Home » Home Page » The Staff

Cairinne MacDonald

I am Centre Manager of Renfrew YMCA. I have a degree in Community, Learning and Development and a Master's in Management in Civil Society Organisations. Whilst I only started with Renfrew YMCA in November 23, I have been involved with the YMCA for almost 20 years. Starting as a young person, then a volunteer, progressing to a youth worker and then becoming a development worker and now a centre manager. Being involved in the YMCA has provided me with so many opportunities to grow and develop both professionally and personally, including international visits and obtaining my Master's. My passions are outdoor play and youth work and I am so excited to be part of the team in Renfrew and to work with the staff to continue and grow the amazing projects being delivered.

Amanda Reid

I am a Youth Development Worker. I have a degree in Community Development and graduated from Glasgow University. I love my job because I can see young people take different paths in life and help them to achieve their goals. I started as a young person and worked my way up through the organisation to youth ambassadors, volunteer, staff, senior staff and now part of the management team. I also love the international opportunities I have had through working here. I have been to different countries such as Denmark, Holland, Germany, Czech Republic, Budapest and celebrated 175 years of YMCA in London. The national opportunities have also been amazing. I have become a mental health ambassador for YMCA Scotland, helped to host the world council in Edinburgh and many more amazing opportunities have come my way. I am so grateful for YMCA as an organisation.

Robbie Forde

I am a Youth and Community Development Worker and have been at YMCA Renfrew since October 2023. I have a degree in Social Sciences and have spent the last ten years working in youth and community roles. I believe that nature, creativity and being outdoors are really great ways for young people to feel good about themselves, make friends and learn new skills. I am passionate about giving kids the chance to have fun, try new things and be themselves. There is so much amazing stuff going on at YMCA Renfrew and I am really excited to help our staff team deliver all of these exciting projects and ideas!

Alan Hoey

I started coming to the YMCA in 2010 as a young person and I'm still here. I love the YM it's done so much for me and I have no idea where I'd be without it. I never did well in school at all but due to my experience I was offered a job with the YM which I was so grateful for. This was originally for 6 months but I was lucky enough to have mine extended to 1 year. Fast forward to now and I'm still working away with a permanent contract. Honestly the YM has changed my life and I couldn't be more thankful to everyone I have worked with.

Shelby Davidson

I Started working at Renfrew Ymca in 2018 as a cjs then became a Qualified youth worker and been here since then I've had many opportunities with in the ym like going to London 175 to celebrate its birthday and Stirling for the big ideas weekend. My role is to plan evaluate sessions and deliver them to kids. A little bit about me i love dancing and love to draw i like listening to music and being with my family and friends. A fun fact about me is i am a twin out of 4 sets of twins the family.

Lynsey Muir

I am a youth worker at Renfrew YMCA and I have a PDA in Youth Work. I work with a number of different groups in our organization from our Juniors sessions to our Youth Social Action group where our young people focus on targeting climate change and issues within the local community. I love my job because every day is different and the young people always keep you on your toes and never allow you to feel bored. Seeing the positive impact of what we do and the smiles on the children and young people's faces makes this a very rewarding and meaningful job.

Ellie Gallacher

My job role is Children and Youth Worker. I’m the youngest staff member within YMCA Renfrew. I’m a big child at heart and love to get stuck right into any activity. I enjoy sports, cooking and I absolutely love music. I enjoy working in the YMCA because it doesn’t feel like I’m working at all! I have so many amazing opportunities through the YMCA such as travelling the world, working with great people and getting to know many amazing children and young people.
The YMCA has a great atmosphere to work in, it’s about working within a team to do some pretty great stuff while having lots of fun along the way.

Graeme McDonald

I have been an outdoor play worker in Renfrew ymca since 2021. I got involved in youth work and working with young people in October 2021 when I became a volunteer football coach for the Scottish FA. I’ve had a lot of opportunities with the ymca as I have met loads of new people in different projects and the National Assembly in Dundee. The ymca is a fun and great place to work.

Jodie Comiskey

I started working at Renfrew YMCA in December 2022 as a youth worker as I received my qualification for working with young people whilst working in a nursery for 2 years. I work with a number of different groups in our organisation such as our juniors sessions and little rascals sessions. I’m excited to see what opportunities the YMCA have to offer whilst I’m working here! A little bit about me is I absolutely love shopping and listening to music, l’m also one of 5 siblings.

Board Members

Graeme McMeekin

I am the current chairperson of Renfrew YMCA and have been working and training others in youth work and community development for many years. I am currently the Head of Tearfund in Scotland, an international development organisation, and I am also actively involved in the CLD Standards Council for Scotland.

Louise McFarlane

Stephen Dow

Karen Ross

Pauline Hoyles