I have been working as an ASN Development Worker since February 2021. My main duties are to enrol and support young people with additional needs by providing them with appropriate programmes to achieve their DofE Award and other wider achievements. The programmes that I plan also provide young people with the opportunity to develop their social and life skills and encourage more independence and confidence in themselves as they move on to their next steps of college or the world of work.

Our work goes far beyond DofE and we try to give our young people all the same opportunities as everyone else in a safe, caring and fun environment. By far the best part of my job is working directly with young people.  I work with groups and also oversea our 1:1 high nurture programmes. As well as supporting young people and building positive relationships, I also work directly with parents, carers, social work and other local organisations . No day is the same and I learn so much from the young people I work with.

I also have the pleasure of working directly with our fantastic volunteers and supporting our Distance Learning Hub students. 

I am a seasonal open water swimmer and animal lover who enjoys running adventures with my dog Toby. I am also a mum of 3 – navigating the parenting rollercoaster. I am a reader and ancient history enthusiast but also partial to a soap opera. Love a sunrise, sunset, Christmas and Autumnal trees. Recently have become a guinea pig mum to 2 rescue centre piggies.

I support the Development Workers with face-to-face activities for groups and 1:1 referrals. I also plan and lead some activities, such as navigation, archery, and fire lighting skills. I support most of our groups and the holiday programmes. I get to work with a range of young people from 8 – 25 year-olds.

Having come through the Starfish Way programme myself, I realise the importance of learning outside the classroom and developing skills through a range of activities. DofE gives young people like me the opportunity to see their potential and try new activities while making friends along the way.

I am currently working towards my Gold Award. I enjoy walking with my girlfriend and dog, Mac. I really enjoyed green woodworking during my Starfish Way programme and have been able to develop this. Now I am an employee with the Association.

I am the Funding and Partnership Manager and have been with the Association since 2015, having worn many hats in my time here!  I am responsible for raising funds for our work,  building new partnerships and strengthening existing collaborations.  I have been involved with Starfish Way from its launch, and delight in being part of such a talented and passionate team. 

I believe in the unlimited potential in every young person given the right opportunity and support. Starfish Way provides these opportunities, and we see year after year the incredible and life changing achievements of the amazing young people we have the privilege to work alongside. 

Away from work, you’ll find me with my family on or in the water, with my head in a beehive or boarding guide dog pups, when time allows!

I am maintaining the website, Distance Learning Hub and Social Media. I make sure that everything is running smoothly and you all enjoy the distance learning.

I am originally from Germany and moved to Scotland 6 years ago. I love the outdoors and being in the mountains, this was my main reason to come over to this beautiful country.

I joined the Association in 2021 writing modules for the Distance Learning Hub on mindfulness, meditation and holistic living. I run my own business where I promote self-development through traditional medicine and mindfulness.

I am the Office Finance & Administration Manager supporting our wonderful team from behind the scenes with all the administration paperwork, paying the bills and purchasing equipment. Supporting such a wonderful, caring team who inspire so many young people is amazing!

I have always loved the outdoors and have worked with young people for over 20 years. Being a born organiser, I originally started in administration, looking forward to the weekends so that I could go out exploring the beautiful countryside.

After having my two children I studied for my NVQ in childcare which then led me onto working with young people as a teaching assistant. This was such a rewarding experience.

I love animals, gardening, cycling and walking. We have 2 dogs, Archie and Panzer, a cat, Willow and 4 chickens, Peggy, Gracey, Dottie and Maisie and we have a small orchard with apples and plums, and we love to grow our own vegetables.

I recently joined the team as a volunteer gardener at Megginch Castle.

I’m originally from the New Forest area but have lived in Scotland for over 50 years and love it here.

I enjoy spending time outdoors, hillwalking, travelling and exploring. I’m also interested in wildlife, wild land areas and environmental issues. I am a keen amateur gardener and a  voracious reader.