Meet our friendly staff team
At West of Scotland Deaf Children’s Society, we’re a small team who do big things. Our staff work hard to connect with the community, and deliver our services.
Our staff team
Iain Campbell
Hi! I’m Iain and I have been involved with WSDCS for over 30 years. My little brother was diagnosed as deaf when I was 6 years old and we started attending clubs and events to meet more families like ours.
I started working for the charity in 2017 and I can honestly say I love my job as a Family Support Officer. It is a genuine pleasure and privilege to support children, young people and their families.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends - especially my small army of nephews and nieces! I’m also a big fan of movies, video games, Marvel and DC (I’m like a big kid!)
Lesley Winning
Hi, I’m Lesley Winning, Finance and Administration Officer. I have worked at WSDCS since November 2021 after working at both the British Deaf Association from 2016 and Deafblind Scotland, where I learned BSL to Level 2, from 2008.
I really enjoy my role, especially as it’s so varied and I get to meet families and see the difference WSDCS can make.
Before my career within the charity sector, I mainly worked in export sales, using my degree in French and Russian.
In my spare time, I can usually be found with my head in a book. I also love getting out and discovering new places. I am married and we have a grown-up, married daughter.
Lisa Sultana
Hi there, I’m Lisa and I am the Family Support Officer at WSDCS. My path to this position was shaped by my own experiences as a parent of a deaf child. This personal experience has provided me with important insights that enable me to effectively support other families with deaf children.
I am passionate about using my personal journey, along with my educational background as a teacher, to support other families in similar situations. I truly enjoy the variety of my role, from visiting schools, to providing support to families with newly diagnosed babies.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband Joe, and our two young children, Lucy and Louis. We love nothing more than visiting our family in Malta and enjoying the much-needed sunshine!
Our Board of Trustees
Kerry Ryan
Hi. I’m Kerry Ryan, mum of Ellie, who is deaf, and Rebecca. I found WSCDS after attending an event at Hamilton School of the Deaf.
We came along to mini-club when Ellie was about 3. She loved the club where she wasn’t alone in her hearing loss and she felt part of something. Ellie still attends the club, moving on to youth club, and this just shows how the club evolves with the child.
The help that the charity gave me in where to find information and extra benefits I was entitled to was invaluable along with the support from other parents.
I became a trustee in October 2022, in order to give something back. I try to do fundraising to help the charity when I can. It’s a great support for parents and children and something I love being part of.
Rebecca O’Rourke
Hi, I’m Rebecca O’Rourke. I’m profoundly deaf and wear bilateral cochlear implants. I am a qualified Early Years Practitioner, working in a nursery class.
I’m a trustee for WSDCS and have been since 2019. I have been part of WSDCS since I was a teenager when I used to regularly attend their youth club and events. I joined the Board of Trustees as I wanted to give back my time and share my experiences and knowledge, being a deaf young person myself, advocating for future generations.
I am part of the Finance and Fundraising Committees. I regularly attend the clubs and events run by WSDCS as a volunteer and deaf role model. I use English as my main form of communication and I am currently doing a BSL Level 2 course.
Heather Young, Co-Chair
I have been involved with West Scotland Deaf Children’s Society, in various roles, since 1994 when my son was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at the age of 3. I received tremendous support from the charity. I then became a volunteer Family Support Officer for WSDCS in 1997 and trained with the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS). I became an employee of the charity after a successful bid for National Lottery funding in 2003.
In 2009, I transferred to work full time at NDCS but still worked with WSDCS to offer holistic family support.. My career in NDCS progressed and, in 2011, I became the Family Support Manager for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, still working closely with the team in WSDCS to ensure the families across the region received the best possible support, advice and information. I am currently employed at Sense Scotland as an Early Years and Family Advisory Manager.
When I left NDCS in 2021, I decided to come back to WSDCS as a trustee and now have the position of Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees.
I have 3 grown up children and 2 grandchildren.
Abbie Donati
I have been part of WSDCS since I was a child and the support I have received has played a huge part in helping me to grow, develop confidence and make lifelong friendships. As a profoundly deaf BSL user, I don’t know where I would be without them!
I attended the Saturday Club and the Youth Group myself and then volunteered at the Kids’ Club for 8 years. When the opportunity to become a Trustee came up, I jumped at the chance and I have now been in that role since 2022. It’s been a great way for me to give back and support a charity I love.
I am currently in my 3rd year of my Psychology degree at the University of West of Scotland and when I’m not busy studying, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and I love reading!
Linda Montgomery
Hello, my name is Linda Montgomery and I am a qualified Teacher of the Deaf, working within an Enhanced Deaf Provision.
I am a relatively new trustee for WSDCS and have been since 2023. I have admired their work for many years now and I was motivated to apply for this Trustee role having worked in collaboration and partnership with WSDCS within Deaf education for over 20 years.
From these experiences I could see the impact first-hand of the support and how this charity continues to strengthen the children’s socio-emotional skills, self-determination, language skills and explore options such as youth clubs and aspirations for their future.
I regularly attend meetings and I am looking forward to further opportunities to attend events run by WSDCS.
I am hearing and have my BSL Level 6. I am committed towards campaigning to break down barriers for Deaf children. I firmly believe when Deaf children and their families are given the right support such as the fundamental right to language all children can flourish.
In my spare time you might find me outside walking or climbing the odd Munro!
Pauline Boyce, Vice-Chair
Pauline is the CEO of Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living, a Disabled People’s Organisation, supporting disabled people to live independently.
Pauline has been a leader within the voluntary and public sectors for 25+years, including working with National Deaf Children’s Society Scotland and Healthcare Improvement Scotland. She joined WSDCS Board of Trustees in 2019.
Pauline is married with 2 daughters. She loves DIY, interiors and gardening.
Wilson Leggett
Wilson was elected to our Board of Trustees in 2007. He lives in Glasgow and has four children. One of his daughters is profoundly deaf and wears a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA).
Wilson is a Divisional Director at RBC Brewin Dolphin, specialising in wealth management.
He became involved with the Society to give back for all the amazing support and guidance provided to his family following his daughter’s diagnosis.
Outside of work, Wilson enjoys cycling, football and golf.
Heather Gray, Co-Chair
Heather has been involved with WSDCS since 2013 and has served as Vice Chair, Chair and Co- Chair of the society. Heather is a qualified Occupational Therapist who has worked across the NHS, Local Government and Third Sector for over 35 years. She has a particular interest and passion for human rights and working with children with additional and complex needs. Heather served as Director of the National Deaf Children’s Society for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales previously and is passionate about improving services for deaf children and young people in Scotland. She came onto the Board of West Scotland Deaf Children’s Society to keep that connection going.
Heather is currently CEO of Cosgrove Care, a third sector organisation delivering a range of supports and services to children, adults and families who have learning disabilities, autism and additional needs.
She has worked with the Scottish Government on a range of national reforms over the past 15 years including the Children’s Hearing System, The National Strategy for Sensory Impairment and the Introduction of Audiology Standards.
Heather is ambitious with fellow Trustees to grow and develop the society, working with the team to ensure it thrives, grows and reaches more children and young people.
Eileen Docherty
Bio to be confirmed