Meet The Team

  • Bev Thow

    SERVICE MANAGER

    Bev joined Moving On in 2022 as Service Manager, having been an active member of the board of Moving On for a year prior to that.

    She brings over 20 years’ experience of managing operational teams across Scotland, before focusing more locally within Inverclyde. Bev has a background in Social Care, Employability and Recruitment and has worked for many years devising programmes to support young people, those in recovery and individuals with offending backgrounds to gain work related skills in a safe learning environment.

    Supporting people to see their true potential through employability opportunities is what can give recovery purpose and has always been a passion of Bev’s.

  • Colleen Docherty

    SENIOR PROJECT WORKER

    Colleen joined Moving On in 2012 and completed her degree in Psychology and Post Graduate Diploma in Alcohol and Drug Studies.

    Colleen is a trained UK SMART Recovery facilitator supporting people to learn various tools and strategies to help them in their recovery journeys. She is also a qualified CRAFT and UK SMART Recovery Family and Friends facilitator which enables her to offer support to family members in both individual and group-based settings.

    Colleen is passionate about working in her local area and enjoys seeing people gaining the necessary confidence to move on with their lives.

    In her spare time, Colleen loves eating out, travelling, and spending time with her family and friends.

  • Sean Gallacher

    PROJECT WORKER

    Sean joined Moving On in 2018 and currently works in the Phase 2 element of the Moving On Programme.

    He previously worked as a support worker for a number of years with various organisations in both day care and residential settings within and out with the Inverclyde area, primarily focusing on addiction support work. He also has an extensive background in outreach work.

    Sean is a fully trained SMART Recovery facilitator, he is also trained in Acupuncture and has an SVQ3 in Health and Social Care, as well as being fully trained in CRAFT and SMART Family and Friends.

    In his spare time he enjoys music, watching football and spending time with friends and family.

  • Michelle Grana

    PROJECT WORKER

    Michelle joined Moving On in 2021. She comes with 18 years’ experience working locally within mental health and addictions. Michelle is passionate about recovery and feels there is nothing better than supporting people to reach their goals and move forward with life. She is enjoying being part of Moving On and working alongside people to achieve their recovery goals.

    In her spare time, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, enjoys reading and walking.

  • Mark Heron

    PROJECT WORKER

    Mark joined Moving On in 2021.

    He was previously a Support Practitioner with Turning Point Scotland in an addictions and Mental Health capacity. He previously completed a B.A. (Hons.) in Criminal Justice and SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare.

    Mark is passionate about supporting people in their recovery process. He enjoys attending football, watching boxing and attending music events.

  • Nikki Ward

    PROJECT WORKER

    Nikki joined Moving on in June 2023 and worked previously as a Support Practitioner for 2 years specialising in mental health, as well as volunteering for a local mental health and suicide prevention charity in Inverclyde. Nikki is passionate about his local community and the support within it and is keen to help others on their recovery journey.

    In his spare time, Nikki enjoys watching football, and sending time with his children.

  • Patrick McMenamin

    TRAINEE PROJECT WORKER

    Patrick joined Moving On in July 2023 on placement through the Scottish Drugs Forum. He is keen to learn all he can and get as much experience to help support people to reach their full potential.

    In his spare time, Patrick enjoys playing football and spending time with his family.

  • Nicola Belard

    ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

    Nicola joined Moving On in May 2023. having worked within charitable organisations previously, she brings experience and a friendly face to meet our visitors.

    Away from reception, Nicola enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Oreo.

  • Kasia Taczkowska

    ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR

    Kasia moved to Scotland in 2006 and worked in various roles getting to know the culture and life in Scotland. She enjoyed most working in care and support roles, as she loved empowering, supporting, and helping people. In 2017 she moved to Inverclyde and has volunteered for charities getting to know the area and local life. Now working for Moving On she enjoys contributing to recovery journeys of service users through meaningful activities.

    Passionate about mental health, psychology, and counselling, Kasia is working towards an SVQ in Health and Social Care, has completed a Counselling Skills Certificate Course and is starting a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Groupwork.

    In her free time, Kasia likes spending time with family and friends, being surrounded by nature, watching movies and shows, listening to music, exercising, cooking and being creative.

  • Yvonne Thomson

    ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR

    Yvonne joined Moving On in August 2023 and has worked previously within a number of support roles as well as hospitality and catering. She is passionate about recovery as well as supporting those affected by others problematic substance use.

    Our resident baker and soup maker, Yvonne enjoys being able to spend time making and creating with those around her and in her spare time can be found in her kitchen or spending time with her family and grandchildren.

  • Alan McMenemy

    OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR

    Our activities co-ordinator, Alan, works with our service users to plan and deliver a variety of outdoor activities in Inverclyde.