The Team

Director Mike is an extremely experienced practitioner working with young people around engagement in music production, song writing, DJing, music technology and radio production.

Originally a secondary teacher with a degree in Music Industry Management and Studio Production, he now works in a range of settings within the community with extremely vulnerable young people in Secure Units, SEND and SEBD schools and Pupil Referral Units bringing his calm, patient brand of delivery to all his sessions.

Mike is currently studying a Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management.

Before co-founding Sound Communities in 2012, Director Kate taught English at secondary level, managed the learning programme for a digital arts education hub and pioneered the country’s first pan-school online radio station (2001).  

Kate has a strong track record of teaching, executive production, fundraising, project development, partnership working and strategic development. 

Kate is currently studying a Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management.

Mitch, an experienced music and DJ workshop leader and fellow of Devon School for Entrepreneurs, is one of the founding directors of Sound Communities. Mitch delivers workshops in music production and DJing.

Operations Manager as of September 2021, Ellen is a qualified English teacher with an eye for accuracy who ensures the efficient and effective internal operations.

Mark, our Schools and Community Lead, is an experienced and inspirational primary school teacher with 25 years’ experience. He joined Sound Communities in 2015 and is now a full-time member of the team involved in a wealth of projects for young people across Torbay. Mark is now leading our Communities strand and manages and teaches on many of our Early Intervention projects. 

Jack started with Sound Communities when he was just 11 years old. Now 19, he’s employed full time by us as the Station Manager and IT support and a key member of the team delivering workshops and interventions with young people.

Simone joined Sound Communities in December 2022 after having previously worked in safeguarding and pastoral care in the education sector. She has a BA in Social Science and enjoys long dog walks.

Lawrence is our digital media lead. Qualified in film, television and music production, he’s a great addition to the team, working incredibly well with our young people as well as developing films of our work.

Lawrence now has a Level 2 AQA in Youth Leadership.

Charlie is a talented and committed practitioner who started with us as a mentee through the DAISI project, Soundwaves. Charlie is a passionate music producer on a mission to support a new generation of female producers.

Sophie works with us as both a Practitioner and Project Manager. Having written and performed her own music, she enjoys working with young people to help them write songs and develop their confidence and self expression through music. She loves the combination of overseeing projects and delivering them, some days you will find her driving the Boom Bus around Torbay and others in the office typing away.

Liam is a talented lyricist and rapper who is inspiring a new crop of young talent in the bay through his leadership of Oceanside records. Liam’s speciality is working with young rappers and producers who struggle to engage with mainstream education.

Holly was a founding member of Ocean Youth Radio as a teenager in 2013-2016. With a BA in English and Drama from the University of Exeter and a background in theatre, writing and creative facilitation, she has now returned to Sound Communities as our Progression and Production Arms Lead, following her passion for making enriching creative experiences and processes accessible to young people. Outside of Sound Communities, Holly is co-director of The Lavender Collective, a queer eco-feminist theatre company, and is an Associate Artist of Torbay’s arts education organisation, Doorstep Arts.

Alisha has a joint honours degree in Journalism, Media and English Literature from Cardiff University which she obtained in 2020. While at University she wrote for the student magazine and hosted a pop culture themed radio show.

She takes a particular interest in social media promotion and finding innovative ways to promote Sound Communities to different markets across the bay and beyond.

Alisha is taking part in the Time to Shine programme through the Rank Foundation.

Lotti moved to Devon in 2003 and graduated from Dartington College of Arts with a BA in Music Composition in 2006. Since then she has composed and performed in a variety of music and theatre productions, as well as working as a producer for Soundart Radio. Lotti enjoys canoeing down the Dart, going for long bike rides, and growing tomatoes in her greenhouse.

Danielle joined Sound Communities in August 2023 as our administrator after having previously worked in foster care and the education sector. She enjoys reading, paddleboarding and spending time with her family.

Áine Máire joined Sound Communities in December 2022 as our finance manager!