CHERESE BATES 

Cherese's journey in the performing arts began at the age of 13 when she attended drama school under the tutelage of the late Roma Tumelty at Center Stage.

She honed her craft by participating in numerous plays directed by Center Stage, and even had the opportunity to work as an extra in walk-on parts for the BBC.

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Cherese's talent shone bright, and she was awarded the prestigious Producers Drama Award twice during her time in secondary school, thanks to her standout performance as Miss Hannigan in Annie, a role that is still remembered today as the production video is shown to students.

Apart from acting, Cherese also pursued her passion for music, starting with violin lessons that took her to Grade 4, and playing in her school orchestra.

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As Cherese grew older, her vocal talents came to the forefront, and by the age of 16, she was already singing with her sister in Ireland's only girl band called Sensation.

At 18, Cherese took her musical career to new heights by forming her own pop duo, Wanted, which is now managed by Amber Castle Entertainment.

With more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Cherese is not only a performer but also one of the founders and producers of Sem;Colon.

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In addition to her artistic pursuits, Cherese is a highly experienced health care assistant with over 17 years of expertise. She has worked in hospitals and hostels, gaining invaluable experience in dealing with diverse settings such as brain injury, mental health, homelessness, and learning disabilities. Cherese's commitment to expanding her knowledge and understanding of addictions and mental health is evident in her continuous pursuit of professional development.