I’m a Project Manager with over two decades of experience across youth work, community development, family support, training and therapeutic practice. My career has focused on creating safe, inclusive and empowering spaces for children, young people and families, with a strong commitment to trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches. Alongside qualifications in policy studies, social science, mindfulness…

Alejandra is our Marketing & Communications Officer, joining Fast Forward in June 2026. Alejandra was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Peru, Guatemala, and the US. She moved to Scotland in 2020 to pursue her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Social and Public Policy at the University of Glasgow and recently completed a master’s…

Originally from India, I bring a global perspective to the team. My passion for public health led me to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Edinburgh. During my studies, I honed strong research skills that will be invaluable in my role as Project Development Officer. Additionally, my dissertation focused on…

Mark joined Fast Forward in 2017, lured by the challenge of developing the Ask Dad project. Ask Dad focuses on dads and the positive role they have in their children’s lives. Mark grew up in Torry, Aberdeen, and, after completing a degree in Cultural History, moved to Edinburgh in 1999. In 2003, Mark ventured to…

Laura was born in Fife and now lives in Bonnyrigg. She has a degree in Community Learning and Development from Dundee University. She joined the Fast Forward team in July 2014. Laura’s involvement in youth work began with attending local groups as a teenager. She eventually volunteered with youth clubs and moved on to working…

Jill began working with young people after transitioning from a youth member to youth leader for her local youth group back home in Canada. Through this, she discovered a great passion for young people’s mental health and wellness which led her to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with Honours. Jill merged this passion with…

Farrah was raised in Texas and moved to the UK just over a decade ago to complete a postgraduate degree in Islamic Studies and Humanities. Soon after she moved to Edinburgh to study Inclusive and Special Education at Moray House. Farrah has over twelve years of experience supporting young people, families and educators through her…

Donna was born in Edinburgh and graduated with a BA in Youth and Community Work in 1990. As a Project Officer within the Scottish Gambling Education Hub, Donna has been with Fast Foward since November 2018 and leads work with the parent and carer sector. Donna has a wide range of experience within the community,…

Allie started her career in community development as a youth worker with Clackmannanshire Council, and learned how to be a youth worker with the support of the young people of Clackmannan, Sauchie, Fishcross and Tullibody. Her career since then has included working in: Health promotion for Forth Valley Health Board The LGBT Centre for Health…

Alexa Armstrong is the Support Officer for the Scottish Gambling Education Hub. She joined Fast Forward in 2020. Alexa comes from an Environmental Science background, with a focus on the protection of Scotland’s waterways. Within the Hub, she provides support to the team and uses her analysis and report-writing skills to ensure the smooth running…