Nikhil Kirsh
Temple Director and Space Holder
Nikhil has worked as a full time visual artist and mentor for 20 years. During this time he has been refining his vision for this project.
“Each painting feels like another step to the Temple”.
He currently works with combinations of geometric form on large scale canvases using natural pigments that are symbolic to him.
Nikhil has completed a deck of 49 ‘Alchemy Cards’ using his paintings and is currently offering one to one readings while working on a second deck.
He will be a permanent presence at the temple, and through the creation and display of his work, hold the foundational frequency of the collective space. www.nikhilkirsh.com
Lucy Renée
Temple and Academy Director
Lucy has worked with home-educated neurodivergent youth groups and teenage individuals for the last 6 years. Her unique service style is to elevate the profound gifts and interests of those blessed to be in her care.
She is the founder of Lurue Renée Agency, supporting artists to manifest their unique contributions and has also been sprinkling her magic as part of the Portal Dance team and the Mycelium project since their conception.
She is a professional photographer, graphic designer and toy designer/inventor. She can also solve any problem with her smile alone.
Matthew Adams
Sound Lord
Matthew is a musician known for his unique blend of acoustic and electronic elements.
AKA Manarva - he initiated a Frome ecstatic dance wave on New Year’s Day 2023, and continued to hold many refreshingly authentic dances in our various spaces. Last year he expanded this culture in Frome by establishing a rotation of other local DJs. To join his Ecstatic Dance WhatsApp Group, where details for his Frome events are announced, click here
He has also featured in many recorded conversations with Nikhil Kirsh since 2021, spanning subjects of art, life, death, and spirituality:
Temple Academy Team
Jade Le Lohe
Academy Director
Jade is a passionate, creative educator whose work is rooted in curiosity, imagination, and a deep respect for how young people learn. Since 2014 she has worked in Steiner schools as a Class Teacher, and also supporting neurodivergent children in mainstream and home education settings.
For five years Jade was the main educator at Seven Spokes Home Education Project, where she brought learning to life through hands-on exploration, creative demonstrations, and imaginative teaching across a wide range of subjects. Jade will be prominent member of The Temple Academy team, supporting personalised and engaging learning journeys.
Jade holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Photography and is a qualified Steiner teacher.
Abigail Moore
Academy Director
Abi has been teaching children and young people for over twenty-five years. Beginning at The Young Place London, in the 90’s, teaching creative and contemporary dance, and continues to share her passion for movement and performance through The Rosedean Theatre School and as a freelance tutor.
Also working as a professional actress, Abi’s professional training includes contemporary dance (The Young Place, London) and acting (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School). Abi also is the director of both The Rosedean Theatre School, Bruton, and The Hive Theatre, Bruton, which will have an outreach element at the Temple Academy. We are delighted to have Abi’s creative fun and expertise, enriching young people’s development, personal growth and empowerment.
Cathy Smith
Academy Director
Cathy brings more than 20 years of experience working in education, supporting children, teachers, and families in a variety of roles. From working as an art technician and teaching cookery, to providing administrative and pastoral support, she has consistently been a steady and caring presence within educational environments.
Alongside her work in education, Cathy also has a background in healing and therapeutic practices. Her superpower is in supporting others. Cathy cares deeply about everyone’s wellbeing. Her grounding force will be a key role at the Temple Academy, supporting young people to discover their joys and passions, and uplifting students, tutors and parents alike, as she truly believes we are all in this together.
Harri Kirsh
Youth Grants Administrator
Harri is a 14 year old entrepreneur who has shown advanced interest in business and economics. His own company, Snipps Detailing is a well known and respected car cleaning operation in Frome, that he runs with his business partner Caelan The Bird Man Jenkins.
A distinct feature of the Temple Project, is its youth-led delivery model. Young people are not only participants but are actively involved in shaping, organising and administering the project.
Harri’s capacity to interface gracefully with new technologies and ways of thinking, is a valuable asset to our team. We are honoured to be working with him.
Sonny Boy Wallens
Youth Marketing Director
Sonny Boy Wallens (15) is a highly focused, passionate young filmmaker/director/actor. His regularly updated youtube channel @SonnyBoyEverittWallens, is a treasure trove of film productions that demonstrate an unfettered stream of creative freedom and authenticity. His musical endeavours are equally charged. Find his debut single, Two Alive Chicks, on spotify and itunes.
A distinct feature of the Temple Project, is its youth-led delivery model. Young people are not only participants but are actively involved in shaping, organising and administering the project.
Sonny Boy’s experience promoting his own work and his enthusiasm about the project, has landed him the prestigious role of Marketing Director. We feel very grateful to have his energy on board.