Meet the Team

Lorella Medici, Creative Director & Wellbeing Mentor

Founding member, BA Hons Fine Art, Counselling, Art Therapy, Mentoring.  Lorella develops Arty-Folks unique Art Therapy programme to empower individuals reconnect with their creative drive to thrive.

“The creativity of our members never cease to amaze me!  With the right kind of support, everyone is able to grow through trauma and map their own way forward.”

Pearl Chesterman, Office Manager

Pearl has worked for many years in arts engagement in Birmingham, Nationally and Internationally.  She brings her passion for making a difference to peoples lives and skills in management to our team.

”This is an exciting time to join as we are preparing to celebrate Arty-Folks 30th Anniversary.  I’m looking forward to work collaboratively with our growing staff and volunteer team to strengthen the service and empower more people on their recovery journey.”

Liz Harvey, Art Programme

BA Hons Illustration at Coventry University. Liz manages the art programme and leads the group workshops.  She also helps our members to build their art portfolio for college/University courses.

“Art allows us to connect to other people in a positive and personal way.  It helps us recognise our uniqueness whilst also enabling us to bond with like-minded people.  That’s when healing begins.”

Rory McDermott, REACH Peer Support Worker

Rory works one-to-one with people across Coventry and South Warwickshire who are stepping down from NHS services or waiting to access support, helping them feel heard, valued, and empowered.

“I am passionate about using my own lived experience of mental health to support others on their recovery journey.  I have attended Arty-Folks around 12 months and I know first-hand the power of connection, and that sharing our experiences can inspire hope and positive change.”

Julie Booth, Art Facilitator – Lillington

Having worked in education for many years, Julie has a wealth of experience facilitating workshops for young and old.  She runs Lillington Makers arts&crafts  groups for residents that inspire the whole community.

“I love sharing my arts practice and inspiring others to see the mundane through a different lense. It’s a joy to see people bond with each other and explore what they are capable of.  I do my best to stretch their skills and imagination and ultimately experience a sense of achievement.”

Ellie Kafaeimehr, Facilitator and Content Creator

With a background in Graphic Design and Design Management, Ellie has always been interested to explore how the visual arts can help people improve their lives. She facilitates our groups in Coventry and creates social media content that help us reach more people who are struggling.

“I am hugely passionate about creativity and self-expression; it helps us connect with others and the world around us.  Art is a form of language that allows me to express inner feelings, thoughts and emotions that words can’t always convey.”

Justine Middleton, Coventry Peer Volunteer

Joined the Arty-Folks 3-week Art for Mental Health course in January’25 and continued to attend.  Justine completed Peer Support Worker training and is now volunteering with two of our Creative Peer Support Groups.

“Being part of a supportive and understanding community, where everyone is encouraged to explore and express themselves, has been incredibly important for my recovery journey.  Now that I’m feeling more confident in myself, I can bring some of what I have learnt, to help others grow through the creative process like I did.”

Miho Taka, Chair

Miho previously worked in the private and 3rd sector, and today is Assistant Professor, at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University.

“Our lives are connected globally.  As educator and researcher in the field of peace and sustainability I am researching the use of natural resources and how it is connected to violent conflict.  However, my first degree is in Fine Art which led me to Arty-Folks during the post-Covid era of global uncertainty and war.  I wanted to rediscover the magic of art to counter balance the pressures of academia.”

William Bryan, Vice-Chair

Bill’s career has seen him running various aspects of a large-scale well-known visitor attraction, and for the last 7 years he was the Managing Director of Drayton Manor.  As a specialist in customer experience & journey and team creation and engagement Bill  knows how important it is to have and promote good mental health and wellbeing.

“The creative adult is the child who survived-(Walt Disney), is a favourite quote of mine; and one that sprung immediately to mind when I learned about Arty Folks’ social impact.  And working alongside the team I also get a chance to scratch my arty itch!”

Dan Sharkey, Treasurer

Dan is a Bank Manager for Lloyds Banking Group and in 2018 became a mentor to Arty Folks supporting the charity with their digital strategy and social media confidence. 

“As long-term supporter of the charity and now as Treasurer I am keen to see the charity grow in a sustainable manner and succeed in reaching the most vulnerable and isolated in our society.”

In his spare time Dan loves nothing more than grabbing his hiking boots and reaching for the mountains. 

John Gough, Secretary

John was a Trustee and Chair of Arty-Folks 2015-20 and we’re pleased to welcome him back! John has worked in Higher Education since 1988 and has been a member of several boards of trustees and governing bodies, including professional associations, schools and FE colleges.

“I’m very pleased to be involved again in Arty-Folks which has helped to transform so many lives using art as a facilitative process for developing skills, knowledge, creativity and confidence. In addition, the charity plays a very important role in the intersection between the creative and health and social care sectors, and as part of local, regional and national networks.”

Serena Dha, representing young members

co-facilitated Canvas to Change group for young people 16-25yrs old and since moved on to study Mental Health Nursing at University.  Serena is now our co-Treasurer and attends our groups as often as she can.

We are always looking for skilled and passionate professionals to join our Board of Trustees.  If you are passionate about the arts and making a difference to people’s lives get in touch!

Download the Trustee Welcome Pack and the latest Annual Report.