Meet the Team CALA
Scroll down for Direct Services Team
Jayne Macintosh
Senior Centre Manager
I have worked with CALA for nearly 20 years, starting as an assistant practitioner in OOSC and have worked in all roles in Daycare and ELC and also spent several years as a Family Support Worker for Social Work and working as Youth Worker in the local community. As well as raising a family of 3, I also used to run a village shop and post office, this I did whilst studying my Childhood Practice Degree. I gained a huge amount experience whilst managing Junior World, Nairn for the last 7 years and furthering my studies by gaining my Childhood Pratice Degree.
My new role not only involves supporting both setting managers and peripatetic managers but also working alongside our training team with our Foundation Apprenticeship programme. I also am privileged to be a nominated Child Protection Officer for the team.
When not working, you will find me walking the length and breadth of Nairn beach trying to tire out my newest challenge, a rehome Patterdale terrier, who requires all my learned skills to help him with his socialization with other dogs or I will be curled up in front the TV watching of a good drama.
Alison Morrison Smith
Childhood Practice Manager
I have been working in Junior World in Nairn for 10 years in a variety of roles, starting off as a part-time helper in Out of School Care, then spending some years in Early Years as a Playworker and as a one to one support. I then became a Senior in Out of School Care which is where I found I was most comfortable and enjoyed this role and working with the older children.
In 2012 I became the Senior in the new Daycare facility and with the rest of the team, we now have a very busy and successful service for children aged 2-5-year-old.
In 2014 I reduced my hours at Junior World to mornings to able me to fulfil my role as a CPM in the afternoons. Within the role, I am responsible for 4 Out of School Services and a breakfast club. I enjoy this new position and the different people I get to work alongside many different professions and background,
Karina Pawszok
Childhood Practice Manager
My name is Karina Pawszok, I am a Childhood Practice Manager at Care and Learning Alliance.
My work within the company started years ago, first as staffbank, then as Senior Practitioner. I also worked for local authority nursery in Inverness and in a private nursery school in Edinburgh. While working I was gaining qualifications in Early Education and Childcare; first through college then onto university, where I gained my degree in Childhood Practice.
I come from Poland and live in Inverness with my family, I am a mother of three (now grown-up) children and grandmother to twins (boy & girl).
I love reading books, travelling – especially camping, art – oil paint and pencil drawing, and theatre.
Donna Sinclair
Childhood Practice Manager
After spending many years working within safety and works control, an opportunity arose to change career path after having my 3 children. Since then I have spent 9 years in childcare running my own childminding business and acting as a relief practitioner in Highland Early Learning Centres.
After completing my SVQ 3 and beginning my degree in Childhood Practice I now manage 3 Early Learning Childcare Centres, Reay, Watten and Norlin and also provide support to the CALA Childminder Members. I am enjoying the challenges this position provides whilst caring for my 3 children.
Anita Soos
Childhood Practice Manager (Maternity Leave)
I worked in childcare settings through placements and jobs for the past 7 years, starting as a student, becoming an Early Years Practitioner, then a Senior Practitioner. I joined CALA in March 2022 as a Childhood Practice Manager and I really enjoy working with such an amazing team and am learning every day.
I completed an NPA, NC and HNC course in childcare and I am currently studying BA Childhood Practice. In my free time I enjoy going camping, outdoor swimming, rock climbing, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
Annarie Heneghan
Childhood Practice Manager
I have worked for CALA for the last 16 years and during this time I have gained qualifications to match the childcare roles I have held. I most recently gained a BA Childcare Practice and am currently the Manager of Sutherland Stepping Stones Childcare Centre and Golspie ELC.
On a personal note, I have two daughters and a son and am also blessed with three beautiful grandsons. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family and new puppy Hunter who is very lively. I enjoy reading, socializing and anything crafty.