Our People, Our Strength
Declan Harrigan
CEO/FOUNDER/Trainer
Hi, I’m Declan, Founder and CEO of S.M.I.L.E.
“Getting up at 5 a.m. – those early hours supercharge my focus, give me space to breathe, and set the tone for a powerful day ahead.”
Andy Gray
Training Manager
Andy has worked in the helping professions for over 25 years in social work, third sector, private practice, and psychiatric hospital settings. This has involved management, supervision, psychotherapy and training. He has delivered and overseen training from certificate to post graduate level in counselling/psychotherapy. This has been at various private training providers and universities/colleges across the UK.
His own counselling training has been rich and varied, which has been useful to fit with the requirements of services or client’s Andy has worked with.
Outwith work Andy spends a lot of time with older/younger family members and friends, loves the gym, enjoys a huge range of music, and of course, going on holidays.
Andy says “I’m excited to join the team at S.M.I.L.E. and look forward to what lies ahead for us.”
“Wearing shorts all year round – if I can handle the Scottish winter in shorts, I can handle anything.”
Lyandra Vlahakis
TRAINING ADMINISTRATOR/ ASSISTANT
“Practising gratitude every day – it shifts my focus to what’s going well, strengthens resilience, and reminds me that even small positives matter.”
CAROLINE EVANS
TRAINING COORDINATOR
Caroline brings a wide range of experience to the team, with a special passion for Learning & Development. A CIPD-qualified professional with an SVQ Level 3 in Management and a SCQF Level 6 Diploma in Digital Marketing, she combines solid know-how with plenty of hands-on experience.
Her career has taken her from the lively days of being a Butlins Redcoat to key roles in hospitality, education, and finance. Along the way, she’s supported modern apprenticeships, built strong employer links, and coordinated training that really makes a difference.
Away from work, Caroline loves nothing more than soaking up some quiet time by the sea.
At SMILE Training, Caroline is often the first friendly voice you’ll hear. Ready to help, answer questions, and make sure your journey with us gets off to the best possible start.
“Not giving up despite the challenges – it builds resilience, shows me how strong I can be, and proves that progress often comes one small step at a time.”
SARA MACKENZIE
TRAINING ASSISTANT
Sara studied Social Work at Stirling University and for the last (almost) 20 years she has been working alongside children and families, most recently as Team Manager for Young lives vs Cancer. Sara was drawn to Counselling and the COSCA Skills course after a young relative went for counselling and she had a feeling of wanting to be able to provide this support. Sara achieved her Integrative Post graduate Diploma, through S.M.I.L.E in 2024.
Sara is passionate about helping children, young people, and adults navigate life’s challenges and discover their inner strength. Sara is a warm, empathetic, and a safe space where clients can explore their feelings, develop self-awareness, and work through difficulties in a way that feels empowering and supportive.
Sara has recently joined the second year Diploma students as a TA, a role she is excited about.
Sara is married, has 3 children and a dog called Mabel. When not working Sara enjoys time with her family and friends, going to the football and seeing musicals at the theatre.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup, do what you need to fill yours up! ”
EMMA NICHOLS
TRAINER
“Checking in with a friend – connection is vital for wellbeing, and it reminds me I’m never alone.”
NIAMH GOVERS
TRAINER
Niamh Govers is a qualified counsellor, clinical supervisor, and COSCA Skills Tutor with a strong background in student mental health and emotional well-being. With over a decade of experience across education, private practice, and specialist services, I bring a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to my work with individuals and teams.
I’ve developed and led counselling services in colleges, schools, and community organisations -supporting young people, male and female survivors of abuse, and those navigating emotional challenges. I will bring my clinical skills which are grounded in person-centred values—trust in each individual’s capacity for growth, and a deep respect for their unique story. My specialist interests include trauma, youth mental health and working with men.
“I like to use the “ask twice” rule when checking in on friends: once for the polite answer, and once for the real one.”
JODI MCNEILL
TRAINER
Jodi is a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and is a member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy. Jodi is a Young Persons Counsellor here at S.M.I.L.E. and is also working at Sinclair Academy on a Thursday.
Jodi has a diverse background with experience in recruitment, property sales, and travelling the world as Cabin Crew. Prior to joining SMILE, Jodi volunteered as a CBT therapist with charities in Fife and Lanarkshire, working with issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. During this time Jodi obtained her COSCA counselling skills certificate, Post-graduate certificate in Counselling from Abertay University, and more recently her Diploma in CBT and Groupwork.
Jodi is passionate about mental health and wellbeing and helping to make counselling accessible to those who need it. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to become the best version of themselves, regardless of their circumstances. She is passionate about working with young people in a counselling role, supporting and empowering them to do so.
In her spare time, Jodi enjoys long walks with her rescue dog Max and going to the gym. She also loves reading and listening to music. Jodi is an avid sports fan, holding a season ticket for her local football team, and enjoys watching the Scotland rugby team play at Murrayfield too.
“Loves the phrase “progress, not perfection” and applies it to learning and wellbeing.”
REBECCA MCKINNEY
TRAINER
“Practising active listening – it strengthens both learning and relationships.”
LINSEY REVELL
SENIOR COSCA TRAINER
“Booking real holidays (no emails!). Rest + new places = a clearer mind and better work.”
AILEEN NICOLL
TRAINING ASSISTANT
Aileen is a qualified Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor supporting and working alongside children, young people and adults. Aileen recently qualified after completing a Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy at S.M.I.L.E., where she also successfully completed the COSCA counselling skills certificate.
Aileen is a Training Assistant at S.M.I.L.E .She feels passionate in supporting and empowering others . Her interest in counselling developed through working in education and supporting young people.
Aileen’s varied background consists of experience in sales and marketing, long haul cabin crew and as an Early year’s practitioner. Aileen has also volunteered in The Hub at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, as part of the Children’s Wellbeing Team.
Aileen is well-travelled, she enjoys experiencing and exploring new places, cultures and traditions. She has spent time living and working overseas .
In her spare time, she enjoys yoga and spending time with her family and friends.
Aileen is married and has two teenage sons , who she says are her inspiration and motivation.
“Spending time with my family – they remind me what really matters and keep me grounded.”
Mandy Boyce
TRAINER
Mandy is a compassionate and highly skilled person-centred therapist at St. Margaret’s Academy with SMILE, where she works closely with young people to help them discover their strengths, values, and aspirations and make changes that truly matter in their lives. Beyond SMILE, Mandy has experience supporting people across the lifespan, helping them grow, build resilience, and overcome challenges, and is widely recognised as a trusted and effective practitioner.
In addition to her therapeutic work, Mandy shares her expertise as a trainer with SMILE, supporting the next generation of mental health professionals, and as a Teaching Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, where her role bridges training, practice, and research, enriching her work for both clients and learners.
“Fresh air, good tunes, and good company are my recipe for feeling alive and balanced.”
MARK CUDDIHY
TRAINER
Mark qualified as a psychodynamic counsellor in 2016 and has been working in private practice. He is an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists and has experience supporting clients of all ages.
Before joining S.M.I.L.E. Counselling, Mark worked in the public sector, supporting customers with health conditions and disabilities move into suitable employment. He also volunteered as a child and young person counsellor for a mental health charity.
Having grown up in a housing scheme, Mark believes in offering children and young people every opportunity to develop and achieve positive wellbeing and self-belief.
In his time off, Mark enjoys watching a lot of rugby.
“Practising counselling reminds me daily of the power of listening – it’s a wellbeing practice in itself, teaching me patience, empathy, and the importance of holding space for others.”
KERRY HUTCHISON
TRAINER
Kerry is a qualified cognitive behavioural therapist and is a member of the British Association for behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy.
Prior to joining S.M.I.L.E., Kerry worked with children in a childminding capacity for 13 years, allowing her to be a stay-at-home mum while her two daughters were younger. During this time Kerry studied for her COSCA counselling skills certificate and more recently her Diploma in CBT and Groupwork.
In her spare time, Kerry enjoys spending time with her family – eating out, cinema, reading books and spending time with her husband and daughters.
“Treating others with the same respect and care I’d hope for myself – it’s simple, but it changes everything.”
AMANDA EDWARDSON
FINANCE OFFICER
“Making memories with my family – those little moments together become the anchors I come back to when life feels busy.”
TRACY CLARK
TRAINER
Tracy is a qualified Person-Centred counsellor and an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Graduating from Strathclyde university in 2016 with a Postgraduate Diploma, as well as achieving another diploma as a qualified supervisor.
Tracy identifies as neurodivergent and has personal and professional experience in supporting and working alongside other individuals who identify as neurodivergent. She has also delivered workshops in this area to other 3rd sector establishments, as well as fellow counsellors and other professionals. She also works alongside another counselling training provider in the area of neurodiversity and annually co-facilitates in a neurodiverse conference where fellow practitioners offer workshops and their professional working experiences and expertise.
For downtime Tracy likes being creative and has also delivered workshops in this, as well as training in a martial art for the past 15+years. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
“I swear by laughter – it lightens heavy days and reminds me not to take life too seriously.”