WRITER & PIANO TEACHER

Allyson Johanna Mary Roberts, a native Trinidadian, is the first-born child of John and Roslyn Raeburn. As a child of older parents, Allyson believes that she developed a sense of resilience.

She was introduced to music early in her life as she started learning to play the piano at age seven. She danced her way to Queen’s Hall for the Arts Festival and even played pan for a short time at her church. Her love of music and piano remained important aspects of her life, and she soon realized that she had a gift for teaching. She later established a private music studio where she taught music and theory, guiding many students in higher-level music appreciation and study. Allyson attended The Catholic Religious Education Development Institute, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Music Education. As she developed a strong sense of her music knowledge and capabilities, Allyson also began to compose, having completed a songwriter’s course at Sam’s Symphony School of Music.

Allyson had a long professional career as a Clerk Typist at Republic Bank Limited in Trinidad for 30 years. While at Republic, Allyson was active in the company sports, playing netball and cricket. As a retiree, she now focuses on hospital visitations, prayer group meetings and writing. A lover of the Lord and avid churchgoer, Allyson served for several years in church groups such as First Communion, Confirmation, Choice and Youth 2000 Prayer Festival. She sang in the National Charismatic Choir for many years and dedicated time to attending daily Masses.

Allyson loves her family and decided that she would lead the charge for more family reunions rather than only meeting during weddings and funerals. She is the one person among the Raeburns and extended Raeburn clan who can provide knowledge about the family and the family tree.

In 2004, Allyson married the love of her life Nicholas Roberts and created their home in her childhood neighbourhood of Valsayn. Allyson and Nicholas both boast of having several God children which gives them an opportunity to support young people.

In 2020, when the pandemic hit, Allyson decided to try her hand at another passion – writing and her first book "Turning a New Leaf" was born. New to social media, publishing, and marketing – Allyson jumped right in.

Allyson has been featured as a First Time Author at NALIS' Heritage Library, in the Catholic News, and on “Storytime” in the I95.5FM radio programme.