Post graduate degree in Autism and BEd(Hons) in Primary Education. Deborah has over 16 years experience supporting and teaching young autistic people and has a background in leading practitioners to develop best autism practice including curriculum development.

Jackie Latto

Director of Autism Services 

Jackie was a social work commissioner in a large local authority before joining Scottish Autism as Director of Autism Services in 2006. As a social work manager for 25 years, she managed a range of services including learning disability, occupational health, emergency out of hours and domestic abuse. 

Lesley Lee

Residences Manager

Lesley has been with Scottish Autism for over 20 years with the majority of that time being spent in autism services. She also worked as a Learning and Development Partner for the organisation. 

Callum MacKinnon 

Rebound Therapy Instructor

Callum from bOunceT Innovative Occupational Therapy® delivers trampoline-based therapeutic play & meaningful movement sessions twice a week at our school. This activity is a form of exercise that focuses on using a trampoline to motivate pupils to participate in 1:1 or group activities that benefit their health and well-being. 

The benefits of these sessions for pupils include improved fitness levels, social interaction, communication and promoting relaxation for sensory self-regulation. 

Clare Hume - MEd (Learning & Teaching in the Arts)

Drama Teacher

Clare, a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, has been making performance with our young people since 2016. From Raincoats and Slippers Theatre, Clare works with our pupils once a week, providing opportunities for expression through drama.

Clare's unique ability in incorporating performance, movement, sounds, smells, tastes, textures, and so much more means that everyone has the chance to engage.

Janet McLachlan

Music Therapist

We work in partnership with the charity Nordoff-Robbins to provide music therapy at New Struan School. In music therapy sessions, the pupil is invited to experiment with sounds and to make their own music. Music therapy aims to address shared educational targets for each pupil, to complement the curriculum and support each child’s learning and growth. 

Alison Ross

Speech and Language Therapist

Our Speech and Language Therapists ensure that all young people, whatever their level of communication, are able to be included, confident learners in the community. Alison and Mary work with us to: create a positive and responsive communication environment; equip staff and families with knowledge, expertise and confidence; develop the communication skills of learners; and act as a source of advice to inform whole school policies and guidance. 

Mary Philliben

Speech and Language Therapist

Our Speech and Language Therapists ensure that all young people, whatever their level of communication, are able to be included, confident learners in the community. Alison and Mary work with us to: create a positive and responsive communication environment; equip staff and families with knowledge, expertise and confidence; develop the communication skills of learners; and act as a source of advice to inform whole school policies and guidance.