Senior Leaders

I joined our community here at Camphill Blair Drummond in early 2008 as Chief Executive. I have over 30 years’ experience in health and social care, with a range of roles in both the private and third sector. Since joining Camphill Blair Drummond, I have had the pleasure to lead our community, with the support of the Senior Leadership Team and guidance from our Board of Trustees, through a significant period of growth and change.

My role and responsibilities continue to be varied, and yes challenging at times, but always exciting. What hasn’t changed is my clear sense of purpose and my commitment to Camphill Blair Drummond. When you arrive in our community, you cannot help but feel and experience the vibrancy of day-to-day life – where the authentic sense of care, support and a nurturing environment, is experienced in the everyday interactions between those who live, work and volunteer here. This is the bedrock of our community, and for me continues to be a key motivation in leading our organisation as we fulfil our mission of transforming lives – through the provision of life and work-enriching opportunities, meaningful relationships and connections that promote participation in shared community living.

This also applies to me, as I too have had the opportunity to develop my skills in areas such as project management, finance, fundraising, and above all, the direct involvement in the provision of support and care that allows people to realise their fullest potential.

As well as my main role here, I’m also on the Board of Trustees of several Camphill charities, including the community of Loch Arthur in Dumfries, Camphill Central Scotland Trust, an investment and property holding company for three Camphill communities, and the grant making trust, Camphill Central Scotland Social Fund. These key relationships are important to the work of Camphill in Scotland and by extension, that of Camphill Blair Drummond.

It continues to be a privilege for me to Being part of our community here at Camphill Blair Drummond continues to be a privilege. While my role and responsibilities keep me busy and active, the balance to all this is my wife and my three daughters (now in their twenties), who all bring their own joys and challenges.

Since joining the community at Camphill Blair Drummond in February 2019, my key focus has been building relationships with residents, students, families, co-workers and employees to support my understanding of the new role of Director of Care & Support and appreciate how my contribution helps to nurture, embrace and develop our caring community.

As part of the Senior Leadership Team, I work alongside Jason, Gerry and Lynda with the specific remit of promoting and delivering leadership across all aspects of care and support. I am the registered manager for our residential and day care services and lead a very experienced operational management team who strive to enhance the lives of everyone in our community who cares for, and is cared by, others.

I have almost 25 years’ experience in health and social care and have worked across a wide range of third sector and private organisations providing support to individuals from birth to older adulthood. I hold a range of vocational, graduate and postgraduate qualifications which frame my understanding of high quality care. I am passionate about promoting successful outcomes for individuals and I take pride in developing, implementing and evaluating standards of care through robust quality assurance. My career has embraced the care and support of others in a variety of ways including: direct support, staff training and development, team leadership and management and, latterly, the external regulation, scrutiny and assurance of care services. I enjoy supporting improvement and encouraging development of individuals and teams.

Personally, I feel I am a warm, caring person who strives for good experiences for myself and for those around me. Home is very important to me, as are my relationships with family and friends. I have 2 chocolate Labradors (Willow and Bracken) who keep me grounded and realistic about the importance of sunshine, walks and good food! Positive relationships, stability and consistency are things that help me enjoy life and feel happy - I strive to promote these when caring for others.

Since joining Camphill Blair Drummond in 2019 as Day Service Coordinator, I’ve had the privilege of being part of a community that values connection, growth and shared experiences. Now, as the Director of Community Development, my focus is on nurturing an environment where everyone—students, residents, employees, and volunteers—can realise their full potential and feel truly supported.

My journey into social care began during a university placement at the age of 19 and I never really looked back. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to this field, driven by a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. With a degree in Social Care Studies and, more recently, a degree in Business Management, I’ve been fortunate to gain both the knowledge and the perspective required to contribute meaningfully to our community.

At Camphill Blair Drummond, I’m passionate about fostering success and championing community development. Seeing others thrive – whether it’s our students, residents, or colleagues – brings me a sense of fulfilment that fuels my dedication to this work.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my family and find great comfort in knowing that Camphill Blair Drummond is more than just a place of work—it’s a community that enriches my life in so many ways. I’ve recently taken up sewing, and while I have a lot to learn, I’m grateful for the support of our community’s textiles activity when things don’t go as planned. It’s a reminder that, just as in life, it’s okay to lean on others and find strength in our shared experience.

I’ve been employed at Camphill Blair Drummond for 18 years, and during this time I’ve contributed to the growth and development of our community, particularly our day service. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, I’m primarily engaged to take the lead on aspects of the business which includes Employability, Fleet Management & External Contacts & Communication, as well as taking responsibility for several other activities within our community. I’ve worked in Social Work/Social Care for 40 years managing Day Services, Contracts & Commissioning, and Service Developments across the Central Belt. Prior to joining Camphill Blair Drummond, I worked in the private sector as a Business Development Manager, all of which has given me the experience to make a real difference at Camphill Blair Drummond.

There’s something about Camphill and the community here that draws you in; living within a community and participating in meaningful work activity can make such a difference to peoples’ lives and is key to my enjoyment of life and work here.

Since joining the community at Camphill Blair Drummond in October 2018, I’ve supported the finance team as Finance Manager, and then more recently as Head of Finance. Over these six years, my primary focus has been building strong financial systems and processes, while appreciating and nurturing the key reason for working here – the supportive and caring community that embraces all residents and day students.

As part of the Senior Leadership Team, I provide strategic leadership across all financial aspects of our operations. I’m responsible for ensuring financial stability and sustainability that allows our community to continue delivering high-quality care and support. My approach is deeply rooted in collaboration, striving to make sure that our financial practices align with our mission of caring for others.

In addition to my work with Camphill Blair Drummond, I also support the Finance Teams at both Ochil Tower School and Corbenic Camphill Community. My commitment to these two organisations reflects my broader passion for the third sector and my desire to use my financial expertise to support communities that make a difference.

Outside work, I’m passionate about living a balanced and fulfilling life. I’m a mother to three football-enthusiastic boys which keeps me grounded and busy. I also have a deep love for nature and enjoy long walks, yoga, and cooking (albeit not always very well!).

I came to Camphill Blair Drummond Community in 2005 as a volunteer in the Pottery workshop, an experience which has influenced my career path hugely. My weekly visits were inspiring and provided endless opportunities of friendship through fun interactions, which relied at that time on gestures and facial expressions! I was subsequently fortunate enough to get the opportunity to join our community as an employee in 2007, with the remit of developing opportunities for residents’ involvement and contribution.

My career has been varied with three clear transformations and one key theme overlapping them all – effective communication!

Working in the hospitality trade for 20 years – from the ski resorts of Switzerland and France to running my own restaurants in Perth and Kinross – my success has been dependent on building respectful relationships and consistent information exchange. An overlapping career, as an employee and relationships counsellor spanning 20 years, enabled me to offer people from many different walks of life a safe space to explore and communicate their needs and wishes.

Since 2007, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the transformation of our community. As an optimist with a ‘can do’ approach, I’ve found many opportunities to transform and grow my own role, which has enabled me to take a lead in sharing and developing skills and knowledge. My focus is on the promotion of inclusive communication and meaningful interactions that enhance the quality of life for those we support.

In 2024, I was delighted to accept the invitation to join the Strategic Leadership Team, bringing my experience, knowledge and skillset to take the lead in promoting authentic, transparent and effective communications across our community, in line with our vision, mission and aims.

I believe that together we can support our community to be the best it can be, and I look forward to sharing our continuing successes with my family and grandchildren, our future generations.

I joined Camphill Blair Drummond in November 2010 on a part-time temporary basis as an Administrator in our Main Office and I now work 4 days a week. I’ve been supported and encouraged to realise my potential in the same way we help our residents and day students to do.

I now provide a supportive role to the team of Senior Leaders, helping them realise the vision we have for our community. This includes the role of Appeal Co-Ordinator – where, as part of a team I’m involved in raising funds for our community – as well as the role of Office Team Leader, supporting our admin and housekeeping teams.

My career started in the accounts department of an assurance company where I worked for 14 years before I left to have my daughter. I was a member of the Parent Teacher Association for seven years while my daughter was at school. I held several roles over those years; as member, then treasurer, then I finally shared the position of Chairperson while working in the family business. I’ve always enjoyed working with figures and with people, and I like a challenge. It’s very rewarding to be part of such a friendly and welcoming community where I can make a tangible difference.