Our people

Oonagh Shiels joined us in May 2024 and is our Assistant Head of Operations and Programme Delivery (London & South Coast, Maternity Cover). Oonagh has a degree in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Cambridge. Previously, Oonagh worked as Partner Development Director and Head of Learning & Development at InvestIN Education, supporting young people to maximise their potential through career-experience programmes. She has also volunteered with the Access Project.

Pasha Michaelsen is Vice-Chair of Trustees. She helps organisations design and deliver social justice strategies in the areas of migration and education. She was head of operations for Refugee Education UK, which supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people to build more hopeful futures through education and is vice-chair of Praxis, which provides holistic support to migrants across London. Previously, Pasha was a finance solicitor.

Patrick Middleton joined us in August 2021. Patrick has a degree in Medieval and Modern Languages from the University of Oxford. Previously Patrick was an Intern at Church of England (St Aldates Church) and a Tutor at Yingyixuan Educational Company.

Phill Evans joined us in August 2022. Phill has a degree in Psychology from Manchester Metropolitan University where he volunteered as a WP Ambassador.

Phoebe Mumby joined us in September 2023. Phoebe has a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Oxford. Previously, she volunteered at the charity ExVac, which began as a student-run charity at Exeter College.

Piero Freestone joined us in September 2023. Piero has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Lincoln. Previously, he worked as a Sports and Summer Camp Coach at Premier Education.

Polly Rumley joined us in July 2023. Polly studied French and Spanish at the University of Bristol and previously worked as an au pair and tutor.

Priya Chopra joined us in July 2023. Priya has a degree in Education and completed a PGCE at the University of Birmingham. She previously worked as a teacher.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah is President & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester. Born and educated in Sri Lanka, he is a double Cambridge graduate and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bristol. Nishan has been appointed to a number of national roles including being a member of the UUK advisory group to tackle racial harassment in higher education.

Rachel Bailie joined us in July 2023. Rachel studied Law at the University of Bristol and completed a PGCE at the University of Durham. Rachel previously worked as a class teacher and House parent.

Dr Rachel Carr is the Chief Executive and co-founder of IntoUniversity. Previously, she was a university lecturer and Head of an English Department. She has over 20 years’ experience working with children and young people.

Rachel Hough joined us in August 2024. Rachel has a degree in Primary Education (5-11) from York St John University. Previously, she spent two years working as a Primary supply teacher and a year as a Primary school supply Teaching Assistant.