017.

Sam joined the facilities team in 2019.

Tim moved to the UK from the Netherlands in 2012, having worked in IT for 2 years previously. Upon his relocation, Tim met the caretaker at Bird College and through introduction, became a cleaner for the college. Tim has since been appointed to the position of Premises Supervisor.

Tanya trained at Bird College of Performing Arts. Theatre credits include understudying and playing the role of Bianca/Lois in Kiss Me Kate (Chichester Festival Theatre & The Old Vic Theatre, London) Alice in All the Fun of the Fair, Wendy Jo/understudy Ariel in Footloose, Dinah/understudy Pearl in Starlight Express and Lorraine in 42nd Street (UK tours). Lisa in Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales Theatre), Kitty in Drowsy Chaperone (Upstairs at the Gatehouse) Swing in Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Loretta/understudy Mary in Tonight’s the Night (Victoria Palace Theatre), Swing in We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre), understudy Linda/Maddy in Peggy Sue Got Married (Shaftesbury Theatre), understudy Sally Smith in Me and My Girl (Alexandra Theatre Birmingham), Alice in Dick Whittington (Theatre Royal Wakefield), DuBarry was a Lady (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Mother in Aspire (Doha Qatar), Cinderella (Theatre Royal Bath) and Fred Astaire – His Daughter’s Tribute (London Palladium). Original cast recordings include We Will Rock You, Tonight’s the Night and All the Fun of the Fair. Television includes The Future WAGS of Great Britain. Film Credits include Tubby & Enid (BBC/Endor).

Carly trained at Bird College. Theatre Credits include the workshop of Feelin in the Mood for renowned choreographer Chet Walker, International and UK Productions of Chicago, The Wizard of Oz, Annie in which she played the role of Lily St Regis, Crazy For You in which she played the role of Patsy, Arms and the Cow for Opera North, Calamity Jane, Anything Goes, La Traviata for Grange Park Opera, Chess in which she played the role of The White Queen and The Wiz. She was also a featured singer and dancer for the Jean Ann Ryan Company for NCL and a member of the Moulin Rouge Company both in Paris and for their touring productions all over the world. Her choreographic credits include Rumpy Pumpy at The Union Theatre, The Music of Annemarie Lewis Thomas at The Landor Theatre, Pimpinone for the Buxton festival, Carmen for London Opera Vocal, Dangerous Daughters at The Drill Hall, The Sunshine Gang, The Ballad of Kitty Jay, Celebs Anon, The Venus Factor all at The Bridewell Theatre and pieces for Bird College productions at The Orchard Theatre. Carly has also worked with BML Workshops London as an Assistant Choreographer and Choreographer. Carly was Vice Principal and Head of Dance at The MTA from 2009 till 2016 and has an extensive teaching career both as a regular faculty member and guest teacher at the UK’s top training institutions.

Cleo is a graduate of Bird College and, in her graduating year, was offered an Agent’s Assistant position at Apollo Artist Management. Alongside this work, Cleo continued to perform as an actress and dancer. Cleo was Apollo’s first employee and helped grow & create the business over a period of 2 years, working her way up to Associate Agent. During her time at Apollo, Cleo grew her own book and worked closely with the clients to enable their career goals across the West End, the UK, internationally and on screen. Cleo has been working back at Bird College since late 2019, where she helps nurture the students and graduate clients to fulfil their potential within their careers.

Kerensa began her career in banking before moving to the aviation insurance sector for a 17 year period. She joined Bird College in 2007 as Assistant to the Registrar and was quickly promoted to Head of Registry and HR. She has held a range of posts where she has had responsibility for managing the Executive Office, HR, Facilities and Health and Safety. Following a restructure, Kerensa’s role changed in October 2018 to Executive Assistant/HR Manager. In this role, in addition to her HR responsibilities, she provides support to the Executive Directors and is Secretary to the Boards of Directors and Trustees. She also oversees the colleges IT systems and is the Data Protection Officer.

Kerensa is a graduate of the University of Greenwich having attained a Foundation Degree in Applied Professional Studies in July 2017.

Jessica graduated from Bird College in 2016, and after a short run of Spamalot (Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells), returned to work at the college later that year. Jessica now works closely with both students and staff to organise and maintain the timetable, scheduling and communication within the college, whilst providing support to Luis De Abreu, our Joint Principal and Artistic Director. In her free time, Jessica also teaches young performers in Musical Theatre, Jazz and professional development.

Serap is a specialist in Equality, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and advises widely on this topic. She is an experienced professional with a strong background in promoting EDI across various sectors. With a deep understanding of EDI principles and legislation, she has successfully led initiatives, designed and delivered training and coordinated diverse events to create inclusive environments. Her expertise includes data storytelling, policy and process reviews, strategic planning and conducting evaluations to support transformative change.

As a passionate advocate for EDI, she actively publishes EDI topics in academic journals and engages in professional networks. With a PhD in Philosophy and Humanities and a strong commitment to ethical frameworks, she brings a holistic approach to fostering inclusive practices and driving organisational and cultural change.

Her academic research areas include the Philosophy of Inclusion, Social Justice and Practice, Personal Identity, Ethics, Ethics of AI, Linguistic Bias and Inclusion, and areas of expertise include Race and Bias, Gender Equality, Intersectionality, Organisational Change Management, Unconscious Bias and Allyship.

Naomi studied at Goldsmiths University where she studied English Literature and Drama. She joined Bird College in December 2011 as Registry Manager, responsible for all aspects of Registry. In 2017 she became MIS Team Leader and manages a team within the college that is responsible for Auditions and Applications, Accommodation, DaDA Funding, Registers and Assessments. Whilst working at Bird she has also completed a Masters in Education, focusing on Culture, Language and Identity.

Louise joined the Registry team in February 2017 and supports the academic management with student examinations and awards as well as staff training policies. Prior to this role, Louise worked in central London for a British Council-accredited international school as the departmental lead for Student Services, Accommodation and Welfare. Louise holds a degree from the University of Nottingham and is also a qualified teacher of English as a Foreign Language. She has enjoyed many valuable opportunities to live and teach abroad in Poland, Costa Rica and Japan. Louise has played the saxophone for many years with the Bexley Adult Band at Bird College.

Lyn joined the MIS team at Bird College in February 2017 as a Data Coordinator with responsibility for Timetabling and Registers. She is also responsible for assessing entitlement to Dance and Drama Award funding (DaDA) for eligible Diploma students. Lyn has a wealth of experience working in FE Colleges, having previously worked as Head of Administration at Greenwich Community College, followed by three years as a Project Officer with Resources Plus Recruitment Agency in Erith and, prior to joining Bird College, as a Partnership Co-ordinator at London South East Colleges.

Tanya joined Bird College as Admission Coordinator in February 2017. A graduate in International Tourism Management from the University of East London, Tanya has previously worked in a variety of roles within the corporate hospitality sector. In her current position, she takes a lead role organizing the admissions process, from applications through to enrolment.

Lai-Sheung Chan graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts where she majored in Dance and received an Advanced Diploma. After graduation she joined the Hong Kong Ballet Company and participated in many productions, appearing in various soloist roles.

Lai-Sheung furthered her studies and gained the specialist Teaching Diploma in the Teachers’ Course for Professional Dancers at the Royal Ballet School in London. She also obtained her Advanced Certificate in Education which is accredited by the Canterbury Christ Church University College in Kent, England. In 2007, she graduated with an MA in Arts Management from the City University in London.

Lai-Sheung has been teaching and coaching classical ballet worldwide and was the Ballet Mistress for the Hong Kong Ballet Group’s Winter Production in 2001. She has also adjudicated dance awards and competitions both in the UK and Hong Kong.

Lai-Sheung has been working at Bird College since 1997. Alongside her Classical Ballet teaching post, she was the Administrator for the BA (Hons) Programme from 2005 – 2007 and then the Assistant to the Artistic Director (Performance and Timetable) from 2007 – 2017. Further to the expansion of the college, Lai-Sheung is now dedicated to the role of Events and Performance Co-ordinator and Senior Ballet Tutor.

Kathryn trained at Bird College, graduating in 2019. She began part-time administrative work at the College during her final year of training and was appointed to the position of Marketing Administrator upon graduation. The multifaceted role includes, but is not limited to, managing all social platforms, career events, Bird College Short Courses, open days and graphics.

Sebastian studied at the University of Greenwich on the BA (Hons) in English Literature & Creative Writing. Since graduating in 2018 Sebastian has worked in academic, national and college libraries as a librarian and information professional. His experience includes the British Library, University College London and St. Charles Catholic Sixth Form College. Sebastian joined the college in April 2022.

Mo has been the body conditioning teacher at Bird for a number of years. Outside of college, Mo is a personal trainer and high-performance gymnastics coach.

Registered with the Health and care professions council and member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Sue is a graduate of Coventry University and has worked extensively as a Physiotherapist in private practice for BMI healthcare and BUPA and independently with her own company, the NHS and overseas in Southeast Asia in Laos and Thailand as a mentor/project manager responsible for helping to develop Children and Adult services.

Sue joined the college in 2014.Sue has additional qualifications and interests in Acupuncture and dry needling and is an accredited member of the AACP, Manual therapy: including sports massage, trigger point release /soft tissue release, mobilizations, and grade V manipulations. She is also a Certified APPI (Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute) Pilates Reformer and Mat work Instructor, TRX trainer and trained in Level 1 and 2 Therapeutic yoga and is also prone to a bit of K taping!

Hannah joined Bird College in November 2017 to assist with the learning support team. Hannah has a strong background in Psychology, and she completed her PhD in the field of Educational Psychology in 2019 and has previously worked as a Psychology Lecturer. Furthermore, she has also delivered talks at several international conferences, most recently at the International Conference held by the British Dyslexia Association. Hannah’s responsibilities mainly include delivering one-to-one tutorials to students helping them with essays or developing strategies for practical learning. Occasionally, Hannah will also deliver academic skills lectures, such as referencing. Hannah is also dyslexic herself, so she can easily empathise with students and loves nothing more than helping students to develop strategies to overcome any difficulties they are facing.

Heather is an experienced Psychotherapist, qualifying from Roehampton University in 2009 as a Dramatherapist. Since then, Heather has worked in many services for young people and for the last 7 years she has developed a creative arts based therapy service in a London NHS Trust. In 2022 Heather trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming) which is the recommended trauma intervention for PTSD and processing traumatic events. In a previous life, Heather trained at Arts Educational London, graduating in 1997, where she then spent many years performing and teaching dance and drama. Dramatherapy then felt like the perfect for path; using the knowledge and skills of Drama to bring about personal change and growth within therapy. Heather offers a safe and creative space for students to be able to process, reflect and find ways to manage experiences and difficult feelings.

Sharie holds a BA(Hons) in Dance Theatre from the Laban Centre (now Trinity Laban). After working in dance education, Sharie moved into more pastoral roles, fostering an interest in the mind / body / behaviour connection. She has undergone extensive training as an integrative therapist, gaining an MSc in Therapeutic Counselling from the University of Greenwich in July 2019. As part of her training, Sharie did a counselling placement at the College and joined the Wellbeing Team as a qualified practitioner in September 2019.

Sharie is qualified to provide a therapeutic approach that is individualised for each client, considering their unique needs. She is committed to providing psychotherapeutic therapy which is informed by the latest research and regularly undertakes further training and development to keep her practice updated. She is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.