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 for over 7 years before becoming an early years team leader at The Yard, working with children and young people with disabilities for over 5 years. I have also completed my BA in Youth Work, a PDA in Childhood Practice as well as becoming a tutor in Signalong.

What do you like about working in the Leith community? – “Leith is a hub of activity and full of wonderful people 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. Play is important whether you are young or old. As adults, we should never lose our playful spirit.
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 Trained

Get to know Natalie

I have worked in the charity sector for almost 15 years, specialising in fundraising, project development and programme management. My motivation has always been to help people improve their life chances, opportunities and well-being. Originally from Fife, I studied Modern Languages at the University of Edinburgh, then moved to Glasgow to work as a Fundraiser for an employability and training charity. I gradually moved into development work and after a job change working for local authority in Yorkshire, I was offered a unique opportunity to develop and manage the UK Dolly Parton Imagination Library nationally. This unique role has cemented my passion for the early years and family support.

What do you like about working in the Leith community Leith is such a unique part of Edinburgh with its own rich history, personality and sense of community. I am looking forward to discovering more about the area and getting to know local families through my work at Dr Bell’s.

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s I enjoy putting ideas and plans into action, and I love a good story! Fundraising is a vital step for telling the story that will hopefully lead to the vision becoming a reality, and I am fully on board with the vision of Dr Bell’s to support and encourage families with young children in Leith.

An interesting fact/quote: “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain”

~ Dolly Parton.

I love this quote from Dolly! As someone who grew up in poverty with a father who was unable to read, Dolly has proved that financial wealth is no match for the nurturing wealth of a good loving family. I was lucky enough to work for her charity and meet her several times. I have huge admiration for her, especially for her devotion to helping young children develop a love of reading and stories.

Another quote I like is “children are made readers on the laps of their parents”

~ Emilie Buchwald.

Parents are the most influential teachers in the early years and I believe that parents who need support should have that support.

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.

What do you like about volunteering in the Leith community? “I have lived in Leith since I moved to Edinburgh 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 volunteer at Dr Bell’s? “I started off as one of Dr Bells mums! The centre has been a massive source of support and fun over the past year 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

The Childcare Team

Get to know Megan

I have worked in childcare for 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 worked here for 3 years now 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 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 Geeta

I have been working in childcare for 14 years. I have studies SVQ level 2 and 3 in Child Development 0-16 years old. I have worked in after school clubs and public/private nurseries. I also did a 6 month placement as a learning assistant at Leith Walk Primary.

What do you like about working in the Leith community? “I really enjoy working in the Leith community because it’s very diverse. There is people who come from different backgrounds & cultures that come to our crèche, making it an inclusive environment to work in.”

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? “I wanted to work at Dr Bell’s Family Centre because I love the message behind Dr Bell’s, which is supporting families that come from any background, making them feel that they are coming to a safe, non-judgmental environment. I love working with children because I like to support them in their needs and development. To see them flourish with my support is the great thing about my job. I strive to do my best to help families to feel supported and welcomed.”

An interesting fact/quote: “Our task is to help children communicate with the world using all their potential, strengths and languages, and to overcome any obstacle presented by our culture”.

~ Loris Malaguzzi

Geeta 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 Lizzy

I have worked in childcare for 10 years, started of working with special needs children which was a very demanding and amazing rewarding experience, I have worked in a variety of childcare setting including, summer clubs, private nursery, out of school care and now occasionally at Dr Bell’s creche. I completed my SVQ level 3 in social services (children and young people) in 2016.

What do you like about working in the Leith community? – “I love the sense of community in Leith, there is such a wide range of people which makes it very welcoming to everyone. While living and working in Leith I’ve learnt a lot about its history and what a lovely place it is.”

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? – “I am a single parent who has used the service myself for a few years now and I think it’s an incredible place, everyone at Dr Bell’s has helped me so much. I wanted to be apart of an amazing team and help families in Leith too.”

An interesting fact/quote:
“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
~ Albert Einstein
“I’ve heard this quote before and I loved it, purely because I love reading to my son and I believe books are so important.”

Students and Volunteers

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”

The Paw Team

Get to know Squeak

I am a 10 year old Scottie who has lived in Edinburgh with my owner Danielle for the last 5 years.

What do you like about working in the Leith community? “I like seeing all the people, meeting lots of different dogs and all the cool food places nearby, Bross Bagels is my favourite!”

What made you want to work at Dr Bell’s? “Being the office dog has been my ambition and Dr Bell’s is amazing, I love seeing the children laugh and shout at me to say hello. Sometimes when the children are unsettled I go over to the door and it helps the children to calm down as they want to talk to me. The people are really kind in Dr Bell’s and everyone takes time to say hello, give my ear a scratch or belly a rub and sometimes I even get treats!”

An interesting fact/quote: “I love fruit & vegetables! Narinder always have the best snacks, I stare at her until she succumbs to my charms. The healthy cooking group is great because they always have my favourite healthy treats”