Meet the Team
Dedicated to making music accessible:
The Passionate People Behind Electric Umbrella
Dedicated to making music accessible:
The Passionate People Behind Electric Umbrella
At Electric Umbrella, our team members are more than just staff —they are the heart and soul of our organisation.
Our team is a vibrant mix of dedicated professionals, talented musicians, and incredible volunteers. Together, they bring Electric Umbrella to life, creating memorable experiences and fostering a community where everyone shines.
Get to know the amazing people who make our mission possible every day.
The Dream Makers
Mel Boda
Co-Founder and CEO
Mel Boda is co-founder and CEO of Electric Umbrella which creates amazing, interactive, live music experiences with learning disabled people, and in doing so, it helps change the way the world looks at them – and others.
Since establishing Electric Umbrella ten years ago, the organisation has developed beyond the essential delivery of opportunities for learning disabled people to increasingly focusing on education and changing perceptions to enable a society that is more inclusive and integrated. This growth and Mel’s leadership has enabled the organisation to become a voice.
Mel is now championing this movement with both children and adults. The schools programme has reached 40,000 children and teachers in the past year. New opportunities are emerging to partner with large organisations to reinvent approaches to EDI and ultimately enable them to provide improved services for everyone. Mel is passionately committed to expanding the work of Electric Umbrella and its influence nationally.
Tom Billington
Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Tom Billington is co-founder of Electric Umbrella, a singer, songwriter, guitar player, stilt walker and ‘yes’ man. His rich and varied career has seen him perform all over the world alongside bands and artists such as Razorlight, The Killers, Depeche Mode and countless others.
Tom met Mel working on a project for a local council in 2012, having already spent 5 years working in SEN schools and working with learning disabled people in Milton Keynes. Electric Umbrella grew out of a mutual passion for ‘going the extra mile’ to represent the learning disabled community as the ‘total rockstars they are’.
“There is nothing selfless about all of this. We get as much out of it as anyone… the people we work alongside are totally inspiring and the world needs to see that”.
The Behind-the-Scenes Heroes
Claire Boulter
Head of Education & Big Yellow Choir
Having studied at the University of Birmingham and Trinity Laban (BA Hons and MMus with Distinction) Claire has performed worldwide as a classical and musical theatre singer, as well as working within creative arts education in mainstream and SEND settings.
Whether it’s through developing choir leader schemes or designing cross-curricular programmes of work, Claire is passionate about introducing educational and choral leaders to the “Electric Umbrella” way; where music unites, inspires and enables a more inclusive and holistic approach to lifelong learning and joy.
Nicola Baker
Membership Manager
After graduating from Central Saint Martins with a degree in Theatre Design, Nicola embarked on a career as an Art Director in television drama, film and music videos, working for production companies such as BBC Drama, ITV, Universal Pictures and Kudos Films, before leaving it all behind to raise her family.
For the past 8 years Nicola has enjoyed volunteering for a local charity supporting young people. She is excited to become part of the Electric Umbrella team having been aware of the amazing work they do for many years. Being one of the few members of the team that doesn’t play an instrument or sing, Nicola can be found instead supporting her musical friends and family, attending concerts and gigs, dancing the night away!
Debbie Hartnett
Head of Finance and Fundraising
Debbie is our all round finance go-to person, and also manages our human resources, insurance and compliance, as well as supporting our fundraising activities. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant, worked for the BBC for over 10 years as well as some smaller companies, lived in Sweden for a spell with her family and now happily juggles three teenagers, her dog Holly, Electric Umbrella and volunteer work.
Barry Smart
Operations Manager
His 30+ years experience has involved everything from hands-on toolmaking to the management of £multi-million projects for organisations like BT, Vodafone and the London Borough of Enfield. Barry has run his own successful business and has dabbled in property development along the way.
He loves working with people, and over the last few years has devoted much of his spare time to youth support work, helping displaced people and delivering community music projects and events.
His role at Electric Umbrella allows him to combine all of his skills, knowledge and experience.
Hannah Greenshields
Education Programme Administrator
Hannah’s background is all about bringing people together for good causes through fundraising events. She’s a big believer in how much communities can do when they work together.
Now, Hannah is really excited about sharing the awesome impact of Electric Umbrella with more schools, so more young people and teachers can experience its magic.
Amanda McCullough
Social Media and Digital Marketing
With over 12 years of experience in Digital Marketing, Amanda has worked on award-winning campaigns for Pathe Films, advised businesses across the globe, and helped brands like Hyatt Hotels reach new audiences. She’s a strategic thinker, a creative storyteller, and a bit of a wizard when it comes to multilingual and international digital ad campaigns.
Armed with a Master’s degree in Digital Culture and Society from King’s College London, Amanda loves bringing people and ideas together—whether it’s through crafting compelling copy, diving into TikTok trends, or making sure accessibility is at the heart of every campaign. For her, it’s all about making a real difference and ensuring that the digital world is open to everyone.
Kayla Cranefield
Lead Web and Graphic Designer
After studying Visual Communication in New Zealand, Kayla moved to the UK to deepen her knowledge in User Experience design. While exploring the UK, Kayla spotted an EU piano at a Welcome Break, where she became inspired to get involved and support the team in creating accessible designs. She also has a great interest in the benefits of music with learning disabled people, after seeing and hearing her aunt, who had worked as a learning disabled carer, talk about it growing up.
Kayla’s role quickly grew from graphic designer to now also leading all things digital – from the website redesign to creating eye-catching print materials like brochures and posters. Kayla is passionate about using design to make a positive impact and loves bringing Electric Umbrella’s vibrant energy to life across digital and print platforms.
Amanda McCullough
Social Media and Digital Marketing
With over 12 years of experience in Digital Marketing, Amanda has worked on award-winning campaigns for Pathe Films, advised businesses across the globe, and helped brands like Hyatt Hotels reach new audiences. She’s a strategic thinker, a creative storyteller, and a bit of a wizard when it comes to multilingual and international digital ad campaigns.
Armed with a Master’s degree in Digital Culture and Society from King’s College London, Amanda loves bringing people and ideas together—whether it’s through crafting compelling copy, diving into TikTok trends, or making sure accessibility is at the heart of every campaign. For her, it’s all about making a real difference and ensuring that the digital world is open to everyone.
The Heartfelt Leaders and Music Maestros
Coral Simpson
Member Programme Delivery Manager
Coral has worked in theatre, dance and music with learning disabled adults and children in many settings during her career to date. She has a degree in Working with Children and Young People, and has run theatre companies as well as working in early years, education, respite, registered care and day opportunity services.
In addition to working for Electric Umbrella, she now runs live sing-along music classes for 0-4 years olds, as well as a performing arts class for preschool aged children. You can also often see her either running, or performing at, local Open Mic events.
Shaun Smith
Lead Music Practitioner
Shaun, known by his stage name Stealth, has been a singer-songwriter for the past 15 years. With over 100 million streams to his name, he has performed worldwide, sharing stages with artists like Kaleo, Jamie Woon, and Nothing But Thieves. Shaun has also written for Grammy winner Roger Sanchez and Ivor Novello Award-winner Nitin Sawhney. His music has reached millions, featuring on popular TV shows such as Suits, Lucifer, and EA Sports FIFA 19.
Shaun cherishes every moment at Electric Umbrella, where he passionately believes in the power of music as an essential part of life. For him, having the opportunity to share music’s joy with our members is a great privilege.
Sinead Quinn
Senior Music Practitioner
Sinead has been making music in the public eye since coming second on BBC’s Fame Academy in 2002 and having a no. 2 hit with, “I Can’t Break Down”. Since then, she’s continued her solo career as well as performing with Billington & Quinn and Sinead & The Dawnbreakers.
Sinead has a particular understanding of Electric Umbrella’s mission because her younger brother Gerald, who was profoundly disabled, would have benefited enormously from it.
“Working with Electric Umbrella’s members both in the studio and on-stage is a vital part of who I am, and I couldn’t imagine life without it! Gerald lives on in the work Electric Umbrella does every day.”
Louise Harper
Early Years Music Lead
Louise is a singer, songwriter and musician with a unique voice, character and passion for music that is best appreciated when she performs live, using her loop pedal. Louise has been performing professionally for over 20 years from headlining a music festival playing to 2,000 people and singing to a live television audience and celebrity panel to small intimate acoustic gigs for 30 people, Louise has an enviable wealth of performance and experience!
“Discovering Electric Umbrella was almost like discovering a missing piece of my life, it felt like all my experience and my musical career had led to performing alongside these amazing human beings! Being a session leader is a job like no other, I feel extremely lucky to witness and be part of something that literally changes the lives of so many people, people that are sometimes disregarded in society, the future is most definitely yellow!”
Darcey Tromans
Senior Member Development Coordinator
With a background in volunteering and fundraising, Darcey has always advocated for the power of communities coming together to create something amazing.
Having studied psychology and education, Darcey has enjoyed working in a wide range of roles including in playschemes and running creative workshops for young people, as well as providing person centred support to people of all ages in supported living and in the community.
She believes in dancing anywhere, reading everything and learning new things every day.
Amy Tweed
Music Practitioner, Big Yellow Choir Coordinator and Leader
Amy is a musician, actor and puppeteer and has over 17 years of experience working in theatre and performance. She plays the tenor saxophone and piano and absolutely loves playing music with people at any given opportunity!
Amy is also a choir leader and has set up and run community choirs in London and now Tring, something which she thoroughly enjoys because it brings people together through music.
She is really excited to be a cog in the wonderful Electric Umbrella machine!
Annie-Grace Smith
Music Practitioner
Annie-Grace is one of the most sought-after multi-talented musicians in the UK today. Not just a vocalist, not just a DJ, not just a producer, she is a whole one-of-a-kind SHOW! Graduating with a degree in vocals & music from The Academy In Contemporary Music and boasting over 15 years of experience gigging and touring across the UK and internationally, she is one of the very few musicians that live mix, sing and MC to create an entire experience for any audience.
Annie has been described by colleagues and audiences as a “human cannonball” and a “powerhouse”! She has played at some of the UK’s biggest venues including 02 arena Wembley, Manchester Arena, BST Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall and many more. Her talents have also taken her all over the world to beautiful destinations such as the Maldives, New York, Dubai, and Ibiza.
Annie has been, and continues to be, the resident DJ for all of Tik Tok UK’s parties and events since January 2021. From her infectious personality which glows brightly on stage, to her undeniable talent, Annie adds an extra sparkle to any session, and with her embracing and warm energy helps others shine as brightly as possible!
Alice Fixsen
Reflective Supervisor
Alice has loved being a support worker for many years in day centres and in the community. Alice used to be a shiatsu practitioner (which she also loved), supporting people with complex needs through shiatsu bodywork and intensive interaction. Alice enjoys listening to music, connecting with people through music, going to gigs and having nights out dancing (as well as dancing in the kitchen). So how amazing that she can now combine all her loves in one job!
Carla Kunakey
Music Practitioner
Carla is a classically trained musician, specialising in Piano and Viola. She has worked as a Piano Teacher, an Accompanist and general Performing Musician for hire. With a background in film and game score composition, Carla can always pick up whatever jingle anyone wants to jam to.
Outside of performing, Carla has always had a passion for education and community based work – Electric Umbrella has become the perfect vessel to contribute via music-making.
Holly Dunnett
Member Development Coordinator
Tommy Waterhart
Adaptive Instrument Specialist and Music Practitioner
Tommy cut his musical teeth slapping double-bass for twelve years in Rock ’n’ Roll dive bars all over Europe and beyond. During his time touring he played everywhere from Sardinian beaches to Alpine pistes, Hungarian basements to Estonian breakfast telly and slept on sofas from San Diego to St Petersburg.
Since hanging up his tour jacket he’s picked up a degree in Fine Art and apprenticed in carpentry – skills and passions he brings to bear when it comes to inventing and adapting instruments for the Electric Umbrella family.
A sucker for all things surreal, Tommy loves to dress extravagantly, swing dance wildly, unicycle precariously, and generally cram in as many unusual hobbies as his time will allow.
The joy and creativity of working alongside the team and members of Electric Umbrella is a natural transition from the ethos and eccentricity with which Tommy tries to navigate his way through the big wide world.
Sam Rolles
Music Practitioner
Sam is a classically trained violist/violinist, singer, guitarist, composer, and an all around ‘noise maker’. His diverse career has taken him around the world as a much sought-after soloist, songwriter, and session player. He loves making music with absolutely everyone, and has done recording sessions for such musicians as Ellie Goulding and Susan Boyle, as well as a lot of busking in Covent Garden in London.
Outside of performing, Sam is a teacher and workshop leader, which is a huge passion of his.
Sam feels incredibly lucky to be a Music Practitioner for the Electric Umbrella team. His job is to work alongside our members in and out of the studio for our Crew Days, where we make music, and memories together.
Sam Rolles
Music Practitioner
Sam is a classically trained violist/violinist, singer, guitarist, composer, and an all around ‘noise maker’. His diverse career has taken him around the world as a much sought-after soloist, songwriter, and session player. He loves making music with absolutely everyone, and has done recording sessions for such musicians as Ellie Goulding and Susan Boyle, as well as a lot of busking in Covent Garden in London.
Outside of performing, Sam is a teacher and workshop leader, which is a huge passion of his.
Sam feels incredibly lucky to be a Music Practitioner for the Electric Umbrella team. His job is to work alongside our members in and out of the studio for our Crew Days, where we make music, and memories together.
Mike Wilkinson
Music Practitioner
Mike has been working as an artist, facilitator, clown, fire performer, stilt walker, balloon modeller, arts in education session leader and all round entertainer for over twenty years spreading smiles, excitement and creativity.
With extensive experience working with SEND and youth groups he is able to find connections and help students develop their confidence and abilities. Using a blend of music, art, theatre, circus, clown, mime, puppetry, costume, dance, meditation and storytelling Mike has been able to make lasting changes in those he has worked with and has found great joy in students’ development and achievements.
Before joining the Electric Umbrella team Mike worked at MacIntyre charity for over six years years running music and dance sessions and was nominated three times for the Margery Newton Wright awards as outstanding frontline practitioner. He currently splits his time between his entertainment work, Personal Assistant, Electric Umbrella, and leading music and outreach sessions at Phoenix Rising MK. Somehow he even finds time to create his leather crafts, puppets, props, costumes, watercolours and the occasional oil painting.
The moment Mike walked into Electric Umbrella it felt like he had found a long lost piece of a puzzle.
The Impact Electric Umbrella Has
The Impact Electric Umbrella Has
Our members tell us that the most important thing about Electric Umbrella is friendship and belonging.
For members like William, Electric Umbrella has made an enormous difference as he has found what he describes as “family”. Your support makes this possible.
Watch William’s story to see how our activities and community make a significant difference.
Video: William’s Electric Umbrella journey.
Want to get involved?
Become a volunteer and be part of the Electric Umbrella family.
Got a question? Send our team an email and we’ll get back to you.
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