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S.M.I.L.E. BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES

S.M.I.L.E Counselling first became constituted on 15th June 2015. Since then the Board of Trustees have worked tirelessly to get the organisation to where it is today. Now we are an official Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation and have begun delivering counselling sessions to local young people. We aim to be able to deliver a bespoke outreach counselling service to young people when they need it most. Our primary goal is to help young people get to a good place in their lives where they feel Supported, Motivated, Inspired, Leading to self-determination and Empowered to make their own positive choices. 

LETS BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE

OUR FOUNDER A MESSAGE FROM DECLAN

Hi there,

I’m Declan Harrigan, the Founder and CEO of S.M.I.L.E Counselling.

In my previous roles working with children and young people in West Lothian, I noticed a significant gap in accessible counselling services and unbearably long waiting times. Witnessing this urgent need, I established S.M.I.L.E in 2015 to provide affordable counselling for 11–24-year-olds.

I’m thrilled to announce that on 15th June, 2024, we celebrated our 9th anniversary.

In 2022, we were honoured with the title of Scottish Charity of the Year. To date, we’ve supported over 2000 individuals and facilitated group sessions for 3000 young people, totalling around 14,000 counselling hours!

A heartfelt ‘thank you’ goes out to our funders, clients, staff, and volunteers who have tirelessly contributed to our mission. Together, we are making a real difference.

Looking ahead, we aim to continue offering our affordable counselling services to as many young people as possible. This goal is even more critical now, in light of the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 and the cost of living crisis. We’re also excited about the expansion of our training division, which now includes a variety of mental wellbeing and counselling courses and continues to grow.

We’ve made several changes to reach more young people in every possible way, including developing our online presence to provide current and useful information 24/7, opening later in the evenings to enhance accessibility and providing more group work opportunities.

As always, our commitment remains to support and help you in any way we can. Together, we will overcome the challenges we face and work towards ‘Building a Brighter Future’ together.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Take care and keep smiling,

Declan Harrigan Founder/CEO

DECLAN HARRIGAN ND BSC (HONS) PGDIP

Declan began his career in corporate sales while studying Social Policy and Sociology at Magee, University of Ulster. After University and spending an additional 4 years training as a therapist he now has experience in supporting and counselling young people for over 10 years both in the North of Ireland and since 2012 in West Lothian, Scotland. 

His experience in counselling began in the North of Ireland where he worked specifically with those people affected by self-harm or suicidal thoughts / ideation. However, in addition to this work he has also worked with issues such as bullying, sexual orientation, depression, anxiety, bereavement, relationship issues, abuse or post Northern Ireland conflict prisoners affected by PTSD to name but a few. 

Declan worked extensively on anti-sectarianism projects with the young people involved using various counselling approaches in groups to help change their negative thinking about each other and encourage them to look at the similarities instead of the very minimal differences. 

He then moved to Scotland in 2012 where he took up the position as a project co-ordinator working with similar groups and co-ordinating a youth unemployment strategy while supporting these young people to address their barriers and re-engaging positively into their community again. 

Declan is married and has a young son.  He says that “my wife and son are the driving force behind the work that I do. I love my job and being a part of the S.M.I.L.E Team is more than just a job, it’s like a family. We are all passionate about delivering the best service we can for the children and young people of West Lothian and hope to be an integral part of the community work for many years to come”. 

MARK CUDDIHY MBACP (Accred)

Mark qualified as a psychodynamic counsellor in 2016 and has been working in private practice. He is an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists and has experience supporting clients of all ages.  

Before joining S.M.I.L.E. Counselling, Mark worked in the public sector, supporting customers with health conditions and disabilities move into suitable employment. He also volunteered as a child and young person counsellor for a mental health charity. 

Having grown up in a housing scheme, Mark believes in offering children and young people every opportunity to develop and achieve positive wellbeing and self-belief.  

In his time off, Mark enjoys watching a lot of rugby. 

KERRY HUTCHISON (PGDip)

Kerry is a qualified cognitive behavioural therapist and is a member of the British Association for behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy. 

Prior to joining S.M.I.L.E., Kerry worked with children in a childminding capacity for 13 years, allowing her to be a stay-at-home mum while her two daughters were younger.  During this time Kerry studied for her COSCA counselling skills certificate and more recently her Diploma in CBT and Groupwork.  
 
Kerry also has experience working with charities that support families who have challenging life circumstances and has witnessed first-hand the impact this can have on children’s self-esteem, confidence and development.  She is passionate about working with children in a counselling role and supporting them to build resilience and self-belief, empowering them to make positive choices.
 

In her spare time, Kerry enjoys spending time with her family – eating out, cinema, reading books and walking the family Labrador (Bo) with her husband and daughters.

ANDY GRAY (PGDip)

Andy has worked in the helping professions for over 25 years in social work, third sector, private practice, and psychiatric hospital settings. This has involved management, supervision, psychotherapy and training. He has delivered and overseen training from certificate to post graduate level in counselling/psychotherapy. This has been at various private training providers and universities/colleges across the UK.

 His own counselling training has been rich and varied, which has been useful to fit with the requirements of services or client’s Andy has worked with.

Outwith work Andy spends a lot of time with older/younger family members and friends, loves the gym, enjoys a huge range of music, and of course, going on holidays.

Andy says “I’m excited to join the team at S.M.I.L.E. and look forward to what lies ahead for us.”

NIKKI MCDONALD (BA)

Coming from both a musical and administrative background, Nikki has experienced a wide variety of work and believes that one can never learn too many new skills.  

Throughout her time studying Music, Nikki took part in a volunteer placement with the Youth Action Project as a music tutor, giving young people access to music tuition and aiding in their creative development. She continued her work in community music with YAP after she graduated. 

Nikki is passionate about facilitating the development of young people and believes that everybody should have the opportunity to learn and grow. 

In her spare time Nikki enjoys pottering around her garden, performing music locally, crocheting, reading and playing video games. 

AMANDA EDWARDSON

Amanda has worked in Administration roles for many years. She also helped to run a successful business with her late husband. 
 
She recently gained a HNC in Accounting at West Lothian College and is currently studying towards the AAT Diploma in Accounting.
 
Amanda enjoys spending time with her children.  She enjoys going to the theatre and travelling.  She recently travelled to America and Australia.

CAROLINE EVANS

Caroline, brings a wealth of experience spanning diverse industries, with a notable focus on Learning & Development. As a certified CIPD Learning and Development professional and holder of an SVQ level 3 in Management, her expertise is deeply rooted in both theory and practice.

With an extensive background that spans hospitality, education, and finance, Caroline’s varied career journey has involved roles ranging from the spirited realm of a Butlins Redcoat to the strategic positions of Modern Apprenticeship and Employer Engagement Officer. Her versatility shines through in her training coordinator roles, where she has consistently demonstrated a knack for orchestrating seamless learning experiences.

Caroline finds joy in exploring new horizons through travel, spending quiet time at the beach or walking for miles accompanied by her faithful canine companion, Coco.

With a dedication to providing exceptional customer service, Caroline stands as your initial point of contact at SMILE Training, ready to guide your queries and ensure a stellar experience from the very first interaction.

LYANDRA VLAHAKIS

Zambian born of a multi-cultural ethnicity (African & Greek), Lyandra moved to Scotland in summer 2004 to begin a new chapter of her life.

Her career background is very diverse and wide. She is a humanitarian and philanthropist at heart.

Lyandra completed her Counselling Skills Certification with COSCA in June 2023, and is currently on her Diploma Programme training to become a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. She has a background in Spiritual & Personal development life coaching.

Lyandra enjoys being in nature, travelling and music.

LAURA DOUGALL (BA)

Laura’s first opportunity to take interest in supporting people was during first year in high school when a volunteering opportunity became available supporting summer play schemes with Barnardo’s.  This initial experience at a young age was the first of many, leading to youth work (including girls groups, sexual health services and residential).  

Laura studied at Napier University gaining a Degree in Youth Work with distinction.  Following her studies, she has worked across the voluntary sector within mental health and addictions, the Local Authority developing and delivering local training in line with national objectives, and currently with the NHS in health promotion. 

Laura’s wide breadth of experience includes supporting people with challenging life circumstances including homelessness, looked after children and young people,  addictions, custodial enevironments and mental health.  She has been a national trainer of suicide prevention since 2009.  Laura is excited to be taking up a training role at SMILE Counselling and is keen to contribute to the wellbeing of young people, their families and the communities there they live.  

Laura attends gym classes, run regularly and feel that this supports both her physical and mental well-being.  She is also passionate about going to the theatre to see almost anything! 

LINSEY REVELL (MA Psych (des), PGDip Person-Centered Counselling and PGDip in Systemic Practice)

Linsey is a qualified Person-Centered Counsellor, qualifying in 2010 at Aberdeen University. She is also a Systemic Practitioner and is a Cosca Accredited Trainer in Counselling Skills.  Linsey has worked in informal education, further education and the third sector for over 20 years. 
 
Linsey moved to Edinburgh 7 years ago and has built up her  private counselling practice there working with adults, families and young people. 
 
Linsey has also been teaching the COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate for the last 4 years and is now delighted to join the training team at S.M.I.L.E. 
 
Before moving to Edinburgh Linsey worked as a Counsellor and a Relationship Educator schools in Aberdeen in areas of socio-economic deprivation and continues to be passionate about both counselling and  education.   
 
As a  late starter in education  herself, school having not been the most positive learning experience for her,  Linsey now loves to help people find and grow their confidence as learners,  regardless of their age or starting place and brings this passion along with her extensive counselling experience to her role with S.M.I.L.E.
 
Outside of work Linsey loves to travel, spend time with good friends,  eat delicious food, keep fit and of course keeping on learning!  

ELLA DAVIES (BA (Hons) & MSc)

Ella completed her Master’s degree in art therapy at Queen Margaret University, and  has trained psychodynamically and in person-centred practice. She believes art offers another means of expression and communication, which can be used as a tool to support an individual in working through their struggles. 

Before joining S.M.I.L.E., Ella worked as an art therapist in a high school, as well as supporting adults in an eating disorder service. Previously, she has also worked as a carer for both children and older people, and as a support worker for young people with learning disabilities, ADHD and autism, and has a particular interest in neurodiversity. Ella is based at James Young High School. She also currently works as a school counsellor in a primary school. 

When she is not engaging in the arts herself, Ella enjoys movement, such as running and climbing, and being outdoors. 

MANJEET DHOKIA (PGDip Counselling and Psychotherapy)

Manjeet is from Coventry and realised she wanted to support young people’s mental well-being whilst working in primary schools as a pupil support worker. After graduating in 2001, she went into hospitality and sales, but then decided to take a career break to bring up two children. 

Manjeet worked in schools for 5 years, where she completed the HNC in Early Education and Childcare, but quickly noticed that her passion lay elsewhere. She then went on to complete the COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate and PG Dip in Counselling to support adults as well as children and young people. In schools, Manjeet was mainly assisting teachers within classrooms whilst also running small groups for language support. She also volunteered at Carers of West Lothian during the Diploma. 

Having such a busy schedule, Manjeet always manages to find time to run and loves being outdoors. Spending time with her family sets her up for the following week, where they enjoy doing various things together, like movie nights, walks and even gaming (with a little persuasion)! 

DANIELA CERNICCHIARO (BSc, PGDip Counselling and Psychotherapy)

Daniela started her education studying Psychology at Queen Margaret University before completing her PGDip training in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Edinburgh University. She has volunteered with Place2Be for 4.5 years, working with children as a school counsellor alongside working for a charity specializing with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Through Place2Be, she completed her Level 4 Certificate in Counselling Skills for Working with Children.
Daniela was trained in an integrative approach to counselling and works with both person-centered and psychodynamic modalities when practicing.
 
In her spare time, Daniela enjoys reading and often spends a day off scouting charity shops for new things to read. She also spends a lot of her time with friends, enjoying the cinema and watching rugby together. She has two pet rabbits and a large family who she loves to be with. Daniela‘s family are originally from Italy where a lot of them still live, and who she frequently goes to visit in her family’s home town of Salerno. 

MANDY BOYCE (BSc Hons, MSc, PgDip)

Mandy is a qualified person-centred counsellor and believes in supporting people to move towards what matters to them. She believes that counselling can be one way for people to tap into all the strengths they have that will help them to live their life in the way they want to. 

Mandy has spent the last twenty years working in the field of mental health as a practitioner, researcher, teacher and trainer. Within S.M.I.L.E. Mandy is based at St. Margaret’s Academy. She also currently works in a perinatal service and teaches at The Open University. 

Mandy loves spending time with her family and friends, live music, films, fantasy fiction books, climbing and anything outdoorsy. 

FOLKE WIEMANN (MSc)

Folke completed her Master’s degree in psychodynamic music therapy at Queen Margaret University. 

Before joining S.M.I.L.E., Folke has worked in psychiatric settings with vulnerable adults, before finding her passion in working with children and young people in the context of schools – a work she now carries out in Edinburgh and West Lothian. Folke is passionate about research and focused her dissertation on researching how music therapy can help children and young people who have experienced trauma. 

Folke has a psychology degree and is trained in different therapeutic approaches. When working with young people, where appropriate, she likes to incorporate her music therapy training and use the tool of music to form a strong relationship with them and support them affectively in working through their struggles. 

In her personal life, Folke enjoys music just as much – playing in bands, performing and songwriting. Folke also loves engaging in different styles of dance and yoga, and taking cycling trips in the summer. 

TRACY CLARK (PGDIP, BACP Acredd)

Tracy is a qualified Person-Centred counsellor and an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Graduating from Strathclyde university in 2016 with a Postgraduate Diploma, as well as achieving another diploma as a qualified supervisor.

Tracy identifies as neurodivergent and has personal and professional experience in supporting and working alongside other individuals who identify as neurodivergent. She has also delivered workshops in this area to other 3rd sector establishments, as well as fellow counsellors and other professionals. She also works alongside another counselling training provider in the area of neurodiversity and annually co-facilitates in a neurodiverse conference where fellow practitioners offer workshops and their professional working experiences and expertise.

For downtime Tracy likes being creative and has also delivered workshops in this, as well as training in a martial art for the past 15+years. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

JODI MCNEILL (PGDIP)

Jodi is a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and is a member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy. Jodi is a Young Persons Counsellor here at S.M.I.L.E. and is also working at Sinclair Academy on a Thursday.

Jodi has a diverse background with experience in recruitment, property sales, and travelling the world as Cabin Crew. Prior to joining SMILE, Jodi volunteered as a CBT therapist with charities in Fife and Lanarkshire, working with issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. During this time Jodi obtained her COSCA counselling skills certificate, Post-graduate certificate in Counselling from Abertay University, and more recently her Diploma in CBT and Groupwork.

Jodi is passionate about mental health and wellbeing and helping to make counselling accessible to those who need it. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to become the best version of themselves, regardless of their circumstances. She is passionate about working with young people in a counselling role, supporting and empowering them to do so.

In her spare time, Jodi enjoys long walks with her rescue dog Max and going to the gym. She also loves reading and listening to music. Jodi is an avid sports fan, holding a season ticket for her local football team, and enjoys watching the Scotland rugby team play at Murrayfield too.

EMMA KEELING (MSc)

Emma completed her music therapy training at Queen Margaret University after moving to Edinburgh from Birmingham and is a Young Persons Counsellor at S.M.I.L.E. 
 
Emma has worked in schools and youth work settings since 2011 and has always enjoyed being involved with music and drama groups. She is passionate about working with children and young people and helping them with their mental health and wellbeing. Emma feels strongly that each person has great potential and enjoys using different therapeutic approaches, including music therapy when appropriate, to help them realise their own strengths. She is a firm believer that communicating a need either verbally or non-verbally is a brave and powerful action and that being creative can positively impact counselling spaces.
 
In terms of music, Emma is a keen piano player and likes to dabble in as many other instruments as possible. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking,  hill-walking and watching her two cats get up to all sorts of mischief! Emma also loves spending time with family and friends, often whilst playing a board game or chatting over good food.

ELEANOR HOLMES

Eleanor is a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and is a member of the British Association for behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy.

As well as volunteering for SMILE, Eleanor works in Glasgow supporting people who have been affected by death of a loved one. Prior to this, she had a varied back ground including working for HMV and Early Learning Centre. She has an HND in Music and can still knock a tune out of a clarinet, violin and saxophone (though not all at the same time!)

Eleanor is delighted to be volunteering with a brilliant charity that offers counselling for children and young adults. She believes support in this age group is incredibly important as it can help develop confidence and self esteem. It can also provide tools to help long after the counselling sessions have finished.  

In her spare time Eleanor likes cooking, baking (bread being the latest obsession), reading, music and walking her dog with her partner. She is also an avid Dr Who fan and is excited to see what Ncuti Gatwa bring to the Tardis. She also love a sparkly shoe!

COLIN FENTON

Colin has recently completed his Professional Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy. 

He had been interested in becoming a counsellor for a long time after seeking help at a challenging time in his life. This experience stayed with him and when he saw an opportunity, he started training to be a Person-Centred counsellor. 

Colin is passionate about mental health and making sure that a person can be the best version of themselves they can. Supporting young people at SMILE to improve their mental health, helping them develop and adapt through any challenges that might come their way has been a big part of that.  His approach helps him connect with the individual and can help them to find self-understanding, leading to positive change. 

Colin enjoys his busy family life but makes time to go to live music events whenever he can. 

Julia Goncalves (PGDip)

Julia was born and raised in Africa. She moved to Portugal when she was 17 years old for studies. In 2018, she moved to the UK to start a new career and life. She is training to become a counsellor in order to help others. 

Julia is currently studying for her Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling.   

Defining herself as an enthusiastic and highly motivated person. Now, she wants to help others and learn new skills as a volunteer counsellor here at S.M.I.L.E. Counselling. 

In her free time, Julia likes to go for long walks outside. She also enjoys going swimming on the beach throughout the year, even in Scotland’s cold waters. She meditates and practices yoga to relax and enjoy life more. 

KAYLA DAVIDSON

Kayla is currently studying for a Diploma in Psychotherapeutic counselling practice with Chrysalis.

Having already completed the COSCA counselling skills course and gone through her own counselling, she realised that becoming a counsellor was something that she really wanted to pursue. 

Kyla volunteers with the charity, Breast cancer now since 2007, in which she has taken on various roles; including supporting women through a breast cancer diagnosis. 
 

In her spare time, Kayla enjoys spending time with family and friends.

LUCY RITCHIE (PGDip)

Lucy is currently studying for her Postgraduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling with Therapy Train Stirling. She was born with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair full-time.

Growing up she was very passionate about publicising and changing reality of the disabled experience, and participated in education and advocacy work as a child and young adult.

Lucy was drawn into counselling work by her experience of receiving counselling. She reflected on the deep need for disabled peer counselling, and realised that she had the potential to be part of that process.

In her free time, Lucy immerses herself in science fiction and fantasy, and loves to help with cooking and baking. She also thrives on walks in all the green places around her home. For her, volunteer counselling is a truly life changing opportunity to spend time raising others up using the new strengths she is discovering.

JENNIE WALKER (BA Hons)

Jennie is currently studying the Professional Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, delivered by Persona Training and Development. Specialising in the Person-Centred Modality, Jennie has always been a genuine people person and loved the aspect of helping people.

Through life and work experience, Jennie was drawn to the COSCA course delivered by West Lothian College and from there, a passion for Person-Centred Counselling began. Working with young people in the West Lothian community is really important to Jennie having lived here for around 7 years. Having personally experienced the magic of counselling, Jennie has a deep belief in the process and is thrilled to be able to work with S.M.I.L.E clients.

Jennie studies and reads a lot for her Diploma, as well as being a stay-at-home parent, but in her spare time, she really enjoys live music and music festivals.

SOPHIA HASSAN

Sophia is a compassionate and dedicated CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) counselor in training. She is driven by her desire to help individuals achieve their optimal well-being. With a strong focus on mental and emotional health, Sophia is committed to supporting others in their journey towards feeling their best.

With a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between mental and physical health, Sophia believes in taking a holistic approach to wellness. Through her training as a CBT counsellor, she utilizes evidence-based techniques to help clients overcome challenges, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and cultivate a positive mindset.

Sophia’s empathetic nature and genuine care for others create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. She is passionate about empowering individuals to overcome obstacles, improve their self-awareness, and enhance their overall well-being.

By working collaboratively with her clients, Sophia aims to provide personalized support and guidance tailored to their unique needs. Whether you are seeking assistance in managing stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, Sophia is dedicated to helping you navigate your journey towards a happier and more fulfilling life.

With Sophia as your counsellor, you can expect a compassionate and understanding partner who will support you in achieving your goals and feeling your best.

LIZZIE DEWAR

Lizzie has been studying counselling for the last few years, including an introduction to counselling course, COSCA course, HNC counselling and is now on working on her HND counselling to complete her diploma.

She is currently studying a modality called pluralistic approach. This approach is flexible and integrated, and it focuses on providing customized therapy to each individual. It achieves this by drawing upon various techniques from different modalities that are best suited for a particular client.

Lizzie is dedicated to promoting equality and diversity and working collaboratively with clients to help them reach their full potential.

In her spare time, Lizzie likes to prioritise her family and furry friends

JAQUIE BOND

Jaquie is currently studying for a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Group Work.
 
Following the completion of the COSCA Skills course, Jaquie realised she wanted to help others through counselling. She is looking forward to developing her CBT skills as a volunteer counsellor in training at S.M.I.L.E. Counselling.
 
In her spare time, Jaquie enjoys cooking. When she has the opportunity, she spends time in nature and especially loves hill walking. She finds time to relax by attending her local gym and practicing yoga.

ABDAH SHEIKH

Abdah’s background in her degree in Psychology and life experiences have led her to follow her passion in the power of human connection and helping others. She has a COSCA certificate in Counselling Skills which has truly been life changing in her personal experience and belief in the counselling process to bring hope for change in clients. She is currently studying for an Integrative Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling with Children and Young People at S.M.I.L.E. and thrilled to be able to work alongside and support S.M.I.L.E. clients.

Abdah has volunteered with Re-Engage throughout Covid as a call companion for older people who were lonely and isolated. She enjoyed using her natural way of being to help others in a genuine, warm, empathetic and supportive way. Abdah also has experience being a mentor to young people in community-based projects as recognised the deep need for young people to feel safe and heard without judgement to explore their feelings, thoughts and behaviours. As a busy mum to three boys she fully understands the importance of promoting mental health and wellbeing to fit into the demands of the world we live in today.

In her personal life, Abdah enjoys practicing mindfulness to relax, reading and family time with their cat Kobe.

AILEEN NICOLL

Aileen is currently completing a Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy at S.M.I.L.E., where she also successfully completed the COSCA counselling skills certificate. Her interest in counselling developed through working in education and supporting young people.

Aileen’s varied background consists of experience in sales and marketing, long haul cabin crew and as an Early year’s practitioner. Aileen has also volunteered in The Hub at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, as part of the Children’s Wellbeing Team.

Aileen is well-travelled, she enjoys experiencing and exploring new places, cultures and traditions. She has spent time living and working overseas in Greece and U.S.A. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga and spending time with her family and friends.

Aileen is married and has two teenage sons, who she says are her inspiration and motivation.

KIRSTY ELSEVER

For many years, Kirsty taught English and sport in Turkish schools where she developed a love for working with children and young people. More recently, she has worked as a youth worker in a Glasgow school and currently manages a youth housing project. At the moment, Kirsty is achieving a Pdip in counselling and psychotherapy for adults, children and young people which will enable to her to pursue her life’s work in another capacity.

Kirsty is also a fitness instructor and personal trainer and teaches various types of fitness classes. She enjoys outdoor activities, particularly an exhilarating dip in the Scottish sea.

SARA MACKENZIE

Sara is currently in her second year of studying a post grad diploma in counselling and psychotherapy with SMILE.

Sara is a qualified social worker and has been working in this field for almost 20 years, starting in children and families and now with Young lives vs Cancer as a Team Leader.

Sara has 3 children and enjoys watching football, going to the theatre, walks with the dog and time with her friends and family.  

KATE SNOWDON

Kate is currently in the final year of an Integrative Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Adults, Children and Young People with S.M.I.L.E Counselling.
 
They have worked extensively with LGBT+ people of all ages, are an experienced youth worker, crisis worker and have completed their COSCA Counselling Skills Course, ASIST applied suicide interventions, and a range of additional training.
 
Kate works hard to provide a safe place for all clients to land, working with clients to help them find a way to create that space, and to express and process any issues they have experienced. They hope to make a space where people can explore anything they’d like to, where they are valued and listened to, and appreciated for who they are without judgement. They are enthusiastic, gentle and curious in practice
 
Kate absolutely loves live music, reading books, being outside and collecting sea glass and rocks, and always looks forward to learning what their clients love.

LYNNE BUCKNER

Lynne has always enjoyed working with people and began her career in hospitality after gaining her degree from Napier University which included an internship in America. 

Lynne achieved her COSCA Counselling skills qualification with SMILE and is currently in the final year of her Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy diploma here at SMILE.

She has completed her Mental well-being and health certificate as well as taking part in ASIST Applied suicide interventions training with SMILE and has a certificate from North East of Scotland College in Understanding children and young people’s mental health. 

When she’s not working with clients or training Lynne runs a family group in her local community which meets to offer support and activities to parents and children age 0-5 years. The group also offers and encourages positive mental health support. She’s an active volunteer at her local primary school where she champions health and well-being. 

Lynne is passionate about mental health and  committed to supporting clients through their therapeutic journey. 

In her spare time Lynne enjoys reading, trips to the cinema, eating out and spending time with her husband and children.

JULIE KELLOCK

Julie is currently in the final year of an Integrative Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Adults, Children and Young People with S.M.I.L.E Counselling.

Through her own personal experience of receiving counselling in the past through difficult times, Julie realised the life changing experience that counselling can provide and how empowering it can be for an individual and also the positive ripple effect this can have on their loved ones around them.

Having completed the Introduction to Counselling through lockdown and then the COSCA Counselling Skills course with S.M.I.L.E, she enjoys the learning and development through the course and looks forward to continuing on to qualification this year.

Julie has a keen interest in working with children and young people and runs a local business providing LEGO based building clubs in the West Lothian area, in local schools, communities and West Lothian College. She looks forward to offering LEGO based therapy approaches in her counselling practice in the future.

Jen Conner

Jen is currently in her final year of the Diploma in Integrated Counselling & Psychotherapy at S.M.I.L.E. Jen graduated from University of Glasgow with a BA Community Development Degree (2019).
 
She has worked within the West Lothian community for over 15 years, with the majority of this time spent within Addiction. Jen has worked in all aspects of Addiction, including within a prison setting.
 
Jen has experience working with individuals on a 1:1 basis and also with groups. Jen is keen to work with people to help journey with them to make changes in their life’s.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

IAN ANGUS-FELTON

Ian has worked in Financial Services for over 25 years and brings to the Board a wealth of experience and expertise in Financial Management.

Ian is an active volunteer at The Falkirk Foundation where he is part of a team responsible for coaching football along with the health and wellbeing of some 1000 young people aged 5 to 18. A former School Governor responsible for the National Curriculum, Ian’s passion and commitment for helping young people cope with challenges in their lives is obvious.

Ian is married with 2 teenage boys and loves family time with their dog Harvey.

KATIE ABBOTT

Katie graduated from Stirling University in 2019 after studying BSc (Hons) in Psychology. From this Katie has worked in various mental health roles working with vulnerable adults, children, and families. Katie has developed an interest in working with children and young people, and is passionate about supporting children’s rights and ensuring their voices are heard.

Katie lives locally in the community and is keen to support and volunteer with S.M.I.L.E, as supporting the mental health of our young people is vital. As a board member, Katie’s role is to develop and support our social media platforms, as this is a key opportunity for connecting with children and young people in our community, in order to promote positive mental well-being.

HAIYANG TENG

Haiyang joined S.M.I.L.E in April 2023.

Prior to joining the Board, Haiyang worked for public accounting firms and in industry specialising in external and internal audits.

Haiyang came to the UK as an international student from China and spent some time working in London before relocating to Scotland in 2018.

Haiyang lives locally in the community and is keen to support and volunter with S.M.I.L.E with his skills gained from his past and current employment.

LIZ MCGRORTY

Liz comes from a background of hairdressing. Liz has worked as a Prison Officer for the last 20 years working with male young adults and then with female young adults and female adults. During this time Liz has helped and supported all prisoners with their confidence, self-esteem, self-harm reduction, addiction reduction and education.

Liz is very passionate about her work and enjoys the results that it achieves. Liz has been married for 42 years, has a grown up family and three young grandchildren.

MAIRI ANNE MACDONALD-WOOLLEY

Mairi first joined S.M.I.L.E. in January 2019 as a Counselling Psychologist in Training, and later as a COSCA Trainer.  Her commitment to children and young people’s wellbeing, the charitable sector, and the remarkable work of S.M.I.L.E. led her back as a Trustee in May 2023.  She brings to the board over 15 years’ professional experience within mental health services.

Mairi has worked as a mental health clinician since 2007, in both statutory and third sector roles, across a number of specialities and age groups. She has held various office-bearer positions in professional roles and within her local community.

Mairi is married with two young children and two lively dogs.  

SCOTT MCEWAN

Scott is born and bred in West Lothian, he recently completed his Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with ACT Counselling services in Glasgow. He has a background in Teaching having completed a Diploma in Training, Learning and Assessment through Napier University and a BA in Teaching (TQFE) from the University of Stirling. Scott regularly lectures in Colleges and Universities and is a trained SCQF credit rating cadre member. He has a wealth of experience in managing projects and is a qualified PRINCE2 Practitioner.

With grown-up children, Scott has a true perception of the challenges young people face in negotiating life. He feels it important to remove the stigma and normalise the conversation to promote good mental health and wellbeing.

In his working capacity, Scott has a love for teaching; developing and delivering training to various agencies including the Scottish Government, Scottish Prison Service and Police Scotland. He is passionate in raising awareness of Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences and recognises the importance helping relationships play in determining desirable destinations for those affected.

Scott works closely with young people and adults within and outwith the justice system. It was here he witnessed first-hand the power of talking therapy in transforming lives to provide positive pathways for recipients. He feels very fortunate to be a member of the S.M.I.L.E. family offering an essential service to the young people of West Lothian.

Scott enjoys playing golf, five-a-side football (both badly), poetry and public speaking. His favourite holidays are in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife and family.

MOAZZAM SARDAR

Moazzam is an accomplished finance professional and ACCA qualified accountant with over 12 years of extensive experience in accountancy and finance environment.
 
Throughout his career, he has held various roles, showcasing his expertise in financial accounting, management reporting, compliance, and regulatory reporting.
 
Moazzam has a strong background in preparing financial statements, managing audits, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. His proficiency in financial systems and dedication to maintaining high-quality financial controls make him a valuable asset to any organisation.
 
Moazzam is passionate about applying his financial expertise to support the mission and goals of S.M.I.L.E.

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