Meet The Team
Our strong team has a passion for music and theatre and have years of experience in the performing arts, mental health, and working with vulnerable people (e.g. people living with mental health issues, physical disabilities, educational challenges, the elderly, those experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and more). Some team members also have personal experience living with low mental health and/or a disability themselves.


CEO, Co-Founder, & Director
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Toby has been involved in the performing arts since a young age. He has years of experience working with community groups and charities, most recently as Production Manager. Toby is Vice Chair for Prestatyn Carnival Association, a post he has held since 2010. He has worked within the charity sector since 2017 facilitating Singing for the Brain sessions for Alzheimer's Society. Since 2019 Toby has been the North Wales Session Coordinator for the Forget-me-not Chorus, a charity whose work with music and singing for people living with and alongside dementia has been recognised around the world. in 2024 Toby was appointed Dementia Service Lead. He manages a dementia centre service that covers all six counties of North Wales, having one centre in each area. During the Covid-19 Pandemic Toby completed a Level 3 Award in Education and Training after being a facilitator delivering training to adults. He also completed training to enhance the work he does in and outside of his work. He is currently working towards his Level 4 and then on to Level 5 in Social care. Toby is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with people. "I have a strong passion for mental health and appreciate how it affects everyone differently. I've seen first-hand the benefits that music and performance have on someone. It breaks down the stigma mental health has in the community and makes working within the sector all the more worthwhile."

Adele Thomas
Director & Volunteer
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Adele qualified with a BEd Hons degree in Music and Drama and has been teaching since 1994, mostly with students with learning difficulties, including emotional and behavioural difficulties. She was a member of the National Youth Choir of Wales (many years ago!) and has performed with choirs and bands in Cardiff, London, Montreux, Berlin, Prague, and Hong Kong. “I’ve been very fortunate in receiving a first-class musical education and benefiting from the experience of some outstanding musicians. Music has always provided a safe place for me to express myself as well as providing challenges and a great social circle. The creative arts provide a universal language that allows us to communicate feelings we may be otherwise reluctant to express. Having witnessed the importance of good mental health in all aspects of my own life, I’m excited to be involved in a project that puts mental health at the forefront of its mission.”

Cristina Aristeidou
Volunteer
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Cristina graduated with a BA Hons in Community Justice, and also completed a PGCE to qualify as an English Language teacher. She worked in North Wales Probation for a number of years managing some complex and difficult cases, and was also a part-time court-based officer. Mental health fluctuations and difficulties were an issue which frequently came up in that setting and raised her awareness of the need to promote positive mental health for self-development, personal growth and general well-being. “Creative writing is a pastime for which I have huge enthusiasm, often composing short stories and poetry. Music and singing is also a great passion for me, with a particular love of jazz. It's such a pleasure to be a part of the Work in Progress Team. The group encourages all of us to push our boundaries and explore new and exciting possibilities within the confines of a supportive and amiable group of people.”

Leslie Churchill Ward
Artistic Director, Co-Founder, & Director
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Leslie graduated with an honours degree in Acting from The Ohio University School of Theatre and was an award-winning actor in the States. Now living in North Wales, she continues to share her love for theatre with students, performers, and communities. She is passionate about diversity, inclusion, and making the performing arts accessible to all. For more than 20 years her work has focused on the many positive ways that active participation in the performing arts has on people's mental health and well-being. Leslie is the Founder and Musical Director of Acquire, a mixed-voice community choir in Rhuddlan. Since 2011 she has been the Creative Director for the award-winning Kaleidoscope Project (formerly the Inclusion Project) for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Leslie also teaches at Theatretrain and leads choirs for both Theatretrain and Choirs For Good. She loves working with students of all ages and has been a guest lecturer or visiting guest artist at primary schools all the way to performing arts colleges. “Toby, the team, and I have cultivated a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in Work in Progress. Because of this our members feel accepted, supported, and free to express themselves in a safe space -- while also having lots of fun! Seeing people’s confidence grow as they form friendships and achieve things they never thought possible is powerful. The arts are for everyone, and everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard and talent that deserves to be shared."

Caroline Clayton Lloyd
Director & Volunteer
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Caroline has worked in the field of Social Care for 35 years supporting individuals with learning difficulties and mental health issues and managing their support teams. She worked with a small group of individuals encouraging them to explore and participate in music which lead to a performance in front of an audience of hundreds in The Inclusion Project at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. “I do not have a musical background but I know how singing and music makes me feel. I am excited to be part of this project in the hope that others will benefit from the power of performance whilst being able to form new friendships in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment.”

Jack Eagle
Volunteer
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Jack graduated with a first-class honours degree (BMus) from Goldsmiths, University of London. A seasoned songwriter and performer, he has been playing in venues across London and North Wales since he began writing music at the age of fourteen. Mental health awareness has always been a central theme in his creative work. With five years of experience in the care sector, Jack has supported adults with autism and profound learning disabilities. He currently works in education at a school for students with autism. "I’ve seen first-hand the transformative power of music and the performing arts on mental health and overall wellbeing. I became disillusioned with the music industry’s competitive, cutthroat nature, which is why I’m so excited to use my talents to support and uplift others in such a welcoming and inclusive environment. Joining Work in Progress has reignited my passion for music and performance, and the opportunities it has brought for both me and its members."