Staff Profiles

Hannah Gillies (Manager)

Hello, I’m Hannah, the Manager at Home-Start Lorn.

I’ve been in this role since 2021 and am based in Oban, where I’ve lived since 2019. Before joining Home-Start Lorn, I worked in social work and have experience across a range of settings, supporting people from diverse backgrounds and life situations. I’m passionate about working in organisations that allow me to connect with people in our community, providing support and helping to create positive change for families.

Outside of work, I’m very family-oriented and love hosting get-togethers and big lunches — especially anything involving food! When I’m not doing that, you’ll often find me at Ganavan with my dog or out on the paddleboard.

In my role, I look after the day-to-day running of Home-Start Lorn and help shape and deliver our plans to achieve our mission and vision. I work closely with our amazing staff, trustees, and volunteers to make sure everyone feels supported and valued. I’m also involved in managing our finances, mentoring, managing partnerships and keeping track of how our work makes a difference. When needed, I love getting involved directly — offering one-to-one or group support to families in our community.

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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 (Senior Family Coordinator)

Hello, I’m Rebecca and I’m the Senior Co-ordinator on Mull.

I’ve been with Home-Start Lorn for 3 and a half years starting as a family co-ordinator. Having grown up on Mull and now bringing up my own young family I know firsthand the struggles many families face with island living. The island is a beautiful place to be able to bring it children, but it can also bring challenges and loneliness. Being able to bring families together, supporting their friendships and being able to visit families on a 1:1 basis in their homes are my favourite parts of the job. 

Home-Start is a wonderful charity and I feel lucky to be part of the Lorn team.

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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.