Meet the ICPC Team

Stuart L Morris • Founder and Director

I am the founder of the International College of Professional Celebrants, the father of three sons, pilot, award winning lecturer in entrepreneurship at the Henley Business School and general lover of life. I took my first funeral in 1995 and I've been passionate about the rites of passage ever since.

Years ago, I recognized that most training organizations were only teaching to specific ceremonies; weddings or funerals, nothing encompassing all the many rites of passage. There was a massive void in the education offered and it was then that my entrepreneur-self kicked in and I realized I needed to start a training company. One with a diverse curriculum; teaching everything a celebrant would need to celebrate any milestone, transition or rite of passage. Thus, was born the International College of Professional Celebrants, now the Number One training organization in the United Kingdom.

As human beings we have celebrated these moments in life throughout history and across all cultures. I fundamentally believe that as professional celebrants we bring joy, comfort and fulfilment to the people we serve. I like to say that I'm a minister without religion, of the “priesthood” for this generation.

Julie Bisacre •

Operations Director, Assessor and Trainer

Hi, I’m Julie. It’s nice to meet you! I am a busy wedding and funeral celebrant, running a very successful business in North Somerset. I’m thrilled that you’ve chosen to join this amazing profession and train with ICPC. 

After training as a teacher, I worked with a variety of students from age 4 to 60 years old teaching all subjects but specialising in the performing arts. This has given me a great insight into how people 'learn’ - enabling me to be a very versatile teacher/trainer while making learning accessible (and fun) for everyone. 

Along with my celebrant business, I ran a successful independent retail business for 14 years, which gave me a good insight into all aspects of running a business.

I have a passion for theatre and the arts and this permeates through my writing and my ceremonies. My sense of performance helps make my ceremonies memorable.

Rebecca Waldron • Training Director and Trainer

Hi, my name is Rebecca and I am really proud to be part of the incredible training team at ICPC. I became an independent celebrant in 2013 and have truly found my passion in life, sharing very special moments with many couples and families.

After leaving the WRAF, I went into Human Resources and I have been in that field now for 41 years. I am a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, working at operational and strategic level and I have been really lucky in that I have been able to combine that work with Learning & Development. The main focus in my training role was on management development and communication but I now have my dream job – training inspirational people in celebrancy!

I live with my wonderful husband, David, in beautiful North Wales and we spend as much time as possible walking through forests, along streams, by rivers and waterfalls and on the beaches with our cockapoo, Rosie. At other times you will find me in our garden or glued to ‘Come Dine with Me’, leafing through recipe books, creating lots of Hand-tying ribbons, journaling and enjoying our home. 

I am particularly interested in rituals and I am all about recognising and celebrating life’s special moments. I am also a cheer-leader along with the rest of the fabulous ICPC team, for all those who want to be celebrants. It has been the most incredible journey for me and it will be a privilege to be there for the start of yours.

Maxine Ward • Trainer

Hello, I’m Maxine and am delighted to be part of the ICPC training team. Originating from the North East, I am now based in Wiltshire where I am a professional celebrant. A career that has given me more joy and job satisfaction than any other.

 My background is working with organisations on large recruitment projects, where I also trained interviewers, and coached countless undergraduates on how to be their best at interviews. I have trained, and continue to practice as a Life Coach and Neuro Linguistic Practitioner, and use the skills this has given me to apply to my celebrant career, to help others to confidently develop theirs, and in all of my interactions with clients and families.

 When I am not working I enjoy watching period dramas, throwing dinner parties, walking and country pursuits.

 I love to help people develop and pursue their dreams and if becoming a celebrant is yours then, I would love to meet you on one of our training courses and perhaps we could squeeze in some walking in the breathtaking Yorkshire countryside.

Mike Warren • Trainer

Amber Lee • Curriculum Developer, Assessor and IQA

Hi, my name is Amber Lee 

I am passionate about education and I will never forget what it is like to be a learner. Especially as an adult learner, I was a late bloomer to education returning to University in my 30’s and as a single parent found the balance challenging but rewarding. 

I have over 12 years experience working in education focusing primarily on teaching and learning from early years to teacher training. I have a BA Hons Early Years Education degree and an MA in Education. 

My passion for teaching and learning  has seen me work as a tutor, assessor, team leader, curriculum leader and Internal quality assurer. I work as a freelance End Point Assessor for Apprenticeships and Quality assurer across several different clients,  and I also support the students of ICPC alongside assessing and quality assurance support to the Head of Quality.

Alongside my roles in education I also support my husband who has recently opened a shop selling painting and decorating supplies. I do not claim to know anything about painting but I am learning every day. I am also a grandmother and if I am not running around after my grandchildren you will find me with my head in the latest crime thriller! I am also trying to learn crochet, apparently it's easy…..it's not!!