Our Early Years Team
Rowan O’Donnell
CENTRE MANAGER, & CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER
I have ten years of experience working in Early Years and Child Care and enjoy working with children and families. I have my PDA in Childhood Practice and my BA in Childhood Practice at Glasgow University.
It is becoming widely known that the first five years of a child's life are the most important years and being allowed to support them in their development and learning is such a rewarding job. Before starting in nurseries, I worked at an outdoor centre outside Stirling where I gained experience in outdoor activities for children and adults. I learnt here that I like working outdoors and seeing children explore nature.
I enjoy the community Maxholme Nursery has, and I have been manager here for over a year now. Everyone cares about the nursery and believes in the values that have been set out. It's not just a nursery you drop your children at, it's like a second home.
In my spare time I love being on adventures outdoors with my husband, son and daughter. I also do enjoy reading a good book or two when I have a spare minute between household tasks.
Samantha Arthur
DEPUTY MANAGER & CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER
I began working at Maxholme Nursery in September 2022 as a Senior Early Years Practitioner, prior to this I spent 10 years working as a self-employed Childminder registered with the Care Inspectorate Scotland. I provided childcare for local families in Bearsden for children aged 6 months to 12 years. I have an SVQ 2 in Children’s Care Learning and Development and SVQ 3 in Social Services (Children and Young People) and studying my BA in Childhood Practice at University of Glasgow.
Working in Early Years is a hugely rewarding job and I love being part of the Maxholme team. Our nursery offers a lovely home from home environment for children to learn, play and develop.
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, travelling, going to the theatre, eating out and walks with my dog.
Suzanne Gilmour
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER
I’ve been working at the nursery since 2015. Both of my children attended Maxholme for a short period and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I started my working career as an Interior Designer and have always enjoyed art and love sharing my love of art with the children. I am also a lover of the outdoors and like nothing more than being outside with the children and allowing them the freedom to explore and develop their learning through play.
When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my family. My favourite pastimes are running, mountain biking and hill walking
Saima Zafar
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER
I started my career as a Science teacher in Pakistan having gained B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Chemistry. I then taught Science to primary and secondary school pupils for three years.
I joined my husband in Glasgow and we have two children. We lived in Hillhead before moving to Bearsden in 2011. My youngest child attended New Kilpatrick Nursery.
I retrained as an Early Years Practitioner and worked at New Kilpatrick nursery from 2018 to 2020 before joining Maxholme nursery in August 2020. I love the family atmosphere at Maxholme. Teaching the children is an immensely rewarding experience especially with the support of my colleagues and the parents.
In my spare time I love gardening, walking, cooking, and watching movies with my family.
Val Miller
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER
My name is Valerie Suzanne Miller and I have grown up in the Bearsden area. I attended Clydebank College where I gained my SNNEB certificate in Childcare. I then went onto study Social Care at Anniesland College and gained my SV3 with merit. For many years I ran my own music business, Val’s Musical Monkeys, while also working in nurseries across Glasgow.
My key interests are music and I enjoy playing the piano. I enjoy sharing this interest with the children at the nursery through music and drama experiences.
I have autism and feel personal experience allows me to support children who have their own additional support for learning needs.
In my spare time I care for two little dogs, play the piano with like-minded people, enjoy visiting the theatre to see musicals and attend a pilates class once a week.
Shivani Joshi
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER
My name is Shivani Joshi and I was born in India and moved to Scotland in 2010. I am married to an Indian Scotsman and we have two children. I have completed my BA in History and Political Science in the Punjabi medium and can fluently speak Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.
I have been working for almost 2 years in Maxholme Nursery. I originally carried out voluntary work at Maxholme and was offered a job as a training practitioner in February 2020. I successfully completed my SVQ3 Qualification in June 2021 and I am now a qualified practitioner. I enjoy supporting the children's health and wellbeing through yoga and exercise and I also like to hear the children's stories.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, long walks, helping my children with their homework and my Indian TV dramas.
Beth Turner
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER
Hi my names Beth, I have recently joined Maxholme nursery whilst having 20 years experience with children 0-5 years old.
My favourite experiences for children are getting messy, playing outside and always having fun.
I have a wee girl called Sophia who has just started school this year. I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
I have a dog called Boris and a horse called Cleo and both take up my free time.
Jennifer George
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER
I qualified in 2018 with my SVQ 3 from Carousel Training . I have experience of working with children from 6 weeks until 5 years of age. I joined Maxholme Nursery in August 2023 and currently work in the Willow room.
I have a two daughters Isabella and Anastasia. I also have a little dog Mila. Outside of work i enjoy socialising with Friends, holidays and spending time with my fiance Logan who proposed on the beach in Mallorca during a family holiday.
Kelsi Smith
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER
My name is Kelsi, i am 22 years old which makes me the new baby of Maxholme. I love to travel, I've spent over 16 months in Asia and south America. I have a boyfriend who I’ve been with since we were 11. I am sure you’ll see me on “my extravagant wedding” on the news one day. Trying new restaurants is my favourite hobbies so if you every need recommendations I am your girl.
Emma Livingstone
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER
Hello, I am Emma, I am 34 years old, and recently qualified with my HNC Childhood practice from Clydebank college.
In my spare time I enjoy going for walks and visiting historic places with my two children and husband. We recently got married in October 2025 in Glasgow and had a lovely day. I have a range of colour t shirts and jumpers which I like to change about week to week. Can you count how many I have?