FOUNDER & CEO

Raffaella Covino is a creative who has spent more than a decade working as a Dance Captain/Associate and Swing across the West End, UK and Internationally. She took a year long hiatus from the industry in 2018 as she navigated a dual mental health disorder diagnosis and born out of that experience was Applause for thought. Raffaella also qualified in July 2024 as a Mental Health First Aid England Accredited Instructor.

Raff has recently started a Substack called The Anxious Ceo where she writes about her reflections on mental health within the industry and her experience running a company with an anxiety disorder. 

Raff’s go to self-care: boundaries, breathwork and “romantasy” books.

SUPPORT LEAD

Victoria holds a BSc in Psychology from Newcastle University, an MA in Psychodynamics from the British Psychotherapy Foundation, and a PgDip in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London and has just finished studying for a postgrad at Oxford University. As an integrative therapist, she helps clients identify and build on their strengths to create achievable goals and foster positive change.

Victoria’s go to self-care: stress-pruning my plants like I'm solving their emotional issues, weekly therapy (yes, therapists need it too), and cycling.

TRAINING & SAFEGUARDING LEAD

Kate graduated university with a degree in Psychology with Cognitive Science before heading into a career in teaching. She now has over 30 years’ experience in education and training. Taking on a headship herself, she oversaw the establishment of a new school and led it to be categorised as ‘outstanding in all areas’ by OFSTED at the first attempt. This work led her to develop her own consultancy and become a Mental Health First Aid England trainer. In 2024 Kate became an Associate Trainer for Mental Health First Aid England. Kate was awarded the 2022 Industry Minds Award for her contribution to bettering mental health care and education within the arts. 

Kate’s go to self-care: A bubble bath watching Netflix, awareness and gratitude walking by the Thames and boundaries with work hours.

ACCESS LEAD / WELLBEING LEAD

Laura is a wellbeing practitioner, coach and consultant, bringing a wealth of experience spanning across West End productions, UK touring productions, grassroots initiatives and charitable trusts. Drawing from her background as an actor in the industry, Laura utilises her first-hand experience to elevate workplace wellbeing. Alongside her work in mental health, she runs The Page One Project - a programme designed to nurture inclusivity in the arts. Laura holds an MSc in Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing (University of Wolverhampton) after training as a Transformational Coach (Animas Centre for Coaches), EDI Trainer (Equality and Diversity UK) and Mindfulness Teacher (School of Positive Transformation). 

Laura’s go to self-care: getting outside in nature, singing in the car and my sisterhood.

TALKS & WORKSHOPS LEAD / WELLBEING LEAD

Dr Lucie is a Chartered Psychologist and Psychological Coach specialising in the creative and performing industries. Having begun her career as a Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Lucie brings extensive experience in designing and delivering talks, workshops, and curricula across educational and professional settings. She is passionate about creating open, informed dialogue around psychology and mental health, grounded in evidence-based theory and practice. Lucie has published over 20 research studies within performing arts psychology and, in 2021, was commissioned by Equity to write a report on mental ill health in the creative industries. She is an ex-dancer and holds a BSc, MSc and PhD in Psychology, as well as a Diploma in Coaching Psychology.

Lucie’s go to self-care: acknowledging and talking it through, airplane mode and the Neom wellbeing pod.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Lucie has been working as a professional actor for 10 years, with a diverse range of experience in stage, film, TV and immersive work. With a keen interest in mental health, she qualified as a Life & Wellbeing Coach (The Coaching Academy) in February 2024 and has her own private practice, whilst working as the Office Assistant at AFT. She has also recently launched a new mental health initiative called ‘Drop the Act’, which aims to provide a safe & non judgemental space for actors & performers to come together and talk candidly about their mental health. 

Lucie’s go to self-care: walks in nature, journaling and a cup of tea watching MAFS.

TALKS & WORKSHOPS/WELLBEING LEAD

Crystal is a professional dancer and certified Transformational Nutrition Coach, with a specialty in Holistic Health. A versatile and dynamic ex-performer, she has worked on commercials, cruise ships, films and theatre. Through her one-to-one work and group sessions, she wants to help people optimise their energy, stamina, recovery, and implement stress management techniques for healthier, more sustainable careers in the arts. 

Crystals go to self-care: cuddling my dog, nature walks and naps.

TALKS & WORKSHOPS/WELLBEING LEAD

Hannah is a ‘mixed culture kid’ who began her career as a child performer. This initial spark led her to work as an artist across the globe in the world of Ballet, Broadway, singing residency/recording work, and film/TV. She later expanded her world leading to  earning her diploma as a personal performance development coach. Alongside her work at Applause for thought, she has a private life coaching practice specialising in supporting individuals navigating major life change towards unlocking their most authentic/fulfilling lives. Hannah has also served and contributed to NGOs combating modern day slavery and violence against women. Hannah feels deeply privileged to work as a part of the wonderful AFT team. A dream intersection of her life’s passions.

Hannah’s go to self-care: dance parties with her husband and toddler, DIY Korean sheet mask, and BBC’s Pride and Prejudice.

WELLBEING LEAD

 Jay originally trained and worked professionally as an actor before redirecting his practice towards becoming a qualified person-centred therapist. This journey continues to inform his work, allowing him to combine creativity, empathy and reflective practice in meaningful ways. 

Jay now work predominantly with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, supporting their emotional wellbeing and personal development. Alongside his therapeutic practice, he works as a Wellbeing Worker for the National Youth Theatre and for Applause For Thought. He is also the Welfare Manager for Compass Collective, an arts charity supporting refugees and asylum seekers. 

Jay is passionate about creating thoughtful, inclusive and supportive spaces where individuals can feel heard, valued and empowered.

Jay’s go-to-self-care: a cup of Yorkshire tea, watching Match of the Day and a sauna and plunge 

TALKS & WORKSHOPS/WELLBEING LEAD

Laura has always been immersed in the performing arts space, being a musician herself and surrounded by creatives growing up, she always knew that this was the world she wanted to be a part of. Laura started her career working as an assistant at talent agencies, a job she adored. Unfortunately, after suffering severe burnout and chronic fatigue syndrome she had to take time out to recover. Throughout the healing process, she learnt all about stress, trauma and the body and decided to retrain as a Trauma & Nervous System Coach. Laura offers 1-1 somatic coaching sessions, workshops and on-set wellbeing support to casts and crews. She feels passionate about bringing her work into the performing arts space and supporting individuals to heal and build resilience to stress. 

Laura’s go to self-care: classical music, a warm cup of herbal tea and quality time spent with loved ones in the countryside. 

ADMIN AND PROJECT SUPPORT

Josh is an Actor and Creative with experience working across stage and screen and is a recent graduate of LAMDA. Josh developed AFT’s first office administration role and helped set up much of the organisation’s administrative framework as well as pioneering a number of outreach projects himself. There are not many areas of Applause for thought’s work Josh hasn’t had his fingers in - and he has loved every second of it! Josh continues to work for AFT on an ad hoc basis, providing admin and project support alongside pursuing his career in acting. 

Josh’s go to self-care: a nice long walk and a kitchen disco.