Our People

Abi Mills – Outreach Worker

Abi’s passion for helping people and communities flourish led her through experiences supporting children and adults as a counsellor, mentor, support worker, and victim advocate in community settings, prisons, and respite shelters, as well as in orphanages in Ukraine. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy in the U.S.A. in 2022 before moving to Scotland where she works as a psychotherapist and since 2026 as an outdoor therapist with Venture Trust. Originally from Florida, Abi feels most at home around shells and seawater, and loves exploring new walks and hikes with her dog and partner. She loves working with nature as a partner in supporting people to thrive.

Alex Muir – Outreach Worker

Alex spent the first 10 years of her career in the hospitality industry, where she discovered a love for working in fast-paced, people-facing roles.  Alex then worked for several years in a variety of youth-focussed support roles in both residential and educational settings with Action for Children and Walking Scotland, before joining Venture Trust as an Outreach & Support Worker in 2025.  Along the way, Alex has studied Theatre, Sociology, Sport Psychology, Outdoor & Adventure Therapeutic Practice, and Human Relations & Counselling.  Alex is passionate about the outdoors and making green exercise more inclusive and accessible to diverse groups across Scotland.  When not working, Alex is usually found outside – running, cycling, climbing or battling the weeds at her allotment.

Allister Clark – Outreach Worker

Allister is the outreach worker for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.  He is driven by developing clients and helping them see their own potential. He has decades of experience in personal development in various sectors.

He has worked in outdoor education, care settings, youth work and also as a children and family’s worker for the council.

When he isn’t at work, he loves hanging about the woods under a tarp, hillwalking, climbing and camping.

Andrew Davies – Senior Outdoor Practitioner

Andrew Davies, known as Drew throughout Venture Trust, works as a Senior Outdoor Practitioner. With over 25 years of experience in the sector, including many years supporting outdoor personal development programmes, Drew most enjoys working directly with people on courses and activities and being part of their onward journeys. Outside of work, he loves spending time with his family and skiing as much as life allows.

Cai Morgan – Senior Outdoor Practitioner

Originally from North Wales, Cai first connected with personal development through a course he completed ten years ago—a turning point that sparked his passion for the outdoors and supporting others on their own journeys. Cai spent a year with Venture Trust as a freelance outdoor instructor before joining the team as a Senior Outdoor Practitioner in September. Cai loves helping participants grow in confidence while exploring Scotland’s landscapes. When he’s not climbing, hiking, paddling, or camping, Cai’s happily nerding out with movies, video and board games, or sketching when inspiration strikes.

Cat Muckart – Outreach Worker

Cat joined the team in June 2025. Prior to this, she gained a master’s degree in social research and worked in a hodge-podge of roles across the third sector, including spending five seasons at a residential outdoor centre on the Isle of Mull. It was there while working with a range of diverse youth and community groups from the central belt, that she became passionate about the potential of the outdoors to make a positive impact on people’s lives. As an outreach worker, she loves seeing her participants achieve their goals, realise their potential and challenge themselves to expand their comfort zones. Outside of work, Cat is a long-term volunteer youth worker and can otherwise be found writing, knitting, swimming in the sea or running (slowly) round her local park.

Danii Taylor – HR Officer

Danii joined Venture Trust in April 2021, after gaining her first experience in HR within the charity sector as a HR Administrator. Since then, she has continued to grow and develop her skills and knowledge. Before Venture Trust, Danii worked in hospitality, which helped shape her people-focused approach. She is particularly passionate about employee wellbeing, something that first drew her to a career in HR, and enjoys being part of an organisation that makes a real difference. Outside of work, Danii enjoys baking, spending time with friends and family, and being a proud cat mum.

David Robertson – Head of Funding and Impact

David is Venture Trust’s Head of Funding and Impact has worked with the organisation since 2018, starting out as a Trusts & Foundations Fundraiser. His role covers data, performance monitoring, reporting, contract management and supporting funding applications, helping demonstrate the impact of Venture Trust’s work. Before joining Venture Trust, David worked in retail and volunteered with Citizens Advice for a number of years. He is passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives and supporting the incredible work delivered across the organisation. Outside work, he enjoys travelling, cycling and spending time outdoors whenever he can.

Debbie Wickens – Outdoor Therapist

Debbie joined Venture Trust’s Outdoor Therapy team in 2026. She has worked across a range of corporate and third-sector roles, drawing on her skills in relationship building, communication and project delivery. Most recently, Debbie spent several years providing an in-school counselling service, supporting children and young people. Debbie is passionate about supporting people to overcome challenges and build happier, healthier lives. She sees connection with the outdoors – the ‘Natural Health Service’ – as a valuable resource for supporting and maintaining wellbeing. Outside of work, Debbie spends as much of her time as possible outdoors, usually on adventures with her partner and dog.

Gilbert Coyne – Operations Manager

Gilbert joined Venture Trust in May 2011. Before this, he worked across a range of community alcohol support services, including Loretto Care, The Mungo Foundation and Addaction Scotland, supporting people within their own environments who were often experiencing chaotic lifestyles linked to addiction.

During his time with Venture Trust, Gilbert has found it hugely rewarding to see participants grow and develop as they progress through personal development programmes, something that continues to drive him in his role within the organisation.

An outdoor person at heart, Gilbert was naturally drawn to Venture Trust’s work. Before developing knee issues, he spent much of his weekends exploring Scotland’s Munros. These days, he is more likely to be found out on his mountain bike or fishing from his boat on a loch.

Janice Sheridan – Operations Manager

Janice joined Venture Trust in June 2016. Prior to this, Janice spent 10 years working as an Employability Worker, supporting people in recovery from addiction across Glasgow.

Passionate about the work Venture Trust does, Janice particularly values seeing the positive impact the programmes have on participants’ lives. Supporting people to build confidence, progress and create positive change is at the heart of what motivates Janice in her role.

Outside of work, Janice enjoys spending time with family, going on holiday and getting outdoors as much as possible.

Jessica Tomey – Outdoor Therapist

Jessica is a fiddle player, runner, wild swimmer, and (beginner!) knitter from Lincolnshire. Swapping the rivers and fens for the sea and the hills, Jessica joined Venture Trust as an Outdoor Therapist in 2026. Jessica initially worked as a community musician with Sistema Aotearoa and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and her therapeutic experience extends to working with children and young people, and people living with dementia. After completing her Music Therapy MSc in 2024, Jessica worked as a Creative Therapist at a Residential Therapeutic School, offering group and individual sessions alongside therapeutic forest school support. Jessica also holds a Level One in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. Jessica is a strong advocate for working creatively, and can think of no better canvas than the great outdoors!

Katie Macmillan – Communications & Commercial Development Manager

Katie is Venture Trust’s Communications & Commercial Development Manager, with over 10 years of experience working in communications and events across the third sector. She leads Venture Trust’s communications, marketing and growing commercial activity, helping to share the impact of our work, strengthen our profile and develop new opportunities through Venture Trust Experiences. Katie is passionate about creative communications and storytelling that connect people with our work and the difference it makes.

Kevin Gascoyne – Outreach Worker

Kevin is an Outreach and Support Worker covering Edinburgh and the Lothians but before that he spent many years working with the field team on the Wilderness Journeys. He has a background in Outdoor Education and is passionate about the outdoors and nature. What he enjoys most about working for Venture Trust is working with the participants and hopefully playing a small part in their journey, he also likes that every day is different! Outside of work he spends time with his family and going on camping and mountain biking trips.

Laura Mullarkey – Funding and Partnerships Manager

Laura is the Funding and Partnerships Manager at Venture Trust, working across all areas of fundraising. She particularly enjoys community fundraising, getting involved in events and connecting with the amazing people who support Venture Trust’s work. What Laura values most about the organisation is seeing the difference the outdoors can make in people’s lives. Outside of work, she is usually juggling family life, DIY projects, dogs, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Linsey Rusk – Corporate Services Manager

Linsey is the Corporate Services Manager and has worked at Venture Trust since 2017. The role covers a wide range of responsibilities, often focusing on the behind-the-scenes work that helps keep the organisation running smoothly. Linsey enjoys being part of such a supportive team, and one of the most rewarding aspects of the role is meeting participants and seeing first hand the positive impact Venture Trust’s programmes have on people’s lives. Beyond day-to-day responsibilities, Linsey values staying connected to the wider organisation and the difference its work makes.

Mark Rae – Outdoor Therapy Service Manager

As Outdoor Therapy Service Manager, Mark manages a team of five ‘Excellent’ Outdoor Therapists and also supports and assesses social work students on placement with Venture Trust in the role of Practice Educator. With a background in social work, management, counselling and therapy, Mark has worked across both public and private service settings and has been with Venture Trust since 2017. Fascinated by human potential and the power of the mind, Mark enjoys spending time around the Venture Trust base and meeting participants.

Rosie Line – Outreach Worker

Rosie is an Outreach and Support Worker in South Lanarkshire, where she uses her background in mental health to help people recognise their worth, believe in themselves and make positive changes in their lives.

She knows how beneficial the outdoors can be to our wellbeing and thrives on witnessing the transformation in participants when they return from their wilderness journey, armed with the evidence that they can achieve their goals.

The Isle of Skye and Scotland’s hills are special places for Rosie and she has recently discovered the thrill of motorbikes, although you won’t see her atop Ben Nevis on a Kawasaki…that would be wheely dangerous (she also believes in the medicinal qualities of laughter!).

Ross Hughes – Stores and Facilities Officer

Joining Venture Trust in 2026, Ross brings a wealth of experience from over 15 years in the charity sector. His previous roles include: community outreach work for the National Trust for Scotland; practical operations supervision of environmental and horticultural groups at Enable Scotland; and management of a community driven environmental project during his time with the Forth Rivers Trust.

Ross brings his experience working with schools, support groups, families and individuals to his post as our stores and facilities officer where he will play a crucial role supporting the delivery of our programs and attaining the best outcomes for our participants.

With a background in Ecology and Conservation, a passion for Scotland’s flora and fauna and an interest in history Ross has a wealth of stories, facts and knowledge to share.

Sarah Mackenzie – Outreach Worker

Sarah joined Venture Trust in June 2025. She loves working with people in nature and has spent the past 10 years supporting people in different roles, including as a primary school teacher and with various charities.

She is often one of the first folk you will meet at Venture Trust and will be there to support you throughout your journey, offering a listening ear and helping you work out your goals and what might come next. Outside work, you’ll usually find Sarah out walking, biking, climbing, or just slowing down and taking in a bit of nature (with a nice coffee).

Shana Young – Outreach Worker

Shana is an Outreach Support Worker for Tayside (Perth & Kinross and Dundee), having joined Venture Trust in summer 2026. She is passionate about the power of the outdoors to support personal growth and positive change.

After studying Fine Art and spending more than 20 years in the design industry, Shana moved into the mental health sector to work more directly with people. This experience deepened her understanding of the importance of compassion, empathy, and creating space for people to feel heard, valued, and confident in making positive changes in their lives.

Although originally from Detroit, Scotland has long been home and is where her love of the outdoors flourished. Outside of work, she enjoys wild swimming, collecting vintage treasures from the 1970s, and exploring Scotland by bike and on foot. Wherever she goes, her sketchbook and watercolours are never far behind.

Stephen Trenier – Senior Outdoor Coordinator

Stephen is the Senior Outdoor Coordinator at Venture Trust and has worked in outdoor activity delivery for 19 years, including 13 years in outdoor personal development roles. He is happiest when out on his mountain bike, skiing or paddling white water — anything that gives a sense of speed and adventure. Stephen also enjoys pausing regularly for a flat white and a sweet treat. Outside of work, he loves relaxing at home with his family and could happily talk for hours about Arsenal Football Club and rugby, mostly because his family no longer want to!

Zara Aitken – Outreach Worker

Zara is an Outreach Worker for North Lanarkshire. Zara is passionate about helping people improve their circumstances, build confidence and achieve their goals.

Outside of work Zara loves hillwalking and spending time outdoors, with loch Lomond being her favourite place to escape and recharge.