Meet Our Team
Lesley Ross - CEO
Lesley has worked as a senior manager at GCA for several years managing a number of projects and services before becoming CEO in October 2023. Lesley has wide experience of developing and leading high-quality partnerships with a range of partners in third, private and public sector. She has extensive employability experience with a particular interest in recovery-based employability – developing Glasgow based Elevate into the largest PSP in Scotland. She has a Postgraduate Diploma in Careers Guidance from Strathclyde University and a Management Degree from St Andrews University as well as being a member of CIPD. She has previously worked in retail management, hospitality management and recruitment.
Susan Philp Head of Client Services and Deputy CEO
Susan is responsible for a number of services including our Counselling Service, ABIs, U-Turn Peer Education Service and many more. Susan started with GCA over 10 years ago as the Data Manager, gaining experience in all aspects of the organisation, becoming a Senior Manage and more recently Deputy CEO. Susan holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology and has over 20 years’ experience in IT and management roles. Susan is passionate about working to reduce the harm caused by alcohol particularly on families.
Norma McKinnon - Academic Director
Norma is a highly experienced Psychotherapist, community worker, facilitator and trainer with almost 20 years' experience promoting participation, engagement, development and psychosocial interventions. Expert in transcultural working and with survivors of trauma. Norma is most interested in projects that build capacity and deliver culturally sensitive psychosocial interventions and working on projects that promote wellbeing and social change. She is UKCP Registered, Dip Counselling, MSc Psychotherapy, Certified Transactional Analyst
Morag McIntyre Head of HR and Corporate Services
Morag is an Associate member of the CIPD and has an SCQF Level 10 qualification in Employment Law and Bachelors of Law degree from Strathclyde University. She has over 4 years experience working in HR and Employment Law with several years of management experience. In her role as HR Manager she ensures policies and procedures are legally compliant and in line with best practice as well guiding on all aspects of HR and Employment Law.
Lisa Cheatley - Head of Community Services
Lisa manages a number of services for GCA including Elevate-Glasgow PSP, The Recovery Employability Service, Young Persons ADRS Recovery Service, Building Positive Pathways Service and GCA’s Women’s Service which works in partnership with SAY Women. Lisa develops and maintains relationships with key stakeholders and partners through her excellent communication and partnership working skills. Lisa has extensive management experience as well as a BSc (Hons) Degree in Psychology. She is passionate about using her skills and knowledge to continue to lead and grow services which promote health and wellbeing within our communities.
Vincent Orr - Head of Finance
Vincent started his career as a trainee accountant working for a City Centre firm of Chartered Accountants, combining work and part time study to gain his ACCA qualification. After working for various mid-size accountancy firms for 17 years (with a year out combining work and travel in Australia), a change of direction saw Vincent move to a large furniture manufacturer as Finance Manager where he spent the best part of 16 years. Since then, Vincent has worked in various finance roles including a sand casting foundry and a telecommunications company before landing at the Glasgow Council on Alcohol in October 2023.
Nicole Saint-Nom Service Manager Counselling
Nicole serves as the Counselling Manager, where she oversees and supports a team of staff, volunteers, and student counsellors to ensure the delivery of exceptional services to clients. Her primary objective is to facilitate access to high-quality counselling while ensuring the seamless operation of the service. With a robust background in managing care homes and leading various volunteer initiatives, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her role. Originally from Argentina, she has been residing in Scotland for over 5 years.
James Fraser - Service Manager Education and Development
James is a Team Leader for the Young Person Peer Education service in South Lanarkshire. He has extensive experience working with young people in various settings, including mental health distress, youth clubs, employability, and outreach. James has also managed Peer Education services across Glasgow, where young people lead and conduct workshops on local issue-based topics while gaining qualifications. James is passionate about supporting individuals, encouraging them to overcome barriers and independently solve problems.
Ashliegh Fraser Service Manager Employability
Ashleigh manages the day-to-day operations of the Elevate Recovery Employability Service team and the Young Persons ADRS Recovery Service team. With years of experience working within various Care and Support settings and an Honours degree in Society, Politics, and Policy, she is passionate about working 1-1 with individuals in a highly person-centered approach. Since joining GCA in June 2022, Ashleigh has had the pleasure of being part of these services and leads an experienced staff team that supports individuals in recovery to reach positive destinations and achieve their employability goals and aspirations through collaboration with other services and organisations, 1-1 appointments, C.V. building, job applications, interview skills, employability workshops and more to provide the support, advice, and guidance participants require to build positive change in their life.
Debra Gemmell Service Manager Wellbeing
Debra leads the Elevate - Glasgow PSP Team and maintains partnership relationships to provide opportunities for participants, managing support through appointments, group work, and training. With 10+ years of employability experience, her background includes creating CVs, job applications, and delivering group work. Debra is dedicated to networking and supporting the team to help participants achieve their goals. As part of the GCA Management Team, she strives to deliver excellent service to all participants.
Fraser Scott - Training Development Officer
Fraser has 15+ years’ experience as a Practitioner, Facilitator and Trainer. As a qualified Assessor with a level 3 award in Assessing Vocational Related Achievement, Fraser is well versed in designing and delivering a range of training and professional development courses which cover themes including Trauma, Child & Adult Protection, Resilience and Health & Wellbeing. Fraser is a university graduate with a degree in Marketing and Communication.
Neil Macaulay -Training Manager
Neil has been with GCA for over 25 years and has provided a high quality training service to thousands of students in that time. Neil is a qualified practice supervisor and psychotherapist and has been providing supported and therapeutic sessions for a great many individuals.
Ann McLean - Senior Counsellor
Anne started volunteering as a receptionist with GCA in 1993, and after receiving COSCA training, she became a counselor. She was then promoted to sessional counselor, which eventually led to a full-time Community Counselor position in 1996 where she provided counseling services in Glasgow for eight years. Collaboration with other agencies helps people access training, opportunities, and support. Anne is now managing a community-based counseling service in Yoker and working closely with the N/W Recovery Network while promoting a positive reputation for GCA.
Irene McKenzie Office Manager
I have nearly 18 years of administrative experience at GCA, including various roles such as Admin Assistant and p.a. to CEO. As Office Manager for 12 years, I supervise all administrative activities and line manage assistants and volunteers. Before GCA, I worked in HR at a major bank for 27 years and gained extensive knowledge in training, finance, and management. GCA provided me with management training such as CIPD and GCVS courses in Supporting and Supervising Staff and New to Management.
