Our Team
Donna Strachan - Director
Donna is a qualified youth worker and Forest School Leader. She has over 20 years experience working with young people and adults in a variety of settings with experience working in the field of mental health, learning difficulties, disability, suicide and self harm, homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, creative arts and general youth work. Donna grew up in Australia, camping, exploring and playing in nature. She has now settled in Scotland and coordinates the youth project, Art Club. in Dalkieth. She is passionate about increasing access to outdoor education and creativity for all. Donna is also a keen forager and runs the Facebook page Foraging in Scotland.
Cathy Samou - Forest School Leader
Cathy grew up in Greece wild camping by the sea and forest, actively experiencing the outdoors throughout her childhood. She is completing her MA degree in Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education at the University of Edinburgh, she's a qualified languages teacher and has many years experience working with mainstream and additional support needs children in schools, summer camps, children's services and forests. Cathy is also an amazing artist and owner of WeeTchy Crafts. She works with natural materials on miniatures and teaches children’s natural art workshops.
Suzie Robinson- Forest Play Facilitator
Suzie has been a registered social worker since 2006. Her experience with community engagement, risk assessment and planning; along with her knowledge of child development, parenting skills and counselling techniques give her a great foundation as a Forest Play facilitator.
Suzie is also a First Aid Trainer with First Aid Training Cooperative and has been a member of Grampian Speleological Group (caving club) forever.