James Doran is a process engineer and holds a Masters Degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from University of Glasgow. A keen gardener, James enjoys planning and producing locally grown fruit and vegetables for use by the kitchen team, as well as using his engineering background to source the most appropriate equipment for the group to use. James takes a lead advisory role at The Sunshine Kitchen’s garden and often volunteers his time there, as well as regularly supporting markets and events.

Elanne Knowles is a graduate of Heriot-Watt University where she gained a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacy. Her pharmacy career included work in hospital, then as a manager in retail and in 1995 the purchase of a local community pharmacy. The business was sold in 2012 but Elanne continues to work as a locum pharmacist on a part-time basis. Elanne volunteers with the local community library hub and is a keen, daily sea swimmer. Elanne also supports the team at events and markets. 

Susan Stadnik is a director and co-founder of a training and consultancy practice based in Edinburgh which has provided business support services to a wide range of organisations both in the UK and overseas for the past 30 years. Susan is now semi-retired and enjoys volunteering in The Sunshine Kitchen sessions, events and markets, when required.  She is delighted to be appointed a board member and contribute to the development of The Sunshine Kitchen, experiencing first-hand how it benefits young people like her daughter Julia, who has been attending kitchen events for the past seven years.

Andrea Ross is mum to one of our team members, and is Professor of Environmental Law at the University of Dundee where she teaches and researches in the areas of sustainable development, planning law and environmental regulation.  She is also co-founder of a housing charity for young people with additional support needs.  Andrea volunteers at events and markets. and enjoys supporting the project’s sustainable approach to recycling and using local ingredients. 

Jess Kerek has been a volunteer in The Sunshine Kitchen for several years prior to joining the board. She lives in Cupar with her husband and two daughters. When not volunteering, she is a Principal Teacher of Guidance and English at Kirkcaldy High School. In her spare time, she loves cooking, cycling and gardening – but says that she is never happier than when she is in a crowd of busy people, which is why she loves volunteering at the Sunshine Kitchen!