Marika is the Founder and Project Lead of POP Collective CIC, with over 20 years’ experience in inclusive performing arts and community engagement. She has led numerous creative programmes and specialises in confidence-building for children and young people with SEND, anxiety and low confidence.

As Designated Safeguarding Director, Marika ensures that safety, accessibility and wellbeing are embedded in all activities.

She combines professional expertise and lived experience to create inclusive, creative spaces where every child can be seen, heard and celebrated.

Matt worked in the Civil Service for over 26 years supporting UK businesses to grow and now works for a trade union representing senior civil servants. He brings expertise in business strategy, marketing and carers’ rights.

As the father of a non-verbal autistic son, Matt is passionate about initiatives that promote inclusion and empowerment for families of children with additional needs.

As Strategic Development and Community Voice Director, Matt provides leadership in organisational strategy, communications and community engagement, ensuring POP Collective stays connected to the needs and experiences of local families.

Becky has over 20 years’ experience teaching performing arts and supporting children and young people with special educational needs. She is passionate about helping every learner express themselves, build confidence and shine on stage.

As Education and Inclusion Director, Becky oversees inclusive curriculum design, staff and volunteer training, and quality assurance in delivery. She ensures POP Collective’s programmes remain creative, adaptable and accessible to all.

For Becky, inclusion isn’t just a goal, it’s the foundation of every creative experience.

Charlotte has spent over 15 years working in performing arts schools, helping people discover confidence and joy through creativity. Alongside her career as an NHS HR Manager, she brings expertise in human resources, wellbeing and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

As People and Wellbeing Director, Charlotte oversees staff welfare, volunteer support and inclusive HR practice. Her combined experience in the arts and healthcare ensures POP Collective CIC maintains a culture of kindness, professionalism and care.

For Charlotte, POP Collective represents a community where confidence, connection and creativity take centre stage.

Lisa is an experienced social care leader with over 30 years of dedication to supporting children and adults with learning disabilities and autism. She began her career as a support worker and has since held senior roles across charities, local authorities and private providers.

Now Regional General Manager for a leading care organisation, Lisa oversees multiple services that champion quality, inclusion and person-centred support. She is a qualified safeguarding lead and accredited Oliver McGowan training facilitator, recognised for building positive, compassionate teams that make a genuine difference.

At POP Collective, Lisa ensures our operations and safeguarding practices are as inclusive and high-quality as the creative experiences we deliver, helping every young person feel safe, valued and able to flourish.

Nicola is an experienced HR and employee relations professional with a strong background in the charity and care sectors. Formerly Head of HR for a local charity supporting children and adults with learning disabilities, she now works as an Employee Relations Partner, helping organisations create fair, inclusive and values-led workplaces.

Passionate about ethical governance and community-driven change, Nicola brings expertise in compliance, risk management and people strategy. Her approach combines professionalism with empathy, ensuring policies and practice always reflect kindness, integrity and equality.

At POP Collective, Nicola helps shape a safe, transparent and empowering environment where creativity and inclusion thrive hand in hand.