Meet our Trustees and Teachers
Creativity has always been a force for change for Dr. Niamh Clune — a calling that has taken her from the spotlight to the frontlines of global advocacy. With a rich career as a singer, songwriter, poet, children’s author, and psychotherapist, Niamh’s journey is one of boundless artistic expression and impactful work. Armed with a PhD in Learning Through the Imagination from Surrey University, she has recorded alongside industry legends like Tony Clarke of Moody Blues fame, Todd Rundgren of Tom Robinson Band acclaim, and Mutt Lange, known for his work with Shania Twain.
A transformative chapter led Niamh to Africa, where she consulted for Oxfam, UNICEF, and the World Food Programme, championing causes that echoed her lifelong passion for environmental and social justice. Back in the UK and Ireland, she became a formidable voice in Zero Waste campaigns, advocating for Resource Recovery and Wealth-from-Waste, and earning invitations to speak at the Dáil. In 2004, her tireless community work was recognized with a Social Entrepreneur Award in Ireland.
In 2019, Niamh founded We Are The Voice — a children’s environmental choir dedicated to sparking local change through the power of song. The choir’s name is drawn from a track she wrote for the 2002 World Summit in Johannesburg, which she and her daughter Aleisha performed at the opening concert staged by WWF and attended by Nelson Mandela. Today, as a devoted grandparent, Niamh continues to inspire as the choir’s lead songwriter, music co-producer, and musical co-arranger, weaving her legacy into every note alongside her daughter.
For over two decades, Ali has thrived behind the scenes in TV Production Management, shaping stories and orchestrating productions across a vast array of formats — including BAFTA award-winning children’s television. Married to an award winning cameraman and the proud mother of two grown boys, life is a constant whirlwind of creativity and chaos. Beyond the world of TV, Ali’s passion shines in her work with children of all ages, where she finds endless joy in nurturing their creativity, sparking their confidence, and helping them discover the magic of storytelling.
Aleisha Shimizu experiences music both as a craft and a calling — a life woven with melody, rhythm, and powerful voices. A graduate of the University of Surrey with a Master’s in Composition and Vocal Performance, and a BA(Hons) in Music with Visual and Performance Art from the University of Brighton, Aleisha’s journey has been shaped by some of the industry’s most influential mentors. At Brighton, she trained under the brilliant Juliet Russell of Vocal Explosion, and during her Master’s studies, she honed her cross-genre artistry under the guidance of Heather Keens, a celebrated performer of both Operatic and Jazz repertoire.
Aleisha further refined her vocal technique and expressive power with world-class vocal coach Mark Meylan, whose expertise in vocal health and performance has shaped some of the most compelling voices in the industry.
An experienced performer, studio vocalist, and producer, Aleisha has brought her distinctive voice to diverse projects, from stage to studio. Today, she is the Choir Mistress and music co-producer for We Are The Voice, where her work includes original compositions, vocal arrangements, and conducting the children’s environmental choir — a powerful platform for raising voices for change. Beyond the music, Aleisha is a proud mother of two, infusing her life and art with the same passion and purpose she instills in every note.
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For Roberto Buttaci, music isn’t just a passion — it’s a pulse, a calling that has echoed through every stage of his life. From the early days of mastering the piano and self-teaching the accordion to captivating audiences as a musician in productions like The King and I, his love for music has always taken centre stage. With a degree in Music Technology, he stepped into the spotlight as Musical Director for the original pantomime Princess and the Pigs, weaving stories through sound and melody. Though his professional journey led to a dynamic role in business management, the call of music never faded. Today, that call resounds louder than ever as he reconnects with his artistic roots through our choir, believing passionately in our stirring environmental message. Roberto recently contributed his musical talents to one of our powerful new tracks. Now, as he watches his children raise their voices, Roberto is experiencing a full-circle moment — a harmony of passion, purpose, and legacy.