Our board & Patrons

Our work is made possible by the support of our voluntary board, whose wide-ranging knowledge and experience help guide the organisation.

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Michael Fenech

Chairsperson

Michael Fenech holds a B.Ed (Hons) and a Master’s in Education from the University of Malta, plus a distinction Master’s in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins. He has worked as an educator and arts leader, heading major cultural institutions in Malta. A theatre director since the 1980s, he co-founded Ateatru and staged politically engaged works by Brecht, Ionesco, Beckett, and Weiss. He writes satire, curates exhibitions internationally, and remains active in cultural management and performance.

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Sara Portelli

Vice Chairsperson

Sara Portelli has been with Opening Doors for about 17 years now. She loves to be with people and learn more about the work they do and therefore has also taken the role of Vice-Chair to learn more about the organisation and contribute to it in whatever capacity.

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Anne-Marie Callus

Anne-Marie Callus is Associate Professor in the Department of Disability Studies, Faculty for Social Wellbeing, University of Malta. She lectures, researches and has published on disability rights, empowerment of persons with intellectual disabilities, the participation rights of children with disabilities, inclusive education, participatory disability research methodologies as well as cultural representations of persons with disabilities. She has a keen interest in the cultural work of persons with intellectual disabilities and her involvement in Opening Doors enables many of her interests to converge fruitfully.

Secretary
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Brian Gauci

Brian Gauci is an experienced educational leader committed to inclusive education, disability, and human development. As Chief Operations Officer at St. Catherine’s High School, he fosters quality learning, wellbeing, and belonging for all students. His work in the disability sector, including with L’Arche Dublin and Aġenzija SAPPORT, shaped his advocacy for meaningful support. Passionate about inclusive education, he mentors educators and supports diverse learners. A trained Gestalt psychotherapist and Opening Doors Association board member, he promotes inclusion through relational practice and the arts.

Treasurer

Our Board Members

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Sara Accettura

Sara is an educator, practitioner, and academic specializing in inclusive dance. Holding advanced qualifications in dance teaching, choreography, and performance from Italy and the UK, Sara has performed, choreographed, and taught internationally. As a lecturer and artistic director, her work integrates practice and pedagogy, with a PhD in dance and inclusion.

Member

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denise camilleri

Denise Camilleri, 38, has been a long-standing member of Opening Doors and joined its Board of Directors in 2025, representing colleagues and Theatre 2 Group. Passionate about performing arts since childhood, she trained in ballet, acted in a TV series, and regularly performs in ODA productions, including one in Leeds. Educated at San Anton School, she holds an ECDL certificate. Her hobbies include pottery, music, theatre, and football.

Member

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dr. godwin c micallef

Dr. Godwin C Micallef is a management consultant. By profession he is an Administration & Financial Controller. His tertiary education was in accountancy and business studies. He is also certified in advanced management from the University of Surrey (UK). He occupied senior positions with multi-national and local companies in the marketing, manufacturing and service industries. These were mainly in finance, administration and human resources. He is the board secretary of the Malta Federation of Human Resources Development (FHRD).

Member

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Marlene Micallef

Marlene Micallef is a former educator with 24 years of experience in secondary education, specialising in Economics and History. Her professional background has equipped her with strong organisational, planning, and engagement skills, particularly in working with students of diverse abilities. She has co-developed and secured funding for Erasmus+ initiatives and has been involved in inclusive community arts projects. As a Board member of Opening Doors, she is committed to supporting the organisation’s governance and its mission to promote inclusion, creativity, and meaningful artistic participation for all members.

Member

Our Patrons

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Alison White

Patron

With over 46 years of experience, Alison White is an internationally respected dancer, choreographer, and educator. Her distinguished career includes directing the Alison White Dance Studio and her company, White Heat. A seasoned leader, she has chaired ŻfinMalta and currently heads NAPA. Beyond her professional stage work, Alison has dedicated four decades to voluntary service, teaching dance to students with additional needs at the Guardian Angel Resource Centre and Opening Doors.

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jo butterworth

Patron

Prof Jo Butterworth was Head of Dance Studies at the University of Malta from 2010-2015 and founding Director of the School of Performing Arts 2012 – 2015. She retired in 2017. She was Chair of Opening Doors Association, Malta (2015-2025) and serves as a trustee of ZfinMalta, now NAPA. She has co-edited eight texts on choreography, the latest being the third edition of Contemporary Choreography a Critical reader (2026) with Vicky Hunter. She received the Distinction in Dance Award from the Dance Studies Association in July 2018.

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Lou Ghirlando

Patron

Lou Ghirlando began her professional work as a social theatre practitioner, focusing on developing accessible theatre practices. She believes in creating spaces where artists with disability can contribute meaningfully to society and grow as performers in their own right. This commitment led to her co-founding Opening Doors Association. Her work has since expanded into psychotherapy (dramatherapy and Gestalt therapy), lecturing, and international arts and health collaborations, with a focus on eating disorders and body-image. She continues to support Opening Doors as Patron.

Janatha stubbs

Patron

Janatha Stubbs has and continues to be a kind patron of Opening Doors.