Board Members & Supporters

BOARD MEMBERS

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. 

Euan McLeod BSc (Hons) CTA ATT is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh and a former partner of Johnston Carmichael LLP. He is involved with several charities and Community Interest Companies as a board member including Mindspace and The Circle, and is a mentor for Coca Cola 5×20 and YES Tayside. Euan oversees the charity’s finances and advises on governance. 

Henry Knowles is a graduate of Herriot-Watt University where he studied surveying. He worked for 13 years as a Chartered Surveyor with the Inland Revenue Valuation Office. In 1995 he had a total career change when he and his wife bought a local community pharmacy. He is now retired having sold the business in 2012. Henry is also trustee of another charity, Options in Life, and his interests include cooking, skiing, running and occasional sea kayaking. Henry also supports the team at events and markets. 

Gayle Nelson is a founding member of The Sunshine Kitchen and manages the project. Also a lecturer in Supported Programmes at Fife College, she works with young adults to develop their skills at college. Gayle holds a Masters Degree in Autism from University of Strathclyde and is also a graduate of University of Dundee DJCAD where she studied Fine Art. She also takes an active role in supporting all markets and events that the team undertakes, and loves cooking and finding new ways to support the team in developing their brand.

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!

Brenda Steffens holds a BSc (Hons) from University of Glasgow and trained in Project Management in Brussels. She worked as a Clinical Applications Specialist and International Sales and Marketing Manager for a Neurophysiology Medical Device Company. and her current role is as a European Commercial Director.

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. 

Supporters

The Sunshine Kitchen is very grateful to those individuals who have donated their time and enthusiasm to support our team.

If you are interested in volunteering in a supporting role with The Sunshine Kitchen, please contact us to request an application pack:

CONTACT

Please contact us using the Contact Form, or for specific enquiries email:

hello@thesunshinekitchen.co.uk or catering@thesunshinekitchen.co.uk

Registered Charity: SC048338