Chris is a senior IT architect who has worked for some of the world's most successful technology companies. He specialises in setting up and running technology governance, business case and decision-making processes to make sure that every penny spent on IT is a penny well-spent.
Chris has previously competed on the amateur ballroom dancing circuit and is very familiar with the challenges that arise when trying to get good at something which is outside your comfort zone and doesn't come naturally. He also knows the joy of participating in dance and, eventually, succeeding.
Chris lives in Brixton, South London, with his wife and their dog.
Having worked as a volunteer in Magpie Dance youth classes for several years, Jade wanted to continue to help grow and develop Magpie Dance and saw becoming a Trustee as an opportunity to use her professional skills (alongside her passion for Magpie Dance) to do this.
Jade currently works as a Product Manager/Owner managing a website for a large insurance firm based in London, and has over 6 years of Project and Product management experience looking at organisational change, app, website and systems development and commercial trading. Before becoming a Product Manager, Jade built a solid career within Digital Marketing, winning awards for the clients she worked with, as well as being listed as a top 30 under 30 within the industry.
Aside from her day job Jade is passionate about Diversity & Inclusion, having managed an employee network for several years which addresses gender diversity and equality.
Originally from Kent, Aaron began his professional dance training at Laine Theatre Arts going on to performed across multiple genres in the West End and with touring companies. During this time, he was always passionate about bringing ‘Dance for All’ through regular dance teaching, workshops and platforms to encourage and challenge the perception of dance. Currently, Aaron is Joint Course Leader for the BA Performance and Head of Dance at Mountview where he works with a rich a diverse community of actors and creatives, continuing his passion and challenging the status quo. Aaron is delighted to bring his skills and expertise to Magpie Dance and hopes that one day, inclusive dance practice will be ingrained into every dancer's experience.
Megan is an experienced lawyer, having worked in top-tier law firms and leading financial institutions for more than ten years. She has a first class law degree from Cardiff University, and an MBA from Cambridge University. As a former student of The Royal Ballet School, she is passionate about the arts. In addition to sitting on the board of Magpie Dance, she is a Beyond Dance mentor at Dancers’ Career Development, where she enjoys supporting current and former professional dancers in both personal development and career transition.
Faye has worked in Higher Education for over ten years, with a focus on arts education. Her HE career started in Madrid as Marketing Manager at IE University. A move to London in 2014 took her to Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where she was instrumental in establishing the student recruitment and international relations department; increasing international student numbers and securing international partnerships, a role she returned to in 2021. She has also worked at the Royal Academy of Dance as Education Marketing Manager, and Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Faye co-chaired Independent Higher Education’s Marketing and Recruitment Network for 2 years.
A life-long dancer who is believes dance is for everybody, Faye also volunteers with inclusive dance company Step Change Studios, assisting with inclusive dance classes and takes lessons in everything from Flamenco to Balboa!
Jess graduated from the University of Chichester with a BA (Hons) in Dance, with a special interest in choreography. Since leaving university, Jess started her HR career at the NHS whilst completing her Advanced Level 7 CIPD qualification in HR Management in 2016, later moving on from the public sector to work in the private sector and across several industries, including arts, charity, retail, hospitality, tech and fitness.
Currently working at The Old Vic as HR Associate Director, Jess is also part of an arts network with other theatres and arts organisations to share best practice and make the industry more accessible. Jess is passionate about wellbeing, inclusion within the Arts and hopes to share this in supporting Magpie Dance on their journey.
Ailisha believes that arts and culture are essential components for creating a vibrant and inclusive society. She has a deep understanding of the importance of equal access to resources, programs, and services and is a strong advocate for creating equitable opportunities for all members of our communities so they can express themselves through the arts.
She currently works as a Transformation Programme Manager and has over 15 years’ experience of leading teams and delivering strategic change in large organisations. She is passionate about social mobility and mentors young women as well as volunteers with a charity that champions economic justice for young women.
With previous trustee experience as a member of the board for a charity-based nursery, Ailisha is looking forward to further creating meaningful and impactful change for those that need it as a trustee for Magpie Dance.
Born in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Anaish completed his BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance at London Contemporary Dance School. Following his studies he worked as a performer, choreographer and teacher, working on shows such as ‘In the Night Garden Live’, and creating work for his own company, Porkpie Dance Theatre. Since 2015, Anaish has switched careers into charity fundraising and has developed his skills at Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation. He has joined Magpie Dance as a trustee with the belief that dance is for everyone and is hugely enthusiastic about helping the company to unlock and build confidence of its students, through movement and music.
Eamonn Prendergast is a Chartered Financial Adviser/Director (MSCI) (APFS), regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). He operates within a highly regulated environment and now runs his own business where he works with both individuals and company owners to help them achieve their financial goals and objectives. His accolades as a financial adviser include being a finalist in The PFS Retirement & Later Life Specialist of the Year Award in 2020/21, 21/22, and 2023/24, as well as reaching the final in The Professional Adviser Award in 2020 and being recognized as the Rising Star of The Year in 2022. After graduating from university with a degree in Business Studies, he worked as an Analyst at several investment banks, including Bank of America and Merrill Lynch.
Outside of work, he has a deep passion for sports. As a junior, he was ranked in the top 10 in England in the 1500m and 3000m track events and represented his county in cross country. During his late teens and adulthood, Eamonn boxed and competed as an amateur boxer. Now, at the age of 48, he has transitioned to cycling and competes for two cycling clubs, specialising in time trials.
