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

Mel Boda
Co-Founder & Chief Executive
Mel is Electric Umbrella’s Co-founder and CEO, with a first-class honours degree in Interactive Arts, a qualification in art psychotherapy, and extensive experience in creative leadership, community arts and organisational development.

Mel began her career as a freelance artist, delivering creative and community arts projects, before becoming Community Arts Development Officer for Three Rivers District Council. It was through that work that she met Tom Billington, and together they founded Electric Umbrella in 2012.

Since then, Mel has helped grow Electric Umbrella from a small community music project into an award-winning organisation with national reach. Her role spans creative direction, strategy, fundraising, partnerships, education, campaigning and community development, all rooted in a belief that creativity and culture can help change society.

A favourite Electric Umbrella moment was seeing members perform on Britain’s Got Talent in 2025. Watching them walk onto that stage, knowing how far the organisation had come from its very first session in South Oxhey, was incredibly emotional and Simon Cowell pressing the Golden Buzzer was a moment no one will ever forget.

Mel’s strength lies in building bold ideas, meaningful partnerships and inclusive spaces where learning disabled people are visible, valued and celebrated. She is motivated by the belief that inclusion is not about asking people to fit into the world as it is, but about changing the world so that everyone feels they belong.

Mel would like to see a world where we stop making assumptions about one another and become more curious about differences. She believes society would be kinder, more connected and much more interesting if we stopped putting people into boxes and started seeing the person in front of us.

One thing Mel wants people to know is that Electric Umbrella is not a charity that provides things for learning disabled people but it makes things with them. Members are musicians, performers, artists, creators and leaders, helping to shape the work and challenge how society thinks about learning disability.

Mel’s go-to song is Tikkun Olam, which means “repairing the world”. She loves the idea that we all have a responsibility to leave the world a little better than we found it, and that music can bring people together, challenge the way we see each other and help build a kinder, more accepting world.

Tom Billington
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Tom is an experienced musician, community music leader and creative director, with a background spanning performance, songwriting, teaching, SEND settings, film, TV, theatre and live events.

Tom’s journey into community music began at 18, when he moved to India and taught in a school for disabled and learning disabled people in Delhi. Music quickly became the key to breaking down language and social barriers, drawing on his early experience playing in social clubs and around campfires.

After returning to the UK, Tom formed a band that toured the world for the best part of a decade. He later worked across schools, SEND settings, prisons, film, TV, theatre, festivals and live events, saying yes to countless weird and wonderful musical jobs. One of those jobs led him to meet Mel Boda, and together they co-founded Electric Umbrella.

Tom’s favourite Electric Umbrella moments include the first show at the Palace Theatre, playing the O2 Arena and receiving the Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent. But it is often the smaller moments that stay with him most, like a young learning disabled person arriving at an open mic night and singing Acceptance word and note perfectly.

Tom’s strength lies in using music to break down barriers, open doors and help people feel seen, heard and able to express themselves. He is motivated by the friendships, breakthroughs and shared moments that happen when people include, complement and elevate one another.

Away from Electric Umbrella, Tom would first bring back the big tubs of 1980s Cheeselets, then banish the word “normal”. He believes we should all strive to be exceptionally ourselves, and wants people to know that our differences are what make us amazing. His go-to song is God Only Knows by The Beach Boys.

Education

Claire Boulter
Head of Education & Big Yellow Choir
Claire is a highly qualified musician, performer and creative arts educator, with a BA Hons in Music and Philosophy and an MMus with Distinction.

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.

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.

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
Nicola is an experienced creative professional with a Theatre Design degree from Central Saint Martins and 10 years as an Art Director in film, television drama and music videos.

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.

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.

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
Alice brings over 20 years’ experience as a support worker, alongside a psychology degree and specialist training in Intensive Interaction.

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
Coral is an experienced SEN practitioner with a degree in Practice Development for Children and Young People, alongside skills in communication support, BSL and Makaton.

Coral has worked with SEN communities of all ages across residential, respite, day centre and play settings. She brings a strong understanding of inclusive support, communication and person-centred practice to her role at Electric Umbrella.

A favourite Electric Umbrella moment was being on stage with Madness at CarFest. She is motivated by everything Electric Umbrella stands for: the community, the ethos, the vibes and the fact that everyone is embraced, no matter how bonkers things might get.

Coral’s strength lies in helping people feel accepted, included and able to be themselves. If she could make one change in the world, she would like people to be better at accepting others for who they are and making space for them.

Away from Electric Umbrella, Coral loves Halloween. Her go-to song is I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys.

Darcey Tromans
Senior Member Development Coordinator

TBA

TBA

Holly Dunnett
Member Development Coordinator
Holly is an experienced organiser and communicator, with a background in marketing, BBC radio and music, project management, and supporting children with learning disabilities.

Holly first saw the power of music while supporting children with learning disabilities during college and university, putting on music and theatre shows that brought people together and unlocked confidence. She later worked in marketing before moving to the BBC, mainly across radio and music in project management and communications.

Holly first came across Electric Umbrella after spotting a joyful yellow and black conga in Hemel Hempstead, and joining in felt like the most natural thing in the world. Since then, she has supported the Education Programme, Little Brollies and Electric Umbrella’s Britain’s Got Talent appearances.

Holly’s strength lies in bringing people together, turning ideas into reality and helping people feel seen, heard and included. She is motivated by creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, able to be themselves and celebrated for who they are.

Away from Electric Umbrella, Holly believes people should focus on what they have and what they have achieved. Her go-to song changes often, but at the moment it is Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

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.

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.

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.

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
Shaun is a professional musician, songwriter and performer with over 15 years’ experience and more than 160 million streams under the name Stealth.

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.

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

Sinead is an experienced music practitioner with a lifelong connection to music and learning disabled communities, shaped by growing up with her disabled brother, Gerald, in Ireland.

Sinead has been singing in learning disabled settings for most of her life, performing with and for learning disabled people at events in Ireland. She values the work deeply and feels privileged to be part of a community where music can create connection, confidence and joy.

Sinead has been part of Electric Umbrella since 2014, when sessions were based at the Old Town Hall in Hemel Hempstead. A favourite Electric Umbrella moment is hard to choose, but the most special moments are often the breakthroughs such as hearing a member’s voice for the first time, seeing confidence grow, or finding a magical moment of connection.

Sinead’s strength lies in using music to build trust, confidence and meaningful relationships over time. She is motivated by being part of something that means so much to so many people, and by the thought that Electric Umbrella is the kind of community she would have loved her brother to be part of.

Away from Electric Umbrella, Sinead would like to see a world without discrimination. Her go-to song is 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton.

Annie Grace Smith
Music Practitioner
Annie-Grace is a highly experienced multi-talented musician, vocalist, DJ, producer and MC, with a degree in vocals and music from the Academy of Contemporary Music and over 20 years of live performance experience.

Performing under the DJ name Kiki Staxx, Annie-Grace has gigged and toured across the UK and internationally, playing some of the UK’s biggest venues including The O2 Arena, Wembley, Manchester Arena, BST Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall. Known for her energy, talent and ability to live mix, sing and MC, she brings an extra sparkle to every stage she steps onto.

Annie-Grace began working with Electric Umbrella in 2020, hosting virtual club nights during Covid before going on to lead cyber sessions, singalongs, EUTV sessions, open mic nights and in-person music sessions. She now continues to bring her creativity, energy and joy to the Electric Umbrella community.

A favourite Electric Umbrella moment is hard to choose, because there are so many beautiful moments every day. The Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent is definitely up there, but for Annie-Grace, the most special moments are seeing members step out of their comfort zones, try something new and shining.

Annie-Grace’s strength lies in creating joyful spaces where people feel confident, celebrated and free to be themselves. She is motivated by the members, who she describes as one big yellow family, and by seeing people shine, grow and create magic without judgement.

Away from Electric Umbrella, Annie-Grace believes it does not matter if you get it wrong but just do it with a bit of pizazz. Her motto is “wrong and strong, baby!” Her current go-to song is Victory Lap by Fred again.. and Skepta.

Carla Kunakey
Music Practitioner

Carla is a lifelong musician who brings her musical experience, creativity and belief in inclusion to her work with Electric Umbrella.

Carla has been studying and playing music for most of her life, and working with Electric Umbrella has introduced her to the learning disabled community. She believes strongly in Electric Umbrella’s message and is motivated by the community outreach and network the organisation has built.

A favourite Electric Umbrella moment was performing and helping run the first Shine a Light show at St Albans Cathedral. Seeing familiar students and teachers recognise the members, remember the songs and connect with the confidence behind the messages was a really special experience.

Carla’s strength lies in using music to create connection, confidence and shared joy. If she could make one change in the world, she would give everyone more time… more time to listen, express themselves and feel comfortable.

Away from Electric Umbrella, Carla is a massive High School Musical fan, and anyone starting a song from it will make her deeply happy. Her go-to Electric Umbrella song is Adios Octopus, inspired by the Monday Express Crew’s fun animal-goodbye idea.

Sam Rolles
Music Practitioner
Sam is an experienced musician, composer and choir master, with a varied performance background spanning busking, cruise ships, comedy string quartets and orchestral composition.

Sam began as a busker in Covent Garden before going on to work on cruise ships with a comedy string quartet. Alongside his work as a music practitioner, he composes music for orchestras in his spare time and brings energy, humour and musical skill into everything he does.

Sam’s favourite Electric Umbrella moment was the team getting the Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent. He is motivated by working with the best people, laughing every day and making great music together.

Sam’s strength lies in bringing people together through music, joy and performance. If he could make one change in the world, his serious answer would be continuous world peace and his fun answer would be to paint the world yellow.

Away from Electric Umbrella, Sam is a keen collector of hats and wants people to know that it is not a crime to be bald. His go-to song is All You Need Is Love by The Beatles.

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.

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
Amy is an experienced actor, musician and puppeteer with a BA in Performing Arts and a postgraduate acting diploma from Drama Studio London.

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.

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.

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.

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