Meet the Team CALA
Scroll down for CALA Learning, Development & Quality Improvement Team
Marion Laidlaw
Quality Manager
I started my working life as a social worker but when my children came along, decided I’d much rather work with wee ones. I got involved as a parent with my local playgroup then started working there in 1995 and haven’t looked back since! In 2011, I took on a rewarding role as Childhood Practice Manager which allowed me to combine working with children and supporting staff to develop their skills as practitioners – the best of both worlds! This has naturally led to my current role, as I have the privilege of working with people across the breadth of CALA services.
The aim is to continually develop high-quality practice to provide the very best for children and families. No two days are the same: different people and places to see, and always something new to learn!
Outside of work, I enjoy music, cooking and baking but most especially spending time with my family including discovering the great joy of being a Grandma – all the fun without the responsibility
Norma Ruettimann
Quality and Learning Advisor
Having taken a career break from my conference and banqueting role to have children, I became involved in toddlers and playgroup as a volunteer, then practitioner then as a part-time development officer in Badenoch and Strathspey. Fast forward several years, my son and daughter are all grown up and my role in CALA has grown and diversified.
I’ve been lucky enough to have been involved in developing and delivering a variety of projects, training & quality improvement and have travelled many miles across Highland and Moray and other local authorities in the process. As Education Scotland say “every day’s a learning day” and with ongoing developments and expansion in child care and learning, there is always an interesting new challenge and learning gained from the inspiring adults and children I come into contact with.
I spend my time between Highland and Glasgow and enjoy walking, yoga, eating out and going to music events (not necessarily in that order!)
Connie Spouge
Play and Learning Advisor
Having changed my career path after having children I was introduced into a career working with children. The change in direction introduced me to a new found enthusiasm and passion for work. My career has seen me working with children of all ages and it has led to me becoming a huge advocate of play for children. Having been offered the position within the Active Play programme seemed like fate and a job specifically made for me. I love been able to build relationships with children through play and watch how their curious and adventurous minds develop and discover the world around them.
I live in Forres, Moray with my two beautiful girls and my husband. I love spending time with my family and friends, spending as much time as possible outdoors. We have the most fun together climbing trees, beach trips, woodland walks and discovering new places around our beautiful local area.
Rebecca Begg
Play Practitioner
I joined CALA in September 2022 to be a Play Practitioner after being an Early Years Practitioner for 10 years being qualified with my SVQ 3 Level 7 Children and Young People. With being someone who has grown up exploring the outdoors in the Highlands I thoroughly enjoy my role as a Play Practitioner and delivering the Active Play programme as I love seeing children explore, develop and flourish in their own way during outdoor play without the pressure of the classroom. I feel hugely passionate about children exploring open ended resources and using their imagination with them to use them in lots of different ways. I am also very passionate about children being outside due to all the different benefits it has and how it helps with our health benefits.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring local woodland with my little boy and dog. I also enjoy being crafty and inventive in different ways while thinking about the environment. I also enjoy going on holiday with my husband.
Kirsty Hunter
Mentoring Support Officer
I have lived and worked in the beautiful Highlands my whole life. My career journey began with volunteering at Raigmore‘s Children’s Ward as a Play Services Worker.
I went on to support young families, mentor vulnerable young people and work in residential care for looked after young people. I have enjoyed incredible roles where I have coordinated an outreach service for children and young people experiencing domestic abuse, developed youth work participation projects and forums and coordinated media based youth lead campaigns and projects.
Throughout all of these amazing roles I have drawn on my passion for empowering children and young people to feel listened to, have a voice and be heard. And above all, have hope.
Following an interrupted adolescence and education due to illness I studied for a BA in Child and Youth Studies as a mature student, alongside raising my young family. I then completed my SVQ III during my time as a residential childcare worker. I love nothing more than spending time with my little family and our many rescue animals.
When I ever have any free time I volunteer at a local animal sanctuary and create pretty things with glass.