Our Team

  • Executive Director, Sarah Randell

    Sarah Randell was appointed Executive Director in March 2026. Sarah has spent her working life in the charity sector, mainly in development roles in health, arts and education where overcoming barriers to access is a common theme she is passionate about. Most recently, for seven years, Sarah led Teapot Trust, a charity providing art therapy to children and young people living with chronic illness.

  • Finance Lead, Matt Rondina-Scales

    Matt Rondina-Scales has been involved with MYDG since 2019, taking on the permanent Finance Lead role in 2024. Matt began his career in corporate banking before moving into the not-for-profit sector. While he works in a behind-the-scenes capacity, Matt takes great satisfaction in ensuring the financial health that allows MYDG to continue its vital and impactful work across North Edinburgh.

  • Operational Manager, Charlene Fraser

    Charlene Fraser took up her role as Operations Manager in August 2026, having previously been our Youth Development Worker (Girls). A highly experienced youth worker, Charlene has a long history with MYDG, having been a young participant before joining the staff team. She holds a degree in youth and community development and her passion is building trusted relationships with young people. ‍ ‍

  • Youth Development Worker (boys lead), Brandon Mullen 

    Brandon Mullen leads on boys development work. He has long links with MYDG, first as a young person participating in activities, then as a volunteer and staff member over almost 10 years. Brandon has built trusted relationships with boys and young men and is a stable influence in their lives. He most enjoys taking boys to sports matches and creating opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.

  • Youth Development Worker (girls lead), Ioana Vremaroiu

    Ioana (Oana) joined the team in August 2026. From Romania, she brings 15 years of experience of leading youth work programmes with two American-run NGOs. Her heart for girls and her wish to see them flourish is very evident. Oana is keen to work closely with MYDG’s female youth workers, to create more targeted programmes, and to give the girls we support a truly effective voice and agency.

  • Community Coordinator, Team Around the Community, Nichola McFall

    Nichola McFall was appointed in May 2026 to lead north Edinburgh’s Team Around the Community work. Funded by City of Edinburgh Council, in partnership with R2, and hosted by MYDG, the role coordinates council, health, justice and voluntary sector services, providing early intervention support to local people when and how it’s needed. Nichola brings community development and social justice experience and a collaborative approach.

  • Pilton Retreat Manager, Lesley Ross

    Lesley Ross has long connections with Muirhouse and MYDG having grown-up here and been a Youth Worker with the charity. Now, she manages our Pilton Retreat near Ratho, a youth-hostel style ‘escape’ for young people, including Looked After children, from north Edinburgh and beyond who need space and time to enjoy a break in a rural setting with outdoor facilities.

Sessional workers and trainees

MYDG employs sessional youth workers (all on the Living Wage) and also supports trainees through a collaborative initiative with other youth work organisations in north Edinburgh as a route into employment.


Trustees

As a registered Scottish charity (SC028495) MYDG is supported by trustees who bring a rich mix of skills including legal, financial, IT and HR. Collectively, they have strategic oversight and hold responsibility for financial stability, the management of risk and ensuring good governance. Our trustees are Julia Hodgson (Chair), Charles Sweeney, Carol Van Beusekom, Collin Powers and Gillian McLean.

As our Constitution permits 12 trustees, we plan to appoint others in 2026. It’s likely this will include parents and local people with experience of charity governance, youth work, finance, outdoor education and social enterprise as well as young people aged 16+ as co-opted members so that they have an effective voice.

Vacancies

MYDG staff vacancies are usually promoted on Good Moves. If you’re interested in trainee or trustee roles please contact charlene@mydg.org.uk (trainee roles) and sarah@mydg.org.uk (trustee positions).