MEET THE TEAM

Debbieanne is instrumental in leading and shaping our organization to fulfill its mission.

She currently works with young people in a residential care home, providing a safe and nurturing environment for their growth and well-being.  In the past, she also worked as an Educational Support Worker, supporting children at a primary level and helping them thrive academically and personally.

In terms of qualifications, Debbieanne holds a PDA (Professional Development Award) in Education Assistant Support at level 6. This qualification underscores her dedication to providing valuable support and assistance to students. After nearly finishing her HNC in Social Services, Debbieanne is pursuing her MA hons. in Community Learning Development Year 2, with Psychology in Year 3 at the University of Edinburgh. She is expanding her expertise as she goes deeper with Jamie’s Sanctuary by collaborating with communities to bring about positive change and increased social justice.

Debbieanne maintains an active lifestyle by engaging in activities such as going to the gym, running, and taking leisurely walks. Art and reading also hold a special place in her heart, providing her with a creative outlet and the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. Above all, Debbieanne values the moments spent being present with her loved ones, cherishing the connections and creating lasting memories together.

Meet Jordan, whose diverse background brings valuable expertise to Jamie’s Sanctuary.

With experience in accountancy and event management roles, as well as a strong foundation in sales and customer service, Jordan brings a unique perspective to our team.

Jordan holds a BA (Hons) in Events & Marketing Management, showcasing her passion for organising memorable experiences. Not only that, but she is also currently studying belief coding.

When she is not hard at work, Jordan loves immersing herself in nature, through hill walking and indulging in the invigorating practice of cold water therapy. Jordan’s thirst for knowledge is never-ending, as she continuously seeks to learn new skills. Exploring the world and discovering new cultures through travel is another one of her cherished hobbies.

Her diverse experience, passion for learning, and love for adventure makes her an invaluable asset.

Let us introduce you to Nicola, a passionate volunteer who plays a crucial role in Jamie’s Sanctuary. With a wealth of experience in previous charity event organising and customer service, Nicola brings a unique perspective and skillset to our team.

In terms of qualifications, Nicola holds a qualification in Office & Administration, showcasing her expertise in administrative tasks and organisation. Additionally, she has an HNC in Social Services, and her thirst for knowledge continues as she continues on to Glasgow Caledonian University to do a BA(Hons) in Social Work Year 2. She has also completed Level 1 & 2 in Safeguarding. Her dedication to learning and professional growth is truly commendable.

Beyond her role as a trustee, Nicola cherishes the moments spent making memories with her family. Whether it’s embarking on exciting adventures or simply enjoying quality time together, family is at the heart of her happiness. Nicola also finds solace and joy in walking, exploring the great outdoors, and immersing herself in the beauty of nature. She loves to travel, discovering new places and experiencing different cultures.

With her diverse background, Nicola is a valuable asset to our team at Jamie’s Sanctuary. Her experience and expertise, combined with her warm and welcoming nature, make her an invaluable advocate for our cause.

Keiran is a dedicated volunteer at Jamie’s Sanctuary, specialising in supporting young autistic individuals who face challenges related to mental health, well-being, social isolation, and trauma associated with school experiences.

With a strong educational background, including an HNC in Social Services, Keiran is currently advancing his expertise by undertaking a counselling course at West Lothian College.

His passion for helping vulnerable youth, combined with his academic and practical knowledge, makes him an invaluable member of our team, contributing to the holistic support and care provided at Jamie’s Sanctuary.

John is a dedicated and passionate Lead Male Volunteer at Jamie’s Sanctuary, bringing both lived experience and professional skills to his role. As a qualified roofer, John has built a strong foundation in his trade, but his true calling lies in his commitment to supporting others on the path to recovery.

Having overcome his own struggles with addiction, John now works closely with individuals facing similar challenges, offering mentorship, guidance, and hope. He actively assists others in their recovery journeys and leads meetings in hospitals and institutions, providing a vital source of encouragement and support. His deep passion for helping people break free from addiction and rebuild their lives makes him an invaluable part of our team.

As part of his ongoing development at Jamie’s Sanctuary, John will be undertaking suicide awareness training and ASIST Mental Health First Aid training this year. These additional qualifications will enhance his ability to provide compassionate and informed support to those in crisis.

Outside of his volunteer work, John values spending quality time with his family, embracing the life of freedom and purpose that he now helps others to achieve. His dedication, empathy, and unwavering commitment to making a difference embody the heart of Jamie’s Sanctuary’s mission.

Ashley is currently a full-time volunteer here at Jamie’s Sanctuary – she is a dedicated team member.

Her qualifications include computing skills, customer service and she has previous experience working within an administrative role. Moving forward, Ashley is aiming to obtain her CPD Certified Secretary Skills in a Community Group certification. In order to provide Jamie’s Sanctuary with the highest calibre possible going forward, Ashley is eager to increase her expertise in this field.

Ashley loves to maintain a healthy lifestyle going long walks with her dogs, enjoys mindfulness approaches and spending time with her family and friends. She likes cross-stitching as it relaxes her and loves to learn new things in the world.

With an impressive 37 years of experience in mental health care, June Smillie is a dedicated and highly skilled Registered Mental Health Practitioner. As a member of the Nursing & Midwifery Council, she upholds the highest professional standards in her practice, ensuring compassionate and effective support for those in need.

June is fully vetted through the PVG Scheme for Adults & Children, demonstrating her commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals. She is also a Mental Health First Aid Trainer & Assessor, equipping others with the knowledge and skills to provide crucial mental health support. As a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Life Skills Coach, she helps individuals build resilience and develop strategies to improve their mental well-being.

Her expertise extends to Trauma-Informed Practice, holding a recognised certification that enables her to support individuals dealing with the lasting effects of trauma. She also holds a Dementia Skilled Practice PDA, ensuring she can provide specialised care for those affected by dementia. Additionally, June has a Teaching in Further Education PDA, allowing her to share her knowledge and skills with the next generation of professionals.

Beyond mental health and education, June is a qualified Holistic Practitioner, specialising in Reiki, Massage, and Reflexology, promoting overall well-being through complementary therapies. Her qualifications also include a NEBOSH certification in Health & Safety Management, reinforcing her commitment to creating safe and supportive environments.

June’s wealth of experience, dedication, and holistic approach make her an invaluable member of the team, ensuring individuals receive the highest standard of care and support.

June has also started her own community group called Nicola’s – a talking group specifically for women. 

Jacqueline McLay brings a wealth of experience in healthcare and social work, with a strong commitment to supporting individuals in need. As a qualified Adult and General Nurse, she has worked with Bupa, providing compassionate care and medical support. Her dedication extends beyond nursing into the social care sector, where she serves as a Service Coordinator, ensuring individuals receive the right support and resources.

Jacqueline is also Suicide Assist Trained, equipping her with the skills to provide critical intervention and support to those struggling with mental health challenges. Additionally, she works as an Appropriate Adult with West Lothian Council (WLC), offering vital assistance to vulnerable individuals during legal and medical processes. She is fully PVG-certified to work with adults, ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding and care.

Outside of work, Jacqueline embraces life with a positive outlook. She is a newcomer to cold-water swimming, enjoys socialising with friends and meeting new people, and strives to maintain a mindset of optimism and resilience.

With a decade of experience supporting children and young people impacted by complex trauma, Stephanie Eddington is dedicated to providing emotional and therapeutic support to help individuals navigate their healing journey.

As a qualified Hypnotherapist, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Practitioner, Stephanie uses a range of evidence-based approaches to support mental well-being. Fully insured and registered with both the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), she upholds the highest professional and ethical standards in therapeutic practice.

Her academic background includes a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Child Development, providing a strong foundation for her work in mental health and trauma-informed care. Additional specialist training includes:

ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
DDP Level 1 (Dyadic Developmental Practice)
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Level 3 Award for Supervising First Aid for Mental Health
Victim Focus Accredited Trainer, specialising in the psychology of victim blaming, critical perspectives in CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation), and trauma-informed practice
Beyond her professional work, Stephanie finds joy in dancing, music, and spending time at the beach—rain or shine—which remains her happy place. Her passion for mental health, combined with a warm and empathetic approach, makes her a valuable advocate for those navigating the impact of trauma.

Sue Cook brings extensive governance and strategic expertise to Jamie’s Sanctuary, having held numerous executive and non-executive board positions across the public, private, and third sectors.

Originally from Canada, Sue earned her Master’s degree in Computing Science from the University of Aberdeen. She then successfully ran her own business for over a decade, which was recognised as one of the top ten multimedia organisations in Scotland.

Sue has a longstanding commitment to supporting young people, demonstrated by her 15 years as regional Chair for the Prince’s Trust, where she helped hundreds of young people launch and grow their businesses.

Sue is currently Chairman of West Lothian College, having served on the Board for 14 years in key roles such as Vice Chair, Chair of Learning and Teaching, and Chair of Audit. She also served as Chair of Audit at Edinburgh College.

Sue has been a Justice of the Peace for Lothian and Borders for over 20 years sitting in Edinburgh and Livingston courts.

Sue chairs the charity Courage Together, which supports the minority ethnic community lacking family support. She was a founding member and chairman for four years of The Scheme, an initiative addressing the drug death crisis in Scotland.

Sue’s dedication to charity extends beyond her professional life; in 2010, she led a team in cycling from West Lothian to Paris, raising over £35,000 for charity and another charity cycle from West Lothian to Houchsauerland.