Meet the Board of Directors

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Silvia Rubio Velasco 

Director 

Silvia is an esteemed educator and leader in language and cultural education, serving as the Head of Languages she offers the skills and pedagogy to help develop Aintree Initiatives for Performing Arts (AIPA) cultural capital. With a strong academic foundation, she brings a deep commitment to fostering linguistic proficiency, cross-cultural awareness, and holistic student development.

With a passion for integrating language learning with cultural enrichment, Silvia has been instrumental in developing innovative language programs that inspire students to embrace multilingualism and global perspectives. Her leadership has expanded opportunities for students to engage in interdisciplinary learning, connecting languages with the arts, history, and global citizenship.

As a dedicated member of the Catholic community, Silvia upholds values of compassion, integrity, and service, ensuring that her work aligns with AIPA’s mission to nurture ethical, well-rounded individuals. She is a strong advocate for inclusive education, encouraging students to develop both their intellectual and moral character through the study of languages, creative and cultural heritage.

Under her direction, AIPA’s continues to thrive, equipping students with the linguistic skills and cultural awareness necessary for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Margaret Connell

Director

Margaret has worked in theatre, both as a Director and as a Lecturer in Higher Education for over 35 years. She began her career at The Liverpool Playhouse Youth Theatre in 1989. After completing a Masters in Theatre, Heritage and Community she took up a post in the Drama department of Edge Hill University. After five years she was offered the post of Community Outreach and Education Director at The Citadel Arts Centre in St. Helens and stayed there for two years. Following this she took up a post at Liverpool Hope University. From 2011 she was Artistic Director at Lantern Theatre Liverpool until its closure in 2016.

She now works as a freelance Director and Actor. Her recent productions include Scouse a Comedy of Terrors, Kitty Queen of the Wash House, Weave, Death and the Maiden, Tough Old Bird, The Liver Bird, Forgotten Voices and Sweet Mother, A Portrait of William Roscoe and Two.

Bevanie Robinson 

Director

  Bevanie Joins the board and brings  passion for fairness and self-empowerment.  She also brings to  AIPA extensive experience having been Head of Psychology in a high school for over 20 years and having represented the teaching profession at Local and National support level for the Teachers Union.  I have a  Masters in Law (distinction) and currently sit on Her Majesty's Law & Employment Tribunals. 

I provide the necessary governance to ensure that AIPA provides the very best for the community it serves 

Tony Barton 

Board Member

TBC

Christopher Barlow

Board Member

 Chris Barlow is a passionate musician and educator from Liverpool, England, with a rich musical heritage. Self-taught on guitar from age 13, Chris then studied bass and later played bass guitar with The Mono LPs, a distinctive Liverpool quartet renowned for their "rock’n’roll with a cello" style. Alongside frontman Ste Reid, cellist Vicky Reid, and drummer Tom McCabe, Chris contributed to acclaimed works like the 2021 album Shuffle/Play and the single "You Say." With extensive experience in live performance and collaboration, Chris Barlow now seeks to lead and inspire the next generation as the board member AIPA.