Full time staff
Niall Mc Nally
A creative, humorous and imaginative communicator Niall has a flair for disarming teenagers with his honesty and a knack for engaging them in frank discussion about the important issues in life; Relationships, Purpose, Boundaries, Faith. As a father and a youth leader he is uniquely placed to bring his experience and expertise to bear with teens, parents, teachers and mentors. Niall has devoted years to investing in local and national networks of leaders in order to encourage the efficient use and exchange of inspiration and resources. He loves people, travel and living outside the box!
Deirdre Mc Nally
Born in West Belfast, married to Niall and mother to 3 daughters & 2 sons, Deirdre qualified in Communications through the University of Ulster and holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Careers, Education & Guidance, She has more than 16 years experience in part-time youth work and ministry. A co-founder of Cast in 1997 she manages the charities administration and finance, supervises trainees and volunteers but primarily ensures that her husband doesn’t get over excited and commit to more projects than he can feasibly handle. When not mothering, mentoring or managing Deirdre still finds time to roll up her sleeves to develop and deliver programmes.
Sessional Staff
Chris Howie
Husband to Karen & father of 4 children,Chris is a self-employed computer engineer, a gifted musician and a natural community builder. He is a bear of a man with a big heart, a broad smile and a passion to reach out to those who feel excluded and misunderstood. Chris has been involved in Youth Work for years and as well as teaching on School Retreat programmes he is everybody’s “Mr Fix It”, Casts “go to” guy for Tech and an invaluable workhorse for Production Events.
Laura Whinnery
A Politics graduate from Queens University, Laura has a wealth of creative and cross-community Youth Work experience. Currently working for both the QUB Chaplaincy and Youth Initiatives, she has volunteered and worked with Cast for several years. She is a bundle of energy with a heart of gold and a repertoire of the most appalling jokes. Laura has a winning way with teens and young adults and a genuine desire to see them engage with God, cultivate good character and reach their full potential.
Jonny Ewan
Has worked across N. Ireland and the UK and more recently ventured to Canada for a brief stint. A man of numerous talents, he is currently employed as a Detached Youth Worker by Youth Initiatives and can usually be found roaming Derry chatting to unsuspecting teens loitering without intent on street corners. A true pioneer, his passion is connecting young people to projects that will ground them in the community. A man of generous spirit, a fabulous communicator, a football fanatic and energy to make the Duracell Bunny blush!.
Matthew Dick
Worked as a Youth Pastor in Reno for several years where he met and married Sheena – the love of his life. He is father to Caleb and recently put a Theology PHD on hold to pursue a career in brewing craft beer. An engaging communicator, Matthew has developed and delivered programmes for Cast over the last 5 years and has been an invaluable addition to the team for Production Management. He has an insatiable appetite for football commentary and devotes endless hours to refining his home brewing techniques.
Volunteers
Our volunteer base is recruited from ongoing collaborations with other youth & community groups.
If you think you’d make a good match? We’d love to hear from you!
Governance
Cast is overseen by a Board of Voluntary Trustees.
Thomas Carey
Chairman (Solicitor)
Breda Dick
Secretary (Basketball Coach)
Ciaran Dallatt
Treasurer (Priest)
Fergus Mc Morrow
Entrepreneur
Tracey Mc Court
Doctor