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.”
Rachael Stone
Swindon Project 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.”
“Amazing things happen when women help other women.”
Creche Team
Val Clive
Creche Team, 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.”
Sue Coupe
Creche Team, Swindon
Sue has been working with Shine since September 2018. She has a background in education as a special needs teacher. “In 2000, my husband and I adopted five children ( 9, 6,5,3 and 18months), then four years later a baby of six months. Our life has been amazing, crazy and at times very challenging, but rewarding in so many ways. I feel privileged to look after the Shine babies and really enjoy meeting and getting to know all the fantastic mums.”
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.”
Katy Libreck
Creche Team, Cirencester
“Hiya, my name is Katy. I am from France originally and I am a single mum of an 8 year old little girl.
After my baby was born I struggled with anxiety and going to Shine really helped me! It’s amazing how craft and creativity can be so beneficial.
I really enjoy being part of the Shine team - it’s extremely rewarding and I feel privileged to be able to support mums on their journey!”
Our Trustees
Fran Embleton Smith
FRAN EMBLETON SMITH
“I have known Shine since its beginning and have seen its positive and sometimes transformative effect on the many mums it has supported. I am impressed by the passion of the team to make such a difference through the gentle approach of therapeutic arts and creating networks of support. I am delighted to be part of Shine as a trustee.
I led a local community charity, which worked with families and children, for 17 years. I am a qualified teacher and before having my family (I have 3 grown up children) I worked with young people.”
Amber Powell
AMBER POWELL
“I was first introduced to the work of Shine though my work as a Cirencester community midwife. As a busy mum of four, and a midwife, I’m well aware of the pressures faced by parents and how vulnerable we can feel when facing life with a new baby. I passionately believe that an excellent support network of others in the same situation aka ‘a mum squad’ can make even the darkest days seem brighter. I’m looking forward to working alongside this amazing team to bring Shine’s incredible work to many more families.”
Becky Kimberly
Sarah Bourne
SARAH BOURNE
“I am very excited to be a Shine trustee. I have seen the organisation grow and flourish over the years and witnessed the impact it has had on the women who have experienced the wonderful groups and all the peer and individual support. The positive energy and kindness are relentless. Women's mental health is something I feel very passionate about and will endeavour to use my many years of knowledge and experience of working and supporting families especially women and children to help this amazing charity. I presently manage the family services of a community charity and I am very involved with the local charity sector. I am also a mum of two teenage children. Being a mum is full of amazing experiences and daily challenges and everyone’s story is different. We regularly put so much pressure on ourselves because we want to be what we think is the best and judge ourselves too much. We don’t always get it right but that is OK and some days getting through is really enough.”
BECKY KIMBERLY
“I am a community artist and experienced practitioner with lived experience of anxiety and postnatal depression. I also run several Shine workshops, including collage, journalling and making beeswax wraps. My focus is always on encouraging openness and creativity in a warm and inspiring environment, with a focus on healing. I love bringing wellness and personal confidence to the group through mixed-media creative-play and curiosity, and am very proud to support Shine through all the amazing work that it does for mothers.”
“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.”