Meet Our Team

Sara Co-founded SiMBA in 2005 when she was a midwife in Simpsons, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. She then led SiMBA for an incredible 18 years, stepping down as CEO in September 2023. Sara is passionate about bereavement care and getting it right for every parent, family, friend, healthcare professional and colleague. Sara was honoured to receive an MBE in 2018 for services to bereaved families. Sara is married to Grant and has one son Luke.

Vanessa joined SiMBA in November 2022, bringing with her over 25 years’ experience working with UK charities, most recently with Age Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland and Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, all in senior fundraising and communications roles. With a Diploma in Fundraising Management, Vanessa is a proud fundraiser who enjoys supporting and developing first class teams, growing sustainable income and raising vital awareness for the causes closest to her heart. Vanessa lives in West Lothian with husband Sam, and they have two wonderful grown up sons Adam and Joe (who have grown up volunteering at fundraising events in the rain, hail, snow and sun!)

Kelsay joined SiMBA in April 2022, when the opportunity of being part of a Fundraising Team came up! Kelsay spent four years studying for her Degree in Events and Marketing Management, knowing that Fundraising would always be her main goal and passion. She is so excited to be part of such an incredible team, that support families in the most precious way. Kelsay lives with her fiancé Nathan, and her grumpy (but loveable) pup Findlay after just purchasing their first home together.

Stephanie has come to SiMBA from the media and advertising industry. She wanted to find a role within a charity where she could apply her experience and organisational skills to helping people; she found this in her role within the Fundraising Team! She enjoys being part of an organisation who are actively providing tangible support for those who need it. She wants to continue to learn about the fundraising industry and build on her knowledge to contribute great ideas and support to the SiMBA team. Stephanie lives with her husband Douglas and their beloved Border Terrier, Memphis.

Karen is an experienced C-Suite Executive, Executive Coach, Chair and Interim Executive. Firstly qualifying in Hotel and Catering Management, Karen then went on to study a Post Grad Diploma in Marketing. She has worked within Retail, Hospitality and for over 30 years in the Not for Profit Sector and currently contributes as a Director on two Boards, Cumbernauld Theatre and LifeCare, a charity which supports and empowers older people. Karen brings a wealth of experience to SiMBA, including strategic reviews, organisational visioning, culture and behavioural change as well as income diversification and sustainability. Since 2018 through her own business, Karen has specialised in Interim Executive Contract work and has helped over 10 organisations to fill the gap while their new senior leader is recruited. Karen lives in Midlothian with her life partner Alan and is delighted to be working with SiMBA at this exciting time.

Morna joined SiMBA at the beginning of July 2023 to fulfil the role of Support Service Assistant on a temporary basis. She has been involved in various secretarial and administration roles throughout her working life. SiMBA is a charity very close to Morna's heart. She has seen first hand the impact and comfort our Memory Box brought to a member of her extended family. She feels privileged to be a part of this amazing SiMBA team as they continue to support bereaved families. Morna lives in Edinburgh with her husband Mark. They have two grown up children, Bekah and Ciaran.

Lisa joined SiMBA in August 2023, bringing with her over 25 years’ experience in business development and fundraising. She has worked for various charities over the last few years and previously for a diverse range of companies in the corporate sector. With a degree in Business Management, a Diploma in Marketing and many years’ experience in collaboration and communication, Lisa is well placed to increase the fundraising efforts and corporate alliances for the charity. Lisa is married with two grown children, six grandchildren and two dogs! She likes nothing better than walking with her ‘boys’ or playing silly games with her grandchildren.