The Electric Umbrella Team
Meet the People Dedicated to Making Music Accessible
Our team brings together deep experience across music, education and community building. Each person is an expert in their own field, but what makes this team special is how they use that expertise to create spaces where learning disabled people are seen, heard and valued.
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Co-Founders
Tom Billington
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
TBA
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Education
Claire Boulter
Head of Education & Big Yellow Choir
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Claire brings a rich background in music, performance and creative arts education. After studying at the University of Birmingham and Trinity Laban, where she completed a BA Hons in Music and Philosophy and an MMus with Distinction, she went on to perform worldwide as a classical and musical theatre singer. Alongside this, she has worked extensively in creative arts education across mainstream and SEND settings.
Claire’s journey with Electric Umbrella began in 2013, when she came to sing at one of the very first sessions. She went on to set up the Big Yellow Choir in 2018 and began running the Education Programme in 2021. A favourite Electric Umbrella moment is Shine a Light, the flagship education event where children from mainstream and SEND schools come together to connect, express themselves and experience joy through Electric Umbrella’s original songs.
Claire’s strength lies in using music to create meaningful connection, open up creative opportunities and deliver powerful messages about inclusion. She is motivated by the belief that music can change lives, challenge fear and ignorance, and help build a world that is more united, kind and accepting of difference.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Claire believes small acts can have a huge impact, and that something as simple as a smile can help someone feel seen. Her go to song is Seventeen Going Under by Sam Fender, a song she loves for its euphoric sound, emotion and storytelling.
Hannah Greenshields
Education Programme Administrator
Hannah brings a strong charity and fundraising background, with experience supporting people to connect with causes and create meaningful impact.
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Hannah has always worked for charities, mostly as a fundraiser, supporting people to raise money for causes they care deeply about. She has seen how fundraising can create connection, honour personal experiences and turn difficult moments into something positive for others.
Hannah has been with Electric Umbrella since 2025. A favourite Electric Umbrella moment is Shine a Light, where around 1,400 children from mainstream primary and SEN schools come together for a huge Electric Umbrella performance. For Hannah, seeing children from all backgrounds singing, dancing and belonging together is what makes it so powerful.
Hannah’s strength lies in helping people feel connected to something meaningful. She is motivated by giving children positive experiences of inclusion that they can carry into adulthood, helping to shape a kinder and more inclusive next generation.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Hannah believes kindness should never be underestimated, whether it is a smile, a conversation or helping someone feel included. Her go to song changes all the time, but Mr Blue Sky never gets old.
Membership
Rebecca Perfect
Head of Member Services
Rebecca is a qualified social worker with a Master of Social Work and extensive experience in supported employment, inclusive services and person-centred support.
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After completing a Master of Social Work in 2004, Rebecca worked as a local authority social worker before becoming Advice Service Manager at Watford Mencap. More recently, Rebecca was Service Manager at Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK, leading work focused on inclusion, independence and person centred support.
Rebecca joined Electric Umbrella in May 2026 and has already found a favourite Electric Umbrella moment in her first Umbrellafest. She is motivated by the chance to support a local charity that makes a real difference in people’s lives, and by being part of a talented, passionate team.
Rebecca’s strength lies in helping people feel safe, valued and empowered. In her role, she supports the team to make sure every member’s journey at Electric Umbrella is happy, positive and full of opportunities to grow in confidence.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Rebecca has a fear of loose baked bean skins. Her go to song is Reach for the Sun by The Polyphonic Spree.
Nicola Baker
Membership Manager
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Nicola grew up dancing and performing before realising she was happiest behind the scenes. She went on to study Theatre Design at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, then spent 10 years working as an Art Director in film, television drama and music videos for companies including BBC Drama, ITV, Universal Pictures and Kudos Films.
After volunteering for a local charity, Nicola joined Electric Umbrella as part of the backstage crew, which felt like a perfect fit. A favourite Electric Umbrella moment was being with everyone at Britain’s Got Talent, from the journey there to the unforgettable Golden Buzzer moment.
Nicola’s strength lies in helping create the conditions for people to shine. She is motivated by making a difference, seeing how Electric Umbrella can change someone’s life and knowing she has played a part in that.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Nicola feels very strongly that pineapple should never be on pizza. Her go to EU songs are I Am and The Joy, and outside EU she loves anything that makes her want to dance or sing at full volume in the car.
Carly Trisk-Grove
National Membership Coordinator
Carly brings extensive leadership and hospitality experience, including 16 years running The Cafe in the Park, with a strong focus on community, inclusion and helping people build confidence.
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Carly ran restaurants for most of her career, including sixteen years at The Cafe in the Park in Rickmansworth, where many members spent time gaining work experience. She brings a people focused, community minded approach to her role, shaped by years of creating welcoming spaces and supporting others to grow in confidence.
Carly has been with Electric Umbrella since early 2026, and Umbrellafest has already become a favourite Electric Umbrella moment. She is motivated by the idea of a world where nobody feels lonely, and by Electric Umbrella’s ambition to reach more learning disabled adults through online connection, with music bringing people together.
Carly’s strength lies in helping people feel included, valued and part of something bigger. She cares deeply about fairness and would like to see a world where equality is better balanced.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Carly likes to sing loudly in the car. Her go to song is anything her eight year old has on repeat at the time.
Caroline Cooke
Local Membership Coordinator
Caroline is a DJ, producer, university Research Associate and Music Education Council Trustee, bringing specialist expertise in disability, accessibility, nightlife and inclusive music education.
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Caroline has collaborated with organisations including Native Instruments, Alpha Theta and Dancefloor Intimacy, and are also a Trustee for the Music Education Council, advocating for better inclusion and access in UK music education.
Caroline joined Electric Umbrella in April 2026 and already feels at home with the members and team. A favourite Electric Umbrella moment so far has been singing Reach for the Stars in sessions, especially as it is one of their favourite S Club songs.
Caroline’s strength lies in using music and creativity to bring people together, build connection and challenge preconceptions. They are motivated by the belief that music and art can empower people and remind us that we are in this world together.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Caroline has a soft spot for cheesy pop and club bangers, especially with a music video featuring bad animation or set design. Their go to song is Funky Town by Lipps Inc.
Alice Fixsen
Reflective Supervisor
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Music has always been a huge part of her life, and her work has been shaped by a deep belief in seeing each person as an individual, not a diagnosis or label.
Alice has worked with Electric Umbrella since 2021, and says no two days are the same. Favourite Electric Umbrella moments are impossible to choose, because they happen all the time from members leading shows in their own unique way, to seeing them growing in confidence through singing and dancing with friends.
Alice’s strength lies in helping people feel trusted, valued and capable. She is motivated by giving time, space, voice and a stage to people who are too often unseen or underestimated, and by being part of a community that shows what the world can be like when people unite in equality.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Alice believes we can learn so much from the people we underestimate, especially when we sing and dance with them. Her go to songs are Got to Be Real by Cheryl Lynn, Outstanding by The Gap Band and I Wanna Be Your Lover by Prince.
Coral Simpson
Member Programme Delivery Manager
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Darcey Tromans
Senior Member Development Coordinator
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Holly Dunnett
Member Development Coordinator
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Bronwyn Farrell
Member Development Coordinator
Bronwyn is a qualified teacher with primary education experience in South Africa and England, bringing a strong belief in the power of music to build confidence and connection.
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Music has been part of Brownyn’s life since childhood, and she plays the saxophone with unwavering enthusiasm. She has always believed in the power of music to bring people together.
Bronwyn first met Electric Umbrella when Electric Umbrella visited the school she was working at in January 2026. It was love at first sight, and after volunteering, she officially joined the team in May 2026. A favourite Electric Umbrella moment is when a room full of people becomes one band, with everyone joining in through colour coded foot pedals and instruments to create something joyful, chaotic and beautiful together.
Bronwyn’s strength lies in helping people feel confident, capable and completely themselves. She is motivated by making music accessible, sharing joy, and watching members discover what they can do, whether that is singing loudly, dancing freely or performing with new confidence.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Bronwyn believes enthusiasm is far more fun than perfection. Her current go to song is Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan, although that may change by next week.
Finance & Fundraising
Debbie Hartnett
Head of Finance and Fundraising
Debbie is a Chartered Accountant and experienced finance professional, bringing senior finance, school governance and treasurer experience to her role.
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Debbie qualified as a Chartered Accountant in her early twenties before spending 10 years at the BBC, working in Television and Sport at the iconic Television Centre in Shepherds Bush. Since then, she has balanced family life with part time finance roles, school governance and 10 years as a treasurer, bringing a calm, experienced and thoughtful approach to her work.
Debbie has been with Electric Umbrella since 2020 and says she has never looked back. A favourite Electric Umbrella moment was watching the semi final performance on Britain’s Got Talent from the audience, feeling incredibly proud of everyone on stage.
Debbie’s connection to Electric Umbrella is personal as well as professional. Her brother in law, Mark, was learning disabled and loved music and people, but his family struggled to find the right community for him after school. For Debbie, Electric Umbrella is exactly the kind of place that would have been perfect for Mark.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Debbie is a massive Spurs fan and loves going to matches with Mick. Her current go to song is I Know There’s Gonna Be Good Times by Jamie xx.
Artistic
Barry Smart
Operations Manager
Barry is an experienced operations and project delivery professional with a strong engineering background across private and public sector projects.
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Barry started out selling ice cream, moved into testing arcade games, and went on to build a career delivering substantial projects of all shapes and sizes. His experience includes maintaining government buildings and roads, constructing children’s playgrounds and building new cemeteries.
Working with Electric Umbrella has put fun and new meaning back into Barry’s working life. He is motivated by the amazing and inspirational people he gets to meet and work with every day.
Barry’s strength lies in keeping projects moving, solving problems and making things happen. He is in his comfort zone delivering projects of all types, whether small or large.
A favourite Electric Umbrella moment was when a cricket ball landed on stage during a live performance at Lord’s for their Festival Of Disability, and Barry threw it back to the Indian cricket team without knocking out the bass player.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Barry may occasionally be spotted performing at local open mic nights after a pint or two. He also wants people to know that he owns more than one pair of yellow and black stripey work socks…he bought a pack of five! His go-to song is anything he can sing along to in the van.
Shaun Smith
Lead Music Practitioner
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Shaun brings his music experience back into the room at Electric Umbrella, helping members discover their own voice and confidence through music.
Shaun joined Electric Umbrella in 2024 and quickly realised he had found somewhere special. His favourite Electric Umbrella moments include watching members do something they did not think was possible, whether that is singing into a microphone for the first time, performing on a huge stage or simply finding the confidence to be themselves.
Shaun’s strength lies in creating spaces where everyone can contribute and feel seen, valued and included. He is motivated by the way music breaks down barriers, builds friendships and helps people grow in confidence and self belief.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Shaun believes comparison is the quickest way to steal your joy, and that everyone has something unique to offer. His current go-to song is Need Your Love So Bad by Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac.
Louise Harper
Early Years Music Lead
Louise brings around 30 years of experience as a professional musician, having performed everywhere from intimate venues to huge stages.
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Inclusion has also been part of her life from an early age, growing up with parents who worked closely with the learning disabled community. That mix of music, understanding and lived experience naturally led her to Electric Umbrella.
Being with Electric Umbrella since 2018, Louise is especially motivated by seeing children grow in confidence and connection through music. One standout moment was hearing thousands of children sing No Such Thing As Normal at the O2 while members stood centre stage, a powerful reminder of what can happen when inclusion and music come together.
Louise’s strength lies in helping young people feel comfortable, confident and celebrated for who they are. She is passionate about creating greater understanding of the learning disabled community and believes that even a simple hello can change someone’s perspective.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Louise is absolutely terrified of balloons, and her go to music is anything by Fleetwood Mac.
Sinead Quinn
Senior Music Practitioner
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Annie Grace Smith
Music Practitioner
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Carla Kunakey
Music Practitioner
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Sam Rolles
Music Practitioner
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Tommy Waterhart
Adaptive Instrument Specialist & Music Practitioner
Tommy is an experienced professional musician, fine artist, carpenter and adaptive instrument maker, bringing creativity, practical skill and inventive problem-solving to his role.
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Tommy spent 12 years playing double bass in rock ’n’ roll venues across Europe and beyond, performing everywhere from Sardinian beaches to Alpine pistes, Hungarian basements to Estonian breakfast telly. Since then, he has completed a degree in Fine Art, apprenticed in carpentry and put years of fixing equipment on the road to good use by inventing and adapting instruments for the Electric Umbrella family.
Tommy first worked with Electric Umbrella after running into Tom Billington at a festival in 2017, where a camper van, a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich led to helping out at the Electric Umbrella mobile mini theatre. Eight years later, he joined full time. A favourite moment was performing I Am at St Albans Cathedral for the first Shine a Light show, hearing children share their own “I am” moments in a space full of joy and possibility.
Tommy’s strength lies in creativity, adaptability and seeing potential in the unexpected. He is motivated by the fact that no two days at Electric Umbrella are ever the same, and by the moments when members surprise, astonish or move everyone in the room by doing something completely their own.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Tommy believes in making bad art, starting imperfect projects and seeing what happens. His go to Electric Umbrella song is Reset The Clocks, and outside of the Electric Umbrella songs, he rates Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield very highly, with Deeply Dippy by Right Said Fred as a strong contender.
Amy Tweed
Music Practitioner, Big Yellow Choir Coordinator & Leader
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Amy has worked as an actor, musician and puppeteer for many years, mainly in theatre, where she developed the improvisation skills that help her be ready for anything at Electric Umbrella. She has a BA in Performing Arts and a postgraduate acting diploma from Drama Studio London. Her main instrument is tenor saxophone, and she also plays ukulele and piano.
Amy has worked with Electric Umbrella since 2023, across Face the Music and Feel the Music sessions, and has been helping run Big Yellow Choir more recently. Her favourite Electric Umbrella moments include performing with the choir, where everyone gets to unleash their joy, and the quieter moments when a member connects with a song, sound, instrument or activity for the first time.
Amy’s strength lies in bringing energy, creativity and flexibility into every session. She is motivated by the power of music to unite people, create shared feelings and help make the world more inclusive, kinder and more fun.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Amy says Big Yellow Choir is like an injection of pure joy each week. Her current go to song is Black Mascara by Raye, especially played loudly when she is alone in the car.
Marketing & Communications
Kayla Cranefield
Lead Web & Graphic Designer
Kayla is an experienced graphic and web designer with a BA in Visual Communication, PDUX, and over a decade of experience creating digital and print content across FMCG, B2B, B2C, charities and startups.
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Kayla specialises in translating ideas into visually compelling creative, helping bring stories to life across digital and print collateral. She first connected with Electric Umbrella after spotting their banner in a Welcome Break, before starting as a volunteer and gradually growing her role.
A favourite Electric Umbrella moment has been experiencing the full community and vibe in person. For Kayla, seeing Electric Umbrella’s growth, local collaborations and international recognition has been incredible, and reflects years of hard work from the whole team.
Kayla’s strength lies in turning ideas, stories and messages into engaging design that people can connect with. She is motivated by Electric Umbrella’s work, the community it has grown, and a personal interest in the benefits of music for learning disabled people, inspired by hearing about her aunt’s work as a learning disabled carer.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Kayla believes anyone from anywhere can do anything, and would like to see more empathy and consideration in the world. Her go-to song changes depending on the mood, but After Rain by Dermot Kennedy is a long-time favourite.
Amanda McCullough
Social Media & Digital Marketing
Amanda is a digital marketing strategist with a Master’s in Digital Culture and Society from King’s College London, and experience working with one of the world’s first digital agencies with over a decade of experience.
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Amanda has worked across celebrities, film, hospitality and everything in between, helping organisations build digital footprints that are accessible, educational and a little bit fun. Growing up with dyslexia and ADHD, she struggled with tests and school, but learned early on to advocate for herself and get the support she needed. That helped her take control of her learning and go on to study at one of Virginia’s top liberal arts colleges.
Amanda joined Electric Umbrella in February 2025, helping the team get ready for their Britain’s Got Talent exposure, before being lucky enough to stay on. A favourite Electric Umbrella moment was seeing the community live and in person for the first time during a day of background filming for Britain’s Got Talent, watching members lead in schools, sing and perform in the iconic studio.
Amanda’s strength lies in making digital content clear, accessible and engaging. She is motivated by Electric Umbrella’s community, its tenacity, and its “let’s do it and go for it” spirit.
Away from Electric Umbrella, Amanda wants to see more room for empathy and kindness in the world. She is American, but has lived outside the US for longer than she lived in it, and her go-to karaoke song is American Idiot by Green Day.
Interested in joining the team?
Check out current openings on our careers page or get in touch.
