About A Mind Apart

Our Story

A Mind Apart began in Sheffield in 2008, founded by Jodie Marshall with a simple belief: everyone deserves the chance to shine through creativity. What started as local classes, quickly grew into a vibrant community, welcoming children, young people, and adults from all walks of life to explore performing arts and creative therapy.

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Therapists supporting our community

Creativity That Changes Lives

From day one, we’ve seen how drama, dance, and creative learning can build confidence, boost wellbeing, and help people find their unique voice. We love using creative tools like Theatre of the Oppressed to spark conversations, empower voices, and inspire real change in our community.

A Social Enterprise with Heart

As a social enterprise, we’re committed to working sustainably and inclusively. When times have been tough—like during the Covid-19 pandemic—we’ve adapted quickly, expanding our health and wellbeing services and finding new ways to connect through online creative therapy and classes

Creative teachers delivering sessions

What We Do Today

Today, A Mind Apart offers inclusive performing arts classes, creative therapy sessions, and education programmes that support people of all ages and abilities. We work closely with schools, families, and community partners to ensure our creative and wellbeing support reaches those who need it most.

Looking to the Future

We’re passionate about growing our creative therapies and performing arts opportunities, making sure everyone—no matter their background—can access the support, fun, and learning that the arts bring. We’re proud of our Sheffield roots and excited for what’s ahead. If you’d like to be part of our story, we’d love to welcome you to A Mind Apart.

Meet the Team

Get to know the dedicated team behind our creative community. Each member brings their own passion, experience, and energy to A Mind Apart, supporting children, young people, and adults to learn, grow, and thrive through performing arts and creative therapy.

Jodie Marshall

Jodie founded A Mind Apart in 2008 and now leads the organisation as Managing Director and Chair of the Board. With experience in every role, she now focuses on the strategic growth and vision of A Mind Apart, while also running her own consultancy supporting other purpose-driven organisations. Jodie continues to inspire the team and drive big plans for the future, both in Sheffield and beyond.

Founder and Managing Director

Richard King

Laura brings over 15 years of experience in education, with a strong focus on special education and a background in biomedical science. Passionate about marketing and supporting impactful organisations, she is committed to helping A Mind Apart create meaningful opportunities for young people through the arts. Laura is proud to lend her expertise as a non-executive board member.

Caroline is a fully registered Dramatherapist and clinical supervisor, working in the NHS and her own private practice. Passionate about the power of theatre to support wellbeing, she has been nationally recognised for her work with young people recovering from eating disorders. Caroline also brings experience as a lecturer and researcher, and is proud to support A Mind Apart as a board member.

Director

Richard has been a non-executive Director at A Mind Apart since 2011 and brings extensive legal expertise as a partner at Taylor and Emmet, specialising in wills and probates. With a long-standing personal and professional connection to the organisation, Richard plays a key role in supporting our sustainable growth and offers invaluable guidance from his experience in the legal sector.

Mark brings a wealth of experience from adventure education, management consultancy, and academia. As a Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University’s Business School, he specialises in responsible leadership and supports organisations of all sizes. Mark’s passion for positive change also shines through his research, his PhD, and his work as an author.

Mark Ellis

Director

Laura Appleby

Director

The Directors

Director

Caroline Parmar

Ronny Tucker

Director

Ronny brings decades of frontline and leadership experience in youth work, social care, and community engagement. From running youth justice programmes to leading city-wide strategies in Sheffield and chairing the Yorkshire Boxing Association, he is dedicated to improving outcomes for young people across the community.

The Team on the Ground

Natasha Hargrove

Therapy and Wellbeing Manager

Natasha is Therapy and Wellbeing Manager at A Mind Apart, where she’s worked for 16 years as a facilitator, manager, and HCPC-registered Dramatherapist. She leads creative wellbeing and therapy programmes supporting education and mental health, with a focus on empowerment, neurodiversity, and trauma. Natasha is passionate about making the arts accessible to all.

Lydia Smith

Creative Learning Manager (Maternity Cover)

Lydia is a creative practitioner from Yorkshire with five years’ experience in performing arts, community engagement, and inclusive education. A First-Class BA graduate in Acting and Community Theatre, she supports people of all ages through the arts, delivering workshops, developing accessible curriculums, and producing creative events. Lydia is passionate about using creativity to build confidence and connection.

Danielle Murphy

Creative Learning Manager

Danielle is an experienced performer with over fifteen years in theatre, film, and musicals. After she left full-time teaching, she joined the team during Covid as a teacher and worked her way into management. She holds an acting degree from Sheffield Hallam University, is a fully qualified teacher, and brings her passion for the arts to every project.

We’re proud to work with a talented team of associate therapists and freelance creatives who bring expertise, passion, and fresh ideas to our therapy and performing arts programmes. Want to meet the people who help make our classes and sessions so special? Click below to find out more about our amazing team.

Got a Question? Ask Away

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have a question about our performing arts classes, creative therapy, Perspective wellbeing programmes for businesses, or want to discuss partnership opportunities, our friendly team is here to help.

Don’t be shy—get in touch by phone or email. We’re passionate about connecting with our community and business partners, and always open to new ideas and collaborations. Reach out today and let’s start something wonderful together!