About us
About CATA
At Coimbra Adaptive Theatre Association, we believe in the transformative power of creativity, connection, and inclusion. Our goal is to enrich lives in our local community through meaningful involvement—both on stage and behind the scenes. Whether or not you are disabled, our space is safe, supportive, and free from bullying, abuse, and harassment.
Our mission is to make theatre accessible to everyone, regardless of disability, and to showcase the talents, creativity, and capability that shine in every participant. Here, every role is a starring role.
Our Story…
Alecia and Melinda met in 2025 as immigrants to Portugal, united by a shared belief in the power of theatre to uplift and empower. Both women are disabled, as are many of their loved ones, and they know firsthand the challenges of discrimination and isolation.
When Melinda first suggested creating an adaptive theatre group, Alecia immediately thought of her daughter, Kellie—an autistic, artistic young woman with a passion for makeup and costume design. It felt like the perfect fit: a space where Kellie could develop her skills, build friendships, and grow her confidence.
The more Alecia learned about adaptive theatre, the more inspired she became. As someone who had personally experienced how isolation can erode self-worth, she saw how essential it was to create a space of visibility, joy, and community.
Together, Alecia and Melinda founded CATA—the Coimbra Adaptive Theatre Association—to invite everyone, including people with physical, developmental, and neurodivergent disabilities, into the heart of the creative community. Too often, the voices and talents of disabled individuals are overlooked. As Alecia says, “Just because people don’t see us doesn’t mean we aren’t here.”
Everyone has worth. Everyone has a story. And at Coimbra Adaptive Theatre, everyone has a place to shine.
Who We Are: CATA's Founding Members & Officers
Alecia Ramsey
Founder & President,
Board of Directors
Kellie Ramsey
Founder & Secretary
Board of Directors
Melinda Dunn
Founder & Secretary
General Assembly
Angela Chesery
Founder & Treasurer
Board of Directors
Daniel Chesery
Founder & Secretary
Supervisory Board
Alecia Ramsey immigrated to Portugal in 2022 with her autistic daughter to begin the next exciting chapter in her life. Unable to find structured, creative activities for people with disabilities in Coimbra, she decided to take action. Thus, Coimbra Adaptive Theatre Association was born.
Kellie Ramsey is an artistic and autistic creative person. She is a self-taught makeup and costume designer whose interests include cosplay, drawing and painting, and horror art.
A third-generation theatre kid, Melinda Dunn spent much of 2024 involved in a theatre group for people with disabilities. In 2025, she moved to Coimbra, where she continues to enjoy being onstage and writing plays. She would like to thank Jessica Coria, Natalie Lozoya, Jessica Lozoya-Ortiz, and Dr. Michele Riggs for their support and influence.
Angela Chesery was a special education teacher who worked with kids who have disabilities. She moved to Portugal in 2023 with her husband and autistic son, who has ADHD. Finding few activities friendly to the disabled community, she joined CATA to create a place with activities accessible to all.
Daniel Chesery was a truck driver, then a high school math teacher, before moving to Portugal in 2023. Dan loves teaching and is always trying to make his little part of the world better for everyone. Being a part of CATA is the next evolution of that endeavor.
Not Photographed: João Paulo Barreiros, President of the Supervisory Board, and Luís Filipe Pirré, President of the General Assembly
Our Mission
Our mission is to make theatre accessible to everyone, regardless of disability, and to showcase the talents, creativity, and capability that shine in every participant. Here, every role is a starring role.