Ben, with over fifteen years of experience, has worked extensively in educational institutions as an arts teacher, coach, and mentor. His impact spans from primary age to further education, including alternative provisions and PRUs.

He discovered a love for the stage at an early age and trained in Performing Arts at Dudley College, later completing a BA Hons in Dance and Theatre at Coventry University. His educational journey continued with a PGCE at the Royal Academy of Dance.

After embarking on his teaching career, Ben held positions as Head of Dance and later Head of Year and Behaviour Mentor at Hendon School. In 2013, he returned to the Midlands to take on the role of Director of Key Stage Four at a new city centre Performing Arts Academy.

Ben’s journey took a poignant turn when he lost his close friend and mentor, Kevin, to suicide in 2014. In response, Ben set about establishing Bedazzle, an organization dedicated to providing accessible Mental Health support within schools. His commitment to this cause led him to become a MHFA England instructor member and complete a diploma in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy & NLP Coaching.

Currently, Ben is juggling multiple responsibilities. Alongside spearheading the day-to-day operations of the charity, his dedication to mental health advocacy remains unwavering, as he continues to deliver social, emotional and Mental Health support within our partner schools to children, staff and parents. He is also pursuing his MSc in the Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Ben has always harboured a keen interest in understanding people, their interactions, and behaviours, since studying sociology in school. This curiosity naturally evolved into a fascination with neurobiology, human development, and gaining deeper insights into the physical effects of stress and trauma on the body.

He continues to channel his creativity as a director and choreographer, considering it both a passion and a way to unwind. When he’s not immersed in artistic endeavours, he finds solace in long walks, connecting with nature, and hitting the gym to release stress.

Be Head SmART founder, Sarah Williams, has over fifteen years of Primary and KS3 teaching experience. Working in several Dudley schools, she has taken on the responsibilities of Art Coordinator, Assessment Lead and KS2 Phase Lead.

She holds a BA in Art and Design with QTS, which she trained for at Newman University. She also holds a MA in Art and Education, studied for at Birmingham City University’s School of Art, where her main line of inquiry was using Art to promote mental well-being in young people. The findings of her research into how children’s mental health and well-being can be positively supported by Art highlighted the need for more cross-curricular Art to be delivered in schools. Be Head SmART’s purpose is to aid this delivery.

For the past six years, Sarah has supported various Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Worcester primary schools by providing tailor-made pupil workshops, staff training and curriculum consultation and design sessions. Sarah is a MHFA England Mental Health First Aid Champion and with her training in mind, her work supports a range of mental health and well-being issues, with the intention of developing communication, coping and calming techniques whilst building resilience, along with strengthening artistic skills.

Recently, Sarah has successfully guided a group of KS3 pupils through Arts Award Discover and Explore, where pupils were encouraged to develop independent thought and self-critical skills in order to produce artwork they were proud to exhibit and confident to talk about.

Sarah’s own Art practice is rooted in Fine Art but most recently involves illustration. During lockdown, Sarah and a fellow teacher-friend wrote a children’s book about dealing with anxiety. Using Sarah’s beloved dog, Ginny as the main character, Sarah enjoyed illustrating the story and hopes to self-publish the book soon.

When she isn’t drawing her dog, Sarah loves to travel Britain in her Campervan. Ginny loves to come along too. Sarah has also travelled to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, where she enjoys being behind the camera, capturing the beauty of the natural world. She has a soft spot for South-East Asia and is regularly planning trips she would love to take.

She is thrilled to be embarking on this journey with Bedazzle; allowing her to channel her passion for working with young people; supporting their holistic growth, whilst providing them a first-class Art education.

Born and raised on the Wirral, Alana Brayshaw is a dynamic professional who has carved a niche for herself in the realm of charity development management. Her academic journey began at Wirral Metropolitan College, where she honed her skills in Business and Finance, Business Management, and Office Management.

Alana’s professional journey is as diverse as it is impressive. She has worked on projects ranging from supporting service users battling drug and alcohol abuse to leading community regeneration and integration initiatives. Her experience spans project development, funding, and community building, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to making a difference.

In her role as a Charity Development Manager, Alana’s expertise extends beyond project management. She is adept at conducting interviews, performance reviews, and appraisals, ensuring that her team is always performing at its best. Her office management skills guarantee smooth operations, while her knack for merchandising enhances product presentation.

Alana’s financial acumen is evident in her effective handling of budgeting, profit and loss analysis, and time management. Her meticulous planning and budget control contribute to the successful execution of projects. Moreover, her strong communication skills extend to customer service and complaint handling, fostering positive interactions and efficiently resolving issues.

Her dedication to her work is matched by her commitment to safety and protection. Alana holds St. John Ambulance certificates, including first aid at work, ambulance aid, and basic life support. Her commitment to child protection and awareness of vulnerable adults underscores her dedication to her community.

Alana’s recent professional journey has seen her securing funding for organizations, monitoring performance metrics, assessing community needs, and liaising with service providers and local councils. She has successfully applied for grants and funding to meet community needs, attended network events and meetings, and organized events and open days. Her marketing skills are evident in her production of marketing material and management of the center’s website. Her budget management skills have been crucial for advertising and event promotion. She has built positive relationships with surrounding businesses and oversees all aspects of the centre, from activities to room hire.

Her thirst for fun and her dedication to her work make her an invaluable asset to any team. Outside of work, Alana cherishes spending time with her children, family, and friends, reflecting her belief in the importance of work-life balance

Born and raised in Willenhall, Lisa’s passion for hockey began at a young age. She attended Sneyd Community School, where her love for the sport flourished. Lisa dedicated countless evenings and weekends to practice, and her hard work paid off when she represented the GB Team in Atlanta in 1992.

After completing her schooling, Lisa embarked on a new adventure by joining the Navy. She served as a radar operator and physical training instructor for eight years in Portsmouth. Following her service, Lisa returned to the Midlands to start a family. She is a proud mother to Tori and Jack and is eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first grandchild.

In the past 12 years, Lisa has made significant contributions to the care system, focusing on special needs. She holds a Level 3 Special Educational Needs qualification and has worked as a Level 3 qualified Teaching Assistant, teaching children from the age of six to young adults. Additionally, Lisa is a certified first aid trainer and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).

Lisa’s involvement in theatre spans over two decades. She has taken on various roles, including stage managing, working backstage, and building sets for numerous theatre groups. Her passion for theatre extends to her charitable work, where she supports youth theatres and works with young adults with learning difficulties. Lisa recently contributed to the BBC show “Doctors” as a standby art director before its closure.

After many years as the Stage Manager for our Youth Theatre, Lisa is thrilled to be working with Bedazzle in a new capacity. She is dedicated to supporting the charity’s aims and values, which resonate deeply with her

Rachel brings a wealth of experience and passion to our team. With a diverse background in performing arts and education, Rachel has dedicated her career to fostering creativity and supporting child development. She holds a Musical Theatre Diploma from the London School of Musical Theatre, an A Level in Dance, and a BTEC in Performing Arts. Her performing career has taken her around the world, including memorable visits to Antarctica, Bora Bora, and New Zealand.

Rachel’s qualifications extend beyond the arts. She holds an NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning, a Mindfulness for Children Diploma, and Youth Mental Health First Aid training. Her commitment to education is evident in her work as a SEMH Support facilitator for Bedazzle in local primary schools and as a trained Arts Award adviser for Discover and Explore levels.

Rachel uses her performing background to engage children in the arts, not only as a form of education but also as a way to bring them together socially, explore emotions, and nurture creativity. She has directed “Fame” for the West Bromwich Operatic Society Youth Theatre, showcasing her ability to inspire and lead young performers.

As a mother of three neurodiverse children, Rachel is deeply invested in supporting children with ASD/ADHD, particularly those with a PDA profile. She is currently home educating her children while traveling part of the year with her husband, a cruise ship captain. Rachel’s interests include fitness, yoga, walking in nature, reading, and attending the theatre.

Becky is a dedicated and experienced educator specialising in music, shaping young musicians since 2002. With a passion for music and a commitment to inspiring students, she has worked across a variety of educational settings in the West Midlands, bringing the joy of music to learners of all ages.

Originally from Devon, Becky developed a love for music from an early age, which led her to pursue a career in teaching after earning a BA (Hons) in Music from Anglia Ruskin University. Over the years, she has gained a wealth of experience, adapting her teaching methods to suit diverse learning environments and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to develop their musical abilities.

After settling in the West Midlands, Becky found her niche as a woodwind teacher, specialising in delivering high-quality music education to students of all backgrounds. Whether working with beginners or advanced musicians, her dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a love for music has been deeply rewarding.

Now residing in Shropshire, Becky balances her professional life with her love for the outdoors. She enjoys walking with her family and her beloved black Labrador, as well as spending time horse riding in the beautiful countryside.

With over two decades of experience in education Becky is passionate about supporting students in all areas of their learning. She strives to have a positive impact on well-being and mental health through the exploration of the arts, believing in the power of music to enrich lives and foster creativity.

Lynn has worked professionally for over forty years in the field of theatre-in-education and educational drama with young people and children. Her expertise includes: extensive drama and theatre workshop experience, devising, writing and performing, and the training nationally of drama and theatre arts teachers in schools. She is also a professional Peace Education worker.

She has collaborated many times with Fizzog Theatre as researcher, writer, forum theatre facilitator and in formal evaluation of their projects. In addition she has worked as independent audience critic for two of Spike Theatre’s children’s shows, providing feedback for the Company.

In 2010, together with her writer/director husband Dave Morris, they formed the Journeymen Theatre Company. Journeymen specialised in commissioned human rights theatre projects which toured nationally for thirteen years. Lynn and Dave wrote and performed all of their projects as either two-hander shows or solo performances.

Since 2023 Lynn has been back in schools as an Associate Trainer with Peacemakers organisation in Birmingham, delivering workshops in peace-building and mediation techniques to children and staff.