Alana MacNab Trusty - Manager
Sound Sense Project
Alana joined in August 2002 to start up the Sound Sense Project in the role of Co-ordinator. Since the project's successful expansion into Angus and Perthshire she has moved into the role of Project Manager. She previously worked as Co-ordinator of Caithness Deaf Care from its inception in 1994.
Along with various qualifications and certificated training in Volunteer and Project Management, Alana has CACDP Certificates in Deaf Awareness, Communication Tactics, BSL Stage 1 and Level 2, Deafblind Guiding and Communication, Lipspeaking Level 2 and Curriculum Training in Deaf Awareness, Communication Tactics and Deaf Community & Culture.
Chris Grant – Co-ordinator, Dundee
Sound Sense Project
Chris joined the team in January 2006 as the Dundee Area Co-ordinator. He qualified from Abertay University in 2004 with a BA (Hons) in Media, Culture and Society. Before joining the project he was a director of Student Focus Magazine where he gained experience of managing staff, volunteers and budgets.
Chris has had knowledge of deaf people since childhood and is looking forward to expanding his knowledge and qualifications in this area. He has recently gained his CACDP Certificate in Deaf Awareness and is working towards his BSL Level 1.
Lindsey Cowan – Project Assistant
Sound Sense Project
Lindsey joined the project as Administrative Assistant in October 2002 with a background in administration and experience in working with projects funded by the Community Fund. She changed role to Project Assistant in January 2006 to deal with the added financial and administrative responsibilities of the project expansion.
Lindsey has successfully completed her CACDP 1 Deaf Awareness, Communication Tactics and Level 1 BSL, and is keen to begin work on BSL Level 2 in the near future.
Diane Florence – Co-ordinator, Perth & Kinross
Sound Sense Project
Diane joined the Sound Sense Project in January 2006 as Area Co-ordinator for Perth & Kinross. Diane comes to the project bringing several years experience as a Befriending Co-ordinator for adults with learning disabilities in Central Scotland .
Diane returned to higher education as a mature student and graduated in November 2004 with an MSc in Health Psychology and has recently achieved the CACDP certificate in Deaf Awareness and also completed relevant training in Makaton, Talking Mats, Human Rights, and Counseling Skills. She is currently working toward her CACDP Level 1 BSL.
Annette Roberts - Clerical Assistant, Perth & Kinross
Sound Sense Project
Annette joined Sound Sense Project as a clerical assistant within the Perth area January 2006. She brings with her the experience of having worked abroad across many different industries. Being partial deaf has the level of support and understanding to help with any questions you may have.
Annette originally comes from California therefore has some basic skills in American Deaf signing. She has successfully passed her CADCDP Deaf Awareness Certificate and look forwards to the challenge of continuing with the development in all areas of communication.
Jess Ryan - Co-ordinator, Angus
Sound Sense Project
Jess joined the Sound Sense Project in January 2006. She had previously managed the voluntary Angus Money Advice Service Project and achieved a HNC in welfare rights and money advice. Prior to this, Jess came from a background in office administration.
Jess achieved a SQA certificate in Finger Spelling in 1992 and became a volunteer for the Glasgow and West Scotland Deaf Society where she gained a CACDP certificate in BSL Level 1. In 2003, she also achieved her CACDP Deaf Awareness Certificate on becoming a volunteer for the Sound Sense Project in Dundee . She is currently working toward her CACDP Level 2 BSL.
Natasha Ellis - Clerical Assistant, Angus
Sound Sense Project
Natasha began working for the Sound Sense Project in January 2006, with a background in Accounts. Her interest in sign language and the Deaf community began when she wanted to communicate with a deaf friend who was visiting from abroad. For over a year a friend, (who has achieved BSL Level 2), has been teaching her basic sign language.
Natasha is responsible for the running of the Angus office and all other related duties and is currently working towards her CACDP Deaf Awareness Certificate. She also hopes in the near future to successfully achieve BSL Level 1.