Meet the team

Gail Neill

Gail is a lecturer at Ulster University, a member of Centre for Youth Research & Dialogue and a volunteer Lisburn YMCA. Prior to academia she worked in the vol youth sector for 20 years. Gail is an editor on Critical Voice and a member of the advisory group. Interests include gender and sexuality.


Eliz McArdle

Eliz is a lecturer Ulster University and a member of Centre for Youth Research & Dialogue. She has just completed a 4yr project YouthPact as part of Peace4Youth SEUPB. She worked as Team leader for the Gender Equality Unit at Youth Action for 10 years. Her interests are young women, mental health & peace. As part of Critical Voice Eliz is an editor and part of the advisory group.


Mark McFeeters

Mark is a Lecturer in Community Youth Work at Ulster University where he is also undertaking a PhD. Prior to this, he worked in the voluntary youth sector for 14 years. As part of Critical Voice, Mark is part of the Media & Comms Team as well as sitting on the advisory group. His interests are faith, religion and spirituality in youth work


Jonny Luke

Jonny is a Senior Youth Work Coordinator at Dreamscheme NI. He has studied for his postgrad at Ulster University as well as being involved in the voluntary sector for 12 years. As part of Critical Voice he is part of the Media & Comms Team and sits on the advisory group. His interests are informal education & learning, social media & young people, and leadership. 

Gareth Beattie

Gareth Beattie is a Cancer Support Specialist for Cancer Fund for Children. He has worked with young people both at home and abroad over the last 20 years. He sits on the advisory group with interests involving health & wellbeing, trauma based work & building resilience through experiential learning.

John Peacock

John is National Director YMCA Ireland. He's been involved in voluntary youth work for 30 years. As part of Critical Voice, John sits on the advisory group. His interests include peacebuilding, outdoor learning, inclusion and a holistic approach to young people's development.

Leighann McConville

Leighann has been involved in youth work for 28 years, first as a volunteer, then in the vol youth sector and lately in partnerships between statuatory and voluntary sectors.  She sits on the advisory group and is interested in the distinctive nature of youth work.