Paula joined the board as a trustee in 2007 and was appointed chair in 2015.

Music has always been a central thread in her life. After earning a degree in Music Education from York University in 1990, she embarked on a richly varied teaching career spanning the full age range of 3 to18 years.

​

She spent several years as Head of Music at Catshill Middle School before working with the music service now known as Severn Arts. For 13 years, she led music at Burish Park Primary School and co-established a nursery and music school in Bromsgrove, which she co-managed for two years.

​

One of the most rewarding chapters in her teaching journey was her time as Head of Music at Gateway High School in Zimbabwe, a role that offered her an incredibly rich and unforgettable cultural experience.

​

Following her retraining as a psychotherapist and creative counsellor, Paula now works both in person and online across schools and colleges throughout the UK. She specialises in supporting young people and staff in both mainstream and SEND settings.

​

As a mum, seeing the positive impact of music education on her own children has deepened her passion for equity in access. This continues to drive her commitment to aim towards ensuring that all children in Bromsgrove, regardless of financial circumstances, can experience the transformative power of music.

​

To quote Julian Lloyd Webber:

“Music education is not a luxury — it is a necessity. It develops the brain, builds confidence, and brings joy. Every child deserves that chance.”