Shannon stepped into the world beyond school at the end of 6th year, embarking on a journey without a clear destination in mind. With a desire to explore her passions, she enrolled in college and pursued a course in Supporting Additional Needs at Fife College. It was during her placement with Fife Council in off-campus schools, working as a pupil support assistant, that Shannon discovered her true calling—caring for children who exhibited social, emotional, and challenging behaviours.

This newfound passion blossomed into a fulfilling 20-year career in Child Residential Care. Along the way, Shannon dedicated herself to continuous learning, earning a multitude of qualifications, including an HNC in Social Care and SVQs at levels 2 and 3. She further explored her passion for childhood development through the Open University, achieving a diploma in Childhood Studies. Shannon also enhanced her skill set with Level 1 training in Dyadic Development Psychotherapy, as well as additional training in Talking Mats, sound-based strategies for neurodivergence and ASD, young people’s mental health, and approaches for supporting challenging behaviour. Her understanding of attachment, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), and trauma-informed care has shaped her into the compassionate leader she is today.

Now serving as the CEO and Child Protection Officer at Muirhead, Shannon combines her extensive 20+ years of experience with numerous CPD-accredited qualifications to safeguard and support children effectively. Her commitment to childcare extends beyond the workplace; she passionately collaborates with parents, guiding them on how to facilitate environments where children can thrive emotionally and socially. Shannon fosters curiosity among parents, encouraging them to explore potential challenges their children may face and brainstorm creative solutions that nurture their children’s needs through co-regulation, ultimately enhancing their development and well-being.

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Outside her professional life, Shannon embraces her roles as a devoted wife and mother, cherishing the time spent supporting her children as they chase their passions for football and fitness. Culinary exploration excites her, whether she’s whipping up meals in the kitchen or relishing experiences at local restaurants—she proudly identifies as a bit of a foodie. In finding balance, Shannon also enjoys working out and unwinding during long walks with her beloved dog, Dennis, discovering peace and joy in nature. 

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Recently, she has developed a passion for meditation and mindfulness, which add depth to her well-being journey. One of her favourite pastimes is people-watching; the intricacies of human behaviour captivate her. A self-proclaimed reality TV enthusiast, Shannon indulges in guilty pleasures like "The Real Housewives" franchise and "Love Island," revelling in the drama and dynamics of everyday life.

Janine is an exceptional asset to our team, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for her work. Since joining Mop in 2020, she has honed her skills through the challenging lockdown periods, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. With a 1st class degree in Primary Education, Janine excels in writing applications, securing funding, and building strong relationships with funders and supporters. Her organisational prowess shines through in the successful events and family days she coordinates.

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Her extensive experience in the charity sector is truly impressive. Janine dedicated eight years to Fife Sands, serving in various leadership roles including chair, treasurer, and body, and currently holds the position of vice-chair for the Sands Scotland steering group. Her previous roles at Home-start Dunfermline and Trauma Healing Together and current role with Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, further highlight her commitment to supporting mental health and the local community.

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Beyond her professional achievements, Janine is an avid reader and nature enthusiast. She enjoys wild swimming and camping adventures with her husband and children, embodying a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Janine's dedication, expertise, and passion make her an invaluable member of any organisation.

Linda is an invaluable part-time Administrator, bringing a diverse and rich background in PA and administrative roles across various business sectors, including insurance, financial advising, pharmaceuticals, and retail.

Born in Fife, Linda spent many years in England before returning to Scotland, where she found her calling at Muirhead. This role provided her with unique insights into the care sector and the profound impact a small, dedicated charity can have on the community.

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Linda's meticulous attention to detail and passion for assisting the professional team with record-keeping and filing ensure smooth and efficient operations. Her organisational skills and dedication are truly commendable.

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Outside of work, Linda enjoys a well-rounded and fulfilling life. She loves to travel, knit, and explore new dining experiences. Her varied interests and experiences make her not only a skilled administrator but also a well-rounded and engaging individual. Linda's commitment, expertise, and vibrant personality make her an exceptional asset to our team.

Ainsley is an extraordinary professional who brings 13 years of invaluable experience in residential childcare provision to Muirhead. She has worked with young people aged 11 to 21, many of whom have faced complex childhoods, neuro-diverse diagnoses, and trauma. Her hands-on experience, coupled with ongoing training, has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to help these young individuals flourish into their best selves.

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Ainsley's dedication to her work is evident through her completion of official qualifications, including an HNC in Health & Social Care and an SVQ 3 in Children & Young People. Her curiosity about children's behaviors has driven her to understand that these behaviors are a form of communication. She believes it is our responsibility as adults to decipher what children need and foster that connection, a principle reaffirmed during her recent trauma-informed parenting training.

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Ainsley is passionate about empowering parents to become curious about their children's behaviours, to see what lies behind them, and to provide the connection their children are seeking. Her commitment to supporting mental health and her profound understanding of child development make her an invaluable member of the MOP community.

Kris is an incredible professional with over 20 years of experience as a children and family worker. Her extensive background includes running a playgroup and nursery provision specialising in under-fives for over a decade. Kris holds a qualification in Early Years from Adam Smith College, focusing on Children's Care Learning and Development from birth to 16 years. Her expertise expanded further as she managed a youth club for eight years, working with various age groups and gaining a deep understanding of older children, their families, and Additional Support Needs.

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Kris's commitment to continuous learning is evident through her studies in child development, autism, childhood studies, and child psychology with the Open University. She has also completed the Health and Social Care Module required for the Certificate of Children and Families, alongside specialised training in trauma, CAMHS courses on supporting families to manage risk, helping children and young people flourish and expressive arts workshops. Her recent Level 2 Counselling Skills course at West of Scotland College has further enhanced her ability to support families effectively.

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As a volunteer with Muirhead for several years before officially joining the team, Kris has demonstrated her dedication and passion for making a difference. Her training with Sleep Scotland enables her to assist families in improving their children's sleep quality for better wellbeing.

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Kris's love for football and coaching her children's teams has given her unique insights into supporting children's resilience and helping them achieve their goals. She understands that progress is a journey and is committed to guiding young people and their families through it.

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Outside of her professional life, Kris enjoys reading current research on child psychology, neurodiversity, mental health, and sports psychology. She is an avid movie lover, always has a song in her heart, and cherishes adventures with her family. Kris loves attending gigs, especially those by Stereophonics, and has four children—two who have flown the nest, two teens, and two well-trained big dogs.

Kris's dedication, expertise, and vibrant personality make her an exceptional asset to the MOP team.

Louise is a dedicated and passionate professional who has made significant strides in her career. After leaving school at 16 and exploring various roles, she found her true calling in the care sector. With 8 years of experience ranging from child residential care to home support for vulnerable adults, Louise has developed a deep understanding and empathy for those she supports.

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Her commitment to furthering her career led her to complete an HNC in Health and Social Care in 2021, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth. Louise's interest in child mental health is evident through her completion of a course with MsMissMrs, designed to help teenagers with self-esteem, relationships, and boundaries. She has already made a positive impact on the girls involved with Muirhead and is eager to continue this important work.

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Louise's recent completion of the NSPCC Child Protection course further highlights her commitment to safeguarding and supporting children. Her role in running the Muirhead Art Wellbeing Group every week demonstrates her dedication to fostering creativity and emotional well-being in the community.

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Outside of her professional life, Louise is a devoted mother of three. She enjoys attending football matches with her son, who plays for the local team and spending quality time with her two daughters, indulging in shopping trips and watching their favourite TV shows together.

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Louise's blend of professional expertise, personal dedication, and passion for mental health makes her an exceptional asset to the MOP team. Her ability to connect with and support individuals, coupled with her continuous pursuit of knowledge, ensures she will continue to make a meaningful impact in the care sector.

Clare Fox is an outstanding counsellor and the driving force behind Fox Counselling Services. Since November 2024, Clare has been a vital partner of Muirhead Outreach Project, delivering exceptional counselling services to their users.

Her journey to becoming a counsellor began with a solid foundation in community education, specifically working with parents and families. This background has made her an ideal fit for Muirhead Outreach Project, where her goals, values, and ethics align seamlessly with the organisation's mission.

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Clare's expertise is vast and deeply rooted in a trauma-informed approach. She has extensive experience addressing issues such as domestic abuse, childhood abuse, substance use, criminal justice, and various life stage challenges including adolescence, parenthood, menopause, retirement, and bereavement. Her qualifications enable her to work effectively with both adults and young people, offering sessions face-to-face, over the phone, or via online platforms.

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Clare's approach to counselling is centered on helping individuals understand and process their difficulties, empowering them to change problematic behavior patterns. Her dedication to providing therapeutic support is evident in her commitment to Muirhead Outreach Project's mission of supporting families and offering funded counselling services.

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If you believe you could benefit from Clare's expertise or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the staff at Muirhead Outreach Project. They will be more than happy to explore how Clare's counselling services can support you.

Clare's compassionate, knowledgeable, and client-centered approach makes her an strong resource for anyone seeking support and guidance.

Carolann is an invaluable part-time Family Support Worker for MOP, whose passion for supporting families is deeply rooted in her own experiences as a previous service user. As a mother of eight children, three of whom have ASD, Carolann brings a unique blend of personal and professional insight to her role. Her innovative and out-of-the-box thinking makes her a strong asset to the team.

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Carolann's journey began with raising her children and volunteering for a local charity. She initially pursued nursing but found her true calling in community work, which she discovered while studying at Fife College. This led to her role as an Inclusion Assistant at Fife College, where she gained valuable experience that she continues to build upon through ongoing learning and training workshops.

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Her particular interest in learning difficulties, ASD, and ADHD is driven by her personal experiences, which enable her to support others navigating similar challenges. Carolann believes in the power of learning from the families she supports, often gaining valuable insights that she shares with others.

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Carolann has completed trauma-informed training, enhancing her ability to reflect on her practices and provide the best support possible. She recently attended a workshop on social stories with Access Therapies Fife, which helps children and individuals understand social situations and expectations. Additionally, her participation in CAMHS courses, including an art therapy workshop, supports her role in running the art wellbeing group on Tuesdays. Carolann is also collaborating with Ainsley and Fife College to establish a STEM group, encouraging families to work together on creative projects.

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In her spare time, Carolann loves adventures with her family, whether camping, visiting the beach, or enjoying the thrills at Alton Towers. She is also training her dogs to become TheraPets, with the hope of incorporating them into her work with families in the future.

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Carolann's dedication, extensive experience, and heartfelt commitment to supporting families make her an extraordinary member of the MOP team. Her ability to connect with and empower others, combined with her continuous pursuit of knowledge, ensures she will continue to make a significant impact in the community.

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