OUR TEAM
OUR STAFF
Volunteers
Staff
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Roxanne Kerr - Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Roxanne is a qualified and experienced Clinical Certified Trauma Specialist with a master’s degree in counselling from Abertay University. She also holds a certificate in Complex Trauma and Dissociation from the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.
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Over the past decade, Roxanne has worked extensively with trauma survivors, including individuals affected by childhood sexual abuse and those living with complex mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In 2019, she founded Trauma Healing Together in response to the limited availability of specialised, community-based trauma support.
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Motivated by a deep understanding of trauma and a commitment to improving care, Roxanne developed the Atholl Approach—an innovative, organisation-wide model for supporting trauma survivors. Her work continues to focus on creating compassionate, informed systems that meet the complex needs of those affected by trauma.
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Favourite Mental Health Quote: “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” Kahlil Gibran
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Articles by Roxanne
Janine Core - Project Officer
Janine is an experienced English teacher with over 16 years in high school classrooms, where she developed and applied a trauma-informed approach to education. After her time in mainstream teaching, she spent two years in special needs administration, supporting students who required tailored learning environments and accommodations. This deepened her expertise in inclusive education and strengthened her commitment to advocating for neurodiverse and vulnerable young people.
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Since relocating to Scotland in October 2022, Janine has brought her knowledge of adolescent mental health and holistic education to her current role at Pathways to Hope. She leads the Group Wellbeing programme, coordinating with external providers to deliver high-quality, person-centred activities that promote recovery and connection. Janine also trains and supports volunteers to become Peer Group Facilitators, ensuring they are equipped to lead peer support groups with empathy and confidence. Her ongoing focus is on creating safe, compassionate spaces that support emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
Tinusha Abeysinghe - Project Officer
Tinusha, Originally from Sri Lanka, is a journalist and a news anchor with nearly a decade of experience in the field. She earned her BA (Hons) in Economics and Business Studies from the University of Gloucestershire and went on to complete a Master’s in International Business from the University of Dundee. Tinusha’s professional journey includes a notable role in "Gammadda," Sri Lanka's largest CSR initiative, where she actively supported rural communities. Now based in Scotland, she channels her passion into working with charities to aid ethnic minorities, asylum seekers, and refugees. Tinusha loves her work and looks forward to many more opportunities to make a positive impact in the future.
Molly Stirling - Admin Officer
Molly previous supported Trauma Healing Together as an admin volunteer before applying and being successful in the recruitment process for an admin officer. She is currently studying Counselling and Psychology at Abertay University.
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Favourite Mental Health Quote: "Mental health... is not a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going." - Noam Shpancer"
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Articles by Molly
Valerie Temporal - Development and Engagement Officer
Valerie is an experienced Funding Manager with 20 years' experience of working in various fundraising roles across the third sector including: Mental Health, Disabilities, Addiction, Children and Young People and Community Development charities. After studying Social Sciences in Glasgow, Valerie started her early career within the local authority and made her move to the third sector 15 years ago. Outside work Valerie enjoys spending time with her children, gardening and the therapeutic benefits of nature, the outdoors and horticulture. 
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Favourite Mental Health Quote: Trauma doesn't define you-   Don't let trauma dictate who you are or limit your potential for growth. Overcoming trauma and finding a path towards healing and growth is possible.
OUR COUNSELLORS
Carolann Penrose - Counsellor
Carolann is an integrative psychotherapist, and is qualified to work with individuals and couples, drawing on a range of psychological theories and techniques to best meet the needs of her clients.
She has a degree in Psychology as well as a Diploma in Relational Counselling and works as a sessional counsellor with Trauma Healing Together, and as a couples therapist in Glasgow. Carolann is also building her own private practice She is passionate about creating a safe space, where people are able to feel safe, accepted and supported to explore issues together.
Steve Christie - Counsellor
I am currently working towards a Diploma in Counselling, and I am driven by a sincere desire to foster positive change and emotional well-being. I have embraced a pluralistic, multidisciplinary approach to counselling, drawing from various theoretical frameworks and therapeutic models to provide holistic and tailored support to clients.
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Articles by Steve
Lindy Paterson - Trainee Counsellor
Lindy previously studied Law and worked within the financial industry until her life took a different direction after her critical illness. Retraining as a yoga and meditation teacher, she predominantly taught yoga to individuals with physical and mental health concerns. After spending a few years working with trauma survivors, she began training as a counsellor, currently studying for a Master's in Counselling at Abertay University. Lindy has embraced a holistic approach to her healing and is passionate about sharing this with others, recognising that no one size fits all and striving to work collaboratively with clients to find what works for them.
Felicity Kemp - Trainee Counsellor
I’m currently studying for a Master’s at Abertay University and have a special interest in autism as well as hormonal-health, whether that’s PMDD, menopause or endometriosis. I work through a pluralistic and neurodiversity-affirming lens and I’m passionate about finding creative ways to support trauma survivors.
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Favourite Mental Health Quote: “The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter, and the spirit heals with joy"
Jay Hogg - Trainee Counsellor
I am a student counsellor currently working on my HND in Counselling after completing my HNC. I currently work in mental health which, along with my course and lived experience, has given me an appreciation of the effect counselling has on individuals. I currently work in a pluralistic way and firmly believe that the client is the expert in their own experiences, feelings and thoughts.
Zoe Robertson - Trainee Counsellor
I am in my final year of a Master’s degree in counselling, having previously worked in youth work and education and volunteered with the Samaritans and the Foodbank.
I believe counselling can make a positive difference and I work with a variety of counselling techniques depending on what is best suited for each person. Outside of work I like to be outside and active, especially swimming or walking and slow myself down with attempts at some more creative pastimes.
I am a student member of the BACP – British Association of Counselling and Psychology.
Sara Dow - Trainee Counsellor
My name is Sara Dow and I am currently a student at Abertay on the MSc course. I believe in creating a safe and inclusive space where individuals feel empowered to share their experiences. Through a collaborative and empathetic approach I endeavour to instil a sense of security and trust in those I work with. I am passionate about integrating creativity into counselling practices.
VOLUNTEERS
Laura - Peer Group Facilitator
I first became involved with Trauma Healing Together in 2022 when I was getting support. My support is over so I decided to volunteer to facilitate a group as I wanted to give something back and help others.
A wee bit about me - my pets are my life. I don't know where I'd be without them. I try to have time out in life by walking to clear my head.
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Articles by Laura
Fiona - Peer Group Facilitator
My name is Fiona and I’ve been involved with Trauma Healing Together for couple of years now.
I have done the pathway to hope when it was called the resilience project, and found both the group sessions and the counselling beneficial. I decided to volunteer for a group facilitator to help others going through the pathway to hope, to help support them on their journey.
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Articles by Fiona
Louise - Peer Group Facilitator
Hi my names Louise, I first became involved with Trauma Healing Together in 2023 when I attended as a client, due to the benefit this service has had on my life I have decided to stay on so I can help others, in my spare time I enjoy fitness and being outdoors, I will try anything once as you never know what you can achieve.
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Articles by Louise
Stephen - Peer Group Facilitator
My name is Stephen and I am 34 years old. My hobbies include playing bowls outdoor and indoor. I also play in a darts league weekly. I love spending time with my nephew who is 15 months old and taking him to the park. I would like to help others who have gone through similar trauma and grief. It was beneficial to me and wellbeing.
Billy - Peer Group Facilitator
Billy was a participant of the programme last year. He has since taken up the role of the volunteer peer facilitator to help build his confidence and to possibly help him with applying for future jobs.
Favourite Mental Health Quote : If you really want peace on earth, create peace in your heart, in your being. That is the right place to begin with and then spread.
-Osho
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Articles by Billy
Gill - Peer Group Facilitator
I have recently finished Pathway to Hope which I found both extremely beneficial and enjoyable. The group work has helped me to start rebuilding my confidence and given me new interests to pursue. I enjoyed it so much that I didn't want it to end so volunteered as a Peer Group Facilitator to continue this and hopefully help and encourage others on the path to recovery.
As well as the arts and crafts I learnt on this course I also enjoy doing Tai Chi, which I find helps me mentally and physically. I also enjoy getting outside, visiting historical sites and looking after my new kitten.
Dianne - Peer Group Facilitator
My name is Dianne and I found the Pathways to Hope programme has helped me quite a lot and I’d like to pay it forward by helping to support others find the positives and possibilities in the life that I had previously forgotten existed.
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Annette - Peer Group Facilitator
I'm a nature-loving, animal-adoring, spiritualist with a sprinkle of baking magic. My life revolves around my rescue staffy cross, Hudson, who has a PhD in couch cuddling and an expert-level skill in stealing my oven gloves. When I’m not whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen (often while covered in flour and a hint of essential oils), you can find me communing with crystals, pondering the mysteries of the universe, or trying to convince my dog that the postman is not, in fact, a villain.
Diane - Peer Group Facilitator
I am a graduate of the Pathways to Hope, and a Peer Group Facilitator.
I like making artistic messes with paint, reading a good detective novel, indulging my ginger cat, and a cup of really good coffee, and of course....growing old disgracefully!
Malcolm - Peer Group Facilitator
I’ve had, in my opinion, more than my fair share of traumas but after Pathways to Hope and Counselling I now want to help others benefit from this life enhancing help. What attracted me to Trauma Healing Together? Those three words, especially the ‘together’. I believe really strongly in us supporting each other, in a non-judgmental, truly supportive environment.
I’m a full-time carer and father, so I was used to bottling up my own feelings and suppressing my needs, to hold it all together. Until I couldn’t. A year later I’m happy to give back.
My career is teaching outdoor skills and survival (appropriate!) and I’m happiest on a mountain top or sat beside a fire drinking tea. I’m first aid and mental health first aid trained, a mountain leader and I’ve even been a bus driver and kitchen porter.
An odd thing about me, I don’t eat sugar or drink coffee or alcohol.
Mark - Peer Group Facilitator
Hi I’m Mark. I’m really excited to have the opportunity to be part of the Pathways to Hope programme at Trauma Healing Together and I look forward to meeting you. I’m interested in all aspects of mental and physical wellbeing, especially the role that our social environment and lifestyle has on our health and ability to be happy. I’m a qualified Sports Coach and studied Sports and exercise science at University which really got me interested in the relationships between mental and physical health and how both are mutually important to one another and interrelated.
Kelly - Sessional Worker
I recently completed pathway to hope programme, I really enjoyed the concept of each session. The understanding behind each session personally helped me immensely with my confidence in my own journey. This has made me want to be there to support others through their own pathway to hope journey.
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I’m interested in a holistic approach to mental health, which I've been following the past couple of years through exercise, nature, meditation, reiki which I enjoy.
I'm a parent carer why volunteering is suitable for me and helps me also to connect with others.
Ming Chen - Social Media & Communications Volunteer
Ming graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2021 with a Masters in Design For Change. She has been studying and working in art and design for over 7 years. She loves creative ideas and has a strong interest in social media and digital marketing.
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Ming also shares a great passion for working in charities. Helping people find a better life is something that brings her an immense amount of joy. She hopes that her career is always centred around helping others, and knows that she is able to do that whilst she is working with Trauma Healing Together.
OUR TRUSTEES
Michael Marley - Chair
Michael is part of the leadership team at Scarf which is a registered charity and social enterprise which delivers energy efficiency advice and services to households and businesses.
Within Scarf, he oversees the North East Centre which delivers the Scottish Government programme of Home Energy Scotland. He is also involved with delivering and supporting a range of projects to vulnerable communities/households. Prior to this he was 15 years with SSE/OVO with a particular focus in delivering the vulnerability strategy and including Warm Home Discount.
As well as trustee of Truama Healing Together, he is an active Samaritans listener. He also has an interest in Social Media after gaining his Diploma in Journalism (a number of years ago)
Inclusion is so important to him and feels that when help is asked for it should be readily available there and then. But should also be tailored to what the user needs/wants.
Favourite Mental Health Quote: "Make your mental health a priority, you deserve it"
Sam Roger - Secretary
I am a qualified psychodynamic counsellor and patient advocate with a strong commitment to trauma-informed care. My professional background includes working with vulnerable individuals in hospitals and care homes, with a particular focus on older adults.
I completed my student placement for my counselling diploma with Trauma Healing Together and discovered that working with trauma is my true calling. I’m inspired by the charity’s work—not only through Pathways to Hope, but also through its continued drive to reach out to survivors, which has led to the development of the peer group facilitator role.
I’m passionate about ensuring that services are inclusive, safe, and empowering for all who seek support.
Favourite Mental Health Quote: “Deep breathing is our nervous system’s love language.” — Dr. Lauren Fogel Mers
Razvan Syyed - Treasurer
Razvan is a chartered accountant based in Giffnock, from the south side of Glasgow, operating as a Finance Business Partner UK-wide. His background is in Corporate Finance, and he has built his reputation working for large corporates in Glasgow and London and investing in property.
After qualifying with ICAS in 1993, Razvan started my career in industry back in 1995 working as a Financial Controller in Glasgow before working his way up to Financial Director in London and then Chief Financial Officer for an international firm in 2014. Over the past 2 years, he has been running his own company under the trading style of Sword Finance and Investments which provides SME’s with funding solutions, business development and strategic support, tax and digital accounting solutions as well as property investment strategies for creating long term wealth.
Favourite Mental Health Quote: "You don't need to struggle in silence. You can be un-silent. You can live well with a mental health condition, as long as you open up to someone about it" Demi Lovato
Andy Marsh
Andy has worked in trauma for the last 8 years. He served in the military for 18 years and this was where his interest in trauma started. He studied for an MSc in Military and Veteran mental health whilst working in a trauma centre. He currently works in the mental health field and feels that we as a country need to provide as many routes for person centred holistic trauma care as necessary to help people who are surviving..
Favourite Mental Health Quote: ‘"That which seeks to destroy me and fails only makes me stronger’ – Nietzsche
Diana Ngonyama
Diana is currently the Senior Philanthropy Manager at World Vision one the largest Children's INGO working within the Strategic Partnerships Directorate . She has worked with other leading organisations such as Shelter and INGO Mercy Corps Europe where she was responsible for developing and driving the organisations philanthropic and community programming in Europe. Previously over a 15-year period she has held senior retail management roles for various brands such as Marks and Spencer, Selfridges, Topshop to name a few. Making the transition into the third sector after a chance opportunity to work with the extraordinary arts organisation Artangel.
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Favourite Mental Health Quote: ‘I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul’ – William Ernest Henley
Lindy Paterson
Lindy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and is a 200-hour qualified Hatha yoga teacher, obtained through Jyoti Yoga and Yoga Alliance International. She has completed further training in Accessible Yoga run by Accessible Yoga an international, grassroots, non-profit organisation dedicated to sharing yoga with everyone and Teach Meditation under Swami Saradananda. Lindy has embraced a holistic approach to her own healing and is passionate about sharing this with others.
Special Interests: Chair and Accessible Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama/Breath Work, Nutrition, Health and Well-being
