Meet the team of The School Bank West Lothian

We are an active group of volunteers committed to our key aims

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Meet The Team

Staff Team

Collette Moran

Project Manager

I am the Project Manager for The School Bank West Lothian. I thoroughly enjoy this dynamic role, working with a dedicated Board of Trustees, hard working team of staff and kind-hearted volunteers who work tirelessly to support young people in our local community so they can go to school with their head held high.

Abbie McDonnell

Project Worker

I initially heard about the School Bank when they were doing their winter campaign for sponsor a child. Having taken my redundancy from my previous role in HMRC, I remained a stay-at-home parent for my twin boys up until starting here March 2022 as Project Worker.

It really is such a privilege being part of such a great team, knowing that we are making a difference to children and families so close to home.

Roz Taylor

Project Worker

I started working here in March 2023 after previously being self-employed. Having 4 children myself I understand completely how hard it is making ends meet and ensuring that your kids are happy, healthy and in particular, enjoying going to school. 

I absolutely love working as part of the school bank team, knowing I’m making a difference to local children’s lives is so rewarding and makes coming to work a joy. I particularly love working alongside our amazing volunteers, steering and encouraging them – they are all wonderful and work so hard for the charity.

Janine Downie

Project Worker

I joined the team in March 2023, having a health and social care background. I am a mum myself, to a 10-year-old boy, and know all too well how expensive it can be keeping your kids clothed through the school year, new shoes every term and loosing school jumpers!

Knowing that we are helping the children to fit in with their peers and able to enjoy the school day without worry, but also know we are helping the parents and relieve a little bit of stress from them makes all the busy days making packs all worth it! 

Board of Charity Trustees

Kirstin Shemilt

Chair

I am a founding member of The School Bank West Lothian. I established the charity in 2015 after recognising a need to support families with the cost of the school day in West Lothian.

I am passionate about educational opportunities for young people and am proud to volunteer for an organisation that does amazing work for the local community.

Lorena Mombelli

Treasurer

I have over 10 years of experience as a Finance Manager in the third sector, and throughout my career I’ve been driven by a desire to support organisations that make a genuine difference in people’s lives. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of financial management, but what matters most to me is using those skills in a way that contributes to something meaningful and lasting.

I am passionate about equality and equity, firmly believing that every child deserves the same opportunity to thrive, and I am proud to support the organisation’s continued growth, sustainability, and positive impact in the community.

Sarah Livingstone

Secretary

I am a Welfare Rights/Debt Adviser for a charity based in Edinburgh. I have over 16 years’ experience of working within the third sector and an educational background in psychology and mental health. I’m keen to use my skillset to support the young people in my local community.

Wendy White

I started volunteering with the School Bank in 2019, helping to sort the second-hand clothes to make sure we are giving good quality items and making up school packs for pupils and I also collect items that have been donated from the collection points.

I joined the Board of Trustees in 2021 and recently have begun to support the Treasurer as I worked in banking for 40 years.

Moira Shemilt

I am a wife, mother to four and grandmother to three. My professional background is in education, and I am currently an elected member for Livingston South on West Lothian Council. In my professional life,

I have met many hard-working families which struggle to make ends meet and strongly believe that all our children in West Lothian deserve the chance to do the very best that they can in school. I am immensely proud to be part of this team which helps financially struggling families ensure that their children are well equipped for school and ready to learn.

Jen Gilmour

I’m an educator working with adults and families to improve outcomes. I have considerable experience working with children and families in need and I’m passionate about inclusion for children and young people, including minimising the cost of the school day. I joined the board after supporting the School Bank for several years as I hope to use my skills to support the progress and impact of the charity.

Lauren Chalmers

I’m Lauren a private tutor and educator aiming to provide accessible forms of education to others. I have extensive knowledge around the needs of children and families which helps me to support the School Bank work with the local communities.

As Trustee, I love being able to be part of such an incredible cause! 

Alison Train

To follow.

Siobhan Flanningan

Born and raised in West Lothian I joined the School Bank Board in 2025 keen to support the work of a charity helping support local families.

I am a data governance professional and have worked in the charity and public sector for 19 years, I currently work for a national advice charity in Edinburgh. My goal is to empower organisations with their data while protecting the rights of individuals. I’m a parent to an energetic daughter and passionate about making sure that every child has a fair start in life.

Cheryl Scott-Davidson

After starting work in Finance, I went on to have a 25 plus year career in inbound tourism, arranging group travel all over the UK and Ireland, from leisure to incentive travel. I’m now retired and enjoying a slower pace of life and taking time to enjoy my 7 grandchildren, extended travel and hobbies.