Meet the Team

Fitness background: Cricket, yoga, kayaking, hill walking, swimming, badminton, walking football, shibashi and walking my Labrador and Border Collie!

I have played cricket most of my life, I am currently playing locally for Dumfries CC and Galloway CC and am involved in playing international cricket for Scotland over 40’s. This year I will also be playing in the Scotland over 50’s team.

I have recently joined St Cuthbert Wanderers over 50’s walking football team. I enjoyed taking part in a tournament in Annan recently. It has been wonderful to discover the sport and the inclusivity for players of all fitness levels and ages.

I am a disability sports coach and enjoy leading sessions. I coach Boccia, floor curling, walking cricket and multisport to adult groups and young people. I am a casual coach for Active Schools in the Stewartry and Wigtownshire.

Favourite part of the job: Learning new skills and helping others to stay fit and healthy and making a positive difference. Meeting up with fellow coaches and exchanging and discussing ideas. I enjoy meeting new people and building relationships in my local community.

Fitness background: I started my fitness career back in 2013 when I qualified as a Level 2 Gym & Exercise to Music Instructor. For 12 years I loved teaching a variety of exercise to music classes from classic aerobics, step, pound, clubbercise and body pump. I also specialised in Pre and Post Natal Exercise and really enjoyed helping new mums get back into exercise, plus I loved having lots of baby cuddles! In 2018, I qualified as a Personal Trainer which allowed me to help people on a more personal level and have built up an amazing team of women. In 2019 myself and my partner took a big leap and opened our own gym, which we still run today.  This has allowed me to push my passion of helping people further. I am a passionate about strength training and enjoy education people on the benefits of this, especially women. I started with Active Communities in January 2025 and I am loving the variety and different places it has taken around the region . I have learned new skills, like Shibashi and love the new challenges this role gives me.

Favourite part of the job: Meeting people! This is the best part of the job. I am so lucky to meet so many different people every week. It really doesn’t feel like a job, it’s so much fun and I love helping people feel good about themselves.

Fitness background: My passion for fitness and physical activities began in high school, where I played both rugby and basketball. These sports instilled in me a deep appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. I pursued a degree in Physical Activity and Health, which equipped me with comprehensive knowledge in areas such as anatomy, physiology, and health promotion. As a qualified and experienced personal trainer, I have obtained various certifications and have worked with a diverse range of clients gaining a lot of both practical and theoretical knowledge to put into practice. I believe in a holistic approach to fitness, focusing on physical strength, mental well-being, and sustainable lifestyle changes.

Favourite part of the job: The most rewarding aspect of being a Physical Activities Coach is witnessing the transformation in my clients. Helping someone regain their mobility, improve their strength, or manage a health condition through tailored exercise programs is incredibly fulfilling. I take great pride in leading group exercise classes that are inclusive and supportive, ensuring that each participant feels valued and motivated. The relationships I build with my clients are also a highlight; it's inspiring to be part of their journey and to support them through their challenges and successes. Additionally, I enjoy the continuous learning aspect of my job. The fitness industry is always evolving, and I am committed to staying updated with the latest research and trends to provide the best possible guidance to my clients.

Fitness background: Tai Chi, Gentle Movement, walking and Boccia

Favourite part of the job: Meeting people is a pleasure, and something I enjoy, so to meet those who have a particular need and be able to help improve their lives in any way, if only a little, is a privilege. Seeing the joy in participants as their health and balance improves, is so rewarding. Especially so when those participants come and tell me how our DG Doing More program is helping them to a better lifestyle. That’s why this Job is so special.

Fitness background: I joined DGC as Casual Community Sports Coach since 2019 and have been delivering a variety of exercise for health classes, including exercise to music, gentle movement and strength and balance classes in Wigtownshire.

Favourite part of the job: Trying to help people to improve their fitness in a fun and relaxed environment.