Children in Scotland

Abbey Stone

Assistant Policy, Projects and Participation Officer

Abbey joined us in May 2024 as Assistant Policy, Projects and Participation Officer. Prior to this, she was a primary teacher with a particular interest in children's rights. By embedding rights within the classroom, Abbey ensured it was respectful and inclusive environment for all. Children were aware of their rights and promoted them within the classroom, wider school, and the local community,

Before becoming a teacher, Abbey studied MSc in Historical Studies at the University of Strathclyde. Here she specialised in early modern, Scottish parliamentary history. She has a particular interest in the 1707 union of the crowns. As she is from Argyll and Bute she wrote her masters thesis on the 1685 Argyll rebellion.

In her spare time, Abbey likes watching documentaries, attending gigs, and singing.

astone@childreninscotland.org.uk

Shilla Shomai

Promise Officer - Enquire

Shilla joined Enquire in February 2024 as Promise Officer, focused on the educational rights of care-experienced young people.

Shomai is a PhD student at the University of Worcester and is passionate about promoting children’s rights.

Her research, entitled ‘A Comparative Study of Care-experienced Parenting in Scotland and England: The Interplay of Solidarity, Attachment, and Social Capital’ examines the parenting experiences of care experienced parents in Scotland and England.

Leveraging her lived experiences, Shilla has influenced governmental policies and practices, advancing the educational and social outcomes for care experienced young people and care leavers.

Previously, Shilla worked as an ambassador for Who Cares? Scotland and advocated for care experienced individuals in key settings, including the Scottish Parliament, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) members, Commission on Widening Access Board, Scottish Legal Aid Board, NHS, and colleges and universities across Scotland.

With an MA in Childhood, Youth, and Social Policy, her academic background and passion align seamlessly with organisations championing children's rights.

sshomai@childreninscotland.org.uk

David Yule

Policy, Projects and Participation Officer

David joined Children in Scotland as Policy, Projects and Participation Officer in January 2024. Before joining Children in Scotland, he worked as a participation officer at the Scottish Youth Parliament and in other policy and project roles at the organisation. He was also previously a volunteer youth worker with LGBT+ young people.

David has completed an MSc in Social Policy & Research and has since applied this learning within the children's rights sector working on projects to enhance children and young people's meaningful participation in local and national decision-making.

Outside of work David spends time with friends and family, cooking or eating.

dyule@childreninscotland.org.uk

Ellen Morton

Advice and Information Officer - Enquire

Ellen joined Enquire as an Advice and Information Officer in January 2024.

Prior to this she worked as a primary school teacher in Gaelic-medium education in Glasgow. She took a particular interest in supporting children with additional needs in bilingual education. She has also worked with children in other parts of the world, including Honduras, Uganda and New York City. She is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Gaelic Education.

Ellen is a fluent Gaelic speaker who sings in the Glasgow Gaelic choir. She also plays the fiddle and enjoys playing at sessions in Glasgow. She loves travel and spent last summer helping with the coffee harvest in the mountains of Peru.

emorton@childreninscotland.org.uk

Susie Dalton

Participation and Communications Office - My Rights, My Say

Susie joined My Rights, My Say as Participation and Communications Officer in December 2023. She is involved in establishing and developing a new young people’s advisory group in the service. She also contributes to the My Rights, My Say communications activity.

She is also a practicing artist, holding an MFA in Fine Art from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee. She loves using her creativity when working with young people to make the most of their brilliant ideas and to provide meaningful ways for their voices and experiences to be heard.

When not working, Susie loves being outside, making art, dancing, and cosying up with a good book.

Momo Zhong

Administrative Assistant - Learning & Events

Momo joined Children in Scotland in October 2023 as Administrative Assistant in the Learning & Events team.

Momo has more than seven years' experience in the education field. She worked in Thailand for two years as a Mandarin teacher before coming to the UK for her postgraduate study. In 2021, she achieved her master’s degree in Language Education at the University of Edinburgh. Previously, she also worked as a childcare support worker. Supporting children and young people to flourish and grow as individuals has always been her passion.

Outside of work, Momo enjoys the great outdoors, doing things like cycling, hiking and camping.

mzhong@childreninscotland.org.uk

Georgia Johnston

Administrative Co-ordinator, Services

Georgia joined Children in Scotland as an Administrative Co-ordinator in September 2023, supporting children’s services by providing efficient administration support.Georgia left her position as a children's English teacher to pursue a Master's degree in Human Rights and Diplomacy in Scotland. She was selected by the Master's programme for an internship opportunity with the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Team at UNICEF. She provided administrative support as well as research insight for projects that provided mental health care and psychosocial support to children who went through humanitarian crises.

Additionally, Georgia holds a Bachelor's degree in Diplomacy and International Relations and has been involved in student movements and social advocacy throughout her education.Georgia is passionate about expanding and developing children’s rights into policies and child care. She volunteers with the Scottish Refugee Council, helping to coordinate and arrange for activities for children.Outside of work, Georgia enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons and discovering the best boba tea combination.

gjohnston@childreninscotland.org.uk

Caroline Christison

HR Manager

Caroline took up the post of HR Manager in September 2023. She has responsibility for all people-related activities.

Caroline has worked in HR for nearly 20 years with a variety of organisations, including more than 10 years working in the charity sector where she enjoys the opportunity to make a real contribution to society. She has a wealth of generalist experience as well as specialising in Reward and Recognition and Global Mobility at the University of Edinburgh. Caroline is also a trained mediator.

Outside of work, Caroline enjoys spending time with family and friends, with a love of sea swimming and long walks with her two border collies.

cchristison@childreninscotland.org.uk

Sophie Elliott

Policy, Projects and Participation Officer

Sophie joined Children in Scotland in July 2023 as a Policy, Projects and Participation Officer. Prior to this, she was a primary school teacher with a specific interest in child-centred provision for young people with additional support needs.

Before her career in teaching, Sophie completed a bachelor’s degree in Drama and Performance where she developed a research interest in young people’s access to the arts and other extra curricular activities in Scotland. During her studies, she worked at an after school club and facilitated workshops for children at a local youth theatre.

Outside of work, Sophie enjoys cooking and travelling.

selliott@childreninscotland.org.uk

Sophie Ward

Senior Communications Officer - Membership Lead

Sophie joined Children in Scotland in July 2023. Previously, Sophie spent three years working for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra where she had the opportunity to work across its marketing activities and develop the Orchestra’s first ever digital concert season.

Sophie has ten years' experience managing projects for a number of culture organisations and charities including VisitScotland, RSPB Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland.

Outside of work, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, fair-weather running and playing music.

sward@childreninscotland.org.uk