Our Team – Dr Bell’s Family Centre

Meet our team!

Our Office Team

Get to know Danielle

My background is in youth work primarily, working in the South West of the city delivering a variety of youth provisions for over 20 years. I trained in early education and childcare, working as a Nursery Nurse in a special school before becoming the Early Years Team Leader at The Yard, working with children and young people with disabilities. I have completed my HNC in Early Education & Childcare, my BA in Youth Work, and my PDA (level 9) in Childhood Practice.

I am a qualified Signalong Tutor, being the only Senior Tutor in the whole of Scotland and recently qualified as a Mindfulness Facilitator.

How do you support the Dr Bell’s team? “My role within the team is to lead on the implementation of the goals, targets and strategic objectives set by the board. I support the team in the day to day running of the service and even deliver one of our groups, ‘Mindful Moments’.”
What do you like about working in the Leith community? – “Since joining the team in 2020 I have met so many wonderful, passionate people. Leith is a hub of activity and offers such a diverse array of cafes, shops and services. I love having the opportunity to meet with so many agencies doing fantastic work for the Leith Community.”

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? – “I am extremely passionate about inclusion and making sure everyone’s voices are heard and Dr Bell’s ethos and values align with mine, a perfect fit. I hope with the support of the fantastic team, board and families we can continue to watch Dr Bells grow and develop in the years to come. I want to make sure that people know we are here and shout from the roof tops that we are a valuable asset to the Leith community.”

An interesting fact & quote: “I love messy play, the messier the better. As we get older we shouldn’t lose our playful spirit as it enables us to stay connected and find joy in the little moments.”
“Just when you feel you have no time to relax, know this is the moment you most need to relax.” ~ Matt Haig
Danielle is both First Aid and Mental-Health First Aid Trained.

Get to know Kirstyn

I have worked in the hospitality/reception industry for over 12 years. I enjoy working with people and thrive on helping. I have a passion for mental health, and I am currently working towards becoming a qualified counsellor, having just completed my HNC.

How do you support the Dr Bell’s team? “I work on the reception and provide support with administration tasks throughout the centre. I also support at the Mindfulness Dip, and occasionally pop into other mental health groups, which I love.”

What do you like about working in the Leith community? “I have lived in Leith since I moved to Edinburgh 15 years ago and I love the sense of family and unity it promotes. It’s a wonderful place to live and it is great to give something back to that community”

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? “I started off as one of Dr Bells mums! The centre was a massive source of support and fun for me and my child, and I am so happy to be part of the team and have a chance to support other parents“

An interesting fact/quote:

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”

~ Maya Angelou

Get to know Claire

Get to know Kushi

Our Community Development Team

Get to know Darcey

I’ve been doing Youth & Community work for over 15 years all over Edinburgh. I have also worked in Residential care, behavioural support schools and within Children & Families social work team. I have a degree in Community Learning and Development from the University of Dundee.

After graduating I worked at the Sick Kids Hospital as a Senior Development Worker, running a drop in centre and a programme of activities to support children, young people and their families throughout their hospital journey.

How do you support the Dr Bell’s team? “I manage the Community Development team and am responsible for the programme of activities. As part of the senior management team, I contribute to the strategic plans and finances. I am also the Child Protection officer.”
What do you like about working in the Leith community? – “Leith is where I first started doing Youth work when I was in high school doing my Initi8 programme and I always knew that I’d love to be back working in Leith. Leith has a great sense of community and is very welcoming. I love being back woking in Leith! “

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? – “My personal values align well with Dr Bell’s which is why I knew this was the perfect fit for me! I am passionate about ensuring that children and families have access to opportunities and their voices are heard.“

An interesting fact/quote:
“No one is born fully-formed: it is through self-experience in the world that we become what we are.”
~ Paulo Freire

Darcey is First Aid, Paediatric First Aid and Mental Health First Aid trained.

Get to know Toni

My background is youth work & child development work across Midlothian and the Scottish Borders over the past 6 years. I have previously worked with young people with additional and behavioural support needs in various provisions within education and worked closely with children and families.

I have completed my BSc in Psychology at Edinburgh Napier University and completed additional well-being training courses with place2be.

How do you support the Dr Bell’s team?

What do you like about working in the Leith community “I have grown up with family connection in Leith and have always valued the strong sense of community and belonging. I’m really looking forward to being a part of Dr Bells and meeting the local community and the great opportunities it has to offer.”

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? “When the opportunity to work at Dr Bells came up I knew I credited the ethos and values that Dr Bells stand by. The opportunities that Dr Bells provides the local community encouraged me to want to work with a great team of people who value the importance of community.”

An interesting fact/quote: “A random fact about me is that I travelled to my favourite country, Thailand and volunteered in a elephant sanctuary. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!”

“I believe everybody is creative and I value the importance of enhancing each and everyone’s artistic side! “

“An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.” ~ Edwin Land

Toni is First Aid and Paediatric First Aid trained.

Get to know Andy

I have 12+ years of experience working in settings such as Youth Work, Community Education, Social Work, and Child Protection. My previous role had a particular focus on Care Experienced Young People, and Kinship Care. Throughout my career, I have worked in Edinburgh & the Lothians, and Fife.

How do you support the Dr Bell’s team? “My role is a new one within Dr Bell’s and will be focussed on providing individual support to families in Leith. As it is in its early stages of development, I will be working closely with my team and the community to assess what is needed from a family support officer.”
What do you like about working in the Leith community? – “I am a part of the Leith community having lived here most of my life. I know first hand the pride that Leithers take in their community, and I’m excited to be able to give something back.”

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? – “I was keen to work within my own community and share some of the knowledge and experience I have obtained over the years to help make a difference.”

An interesting fact & quote: “I recently returned home to Scotland having travelled Australia and New Zealand. Although I enjoyed my travels, it made me realise that I’m meant to be here.”
‘It’s a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you’ll be swept off to’ ~ Bilbo Baggins

Get to know Chelsea

I am a first-year student on placement at the University of Edinburgh studying MA learning in communities. I have previously studied the NC and HNC working with communities at Edinburgh college. I have mostly been involved with youth work, I also attended groups for parents after having my son in 2019. I then saw the help and support available, which directed me into this organization.

How do you support the Dr. Bells team? “I will help support Dr. Bell’s by using my current knowledge from my degree programme, and I support groups during set up, evaluation and tidy up and offer support where I can or a listing ear to parents who attend.”

Why do you like working in Leith? “I love LEITH! It is full of diversity and a lot of different organizations in this area that support all kinds of needs, which I am glad to be a part of. I have lived in Leith for moat of my life and enjoy working with people of the community.”

What made you want to work with Dr. Bells? “I have attended groups at Dr. Bell’s and seeing the fun and support they offer, this was my first choice for my placement allocation and I am excited to grow my confidence and skills in family based work within the centre.”

An interesting fact or quote:

“We’re all in this together. Each and everyone of us can make a difference by giving back” ~ Beyonce

Our Early Years Team

Get to know Megan

I have worked in childcare for over 10 years. I have multiple early years qualifications and up until receiving my HNC in Social Services I worked my way up to senior positions within private nurseries. I am currently studying for my Level 9 PDA in Childhood Practice. I am passionate about learning and implementing pedagogical approaches that enable the best support to be offered to children and their families. I think it is crucial in early years to never stop learning and I strive to provide the best experiences for every child in our care, while supporting my team to do the same.

What do you like about working in the Leith community? “The Leith Community is like nothing I have experienced around the rest of the city. The camaraderie and sense of togetherness is really great. It’s a wonderful experience to be a part of it through my work with Dr Bells.”

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? “I love working with children and had been craving for the opportunity to expand the support I could offer to the whole family so when the chance came up to work with Dr Bell’s I jumped at it! I have been a part of the team since 2018 and have seen the centre go from strength to strength. The work being carried out is invaluable and so many families benefit from it. I had a little girl at the start of the pandemic and through this experience I have gained a whole new level of understanding of what children and parent’s need. It also reaffirmed my belief in how important the support network around you is. Working here at Dr Bell’s I am able to support families at critical times in their life and seeing a family overcome adversities and reach their goals is incredibly fulfilling. Dr Bell’s has such an amazing team and I am so humbled to be a part of it.”

An interesting fact/quote: “For a small child there is no division between playing and learning; between the things he or she does ‘just for fun’ and things that are ‘educational.’ The child learns while living and any part of living that is enjoyable is also play.”

~ Penelope Leach

Megan is First Aid, Paediatric First Aid and Mental Health First Aid trained.

Get to know Amanda

I graduated from Edinburgh College with a HNC in Childhood Practice in 2019. Throughout my time at college I did placements at both public and private nurseries and also babysit for family and friends in my free time.

What do you like about working in the Leith community? “What I have seen and know of the Leith community is how accepting of everyone it is. Supporting each other within the community and feeling like you have someone to turn to if you are in need. Everyone is welcome here and I think that’s fantastic.”

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? “Dr Bell’s Message of inclusion is the main reason I wanted to work here. Everyone at Dr Bell’s is doing the absolute most to help as many families as possible, regardless of their background, to make them feel supported and accepted and I am thankful to be a part of a team with such strong values.”

An interesting fact/quote: “Every child has a different learning style. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding” – Robert John Meehan

Amanda is Paediatric First Aid trained.

Get to know Narinder

I am an married woman with 3 sons,1 daughter and 3 daughter in laws. When I got married I moved to Belfast, Ireland for 19 years before I decided to return to Edinburgh. I have 4 grandchildren and 2 on the way. I am from a Sikh background and I was born in Birmingham and then my parents decided to move back to Edinburgh. Ever since then I have been a proud Edinburgh resident. My first work experience was going with my dad to his shop. I really enjoyed working with my dad as we used to have a lot of fun and jokes. I have worked with children for over 13 years and I have now qualified as a Childcare Practitioner (Level 3).

What do you like about working in the Leith community? “Working in Leith has been great and I totally love my job as I get to see new faces every day. The Leith community provides a lot of help to different parents, no matter what race or background. The community provides a variety of workshops and activities for new and experienced parents and also the team at Dr Bell’s offers a friendly environment.”

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? “When Dr Bell’s was first introduced to me I became a volunteer. After some time a part time job opportunity became available and I applied for it. This was my first ever interview and I got a phone call within a few hours that I was selected for the job. Ever since then I have been a part of their team.”

An interesting fact/quote: “An interesting fact about myself is that I can cook every Indian recipe in the book and also regularly cook for 100’s of people. During lockdown I prepared and donated food for the NHS, I was extremely proud of this and they loved it.”

Narinder is Paediatric First Aid trained.

Get to know Rowan

I have worked in childcare for almost 4 years now. I have an SVQ in social services (children and young people) and have gained most of my experience from working as a nursery practitioner in a private nursery as well as baby sitting for family and friends.

What do you like about working in the Leith community? ‘I used to live in Leith with my family and spend a lot of time here as friends and family live here too. It was a great place to live, and I love its atmosphere so when the opportunity came up to work at Dr Bells, I couldn’t wait to start. I’m looking forward to giving back to the community and meeting new people.’

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? ‘I love everything that Dr Bell’s stands for and believe that everyone should be treated equally and fairly. I am also looking forward to gaining new experiences and learning new skills here at Dr Bell’s. My mum and grandma have worked in care my whole life and I see them as two people I look up to and where I have developed natural nurturing qualities from. I also seen how much Dr Bell’s helped my mum when my little brothers attended their creche and knew it was a place I wanted to work.’

An interesting fact/quote:

‘Be the person you needed when you were a child’.

Rowan is Paediatric First Aid trained.

Get to know Amy

My working background is in project work with children and young people, both in Scotland and Latin America. This has included project development; youth work; casework; and delivering workshops in schools. I’m also a children’s author, writing bilingual picture books and short stories.

What do you like about working in the Leith community? – “I used to live in Leith and enjoy being part of the community again – there’s something unique and special about it that I’ve not found elsewhere.”

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? – “
I like the inclusive, supportive atmosphere at Dr Bell’s, and its welcoming nature. I feel very lucky to have the chance to work with under-fives in the crèche, and support with the wide variety of groups available to families.”

An interesting fact/quote:
“I love all sorts of music and I’m a drummer in a samba band.”

Get to know Alice

Our Volunteers

Get to know Alyssa

Combining a love for music and education, I have worked in the music industry and education in both Scotland and New Zealand, helping aspiring musicians from all aspects of life achieve their goals and dreams.

What do you like about volunteering in the Leith community? “I have always lived in Leith since coming to Edinburgh as a student and loved it that much that I returned to Leith after living in New Zealand for a few years. There is a great sense of community and feels like a home away from home.”

What made you want to volunteer at Dr Bell’s? “Dr Bell’s was the first place that my daughter and I went when she was 3 months old. Having been anxious about leaving the house on my own, I was immediately put at ease by the warm and welcoming environment. Since then, my confidence grew, and I fully embraced being a mum. I hope that by being a part of the Dr Bell’s team, I can help others the same way.”

Get to know Gila

My background is in mental health research and childcare. I have worked for several years in nurseries, and enjoyed supporting children and their families. I have a BSc in Psychology, and I am currently studying a developmental psychology masters. I also work part time with the royal college of psychiatrists in their quality improvement department, visiting inpatient and community services and interviewing patients about their experiences.

What do you like about volunteering in the Leith community? “I have just moved from Brighton, and really love this area already! It reminds me a lot of Brighton, with the feeling of community and the sea nearby. I am excited to be able to get more involved with the community with Dr Bell’s.”

What made you want to volunteer at Dr Bell’s? “I have just moved from Brighton, and really love this area already! It reminds me a lot of Brighton, with the feeling of community and the sea nearby. I am excited to be able to get more involved with the community with Dr Bell’s.”

An interesting fact/ quote: “Locusts usually don’t have wings, are green and prefer to be on their own, but if you tickle their back legs, they will grow wings, become black or brown and swarm crops as a group!”

Get to know Ibrar

I have worked as a private tutor in my home country for two years with children and young people, when I came to UK I wanted to continue in this sector. I have finished my SVQ and I am currently volunteering with a different organisation to gain more experience and skills with children of different ages.

What do you like about volunteering in the Leith community? “I love Leith and I like what the support that they provide for different kind of needs. I’m excited to support Dr Bell’s in their community lunch by helping with the set up, tidy up and supporting the children and parents.”

What made you want to volunteer at Dr Bell’s? “I like their support for families and children, I’m excited to get experience and skills in Dr Bell’s and I’m excited to working with their team and meet new people.”

An interesting fact/ quote: “I say to myself to always remember that you promised yourself to become a great person.”

Get to know Yang

I am from Taiwan and moved to Edinburgh in 2019. My major is Illustration, and I’ve been a free-lancing illustrator for more than 10 years. Besides that, I also worked as an art teacher/learning support teacher in primary school while I was in Taiwan. My favorite hobby is basketball, however, it’s not easy to do that in Edinburgh, so when I’m free I like to go to gym instead. Recently my son has been loving to play video games, so it has become my another hobby as well.

What do you like about volunteering in the Leith community? “I’ve been cooking for my family since my son was born, and I love to cook delicious food for them. The funny thing is that when I applied to this position, I expected that I would be supporting someone in charge of cooking, however, it turns out that I’m the one who cooks. Since I came here to serve, everyone has treated me kindly and appreciated what I did for them, so I enjoy the time cooking here and am looking forward to introducing more Taiwanese/Japanese-style food to people in the future.”

What made you want to volunteer at Dr Bell’s? “I’m very shy, so I haven’t been getting in touch with people here since I lived in Edinburgh. However, after 5 years of settling here, I feel much more comfortable and confident now, so I would like to take a step to get myself more inclusive in this community.”

An interesting fact/ quote: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

Get to know Lauren

Get to know Pratima

Our Peer Supporters

Get to know Jess

I live in Leith with my partner and our daughter. I’ve worked in the charity sector for 12 years, and currently work for Blood Cancer UK in the fundraising team. I recently completed my PG Cert in counselling at the University of Edinburgh before taking a break from studying to have my daughter. I’m hoping to complete my training to become a counsellor in the next few years.

How do you support the Dr Bell’s team? “I volunteer at Wee Feeders which is a weekly feeding support group. I support by helping to facilitate discussions within the group, sharing my own experiences of feeding my baby, signposting to services/information and listening to others share their stories.”

What do you like about being a peer support in the Leith Community? “I like being able to help others the way that I was helped when I first came to Dr Bells and the Wee Feeders sessions, as well as having the chance to meet more local families and feel part of the community.”

What made you want to be a peer supporter at Dr Bells? “I struggled a lot with feeding my daughter when she was first born, I breastfed her and whilst she was healthy and gaining weight, I found the challenges of feeding really hard to navigate and was really low in confidence. I came to a Wee Feeders session at Dr Bells and immediately felt so welcomed. I met other people in a similar position to me, and felt like I had a space to speak about everything I’d been experiencing. I left that first session feeling so much more confident in myself as a mother, and want to help others feel the same!”

An interesting fact/ quote: ‘Every time you feed, cuddle, and respond to your baby’s needs, you are building and reinforcing pathways in their brain. You’re not just growing their body, you’re building their brain.’ – Lucy Webber

Our Students

Get to know Tora

I am a second-year Community Learning and Development student at the University of Edinburgh. I previously gained my NC and HNC working with communities at Edinburgh College, which gave me the foundations for understanding the needs of the community. Over the past seven years, I have worked as a youth worker in high schools across Edinburgh. I developed skills in facilitating groups, mentoring young people, and working towards positive change. I am keen to gain experience working with families, which brought me to Dr Bells Family Centre.

What do you like about working in the Leith community?

“Having lived in Leith in my 20s and 30s, I’ve experienced firsthand its sense of community, diversity and the strong network of organisations working within it. My family has strong connections in Leith, some from years ago and some still living here.”

What made you want to do your placement at Dr Bells? “I know the great work of Dr Bells and their connection to families in Leith. Family work is new to me, so I was drawn to the opportunity to be part of the team. I am eager to develop my skills in family-focused work, share my experiences, and get to know the families attending Dr Bells.”

How do you support the team at Dr Bells? “During my placement, I will support the team during groups by assisting with set up, tidying up, and engaging with the families. I will bring a combination of knowledge from my HNC and current degree program, practical experience and personal insights from my journey in community work.”

An interesting fact or quote:

“Communities sustain life – not just by sheltering us but by fostering a spirit of togetherness” ~ Bell Hooks