Meet Our Team

CLARA HEBBLETHWAITE
Founder & Manager​

Clara founded The Dementia Experience CIC in 2024 after supporting her own mother through dementia and experiencing first-hand how isolating the journey can be for families. She is passionate about creating welcoming, joyful and colourful spaces where people feel less alone as they navigate their own dementia experience.

​Fluent in French and Spanish, Clara has been a languages teacher in secondary schools for nearly 20 years and previously worked as a journalist and expedition organiser, developing strong communication, leadership, and organisational skills. 

PARAMJOT KAUR
​Operations Manager

Paramjot is an artist and operations professional, her work is rooted in her experience of supporting her grandmother with dementia, which deepened her commitment to meaningful community support.
She brings warmth, creativity and thoughtful leadership to her work, helping organisations build strong foundations and services that truly reach the people who need them.
She is also the founder of Sahara Wellbeing CIC,  a community organisation supporting older South Asian people who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation. 

JENNA NEWHAM
Director

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Jenna is an Events & PR professional with extensive experience in the marketing industry. Known for her creativity and enthusiasm, Jenna brings a wealth of expertise to The Dementia Experience. Having personally witnessed her mother’s journey with dementia, Jenna is deeply committed to offering support and guidance to others facing similar challenges. 

CAROLINE CAREY
Director

Caroline is a Fundraising professional with over 15 years experience raising money for a broad range of charities, supporting children and young people, physical and mental health and access to the arts. Passionate about music, she’s also been a trustee of a London based music charity for over a decade. Known for building relationships and having excellent organisation skills, Caroline will bring her extensive charitable experience to the board, ensuring the work of The Dementia Experience can reach all those in need of support and guidance, through the most challenging of times. 

ANNE BURDON
​​Director

Following in the footsteps of her parents, Anne has had a fulfilling career in Education as an early years practitioner. In the aftermath of her mother's diagnosis of dementia, Anne felt overwhelmed and uncertain and it was this personal experience that has driven her to want to reduce those same feelings for others.
​She offers much-needed support and guidance to all and hosts our Hug in a Mug events. With her warm, level-headed, and empathetic approach, she is committed
​to making a positive impact.

Caroline Eady
Director

Caroline is a legal editor and non‑practising solicitor. Her earlier career as a Private Client solicitor involved working closely with individuals and families on wills, trusts, estate planning and lasting powers of attorney. She now brings that experience to her editorial work, producing clear, practical guidance for busy lawyers in practice. Caroline is committed to supporting The Dementia Experience, drawing on her background to help improve support for those affected by dementia in her local community.

Event Coordinators

SARAH CALLER

Sarah runs WRAP Dementia Day Centre and The Monday Gang in Hawkhurst, supporting people living with dementia to enjoy meaningful, enjoyable days. With a background as an Occupational Therapist and experience at the Alzheimer’s Society, her work at WRAP is guided by a strong belief in seeing each person as an individual. Sarah is committed to helping people live with dignity, understanding, fun, and a sense of normality.

EDITH TANKUS

Edith is a theatre artist, yoga teacher and creative movement practitioner with a passion for fostering creative connection in later life. She leads our Tea Club and Joy in Motion sessions, bringing joy, music, theatre, and meaning into each space she creates.
Edith’s work is rooted in warmth, wit, and deep empathy, supporting people to move, express themselves, and connect in ways that feel playful and affirming.

CARLA SMITH

Carla is the founder & leader of The Rhythm of Life Choir, a welcoming community where people of all ages and abilities come together through song. With a background in music and a passion for connection and wellbeing, she leads joyful Phoenix Choir sessions featuring musical theatre, gospel, and popular songs. Carla believes deeply in the power of music to bring people together, lift spirits, and help everyone feel valued and included.

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