OUR TEAM
Susan Gilmartin
General Manager
Susan brings a wealth of experience in project, event, travel, and volunteer management to her role as General Manager at Upbeat Arts, proudly serving the organisation since the launch of its first choir in 2014. Born in Bundaberg, Susan grew up surrounded by the arts, studying piano, dance,
and voice while actively performing with the Bundaberg Players. Her lifelong passion for music and creativity has remained a constant thread alongside her professional journey.
Susan’s career has spanned a variety of industries and roles, including a highlight working at World Expo 88, where she played a pivotal role in planning and delivering a packed schedule of events at the iconic Piazza venue. This experience of bringing people together through large-scale creative events continues to inspire her work today.
In her role as General Manager, Susan now focuses on recruiting and supporting staff, stakeholder engagement, policy development, onboarding, research partnerships, member workshops, and overseeing events. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, she values dropping into programs regularly to stay connected with members and experience firsthand the impact of Upbeat Arts.
Susan is deeply passionate about Upbeat Arts’ role in “Recovery through the Arts” and is committed to working towards the expansion of Upbeat Arts, ensuring more people across Queensland have the opportunity to experience creativity, community, and connection.
For her own mental health, Susan loves to sing, spend time with her family, and enjoy the company of her beautiful Golden Retriever, Summer.
Emma Dean
State Artistic Lead - Music and Repertoire
Conductor - Brisbane Choirs
Emma joined Upbeat Arts in September 2024, as the new Conductor of our two Brisbane Choirs.
Emma is an internationally acclaimed musician, creativity
coach, performer, writer, composer, arranger, dreamer, and choir mama based in
Meanjin/Brisbane.
As a musician, Emma is passionate about the magical world
where music and storytelling collide. She has released over ten independent EPs, albums and soundtracks, played lead roles in theatre shows such as Cabaret and The Tempest (Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre), and toured around Australia and internationally including performances of her own shows on Off-Broadway and
Edinburgh Fringe to rave reviews. <br><br>
In 2018, Emma was a featured soloist in The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, singing John Farnham’s iconic song – You’re The Voice – accompanied by Brisbane-based choir Voices Of Birralee.
Emma was announced as the 2023 Griffith University Outstanding Young Alumni winner for Arts, Education and Law. She was also honoured to receive a prestigious ’40 Under 40’ award – a celebration of young leaders, visionaries and entrepreneurs from Queensland.
When Emma is not on stage or coaching, she can be found writing choral arrangements for choirs and musicians, including John Farnham, Kate Ceberano, Katie Noonan, Glenn Shorrock (Little River Band) and Voices Of Birralee. She is a passionate advocate for the magical healing qualities of group singing and proudly leads a colourful community choir in Brisbane called Cheep Trill who she considers to be her extended family. (and now our two Upbeat Arts Choirs in Brisbane)
Richard Thayil
State Artistic Lead - Culture and Quality
Accompanist - Brisbane Choirs
Richard Thayil, Melbourne born, Brisbane freelance multi-instrumentalist, composer/arranger, music educator and accompanist.
Richard is our resident accompanist for both Brisbane choirs and has a long history with Upbeat Arts.
Richard studied the Piano, Saxophone and Trombone in his schooling years in Melbourne.
He has been accompanying since 1993 and began working professionally as a performing musician, composer/arranger and music educator in 1997. Richard moved to Brisbane in 1999, completed a Bachelor of Music in composition at QUT. He teaches multi instrumental music in primary and high schools and currently lectures in aural studies and arranging at QUT. Richard is often called upon as a brass and woodwind clinician. As a conductor he has been MD for various musicals and shows – Les Misérables, Fiddler on the Roof and other local productions. Richard enjoys regularly performing locally, nationally and internationally. He loves to be in the studio recording music for various artists. Richard’s eclectic skill set has afforded him the privilege of working with many and varied artists, such as James Morrison, Pete Murray and Gerry Connelly. He is the founder, director and arranger for his big band The Empty Chair Project. Richard has a deep passion for musicians, especially his three beautiful children.
Claire Christian
Creative Writing Leader
Claire Christian is a storyteller; a writer, theatre maker and facilitator.
Claire teaches our two creative writing programs - one is online only, and the other is face to face, although with an online option.
She has four plays published by Playlab, including Lysa and The Freeborn Dames which debuted at La Boite in 2018. She has had the great joy of directing Michelle Law’s smash hit comedy Single Asian Female since 2017.
Her debut novel Beautiful Mess won the Text Prize in 2016 and was released in 2017. Her second novel It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake, a contemporary adult fiction romance, was released in 2020 through Text Publishing.
Amelia Harris
Brisbane Program Leader
Amelia is a wonderful new addition to the Upbeat Arts team.
Amelia first joined Upbeat Arts as a volunteer with the North Brisbane Choir and her passion and dedication to the choir and to Upbeat Arts was evident from day one.
In early 2024, Upbeat Arts was delighted to offer Amelia a position on the team.
Amelia now assists with the delivery of the weekly programs. She is a caring liaison point for the members and volunteers and at each program provides a welcoming smile as everyone arrives. She is an organised and ‘let’s get this done’ kind of person….Perfect for this role!
Chantal Le Goff
Sunshine Coast Program Leader
Chantal is managing our choir program on the Sunshine Coast. Chantal is a skilled project leader and is experienced in business administration, project and relationship management and has lead community support projects in the UK and Australia across a range of sectors including charities, education, finance and engineering. She is personally aware of how uplifting singing can be especially within a supportive environment and
the benefits singing can have to your overall wellbeing, energy and the importance of community and connection with others. She is also a keen advocate for promoting positive mental health and creating a safe nonjudgemental environment where you can feel comfortable to just be yourself.
Chantal is a creative, warm and energetic person with a passion for art, music and more specifically singing. She has loved singing from a young age and has an appreciation for the mental health benefits singing can provide. She has been a member of an acapella choir and has previously trained with the Sydney Philharmonia Choir for a season to perform in the televised Christmas Concert at the Sydney Opera House.
Chantal moved from the UK two years ago to make the Sunshine Coast her home and she is excited to lead the Upbeat Arts Choir program for the Sunshine Coast Community.
Clare Cook
Gold Coast Program Leader
Clare is the Program Leader for our new Gold Coast Choir, bringing a unique blend of experience across the Community Services, Allied Health, and Business sectors.
Her work-life has been driven by a consistent focus on people, purpose, and social impact through meaningful community engagement.
Clare is passionate about connecting with others and understands the powerful role that supportive and empowering environments play in transforming lives. She also recognises the value of creative expression in helping individuals reach their full potential. In her youth, Clare loved dancing, playing piano, and participating in youth drama groups. Today, her creative outlets include crocheting, cooking, and spending time in nature.
Clare holds a deep appreciation for the transformative power of music and its ability to foster connection and promote wellbeing. She is excited to contribute to the meaningful work being done by Upbeat Arts.
Nicole Lynam
Marketing Lead
Nicole Lynam is an experienced social worker and program leader with more than 20 years across child protection, community engagement, and government reform.
She has led statewide initiatives to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families, with expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, program design, and workforce development.
Known for her collaborative and creative approach, Nicole is passionate about translating complex issues into clear, accessible messaging that supports real change.
Now bringing this wealth of experience to Upbeat Arts as our Marketing Lead, Nicole combines her background in social impact with her skills in branding, social media, and storytelling. She is committed to amplifying the voices of our members, strengthening community connections, and sharing the joy and purpose of our programs with wider audiences.
Ally Bing
Conductor - Sunshine Coast
Ally joined Upbeat Arts as the piano accompanist for the new Sunshine Coast choir when it launched in 2024. In 2025, we’re excited that Ally has stepped into the role of Conductor.
Ally is a dynamic teacher, accompanist, visual artist, songwriter, and musician.
Ally lives in the Hinterland of the Sunshine Coast near Maleny, Queensland. While taught classically on piano 1998 – 2008, her upbringing in the southeast of
the United States also informed her taste for Appalachachian folk music and she enjoys playing clawhammer-style banjo in addition to piano. She completed a Bachelors of Science degree in Anthropology and Environmental Studies from the Honors College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina in 2012. Ally has taught piano and music lessons in Australia for over ten years, and, like many who immigrate to a new area, also opened a small food business.
Ally’s joy in life is singing and harmony. She has participated in choirs for most of her life, most recently, Sweet Chilli, an all-women’s a capella choir in Maleny. Ally is well-known locally to the Maleny community for her soulful musical performances, including with her jam band Bizarrely Quartet.
Ally brings a warm, friendly, and supportive personality, with energy and musical skill, to the team.
Denis Feletto
Accompanist - Sunshine Coast
Denis Feletto is a classically trained pianist, composer, and arranger with a passion for jazz, cinematic music, and ensemble collaboration. Originally from Italy, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Piano Performance, a Master’s degree in Jazz Music, and a Master’s degree in Orchestration for Film, Games, and TV, giving him a unique ability to blend classical refinement, jazz improvisation, and the evocative storytelling of film music.
Denis’s career spans multiple disciplines, including composing for film and video games, conducting and arranging for ensembles, and performing both as a soloist and collaborator. His work as an arranger and orchestrator has allowed him to explore the intersection of acoustic and digital music, combining tradition with modern innovation.
As a skilled accompanist, Denis has worked extensively with choirs, vocalists, and instrumentalists, bringing sensitivity, adaptability, and musicality to rehearsals and performances. His experience ranges from classical and choral repertoire to contemporary and jazz settings, always striving to create a supportive and expressive musical environment.
Now based on the Sunshine Coast, Denis is actively engaged in the local music scene, performing, teaching, and developing creative projects that reflect his diverse influences. Grateful for the warm welcome he has received, he is committed to contributing meaningfully to the community through his music, fostering connection, and supporting artistic collaboration.
Molly Keen
Conductor - Gold Coast
Molly Keen is a vocalist, producer, choir conductor, songwriter, and singing teacher. In 2023, Molly graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University with a Bachelor of Music with Distinction, majoring in Popular Music Voice.
In 2024, Molly was a recipient of the City of Gold Coast’s Professional Placement Program, where she worked as Associate Producer - Projects with Everybody NOW! on the large-scale production ‘Those Who Rock’ at HOTA.
Molly has gone on to work as a producer on a variety of projects including Assistant Producer of Cheep Trill’s original musical ‘Community Choir: The Musical’ as a part of Brisbane Festival 2025.
Molly is an experienced vocalist and backing vocalist, and also runs her own singing teaching business.
Molly is passionate about the connection, community and magic of choir, and can often be found writing vocal and choral arrangements. Molly believes strongly in the joy and self-expression the arts fosters and is absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Upbeat Arts team.
Jenni Streten
Accompanist - Gold Coast
Jenni Streten has been part of choirs her whole life and loves the joy, confidence, and connection that singing together can bring.
After studying at the Queensland Conservatorium and QUT, she spent many years teaching music and accompanying choirs of all ages, including fifteen years as a music specialist at The Southport School.
Jenni is also a skilled arranger and enjoys helping singers feel supported and at ease so they can give their best.
She believes strongly in the power of music to lift spirits and build community, which is why she feels right at home with Upbeat Arts.
Along with her musical skills, Jenni brings a kind, empathetic presence to rehearsals and performances.
When she’s not at the piano, she gives back to her community as a Justice of the Peace and through volunteering.