Meet the Team
Dr Ffion Jones
Founder and Director
Mind Chapters was founded by Dr Ffion Jones (www.ffijones.com), a traditionally published author and illustrator of children’s wellbeing books, and an emotional wellbeing practitioner and anti-bullying trainer working in schools.
Dr Melanie Ebdon
Director
Dr Melanie Ebdon is a Senior Lecturer in English Literature & Creative Writing at the University of Staffordshire where she is Course Leader. She has over twenty-five years of teaching experience and leads several modules, including one in Children’s Literature. Her research is focused on contemporary novel writing, in particular its reengagement with mythology in an era of climate emergency.
Emma Leighton-Jones
Director
Emma Leighton-Jones has over 25 years experience as a safeguarding professional in the third sector. She works for the Church in Wales Safeguarding Team where she leads the training and engagement nationally. Emma has over 10 years of experience in local politics both at county council and town council level as an elected representative. Between 2019 and 2022 she held a Cabinet position at county council level holding the portfolio for HR, IT and Diversity. Emma volunteers her time to engage with the community and preserve its environment and heritage and somehow finds the extra time to coach children’s cricket as well as play for a women’s cricket team.
Dr Shamira Fernando
Wellbeing Advisor
Mind Chapters is guided by Dr Shamira Fernando, a registered clinical psychologist, who contributes to the development of trauma-informed, safe, and supportive practices for children on our storytelling programmes.