Our 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 also completed my BA in Youth Work, and my PDA in Childhood Practice.

I am a qualified Signalong tutor and in the process of training 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 and shops. I love my walk to work and 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 Darcey

I’ve been doing Youth & Community work for over 10 years all over Edinburgh. I have also worked in Residential care, behavioural support schools and within Children & Families. I have a degree in Community Learning and Development from the University of Dundee.

After graduating I worked in 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.

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’m looking forward to providing support to the families in Leith again!”

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. The support that Dr Bell’s provides for our families is amazing and I can’t wait to be a part of it!”

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.

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

Get to know Kirstyn

I have worked in the hospitality/reception industry for over 12 years. I have a very varied background including managing restaurants, working on reception in legal and dentistry! I enjoy working with people and thrive on helping. I am currently undertaking courses to gain my qualification in counselling.

How do you support the Dr Bell’s team? “I work on the reception and provide support with administration tasks throughout the centre. I have also recently started to support at the Mindfulness Dip group, which I am very excited about!”

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 will be 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 has been a massive source of support and fun and I am so happy to have an opportunity to be part of the team“

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 Bailey

I am a first year student at The University of Edinburgh currently studying MA Learning in Communities. Previously before this I studied the HNC Working with Communities course at Edinburgh College. My background is youth work, I have been involved in youth work since I was a child myself, I then started to volunteer and even further progressed into working with the organisation which I have been with for 4 years supporting children ages 5-15.

What do you like about working in the Leith community? “I have grown up in Leith myself and love that individuals value the sense of community. There is also so many amazing organisations in Leith that provide support for all. I am looking forward to working and meeting new people.”

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? “My personal values and Dr Bell’s values match with one another! I am also very excited to get more experience working with parents and families and building relationships with them all. I’m excited to be part of the team and I am looking forward to seeing what I can achieve within my time at Dr Bell’s.”

Interesting quotes I like:

“A positive mindset brings positive things”

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there”

Our Childcare Team

Get to know Megan

I have worked in childcare for over 10 years now. I have an SVQ3 in children’s learning, development and care. I worked as a nursery practitioner up until receiving my HNC in Social Services. 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 the early years to never stop learning and I strive to provide the best experiences for every child in our care.

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 am looking forward to being part of the community again – there’s something so 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.”

Our Volunteers

Get to know Alex

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 Emily

I always wanted to work with children, but then I got diverted by studying plants and ended up working at the Botanics in the Education Department there, and have worked there in various roles for over 20 years. Since having my three children (twins aged 13, and an 8 year old), I have been trying to find a new role for myself, combining these things by sharing my love of plants and nature with children and families. I completed my HNC in Childhood Practice a couple of years ago, and I recently did the PEEP training. One day I would like to run my own PEEP sessions outdoors, so I am hoping to get lots of useful experience through the PEEP sessions here.

What do you like about volunteering in the Leith community? I have volunteered in Leith before and I like the diversity and how friendly people are. I live in Portobello, so I also like the cycle ride in along the coast!

What made you want to volunteer at Dr Bell’s? I wanted to get some experience of running PEEP sessions before eventually doing running my own sessions outdoors. I met Toni from Dr Bell’s on my PEEP training course, so this seemed like a good place to come! I knew of Dr Bell’s from friends who have used it and what a friendly place and fantastic resource it is, so I am really looking forward to getting to know the community.

An interesting fact/ quote: “Keep your face always towards the sunshine, and the shadows will fall behind you” ~ M. B. Whitman

Our Students

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.”

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