MAKI Pups Team

Erin Kennedy, MAKI Pups Outdoor Nursery Manager

Erin is a qualified childcare practitioner who has worked in childcare for 15 years and has a passion for outdoor learning. Erin holds the Level 3 Forest Schools Leader qualification and recently undertook the Wild Things! Woodland Activity Leader Training course. Erin has recently graduated with BA Childhood Practice degree from Glasgow University. She has vast experience in delivering a wide range of different learning experiences in both indoors and outdoors. Erin has a comprehensive knowledge of young children’s learning and development and all the relevant national and localised documentation that supports this. Erin has worked with many children and families in the local area over the years and is extremely excited to be able to bring fully outdoor learning to Mid Argyll. Although fully aware of the ever changing weather in Mid Argyll, Erin strongly believes that, when dressed appropriately, any learning that can be done inside can most definitely be done outside.

Lorien Silvan - MAKI Pups Outdoor Nursery Practitioner

Lori has been working with young children for many years and holds an SVQ 3 in Childcare. Lori has completed the Woodland Activity Leader Trainin g and in her previous role, as a Childcare and Education worker at Dalintober ELC, Lori was the leading force in developing an outdoor learning programme for the children in her care. 

Lori brings with her a wide range of creative skills and talents which she is looking forward to sharing with the children.  Lori has a passion for outdoor play and the benefits that being in nature can bring to both children and adults alike and she can't wait to share this with others.

Kirsty Rolland, MAKI Pups Outdoor Nursery Practitioner

Kirsty and her family live locally and relish spending time outdoors. She is keen on history and enjoys discovering and learning about new places with her husband and children.  Kirsty has voluntarily offered support to new parents in Mid Argyll through her role as an Infant Feeding Support Peer and assisted with educational sessions for school children.  In the past she has worked in Community Education and has been involved with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award as a participant, leader and project worker. 

Kirsty is excited about this new challenge; she's delighted to be part of the MAKI Pups team and is pleased to share her experience and enthusiasm for the great outdoors with young people. 

Susannah Macmillan - MAKI Pups Outdoor Nursery Practitioner

Susannah lives in Mid Argyll with her family where they live a very outdoor life.

As a professional artist Susannah makes work influenced by the natural world and her interaction with it. She has many creative skills to share. 

An experienced orienteer, Susannah competes nationally as well as organising events locally. She looks forward to sharing her orienteering knowledge and skills with the nursery. 

She also enjoys gardening, foraging and yoga. 

Katy Bednarski - MAKI Pups Outdoor Nursery Practitioner

Katy has been working outdoors with children and families for over ten years.

She started off volunteering for the RSPB and Forestry Commission carrying out environmental education sessions with families. She then went on to work for Wild Things where she gained her Woodland Activity Leader Training qualification.

Katy then went onto work for Stramash at their outdoor nursery in Oban where she completed her SVQ Level 3 in Social Services (Children and Young People).

Her love for nature and the outdoors also led her to gain a BSc(Hons) in Animal Biology and a Masters Degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation. Katy cannot wait to share her enthusiasm for nature and the outdoors with the children at MAKI Pups.

Jane Bruce, MAKI Pups Outdoor Nursery Practitioner

Jane lives locally and is enthusiastic about her new role with MAKI pups. She has worked in many local primary schools and nurseries and has a PGDE in Primary Education.  She’s also had experience with Forest Schools.

Jane loves the outdoors and spends many hours working in her garden. She also has a degree in Agriculture.  She values family life and enjoys baking and crafts.  She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and skills with the children at MAKI pups.  

Clare McCartan - MAKI Pups Outdoor Nursery Practitioner

Clare is very excited to be joining the dynamic team at MAKI Pups. Following a 30-year career working as an RMN in the NHS, and more recently as a classroom assistant in local nurseries, she is delighted to be working in the great outdoors. In recent years she has studied Countryside management and Art and is really looking forward to sharing her skills with the children.

Clare passionately believes in the value of outdoor play within the natural environment from an early age, and the positive impact this has on children for lifelong health, wellbeing and development.

As a Scout Squirrel leader she enjoys building dens, playing team games and making campfires with 4–6-year-olds. 

Clare lives locally with her family and loves walking and swimming and exploring Argyll's beautiful countryside and coast.

Murdo McDonald - MAKI Pups Outdoor Nursery Janitor

Murdo is employed by Argyll and Bute Council as our Nursery Janitor.

He brings a wealth of knowledge about the local area and has a keen interest in the history of Kilmory and the wider Mid Argyll area.

Murdo is a vital cog in the MAKI Pups machine and is very popular with the team, children and families.