MEET THE TEAM
The Miracle Foundation Scio Team
Mariam Tariq
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO of The Miracle Foundation SCIO, I lead with unwavering determination and a clear vision: to create a Scotland where every child and young person affected by trauma or bereavement receives the care, understanding, and opportunity they deserve.
With over two decades of experience in business, leadership, and social impact, I bring both strategic insight and lived commitment to everything I do. My background has equipped me with the commercial acumen to grow sustainable organisations, while my passion for mental health and trauma recovery fuels our mission every single day.
The Miracle Foundation SCIO was founded to close the gap between need and access to ensure that children, young people, and families experiencing complex trauma or loss are met with compassion, expertise, and real pathways to healing. Under my leadership, the organisation has expanded its reach, delivering trauma-informed therapies, community programmes, and professional trauma trainings that empower both individuals and the systems that support them.
I’m deeply committed to influencing systemic change in how Scotland approaches mental health and trauma. That means not just leading services, but campaigning for reform, collaborating with partners across education, health and social care, and amplifying the voices of lived experience to shape better policy and practice.
Known for my business-minded approach and a “never give up” attitude, I believe that resilience and innovation go hand in hand. Whether it’s securing strategic partnerships, building sustainable growth models, or mentoring emerging leaders, my goal is always the same — to drive meaningful, lasting change that transforms lives.
Karen McLelland
Operations Manager
As the Operations Manager and SQA Co-ordinator at The Miracle Foundation SCIO, I’m passionate about driving operational excellence while embedding a culture of learning, reflection, and trauma-informed practice across our organisation.
I oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring our programmes and services run seamlessly and effectively from strategic planning and resource optimisation to workforce development and leadership support. My role as SQA Co-ordinator also involves maintaining the highest standards of quality assurance across our accredited learning programmes, ensuring compliance, alignment, and meaningful outcomes for learners.
With a strong background in management and organisational development, I focus on building systems that empower our incredible team of staff and volunteers to deliver life-changing support. I believe that when people feel supported, skilled, and valued, the ripple effect transforms communities.
At The Miracle Foundation SCIO, we deliver a range of services designed to support children and young people who have experienced complex trauma. These include art therapy, talk therapy, dyadic therapy, youth and support groups, mental health workshops, and trauma-informed training, each service grounded in compassion, evidence, and empowerment.
My experience has equipped me to manage complex projects, streamline operational processes, and drive sustainable impact. At the heart of everything I do is one goal: creating lasting, meaningful change for the children, young people, and families we serve.
Louise Benson
Clinical Supervisor
As Clinical Supervisor at the Miracle Foundation, I witness the transformative power of therapeutic work with children and young people every day. With over 20 years’ experience across education, social care, and the third sector, I’ve seen the resilience and creativity that emerge when the right support is in place.
My practice is rooted in trauma-informed care, safeguarding, and emotional wellbeing. As a qualified therapist, I’ve led clinical interventions, collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, and mentored practitioners to ensure every child receives the compassion they deserve. Whether developing bespoke therapeutic plans, facilitating reflective supervision, or shaping strategic service development, my focus remains on empowering young people to heal and thrive.
At the Miracle Foundation, relationships are central to everything we do. We believe change happens in connection—and it’s through these connections that children begin to rewrite their stories with hope and possibility.
Our team’s commitment to creating safe, nurturing spaces is inspiring. From trauma-informed interventions to creative therapies, I see the depth of care and expertise that supports each child’s journey. It’s not just about clinical outcomes—it’s about restoring hope, building resilience, and empowering futures.
Working alongside such passionate professionals reminds me daily why this work matters. It’s a privilege to contribute to a mission that truly uplifts our children and young people.
Rozy Ajaib
Clinical Pathways & Trauma-Informed Practitioner
“With almost 15 years’ experience supporting children, young people, and families, I bring a compassionate and trauma-informed approach to my role as Clinical Coordinator and Referrals Lead at The Miracle Foundation SCIO.
I am a qualified Trauma-Informed Practitioner and a Children & Young People’s Mental Health Specialist with extensive experience in trauma recovery, traumatic loss, and emotional wellbeing. In my role I oversee clinical referrals, coordinate therapeutic support, and uphold high standards of safeguarding and ethical practice across our services. I also bring experience in delivering mental health and wellbeing programmes in schools, colleges, and BAME community groups, offering support when needed and guided by a belief in early intervention and inclusive care.
I see the difference we make every day, working alongside the real heroes – parents, kinship carers, and foster carers who entrust us with their child’s healing. Their stories are often raw and powerful, and I believe they must always be met with compassion, professionalism, and heart. I advocate for a future where all children, young people, and their families are supported to heal, grow, and thrive. Being part of this work is more than a job it’s a calling rooted in compassion and purpose, and every day I witness the change we make.“
Caroline Bennett
Dyadic Family therapist
Working as a family dyadic therapist for the Miracle Foundation is deeply rewarding. I’m privileged to support families as they navigate challenges and build stronger, more compassionate relationships.
Many of the families I work with have experienced trauma, and I strive to create a safe, nurturing space where healing and reconnection can happen.
Witnessing parents and young people rebuild trust, improve communication, and rediscover emotional closeness is truly inspiring.
Abida Mahmood
Community Coordinator
TOGETHER WE THRIVE GROUP FOR YOUNG GIRLS AND THEIR MOTHER/CARERS
I work at the Miracle Foundation because I’m passionate about giving back to the community and creating safe, supportive spaces for mothers and daughters to strengthen their bond. I run a fortnightly support group filled with fun, engaging activities where families can connect, unwind, and enjoy quality time together.
Supporting women and girls from the BAME community is especially close to my heart, shaped by my own personal journey and the challenges my daughters and I have faced. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others navigate similar experiences, and to do so in a way that brings joy and connection. Being part of such a dedicated and uplifting team is truly the icing on the cake.
Leila Barr
Art Therapist
I work at Miracle Foundation because I believe every child deserves an opportunity to express themselves and recieve support when going through trauma or bereavement.
As an art therapist I believe strongly in the healing power of art and how it can help people express things they may struggle to talk about.
In my role I use different art materials and play to empower and promote young peoples self-expression. Being part of The Miracle Foundation team is important to me as they are a caring team who are committed to well-being and breaking cycles of trauma.
Sarah Harlow
Student therapist
I work at the Miracle Foundation as a student therapist undergoing my placement, providing 1:1 therapy, implementing coping mechanisms, and giving hope for the future.
I chose The Miracle Foundation for my placement as I wanted to be a part of a team that makes a lasting change, that helps navigate young children through traumatic experiences and loss of loved ones.
I believe strongly that every child and young person deserves the chance to be heard.
