Our Staff Team
Paddy Anderson - Chief Executive Officer
For many years my career has focused on the development of inclusive, diverse and enjoyable forms of education, and then moving into senior leadership roles within the charity sector. I bring extensive expertise in strategic leadership, programme development, and community focused practice. My work has centred on creating inclusive opportunities for children, young people, and adults, with a strong commitment to social impact and cross community engagement.
Alongside this professional background, I have been actively involved with Belfast Circus as an amateur practitioner in aerial acrobatics and partner acrobatics. My circus practice has shaped a deep belief in the power of Social Circus, creativity, and shared experience to build confidence, connection, and resilience.
Majella Beckett – Finance Officer +
I joined BCCS in June 2019 and have been working in finincial roles within the Charity Sector since 2017.
Prior to this I spent a considerable amount of time living in South Africa, before returning home to Belfast.
My two pet dogs keep me on my toes, I enjoy attending local blues gigs where I can and my favourite biscuits are Cadbury Roundies
Anna Treanor - Outreach & Events Officer +
I am so excited to join the Circusful Team as their new Trainee Producer.
This post was created from The Art Work programme, which is funded by the Department of Communities through Future Screens NI. Over the next 3 years I am excited to learn many new skills, such as event management, create digital content and learn more about the wider circus and outdoor arts sector in NI, the UK and Beyond! I will also be helping to support the classes, trainers, artists and events.
I graduated from Ulster University in 2016, where I studied Contemporary Dance. For the past 5 years I have been teaching creative dance to all age groups along with choreography performances and creating short dance films.
I believe that the arts are incredibly important to people from all walks of life. They can help people tell their stories, express themselves through movements or words, help them develop their creativity and build their confidence.
During my time here, I am eager to try out and learn new circus skills. Outside of work I love playing board games, going to gym, and spending time in Monaghan with my family and my dog, Riley. My favourite biscuit is a chocolate chip cookie!
Kirsty McReynolds – Outreach & Events Officer +
After graduating with a degree in Journalism I somehow found my way to Circus after working in retail management and for a wildlife charity!
I love storytelling and making connections and feel lucky to have found this diverse and inspiring community.
My job involves finding the perfect acts for events and liasing between performers and clients to help everything run smoothly.
When I am not in Circusful mode I love making jewellery - I think I must be part magpie as I cannot knowingly let a shiny object pass me by!
My biscuit of choice has to be a Biscoff lotus biscuit - perfection!
Hillas Smith - Circus Spaces Manager +
I have been working in the field of Circus since 1995, beginning as a street performer, and travelling the world, learning, performing and teaching.
My first connection to Belfast was busking on the street here in 1996, and then subsequently attended a week-long clown course put on by Belfast Community Circus School, in 1997, and an exchange with AFUK, Copenhagen.
I relocated to Belfast from Copenhagen in 2001, becoming a trainer and performer with BCCS. I subsequently took on the role of Outreach Officer, leading our BBC Children in Need funded work.
I continue to perform and teach alongside my current role as Circus Spaces manager.