Meet The Team

Mary Hackett

Chair

Originally from Aberfoyle, Mary moved to Paisley where she joined the Police Force in 1974.  Mary worked during her career in Renfrewshire and Glasgow in operational policing, force control, crime/drug unit, Gulf War service and many others, latterly being responsible for corporate policy and research working with local government and home office. Mary retired in 2008 in the rank of Chief Superintendent. Mary is involved in a few charities locally and in her spare time enjoys gardening, eating out, reading, meeting people and of course her three naughty Labradors. 

Dr Alexandra Mavroeidi

Dr Alexandra Mavroeidi, is a Reader and Head of Department of Occupational Therapy and Human Nutrition and Dietetics, at Glasgow Caledonian University. She works in the field of exercise/sedentary behaviour, nutrition and bone health. She has been involved in a number of studies looking at a) falls prevention in the over 65s with the use of ICT assisted exercise programmes to promote active health ageing and reduce sedentary behaviour, and  b) the relative contributions of sunlight, diet and physical activity on vitamin D status in women living in the north of the UK. She is an active member of several professional societies including the Royal Osteoporosis Society, the Nutrition Society and the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research.

Jo Booth

Jo is a recently retired Professor of Nursing who specialised in caring for older people, research with older people and teaching others to care for older people. Her particular interests are stroke and bladder/bowel problems. She has always worked in the West of Scotland but lives in Fife with her husband and three cats, where she enjoys gardening, walking, cooking and reading. 

Nicola Burleigh

A local Renfrewshire resident born and raised, Nicola has worked in the field of procurement and commercial management since 2008. Her work has focussed on commissioning social care services for local government and development and aid for central government. Nicola has family experience of loneliness and social isolation and is passionate to support Renfrewshire people to stay active and connected as they grow older.

Gerry McDonnell

Following a successful career in education spanning 45 years, 14 of which as a Headteacher, Gerry is now an active member of the local community in Paisley. As well as sitting on the Roar Board, Gerry is the Chair of Paisley East Community Sports Hub, coaches with Paisley Amateur Football Club (Alba Thistle AFC) and also supports our very own ‘Walking Football’ sessions. Married with three children, Gerry also enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren who keep him active. 

Pamela McGhee

Born in Paisley as a Magee and now living in Elderslie married to a McGhee.  Pamela's first qualification was an HND in Sport's Therapy and then graduated in 2015 with an Honours Degree in Physiotherapy.  Starting off in Forth Valley Royal Hospital as a rotational physio for 18 months then moving to the community team R.E.S. which covered West Renfrewshire. After one year within the community Pamela became more specialised working locally as a musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapist.  Most of her spare time is spent with her family and becoming a Pilates instructor. 

Tom McKay

Tom is a Director at Cairn Solutions Ltd, an IT company based in Paisley with over twenty-five years of experience helping small and medium-sized enterprises manage their technology needs. Specialising in end-to-end delivery, Tom uses that experience to ensure that customers are gaining the most from their IT infrastructure. In his spare time, Tom enjoys reading, watching old films, and spending time with his family.

Angela Crockert

With a B.A. degree in Human Resource Management and Sociology, Angela has 15+ years’ experience working within the HR field and is currently HR Business Partner for a Scotch Whisky business. Angela, a Renfrewshire local, is also a carer for a retired family member and has benefited greatly from support from other Renfrewshire based charities. She has a personal and professional passion for empowering people to live full lives by promoting mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.

Jeanettie Matthews

Treasurer

Jeanettie has worked for Kibble Education and Care Centre since 1998 and is the current Treasurer of the Roar Board (FAAC qualified since 2012). Brought up in Glasgow, Jeanettie enjoys gardening, hillwalking, travelling, and watching ice hockey.

Cassie Forbes

CEO

Cassie took the reins as CEO in April 2021 and has grown the organisation from strength to strength. Cassie served as a Police Officer for 30 years within various Scottish Police Forces and was a trustee on the Roar Board for 5 years prior to joining it as an employee. Cassie won the Scottish Women of the Year Award 2022 for Community Work of the Year and has a particular passion for Community work where she blossomed during her career in the Police.

Cara Murdoch

Business and Operations Manager

Cassie’s number two, Cara joined Roar in June 2021 after working in Insight and Research. Passionate about tackling loneliness and isolation among older adults, Cara was a volunteer with Roar while at university and jumped at the chance to work with Roar in a professional capacity. She currently oversees the day-to-day operational running of the organisation, and champions our work throughout the community.

Clare Robertson

Prevention Services Coordinator

Clare oversees Roars Frailty and Falls Prevention Programmes, which include: ‘Stronger For Longer,’ ‘80s and Up,’ ‘Roar Do Feet’ and ‘Otago Strength & Balance Exercise’. Clare has a wealth of knowledge and experience in falls prevention and sits on advisory groups within the Renfrewshire area as well as nationally. Clare has built strong relationships with local healthcare experts and professionals and regularly offers ‘Get Off The Floor’ training to local community groups and organisations.

Gillian Thomson

Club & Volunteer Coordinator

Gill joined Roar after 21 years working in the health & wellbeing industry in Glasgow. Her passion for connecting the local community and championing active ageing is infectious, and so far she has successfully delivered a number of exciting new projects for Roar, including Walking Football, Zumba, Men’s Meet and a Digital Café. Gill also oversees all volunteer recruitment, training and support.  

Debbie Connor

Admin & Finance Officer

Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge having worked within the third sector in Renfrewshire for over 15 years. Debbie’s enthusiasm to improve Roar’s office functions and develop the organisation digitally have supported the organisation through a period of change, and her passion for great customer service shines through as the front-line contact for service users and partners alike.  

Mairi Milne

Befriending Facilitator 

Mairi heads up Roars Befriending service, overseeing all volunteers and friendship matches. Mairi brings with her 30 years of experience in Policing, with an abundance of experience in problem solving. Through her previous experience she built up extensive communication skills which compliment her new role of dealing with some of our more vulnerable service users. Mairi also volunteers as the Roar Staff Health & Wellbeing Officer, ensuring staff are well supported and able to manage that all important work/life balance.   

Katherine Pentney

Footcare Facilitator 

Now part of the core team, Katherine originally joined Roar as a volunteer at our footcare clinics and is passionate about supporting older adults in falls prevention. She now manages the day-to-day running of our ever growing ‘Roar Do Feet’ personal footcare service and is also an experienced Otago Strength & Balance instructor, as well as successfully running her own business out with Roar. 

Claire Igoe

Prevention Services Project Worker

With a focus on Frailty and Falls Prevention, Claire is involved in our successful 80 and Up project, working directly with local GP practices to reduce the risk of falls among those aged over 80 in Renfrewshire. An experienced Otago Strength & Balance instructor, and now working on our ‘Stronger For Longer’ programme (working with older adults in their home), Claires natural ability to really motivate, encourage and listen to individuals has resulted in many older adults re-gaining the confidence to get back out in the community.  

Carol Duncan

Prevention Services Project Worker

Following a career in the social care sector in Renfrewshire, Carol now oversees all incoming referrals and service requests to Roar. Her vast amount of experience in working with older adults in the local community means she is best placed to advise on suitability to join our services, or to signpost on to other local partners. Trained in Otago Strength & Balance, Carol is also able to provide exercises for individuals to do at home to help them build confidence to get back out, and to reduce their risk of having a fall.  

Rachel Gilger

Health & Wellbeing Club Project Worker

The newest member of our team, Rachel is part of the successful running of our network of Health & Wellbeing Clubs. Rachel currently oversees our Paisley West End, Erskine and Lochwinnoch clubs on a weekly basis and her energy at the clubs is infectious! Having studied Business and Psychology at Aberdeen University, Rachel is passionate about connecting isolated older adults and is really enjoying getting to know service users, whilst having great fun at the clubs.

Kate Connor

Health & Wellbeing Club Project Worker

Kate has been with Roar for 8 years and has a vast amount of experience in the successful running of our network of Health & Wellbeing Clubs. Kate currently oversees our Linwood, Johnstone and Ralston clubs on a weekly basis and is a trusted confidant for many service users. With a background in Social Research, Kate advocates for, and fully understands the need of older adults within the wider community.