Staff Profiles

Hannah Gillies (Scheme Manager)

I am the new manager at Home-Start Lorn and started in June 2021. I have lived in Oban for around three years and absolutely love its beautiful array of beaches and friendly community. I am so excited to be part of Home-Start Lorn and think it's a fantastic and unique organisation that aims at providing support to any parent/caregiver in their time of need. In my role I hope to continue to help grow and develop the charity, linking in with the community and health/social care to ensure we help build a strong network and support system around our families.

On a personal level, I'm very family orientated and love hosting get togethers and big lunches -  which I might just have to organise for our Home-Start families! When not doing this, I spend most of my days at Ganavan with my dog and the blow-up kayak! I am also a keen basketball player and this was how I met my soon to be husband!

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Andrew Parker (Administrator)

I live just outside Oban in a nearby village. I took up the post in early 2021 and am enjoying the diversity of the role so far. Following a long period working in a commercial setting, I wanted to work in an environment that was more about helping the local community and individuals, than merely trying to make a profit for a faceless corporation. Homestart provides an essential service that benefits large numbers of families, supporting them at a time when it is most needed.

I'm a keen exerciser and enjoy walking, football & mountaineering. Following lockdown, it turns out I bake - so, if you're "lucky" you'll occasionally find cookies, brownies a flapjack or a protein ball at the Homestart Lorn office (while stocks last).

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Rebecca Maclennan (Isle of Mull Co-ordinator)

I'm Rebecca and I'm the new co-ordinator on Mull. I was brought up on the island and am now bringing my own family up here.

Having 2 young children, who are amazing but do keep me on my toes I know first-hand the struggles families face on the island. I am absolutely delighted to be working with Home Start and am completely loving my new role.

Home Start is such a lovely organisation and I feel very lucky to be part of the amazing team we have at Home Start Lorn.

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Kirsty Canning (Isle of Mull Family Co-ordinator)

Hi, I’m Kirsty, our new Family Coordinator for Home-start Lorn/Mull.

I am delighted to be part of such an amazing team and organisation. I am mum to 3 big grown boys and understand the demands and struggles of parenthood 1st hand. I feel honoured to be able to help families, where and when they need it most.

I grew up on this beautiful island, and after raising my family near London, working in nursery and primary school education, supporting children with special educational needs, and teaching clarinet, I happily moved home here, with my boys, a few years ago.

My love for the seashore and hills, makes it the perfect sanctuary. I use seaweed and wildflowers to create seasonings, oils, balms and lotions, to benefit people with their wonderful, healing properties.

I am excited and motivated in this lovely role, and look forward to bringing understanding, practical and emotional support to local families.

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Kelly MacColl (Oban Co-ordinator)

I'm Kelly and I am the new coordinator in Oban.

I was born in Oban and now live just outside in Connel. I really enjoy
being out in the country, walking, going to the beach and spending time at
the family croft. I`m very family orientated so I find Home-Start an amazing
organisation and I am really excited to have been given the opportunity to
join the team.

I come from a childcare background working in different nurseries and enjoy
working with children and families so I am really excited and look forward
to my new role.

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Saskia Ross (Oban Co-ordinator)

Hi, I'm Saskia and I am the newest member of the Home-Start Lorn team. I started working here in June 2023 and I have felt so lucky to have been given the opportunity to work with such a wonderful organisation that makes a real difference to the community.

Previously, I'd worked in childcare before taking some time out to start my own family. Becoming a parent helped to give me some of the first-hand experience which is useful in overcoming the challenges that I find is also faced by other parents. I live in Oban with my family and my two dogs. I've always lived in the area and enjoy being outside exploring local beaches and forests.

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Rachel Hathaway (Funding and Development Manager)

Hello, I’m Rachel Hathaway and I joined the team as Funding and Development officer. I am really excited to be working for Home-Start Lorn as it is a charity close to my heart. I have personally experienced the incredible support offered through Home-Start with my own young sons. I firmly believe that raising children ‘takes a village’ and that everyone would benefit from a wee bit of extra help. I am committed to developing the service and reaching more families.

Outside of work my boys keep me very busy, as well as our dog, cat, and three chickens. I love being outside walking, samba drumming, getting creative in the kitchen (I’m a keen foodie), drinking vast volumes of tea, and I am thoroughly enjoying learning Gaelic.