Hannah joined Down’s Syndrome Scotland in August 2024 as a TeenZ Space Worker within the Family Support Service. Following experience working across both Family and Adult Services, Hannah is now Senior Development Worker, coordinating the TeenZ Space, FriendZ Space and FriendZ Meet Ups programmes.
With a background in education, she has worked in schools across Edinburgh and Midlothian, including the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh. Hannah takes a person-centred approach to her work, tailoring support to the needs of each individual and family. She is particularly passionate about positive communication, inclusion, and supporting successful transitions across the services DSS provides.
Outside of work, Hannah is a dedicated crafter and hand embroidery artist. She enjoys exploring new places with her partner, usually with a craft project ready to work on in a scenic spot.
Varshali joined Down’s Syndrome Scotland in 2017, following ten years with the National Deaf Children’s Society and previous roles in education both in India and the UK. She now leads on training, professional engagement, and resource development across education and health sectors.
Holding a master’s degree in economics and a postgraduate qualification in Early Years Education, she has contributed to national work on neonatal and healthcare pathways for babies with Down’s syndrome. She also supports inclusive practice in schools through tailored training and resources.
Outside of DSS, she volunteers for SAVE-UK, a charity supporting women and children across SAARC countries. In her own time, Varshali enjoys spending time with her family and dog, Oreo. She is an enthusiastic home cook and loves exploring new cuisines and cultures through travel.
Jo brings extensive experience in events, marketing and communications, having successfully managed international projects for clients such as Harvard Business School and Eurostar. She also spent over 15 years as a senior manager at the renowned Glasgow arts venue Òran Mór, overseeing events, marketing and operations. But what makes Jo’s appointment even more special is that she’s also a mother to a 12-year-old son with Down’s syndrome.
This means Jo understands our work not just professionally but personally. She knows the daily realities the celebrations and the challenges that families in our community face. Combined with her expertise in Corporate Social Responsibility and creating inclusive environments Jo will help us reach even more families and make an even bigger impact.
When she’s not working or volunteering with us Jo loves travelling, attending gigs, cooking, and wild swimming with her family.
Nashwa brings 25 years of experience as a neonatologist with a special focus on child development and neurodisability. For the past 20 years she’s been following the development of children born preterm in Glasgow particularly those with complex health needs.
Her work establishing a neurodevelopmental clinic for children with severe congenital heart disease shows exactly the kind of innovative thinking and compassionate care our community needs. Nashwa has even contributed to national guidelines and teaches on infant mental health programmes at the University of Glasgow.
Her deep understanding of how families navigate complex health journeys will be invaluable as we continue to improve health outcomes for people with Down’s syndrome.
Nitin joins us as a GP principal in Glasgow and Postgraduate Dean at NHS Education for Scotland. What excites us most about Nitin’s appointment is his particular passion for Equality Diversity and Inclusion – something that sits at the heart of everything we do.
His experience overseeing healthcare training across Scotland means he understands the challenges our community faces in getting quality healthcare. Having been awarded Fellowship by the Royal College of General Practitioners and appointed Honorary Professor by the University of Glasgow Nitin brings both clinical excellence and educational leadership to our board.
When he’s not working to improve healthcare you’ll find Nitin hiking cycling or playing badminton (he’s even the Honorary Medical Officer for Badminton Scotland!).
Kirsty has worked with people with learning disabilities for over 20 years in a range of roles, joining Down’s Syndrome Scotland in 2020 following a period of working in supported employment. She holds a postgraduate certificate in Counselling Skills, which informs her approach to support and communication.
During the pandemic, she co-created what became the FriendZ Space programme, and later launched its sister initiative, TeenZ Space, which she continues to run today alongside her work as a Family Support Service Officer. Kirsty’s cousin has Down’s syndrome and is a strong influence on her personal and professional life. Kirsty works part-time for DSS, balancing this with creative practice as a visual artist and live event illustrator.
You can email her at Kirsty@dsscotland.org.uk or call her on 0791 856 6503.
Lauren is one of our Family Support Service officers she covers East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Argyle and Bute, Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and Inverclyde local authority areas.
You can email her at lauren.lockhart@dsscotland.org.uk or call her on 07392 464 000.
Laura is one of our Family Support Service officers she covers East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Argyle and Bute, Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and Inverclyde local authority areas.
You can email her at laura.traynor@dsscotland.org.uk or call her on 0780 803 7561.
Debbie Campbell joined Down’s Syndrome Scotland in 2021, bringing experience from the third sector supporting families and young people with additional support needs in both primary and secondary school settings. She holds an HNC in Childcare and Education and previously ran her own successful business for 18 years, managing a team of 200 people.
As mother to Harvey, who has Down’s syndrome, Debbie is passionate about DSS’s mission to improve lives, support families, and assist those working with people who have Down’s syndrome. She believes strongly in challenging inequalities and changing public perceptions.
Beyond her professional role, Debbie runs ‘Buddies,’ a social group for people over 14 with Down’s syndrome, organising monthly activities to create meaningful social opportunities. Outside of work, Debbie enjoys spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, and wild swimming. She also has a love for art, reading, and travel.
You can email her at debbie@dsscotland.org.uk or call her on 0782 503 3803.
Karen joined DSS in November 2022, and is one of our Family Support Service officers covering Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, West Lothian, East Lothian, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Borders and Fife local authority areas. Before joining, she worked in residential care with children and young adults with complex disabilities. Her son Matthew is a nine-year-old with Down’s syndrome. Outside of work, Karen enjoys family time, travelling and reading.
You can email her at karen.philip@dsscotland.org.uk or call her on 0758 471 6438.
Shona joined Down’s Syndrome Scotland in January 2014, coming from her previous role as Day Service Team Lead with Leonard Cheshire Disability. In this position, she supported adults with disabilities to develop new skills, build social connections, and actively participate in their communities.
Her decision to join DSS was driven by a strong belief in the charity’s values and a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with Down’s syndrome living across Scotland. This commitment has sustained her dedication to the organisation for over a decade.
Shona’s extensive experience in disability services has enabled her to contribute significantly to DSS’s mission of supporting individuals with Down’s syndrome and their families. Outside of work, Shona runs a self-catering lodge and is a busy granny.
You can email her at shona@dsscotland.org.uk or call her on 07918 568 975.
Katrina has spent the last 23 years in various finance and treasury roles, having qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG in 2000. Currently, Head of Treasury at Stagecoach Group, Katrina’s key responsibilities include managing Stagecoach’s banking relationships, liquidity and funding, and other risk management activities.
She has been an active member of Down’s Syndrome Scotland since her youngest son, Matthew, was born in 2009, having set up the Ups and Down’s group for the Tayside & Fife branch of the charity, and holding the role of branch chair for a number of years, as well organising various successful local fundraising events.
Katrina enjoys being able to use her insights as both a parent and a professional to support the Board going forward.