Alison Parkinson Service Co-ordinator Expand Alison joined AUK Scotland in 2016 when her adopted son and daughter left home to go to College. She started as Helpline Adviser and used her children’s varied(!) experiences of education and her own background in Further Education to design and deliver training around supporting adopted children in education. Her current role focusses on developing and delivering AUK Scotland’s training programme and supporting TESSA. Alison’s favourite pastime involves uninterrupted reading, red wine and chocolate.
Aliy Brown FASD Lead Expand Having worked for Adoption UK Scotland since October 2015, Aliy joined the team as a helpline advisor/office coordinator. Following the growing need within the community supported by Adoption UK Scotland, FASD Hub Scotland was launched on 18 June 2019. Aliy now leads the Hub team. Her and her husband have three adopted children and personal experience of the challenges faced by those with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder. In her spare time Aliy enjoys spending time with her family, traveling in their motorhome, being outdoors and knitting and spinning wool.
Barbara Ogston Parent Partner Expand Barbara joined AdoptionUK as a parent partner in September 2019. She is an adoptive parent to 2 children who are about to enter their teenage years. Barbara has a background as a Children’s Worker in various third sector organisations, though most recently enjoyed being a stay at home mum! In her spare time she is studying a Masters in Childhood and Youth at the Open University and is a member of the Children’s Panel.
Carlin Nicolson FASD Hub advisor Expand Carlin joined Adoption UK in October 2019. She lives in Edinburgh with her husband, two children and her two dogs. She has a background in Human Resources in the Finance sector and when not working she enjoys DIY, reading and spending time with her family.
Denise Horn Business Support and Development Manager Expand Denise started with Adoption UK Scotland in July 2019. She lives in Edinburgh with her partner and 2 children. Denise has a background in developing partnerships, project management and marketing working within the public sector and charity sector. You are most likely to find her dog walking, fusing bits of glass or sea swimming when she gets a moment to herself.
Elinor Gallant Parent Partner Assistant Coordinator Expand Joined Adoption UK Scotland in October 2019. Elinor’s background is in exhibitions and events. Adoptive Mum to an active young boy she spends most of her spare time on bike rides, splashing in muddy puddles and baking treats to fuel outdoor adventures. In rare moments to herself Elinor loves a good book, playing the piano or heading out to the theatre or cinema with friends.
Fiona Aitken Scotland Director Expand A qualified speech and language therapist, Fiona has worked with children with disabilities and in residential care before joining Adoption UK Scotland in 2014. Fiona and her husband have two children, a cat and a dog, and are specialist disability short break foster carers. Fiona enjoys singing – both in and out of the office, spending time with friends, and family.
Fiona Dunbar Adoption Services Manager Expand Joined Adoption UK Scotland in 2014, originally as the volunteer coordinator, and as a result of service development, now holds the role of Adoption Services Manager. Fiona is a retired Foster Carer of over 14 years, and has one adopted teenage daughter at home, and two adult children. Fiona likes to have an early morning walk with the family dog, is fond of dining out when able.
Helena Wilson Helpline Advisor and Administrator Expand Helena started with Adoption UK Scotland in May 2019. Helena has a background in the legal sector prior to joining AUK. She lives in East Lothian and has one adopted daughter aged 8. Helena volunteers with her local Brownie unit and her hobbies include yoga, swimming and exploring the East Coast of Scotland by foot, bike or car.
Ian Deeney Parent Partner Expand Joined Adoption UK in September 19. Previously worked in a family business for 18 years. Adoptive Dad to two girls, most of my spare time is spent being taxi to them for all their out of school interests. I am a member of the Local Authority Adoption & Fostering Panel, as well as studying towards a diploma in reflexology. Enjoy nothing more than cooking a roast Sunday dinner with classical music for company in the kitchen
Jessica Rutherford FASD Advisor Expand Jessica joined the FASD Hub shortly after its launch having come from a background in marketing and educational support. Jessica is currently completing her PhD where her research focusses on FASD and for the past 3 years she has been the Assistant Director of CAMP – A FASD Community, a residential summer camp specifically for children with FASD. In her spare time, Jessica loves to travel and she is also a yoga teacher.
Judith Knox FASD Advisor Expand Judith recently joined Adoption UK Scotland as an Adviser with FASD Hub Scotland. Judith has worked in community engagement and home care management for many years within the NHS, local authority social work service and the voluntary sector. Judith is a Chartered Manager with the CMI and hold a PG Certificate in Health Service Leadership and Management. Judith is an adoptive parent to her 12 year old son who has FASD and has been raising awareness of FASD within her local NHS board and local authority area for the last 3 years.