Staff – The Maxwell

Alison Goodfellow – Project Co-ordinator
I joined the centre in December 2013. The project is exciting, challenging and importantly to me the most worthwhile job I have ever had. I have had many different jobs over the last twenty five years since I graduated from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh with a degree in Dietetics. I’ve been a Market Data Controller, an Investment Trust Manager, Book-keeper, Administrator and Fees manager.

We are a hardworking, dedicated team of staff and volunteers that are completely committed to improving the quality of life for our local community. We work tirelessly to combat social exclusion, poverty, disadvantage and discrimination.

In my time at the centre I have been privileged to watch our ambitious community garden project completely rejuvenate the yard at the back on the centre into a green oasis. The benefits and impact of the garden project on the community for everyone involved has been overwhelming. It has provided a nurturing, peaceful and healthy space for our community to use and adapt. I feel very privileged to be part of the MAXwell team.

Jenni Christieson – Support Worker
My time working at the Maxwell Centre began after I graduated with a BA in Social Science in 2018. I wanted to work in a community-based project and the Centre seemed a great place to do this. I love it here, the atmosphere and the people I get to meet. My job is to provide support to those who come to the Centre for a foodbank referral, connecting them to the services and support best suited to their needs. I also love to join in with the Tend and Share cooking group when I can!

Manuela De los Rios – Garden Mentor
I was thrilled to find the Maxwell Centre’s community garden right in my neighbourhood. It really makes a difference to people’s everyday lives, connecting them with nature, food growing and healthy habits. I love seeing how people feel welcome and thrive thanks to well-designed services and the staff and volunteer’s caring and respectful attitude.

I have over 12 years experience of supporting charities on community projects that improve the environment and people’s well-being through communications, art and action. My background is in environmental conservation and marine science with a masters in Environmental Education and in Coastal Zone Management.

After volunteering for a few months I’m excited to have taken on this role and make sure the green “heart” of the Hilltown keeps beating!

Dannielle Kidd – Youth Worker
I have a BSc in Food, Nutrition and Health. During a placement with Barnardos Growing Up Project I was introduced to The MAXwell Centre in 2014 and discovered that I loved gardening. I originally volunteered for the first Garden Club then I was offered my current position.

I work Monday-Thursday, working with the 4 local primary schools during term time - planning, planting and maintaining their plots, After school I work with young people during our After School Clubs and in the school holidays our award winning Garden Club.

Lisa Forbes – Youth Worker

I'm Lisa and I am a Youth Worker at the Maxwell Centre. We run after school clubs on Wednesdays and Thursdays during term time and holiday garden clubs throughout all the school holidays except for Christmas. On a Tuesday we have our Youth Cook Group for children over the age of 10.

I have worked with food and with children and young people for my whole career. This is the first job I have had where I have been able to do both.

I was a chef for many years in Scotland and also in Australia. I studied childcare and social care in Aberdeen and worked with children with special needs. I had my own children and during this time completed a degree in nutrition in Dundee. Working with children and young people has always been my passion.

Finally 3 years ago I found the Maxwell Centre, I knew as soon as I visited that I would never want to leave. I volunteered and worked as a sessional worker in the school holidays until I got my current position. I feel very lucky to work in such a brilliant environment with a fabulous team. The children who come to our groups love the freedom and security we provide. There is always so much to do either in the garden or activities in the pavilion. There is of course lots of cooking, during the holiday clubs the children all get the chance to help to prepare lunch. We use food harvested from the garden that they themselves have grown and picked. This never ceases to satisfy.

We encourage our groups to be open about activities that they would like to do or what they would like to cook. We also encourage trying new things and new foods. The young people can be themselves at our clubs, we openly encourage that they are. We aim to provide a safe and fun environment where no-one is judged and all are welcome. I believe that we succeed with this. We are of course always looking at any ways that we can do better and new activities and projects we can be involved in.

Nadege Depiesse - Garden Assistant

I have always been interested in gardening, learning about local flora and in a way, becoming more self sufficient. I chose to settle down in Dundee because the sense of community is major. Working along with supportive staff and passionate volunteers is an amazing experience as we all grow together.

At the centre, I started as volunteer and joined the Grow and Learn program.

On top of working in the garden, I am also in charge of the Tend and Share project! It's an exciting free cooking group where we learn about cooking fresh vegetables from the garden, meet people from the neighbourhood and learn about food hygiene.

See you at the centre, in the kitchen or in the garden!