Sara Kelly
How long have you been working at ADY?
2017
Favourite TV show:
I love reading – anything and everything! Theatre
Hobbies:
Reading a book or baking
Why did you want to work at ADY?
I have been part of Deaf Community since I was born and all of my family is Deaf. Our parents took us to ADY when we were children and I loved it there. All the fun activities and socialising with my peers. I went away to school in England and when I came back, I decided that I wanted to give something back to my community. So I decided to volunteer at Action Deaf Youth and that was in September 2012. I haven’t looked back. I really enjoyed working with Children and Young people. I love creating fun, educational, enjoyable and messy activities for them to do. My favourite part of working at ADY is Residentials and I love doing them.
Sarah Hill
How long have you been working at ADY?
2018
Favourite TV show:
Strictly Come Dancing
Hobbies:
Baking cupcakes or painting
Why did you want to work at ADY?
I was 16 when I joined the youth club and made so many new friends and learned more about the deaf community that when I got older I realised I wanted to do the same thing for other young deaf people. I wanted to create a safe space for them where they feel like they will not be misunderstood or out of place when in our care. My favourite thing to do in the youth club is art & crafts, I think it is the best way to express ourselves even if it gets messy and we have to clean it all up.
Lorraine O’Neill
How long have you been working at ADY?
2019
Favourite TV show:
Saturday Kitchen
Hobbies:
Cooking….I LOVE a dinner party!!
Why did you want to work at ADY?
My love of sign language and ultimate goal of being a BSL Interpreter landed me on the doorstep of Action Deaf Youth. When I joined the Charity as a volunteer in 2016, I felt an instant sense of belonging. I was delighted to take the next step on my journey by becoming an official member of the team. As a Mother of two young boys I am extremely passionate about learning through play. I enjoy coaching and empowering our children and young people to accept life’s challenges with positivity and determination. It is important to me that they are proud of their deafness or hearing loss, and ooze self-confidence!
Julie Graham
How long have you been working at ADY?
2016
Best thing about ADY:
Working regularly with all our fabulous deaf children and their parents, and seeing them blossom
Hobbies:
I love reading – anything and everything! Theatre
Lisa Beattie
How long have you been working at ADY?
2018
Best thing about ADY:
I enjoy working and spending time with all the deaf children in Belfast and Craigavon. I love seeing all the kids face every week when they see what we have planned for them during their session, watching them play in their own small own world with no cares and learning how to communicate through sign language and lip reading brings me happiness.
Hobbies:
I love watching films and series on Netflix, I enjoy photography and art and also enjoy long scenic walks.
Annemarie Brennan-Spiers
How long have you been working at ADY?
2018
Best thing about ADY:
I love seeing the children having fun and using their great imagination in role play. Such a fun and friendly atmosphere to be!
Hobbies:
My hobbies is watching Netflix, reading and walking with friends.
Roisin McCormack
How long have you been working at ADY?
2018
Best thing about ADY:
The best thing is watching the children grow up, being happy and I love to see the children playing and talking to each other confidently.
Hobbies:
I love reading – anything and everything! Theatre
Michelle Hull
How long have you been working at ADY?
I have been working for ADY/NIDYA which was old name for this organisation as freelance BSL tutor for many years. I have been in the role of In House BSL Tutor since 2018.
Best thing about ADY:
I am STILL enjoying teaching the various classes especially Sign and Play because it is a great experience for me to deliver the nursery rhymes and children’s books to the parents of Deaf children. It is vital for Deaf children to learn nursery rhymes and books to develop their language and communication.
Hobbies:
I am a dog lover and I enjoy to take Milo, my dog, for long walks. Recently I have learned to bake during the Coronavirus lockdown.