The Team
Our Founder/Editor-In-Chief
Kirsty Taylor
Kirsty is a 25 year old primary school teacher and the founder of Continue The Voice. When she is not teaching or competing in triathlons. She is drinking wine, writing poetry or podcasting. You can check out her podcast here, and her poetry here. You will see her featured on quite a few pieces of work as she likes to get stuck in.
Head Editor
Grace Balfour-Harle
After graduating with an undergraduate in English and Legal Studies and then a Master’s in Publishing, Grace started to work as an editorial assistant in children’s magazines. She loves to dance, and teaches dance regularly. Working in the magazine industry has given her a passion for writing and publishing, and she volunteers for the SYP Scotland committee and the SYP Scotland Spring Conference 2021 Committee to help other young publishers begin their career, as well as writing about dance in her spare time. She’s also a keen baker and loves to read.
Editor
Kesla Elmore
Kesla is a writer, educator, and graduate student currently working on her PhD in English Literature and African American Studies. Elmore earned her master’s degree in English Literature in 2020 and her Bachelors in English in 2018. Elmore’s research, writing, and pedagogy is dedicated to Black girlhood studies and celebrating Black girls’ contributions and influence in popular culture and media. Elmore is currently based out of central Pennsylvania, USA.
Editor
Fatima is a current third year English Literature student at Edinburgh and inclusivity officer at the SYP for this coming year. She is an avid reader, theatre go-er and enjoyer of a good trashy film with friends in her spare time.
Graphic Designer
Kasey is a recent graduate of the University of St. Andrews where she led the Undergraduate Anthropology journal, Kasey works at the National Galleries of Scotland while spending their free-time preparing for a master's in art conservation and obsessively cleaning her flat. Art and design are her way of structuring creativity and giving back to the artistic communities which have given them purpose, direction, and belonging.
Social Media Co-ordinator
Hannah Matheson
Hannah is a marketing student based in Aberdeen and is the editor for Continue The Voice. When she is not trying to get the perfect shot of her dog for Instagram or rewatching the same Netflix show for the twelfth time, you can find her with a strong coffee neck deep into unsolved crime documentaries or working on her next work of art which occasionally features on her Instagram.
Illustrator
Shannon Gardner
Shannon transforms materials and matter to create unique memorable experiences through her artwork. Fusing Eastern and Western philosophy into a dark and quirky stylized aesthetic highlights Shannon's fascination with the macabre. Striking figures permeate her work showcasing imperfections in nature. Shannon has been featured in numerous publications, exhibitions, album art, and in the homes of those who connect with the aura of her work. You can find her work on Etsy.