Our Team

Dr Sarah Miles
Managing Director and Founder

On completing her doctorate in cognitive neuropsychology at Cardiff University, Sarah’s specialisation in facial recognition took her to Headway Cardiff, where she was assistant manager of the day centre for people with acquired brain injuries. She followed her passion for working in research to Swansea University, where she worked on the Cognitive Function and Ageing study. This project explored wellbeing in later life, examining many different aspects of ageing, including dementia and depression. Working with older people, and seeing the clear benefits that singing and music brought for many of them, opened an opportunity to combine professional interest and her personal passion for music. Convinced of the demonstrable value of music in improving well-being, she and fellow enthusiast Kate set up With Music in Mind.

Kate Whitestone
Founder

Kate graduated with a BSc (hons) in Physiotherapy from Kings College London in 2001. After working in acute care at Kings College Hospital, Camberwell, Kate specialised in Community Paediatric Physiotherapy at Southwark Primary Care Trust, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Scope and as a private physiotherapist. During her career working with children with disabilities and their families Kate has developed an interest in the importance of social support, and the impact that this can have on both the emotional and physical well-being of those with disabilities and the people who support and care for them. Her physiotherapy background also means that Kate is an advocate of singing as a way to improve chest health. She currently works as a physiotherapist for older people with additional needs, e.g. dementia, but remains an integral part of the organisation and on the board of directors.

Lindsey Newman

After graduating as a nurse from The University of Wales, Cardiff, Lindsey worked in several different settings including Elderly Care Assessment Service, Rehabilitation, Cardio-thoracic surgery and District Nursing. It was during her time in the community that she witnessed the effects of isolation and loneliness within the older population and the subsequent health problems caused. Lindsey states that "working for WMIM is a wonderful and rewarding job. I love the community it has built and the friendship groups that have formed."

In her spare time Lindsey is also a silversmith and runs her own small business. She enjoys horse riding, yoga, craft projects, reading and walking her two dogs.

Anna Billes

Since 2012 Anna's work has revolved around support work and arts facilitation. In 2016 Anna trained to be a Drum Circle Facilitator and went on to train as a Drum Circle Facilitation Mentor in 2023. In 2020 Anna Graduated from the University of South Wales, Treforest, with a BA Hons Degree in Creative and Therapeutic Arts. Although originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Anna has been living and working in the South Wales valleys since 2017 and is happily settled in her local community of Pontypridd, facilitating and co-ordinating weekly workshops for groups of all ages and stages as a Co-director of 'Growing Space Pontypridd CIC.' Anna is delighted to be a part of the With Music in Mind team, bringing humour, creativity and enthusiasm into her work while building connections within the community. Anna is looking forward to many joyful, creative workshops and events in her role as WMIM Activity Co-ordinator.

Julia Champion

Julia originally trained as an Occupational Therapist, working for many years in services for people who have a learning disability, in Oxfordshire; she gained an MSc during this period, in Applied Psychology (Learning Disability).

Julia worked for a short period as a training consultant, before returning to Cowbridge, where she grew up.  She worked for the Vale of Glamorgan Council as their Telecare Manager for many years, before joining the delightful With Music in Mind team.

Throughout all of Julia’s work and volunteering, she has endeavoured to make an impact on the quality of individuals’ lives, centred around supporting them to flourish and live a life that really matters to them, in all its facets, thus she brings that experience and value base with her.

Family is an important source of joy in Julia’s life, but she also enjoys reading, crafts, playing and listening to music and baking.

Meryn Williams

Meryn is from Pontyclun and was educated at Bryn Celynog Comprehensive School. She studied Music at University College Cardiff where she was awarded a Bachelor of Music Degree with Honours. After leaving full time education Meryn embarked on a career as a freelance Musical Director, Accompanist and Pianist.

Meryn has enjoyed a varied career, working as an accompanist at the Royal Academy of Dance, as well as working freelance with the ABC of Opera and directing the Sovereign Singers Chamber Choir/Bois y Bathdy. She is the Musical Director of Cor Y Bryn Ladies Choir based in Llantrisant.

Meryn enjoys all types of music making and in addition to the above also finds time to accompany instrumentalists and vocalists.

Claire Sharpe

Originally from Weymouth, Claire grew up in Berkshire and came to Wales in 2006 to study at Cardiff University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Music followed by an MA in Music, Culture and Politics. Since then she has worked at a number of the city's arts venues, as a Science Communicator at Techniquest where she presented live theatre and planetarium shows, and for a couple of years she ran her own business leading arts and crafts groups and parties for all ages. She began volunteering at WMIM's Penarth group in autumn 2022 and was delighted to join the team as a Support Worker in September 2023.

In her free time Claire is a member of Affinity Choir, with whom she has performed across Wales and at Buckfast Abbey, Disneyland Paris, the Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. She also sings with the Affinity Ensemble, and both the Noteworthy Mixed Choir and Ensemble in Maesteg, so is almost constantly singing! She also loves all kinds of crafts, theatre, cinema, and her dance fitness class.

Dani Howell

Dani graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 1997 and Bachelor of Philosophy in 2006. She thoroughly enjoyed her career teaching primary school and deaf children, and also enjoys the company of older citizens, so began volunteering with WMIM in 2022. Dani loves to participate with everyone in the groups, playing games, bingo, singing, and doing gentle exercise.

In her spare time Dani enjoys campervanning, cycling, and walking along the coast and in the countryside. She loves spending two mornings a week volunteering with the WMIM team and the people who come along to socialise and meet new friends. Dani says "it is really lovely to see groups of people happily chatting, laughing and being together."

Melanie Williams

Melanie works full time as a civil servant where she leads a team of about 70 people. Outside of work she likes to challenge herself and give back to the community. As well as volunteering at With Music In Mind, she is also an assistant guide leader and a school governor. She loves the different perspectives these roles give her, and learns a lot from working with people she wouldn’t ordinarily meet. She finds her role at With Music in Mind very rewarding. Melanie also enjoys singing, reading, swimming, watching movies and baking. She has a black belt in taekwondo and is a qualified assistant taekwondo instructor.  

Jan Palmer

Jan completed her nurse training in North Wales, and has worked for many years in a variety of settings, where she discovered her passion for palliative care. It was this that inspired her to work for Marie Curie for many years on the inpatient unit at the local hospice, gaining a BSc (Hons) from The University of Wales, Cardiff, in support of a dual role as a specialist palliative care nurse with the Information and Support team, and nurse support for the many groups held in the Wellbeing and Support Hub, hospice based.

It was during her time as the nurse for the groups in the hospice, promoting living well, boosting wellbeing and support, that Jan and the team recognised the importance of including music therapy in group sessions, to positively impact individuals quality of life, communication and overall well-being.

Jan states that "volunteering for WMIM is a privilege, as it feels so rewarding to be part of a team in the community promoting the wonderful calming and relaxing benefits of having music in people's lives". In her spare time, Jan enjoys growing orchids, yoga, listening to music, reading and walking her Golden Retriever.

Kate Phelan

Born and raised in Ireland, Kate moved to Wales in 2022. Having studied sociology as an undergraduate at university, she has a strong understanding of the importance of supportive social links in boosting people's well-being. Kate has worked in a number of different roles within creative media organisations and believes wholeheartedly in the healing power of art. She loves volunteering at With Music in Mind, and spends her spare time swimming (when it's not too cold!), walking her little dog Peanut, reading and watching films.

Stuart McCullouch

Stuart, having had connections with Cowbridge since 2013, moved to the Town in 2021 and enjoys the community spirit he finds here in the Vale of Glamorgan. He has been retired since 2012 and has enjoyed the resultant opportunities to pursue his interests in philosophy and humanism.  These combined have formed the foundation for his voluntary work in local government, schools and charities that aim to make life for everyone as good as possible across all age ranges.  His main activities as a With Music in Mind volunteer take him to Y Galon on most Wednesday afternoons where he helps to keep up the energy of the social whirl, sometimes by making the tea and coffee and passing round the cake and biscuits and at other times competing with gusto in the board games and quizzes.  He also offers a listening ear to those who feel the need for some pastoral support in a non-religious space.  On Fridays he joins the Cowbridge Singing Group in a few rousing renditions of songs old and not-so-new.

Sue Jones

Sue recently retired after working in Information Technology with a national bank for many years.

Sue loves music and singing and on looking for activities post-retirement found With Music In Mind, where she now enjoys volunteering on a weekly basis.  She particularly appreciates the routine that this gives her, as well as getting to spend her time productively with the Music In Mind Team and all of the engaging people at the group.

Sue has two grown up children and is trying to grow her hobbies and fitness levels in her retirement.  She has recently joined the U3A and amongst other activities with them is learning to play the ukulele!

Shirley Salamon

Shirley holds a Master's degree in Human Resources and Organisational Development and has over five years of experience in HR and recruitment. She is also CIPD Level 3 certified. With a strong passion for creating positive experiences for candidates, staff, and stakeholders, she thrives in people-focused environments and brings empathy, professionalism, and dedication to every interaction. Currently taking time away from full-time employment to care for her young child, she is delighted to volunteer with WMIM. Being part of a community organisation gives her a strong sense of purpose, and she enjoys using her HR skills to contribute to meaningful work that supports others.

Dr Sarah Miles

See above

Kate Whitestone

See above

Dr Terry Stuart

Terry is a husband, father of three sons and Welsh rugby supporter..... hence long term interest in stress management. GP, Post Grad teacher for Doctors in UHW, Director of TMPS LTD and member of the Professional Speaker Association.

Naomi Hill

Naomi is an experienced Physiotherapist who specialises in the care of older people with mental health conditions. Having originally graduated from Kings College London in 2001 she went on to complete an MSc in Ageing: Health and disease at Cardiff University in 2019. She is passionate about breaking down the barriers and stigmas of age and mental health in exercise.

Sarah Roberts

Sarah is an astronomer at Swansea University with a passion for outreach and education in science. After graduating from Cardiff University in 2001 with a BSc(Hons) in Physics with Astronomy, she then continued her studies and obtained a PhD in Astronomy in 2005. Originally from North Wales, Sarah has always loved music and singing, and joined Cavatina Singers in Penarth in 2001 and has sung with them ever since. Sarah feels the benefits of these weekly choir meetings in her own physical and mental health and so is a strong supporter of the aims of With Music In Mind.