Our Team

Susie joined the organisation in April 2023 after spending a year as a Trustee on our Board. Susie is an experienced senior manager in the youth work sector with a wealth of experience working with children and young people. Currently studying a master’s in Counselling Therapy, Susie has a real interest in therapeutic work and making this more accessible for young people.

James is a law graduate with experience working in homelessness and environmental conservation. As U-Evolves Operations Lead, he is committed to helping U-Evolve to grow and be the best it can be so we can reach and support as many young people as possible. James loves hiking and is always up for an adventure! He is passionate about nature and the positive benefit this can have on people’s mental wellbeing. He also loves music and enjoys learning new instruments with varying degrees of success!

Ian Downie is a training psychotherapist and therapeutic coach. With a background in residential childcare, he began his training with the ambition of doing more than providing basic care.

Ian is passionate about raising mental health awareness, to remove the stigma associated with mental illness and to support those who need a bit of help. He believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to find happiness in life and will do anything he can to help them find it.

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Ian Downie

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U-Evolve

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https://u-evolve.org/

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Alice is a training counsellor and has a BA degree in Psychology from Napier University. She comes with a more holistic approach and is trained in hypnotherapy and healing massage. Alice is passionate about helping others and loves to discover the tools needed to help her clients achieve their goals and grow – “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall” (Confucius)

Ana, originally from Romania, has a MSc in Psychology of Mental Health from Edinburgh University. Since moving to Scotland she worked with young people and adults experiencing homelessness and difficulties with their mental health. She is passionate about working with young people as she believes that teenage years are a key moment in one’s life. Ana hopes to help them become aware of themselves and how to use their existent resources. In her spare time, she likes to do a bit of baking, watch musicals, and practice yoga.

Emily is a Communications and Fundraising professional with a background in both the corporate and charity sectors. Passionate about telling the stories of U-evolve and our young people to build a community of informed and inspired Mental Health champions. An advocate for improved support and access to mental health resources for Scottish young people, Emily is delighted to be supporting the wider U-evolve team to achieve this whilst breaking down barriers to support and challenging stigma. Outside of work, Emily is known for her love of a new hobby and can be found behind the pottery wheel or sewing machine! Emily Graham, Fundraising and communications coordinator

Tamara is training as a Counsellor at the University of Edinburgh and has an MA in Politics and International Relations from the University of Aberdeen.

After making a career change from social and environmental research and public affairs in London, Tamara worked with people experiencing homelessness, mental health issues and addiction in Edinburgh. She believes it’s vital for young people to have a safe space to explore and process what they’re going through. She is passionate about empowering young people with the tools to build confidence and resilience.

Alison is a qualified art psychotherapist with training in psychodynamic and person-centred counselling. Since graduating from her MSc, Alison has worked in schools, residential care and community settings supporting young people with a wide range of needs and mental health difficulties.

Alison enjoys incorporating creative processes into her therapeutic approach as she believes this can be an effective outlet for young people when words alone might feel difficult. Alison firmly believes in the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and coaching for young people due to the varied and accessible nature of the approach.

Scott is an accountant by training, but, likes to think that he not a typical accountant! He has held leaderships roles in a number of organisations and has broad commercial and charitable sector experience. Scott has extensive board and governance experience. He is U-evolve’s Treasurer.

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Scott Mcclure

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U-Evolve

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https://u-evolve.org/

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Yasmin is an experienced third sector leader, educator, and writer. She has worked with young people in all capacities including schools, colleges and most recently within the charity sector. She is the founder of a health and fitness organisation with the aim of making sport and fitness accessible to everyone. She is passionate about empowering people to live their best lives and helping them to reach their potential, particularly through education and physical activity.

Naomi  is an experienced people leader in Early Career within the financial services sector, leading an employability education programme for young people (aged 13-24) across the UK. As a mentor and active member of the Bank’s Gender Network, she’s  passionate about helping others to realise their inner strengths and skills at all stages in their education or career.

Claire worked in Financial Services for 20 years in several different areas including Commercial, Business Planning, Finance and Customer Services before making the move into the charity sector. She has two school aged children and enjoys travelling, taking on new challenges and keeping fit. Claire joined our Board in April 2021 and became the vice chair in March 2023.

Fiona has spent the last 7 years working in fundraising for children’s charities, and currently works for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). She hopes she can put these skills to good use on the Board. Fiona is passionate about mental health, especially in children, and is also pursuing an evening class in Counselling Skills.