I am a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist working with children and adults with additional support needs. I specialise in using technology for those who have lost their speech due to injury or accident. I also manage our SPLAT Toy Library which is a toy library for children who have additional support needs. I have been a member of Smart Play Network for many years and am very interested in spreading the word about the importance of play for all children.

I am American but have lived in Scotland for over 30 years. I have 2 children and 2 gorgeous grandchildren. I enjoy travelling around Scotland in my new electric car and have a desire to learn to play golf when I can find the time.

I have a PhD in American history (with special focus on childhood) and have taught a variety of history courses at university and high school levels.  I’ve also worked as a Montessori guide to children between 1-3 years of age.  I am fiercely dedicated to working for animal rights, social and environmental justice, and protecting the rights of children.

The UNCRC, the most widely-ratified international human rights treaty in the history of the world (one that only my home country, the United States, hasn’t ratified), identifies play as a very basic human right that all children must be free to enjoy.  This may seem frivolous, but it’s not.  Play is an absolute necessity not only for health and wellbeing, it also shapes the ways children understand and interact with the world around them, for the rest of their lives. So while play may seem unimportant, it is actually the work that one must carry out in order to be a fully functioning and engaged individual and member of society.

I am honoured to be in this role, helping to ensure that the children of Scotland have wonderfully messy, inspiring, interesting, and hilarious experiences as often as possible.

I have worked in community development roles for over 20 years and I currently manage children’s programmes and support services at Pilton Youth and Children’s Project in Edinburgh. I have experience in project development, operational and strategic management, fundraising and I understand the importance of good governance.

I have a PGDip in Community Education and an MSc in Applied Professional Studies. I am a member of the Community Learning and Development Standards Council.

In my role at PYCP I see the value of play on a daily basis. As children get messy making slime, build dens or go on scavenger hunts they are not only having endless fun but they are learning skills for life. Whether its problem solving, working as a team, coping with setbacks or taking on new challenges, play is essential for their development.  

I am honoured to be on the board of Smart Play Network who champion play at a national level and support practitioners and organisations to deliver quality play provision.