Our team

In 2004 I moved to bonny Scotland from Slovakia, a little big country in the heart of Europe. I am educated to a Masters level in Education and Psychology and I did my postgraduate diploma in Forensic Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University. I am currently studying towards a postgraduate diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management at Aberdeen University. I gained my teaching certificate in 2004 and since then, I have dedicated my life to children and young people in educational and secure settings. My biggest passion in life is gymnastics, only watching on TV now as my days are passed, canoeing, rollerblading and my little Chihuahua Milli. I like driving my car in the countryside and am always on the lookout for the next adventure.

MILA STUPAKOVA

Nursery Director

I am the Nursery Manager and have my SVQ Level 3 in Child Care Learning and Development, SVQ Level 4 in Leadership and Management and I will be starting university soon to do my BA Childhood and Practice. I have been working in the Early Years sector since I left school in 2010 and been part of the management team since 2015 - making me one of the youngest managers in Scotland. With the opportunity of becoming manager I have never forgot the sole reason that I got into the profession, the love and ambition I have for giving children the best possible start in life - whether it be working within the rooms dealing with the children first hand or leading other staff members to do the same. I love going on holidays throughout the year traveling with my friends and boyfriend. I like spending time at the beach going long walks and enjoy keeping fit at the gym and boot camp sessions.

DANIELLE IRVING

Nursery Manager

I am a qualified nursery practitioner and I have over 30 years’ experience working with children. I am part of the management team here at our nursery and I am very passionate about my job. I am one of eight children and I myself have a daughter called Sara and two grandchildren, Beth and Kerr. Kerr comes to St Margaret’s nursery in the toddler room and when I’m not at work, I like to spend as much time as possible with them, we often go to Dobbie’s garden centre for breakfast especially potato scones! I also love to travel and see lots of new things.

JOSIE MITCHELL

Deputy Manager

I am the receptionist here at St Margarets nursery. I really enjoy working here, and of course my favourite part is getting lots of cuddles from all the children. I am an outgoing person and like to meet new people. I love dogs and in my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and boyfriend and doing lots of exciting things and jetting off on sunny holidays. I like to spend time with my god daughter Olivia, who is 3 years old.

LAURA HOUSTON

Nursery Finance Administrator and Early Years Practitioner (In Training)

 
I have studied childcare since I left school, it has always been a passion of mine. I am SVQ level 2 and 3 trained and have my paediatric first aid. I live beside the seaside and spend most of my free time going for walks along the beach. I love animals and the outdoors and I am very excited to be bringing home two new kittens soon!

ALISON HUME

Senior early years practitioner

I am a qualified nursery practitioner and I have worked in childcare for 6 years now and I am very passionate about my job. I am creative, outgoing and always ready for a challenge! Outside of work I like to go swimming and go for long walks with my dog, Gizmo.

SOPHIE PATERSON

Early years senior practitioner

 

I am a qualified nursery practitioner and I have 9 years’ experience working with children. I really enjoy my job and from leaving school I have been working with children. I play hockey in my spare time and at the weekends, which keeps me active! I love going to rugby games with friends and family and I love going to the beach… whatever the weather!  

OLIVIA EDWARDS

Early years practitioner (Supporting Leader)

I am a qualified nursery practitioner with almost 3 years of working experience with children. I am a mama to a beautiful baby girl called Duaa. I was born in Edinburgh and I stay with my parents, and they are from Pakistan. in 2015 I worked in Abu Dhabi as a teacher role in an Arabic/English nursery school for almost 6 months, which was an amazing experience. My husband also works abroad in the UAE. I can speak basic Arabic and read a little to, i can also speak in Urdu which is my mother tongue (although it's not fluent). I love spending time with Duaa, wearing lipstick, shopping, and eating samosas.

AISHAH ZAREEN

Early years practitioner

 
I have been working with children for 6 years and I am qualified in SVQ level 3 childcare. In my spare time, I enjoy looking after my nephew, Archie and doing lots of fun things together! I enjoy spending time with friends and family and going out for dinner and doing some shopping.

CHLOE DAVIDSON

Early years practitioner

I have worked with children for 4 years. I worked for Thomson’s airline as a children’s rep for 5 months in Cyprus. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking my nieces and nephews on adventures. I am qualified in SVQ level 3, and I am also a qualified first aider.

BECCA DEPONIO

Early years practitioner (Supporting Leader)

I am a qualified support worker at St Margaret's nursery, from an early age I knew I loved working with children, in 2015 I finished my first year at college while raising my young family. I have 3 children, Ruby, Orla who are 6 and Mya who is 3. I dedicate myself to my family and my work. When I do have spare time, I love going out for dinner with my friends.  

SAMANTHA STEEDMAN

Early years Practitioner

I am currently undergoing my SVQ level 3 training. I am part of a big family, with lots of younger siblings that I have helped out with over the years so I think that is what inspired me to work with children and once I finished my first year at college I realised. I love the job! I love to talk, so socialising with my friends and family are what I like to do best! I have a niece who is x and I try to spend a lot of time with her, so we do quite a lot together when I have spare time, girl things like shopping for clothes and makeup!

SHANNON DALGLEISH

Early years Practitioner

 
I am currently undergoing my SVQ level 3 childcare and development. When I am not at work I am mum to three gorgeous children, one of them works in the nursery. I like spending as much time as I can with them and the other love in my life… my puppy, Teddy who I adore! I also like to spend time socialising with friends and family and am often found at the bingo!

LISA FISHER

Early years Practitioner

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Kathryn Thompson

Early Years Practitioner

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LOUISE FOX

Early Years Practitioner (Supporting Leader

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KELSEY EVANS

Modern Apprentice

 
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SHANNON STEPHENS

Modern Apprentice

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DEMI GILLESPIE

Modern Apprentice

 
 
 
I have been a chef at the nursery for 3 and a half years. I have always enjoyed cooking from a little girl when my gran used to show me all her recipes and I’d help her. I have a daughter called Nicole who goes to university in Dundee doing forensic science so I like to spend as much time with her as possible when I can.

PAULINE PATON

Nursery Chef

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SARAH FISHER

Nursery Chef

I am the maintenance man here at St Margaret’s, before this I worked for a well-known supermarket for over 12 years, 8 of which was in management. Fun fact about me is I can drive a forklift! I have 3 grown up children, and one grandchild. In my spare time, I like to do the garden, DIY and spend time with my better half.

KARL UNRAU

Preservation & Maintenance support