Our Team
We are supported by a wonderful team of volunteers and trustees who help make Shine possible every day…
Lauraine Cheesman
Founder & Project Manager
Lauraine founded Shine after experiencing extreme postnatal depression following the birth of her daughter. She deals with all fundraising and continues to run the courses in Cirencester and Dursley. “I fought PND like a warrior,” she says. “Now, I have grabbed that positivity and poured it into Shine. I want to give mums real support that makes a difference.”
Kirsty Griffiths
Rachael Stone
Swindon Lead
Rachel runs our Swindon courses and Swindon drop-ins. She is Mummy to Lily (4) and Archer (1). Her experiences of psychosis and depression threatened to cripple her. But, when she reached out to Shine, everything changed. “Shine has been invaluable. Not just for the therapeutic opportunities and time with other adults without the children, but also the friends I have made, and the advice and support they are able to give.”
Rebekah Cox
Dursely Lead
I found becoming a mum incredibly difficult and isolating and I struggled with depression and anxiety. Being part of Shine was a vital part of my recovery. Not only was it a lifeline to have that pocket of time to myself to be creative each week, but it gave me a space to be open and honest about how I was feeling and it also provided community. I feel honoured to now be able to support other mums on their journey.
“Amazing things happen when women help other women.”
Creche Team
Val Clive
Creche Lead, Cirencester
“I am a qualified nursery nurse, married with three grown-up, independent children. I have many years experience of working with children ranging from hospital work in both maternity and children’s wards and more than 20 years in a pre-school setting.
I absolutely love working for Shine at both the Crèche and the drop-in sessions in Cirencester, helping out with the little ones and supporting the mums.”
Elaf Dafallaah
Creche team, Cirencester & Swindon
After the lockdown I joined the Shine course, feeling isolated and anxious. I enjoyed every minute I spent in shine. I am now an honoured member of shine team in the Cirencester creche. I enjoy working with babies because they represent hope and the future to me. I LOVE watching children grow up. I have Level 2 certificate in teaching assistant, safeguarding, mental health and suicide awareness.
Karen Donoher
Creche Team, Cirencester
“I have been part of team Shine since 2015. I live in Cheltenham with my two children Bobbie (15) and Emily (11). I have worked in the field of childcare for roughly 25 years. Shine is such a special place. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a nurturing support group and to work alongside dedicated and warm-hearted people. I am truly committed to the crèche and to forming a positive, calm, caring and supportive environment. Where the little ones (& big ones) can learn, grow and shine.”
Swindon Creche
Monday Group
Bella, Holly, Laura, Hana, Kellie
Jess Hiles
Creche Lead, Dursley
I have been part of team Shine since 2021, as Creche Lead for Dursley. I suffered with PND and anxiety following a very traumatic birth… and Shine was the most amazing thing. It helped me though the toughest time of motherhood. I am Level 3 qualified in early years I have been working in childcare 16 years, I also have experience with Special educational needs and disabilities, safeguarding, first aid, Peer support, mental health and suicide awareness.I live with my husband and our two wonderful daughters.
Swindon Creche
Thursday Group
Elaf, Holly, Bethy, Bella and Kellie
Our Trustees
Fran Embleton Smith
Claire O’Loughlin
Becky Kimberly
Sarah Bourne
Lynette Robathan
“There are so many ways to be brave in this world. And, sometimes, it is nothing more than gritting your teeth through pain, and the work of every day, the slow walk toward a better life.”