MEET THE TEAM
The Miracle Foundation Scio Team
Mariam Tariq
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO of the Miracle Foundation SCIO, I lead with a clear focus on supporting children, young people, and families affected by bereavement and trauma.
With over 20 years of business and leadership experience, I bring the skills to drive organisational growth and impact. I am passionate about advancing our mission while also campaigning for systematic change in children and young people’s mental health to influence lasting improvements in policy and practice.
In addition to my leadership role, I will be supporting the workshops by drawing on my knowledge of trauma and my expertise in facilitating focus groups. On the day, I will contribute to discussions exploring the impact of trauma on relationships, the effectiveness of trauma-informed education, the challenges of secondary trauma for professionals, and the role of family in recovery. Through this, I aim to deepen understanding and support meaningful dialogue that can inspire change in practice and policy.
Karen McLelland
Operations Manager
As Operations Manager at The Miracle Foundation SCIO, I ensure our trauma recovery programmes run with both heartand precision, creating the conditions where transformational work can thrive.
With over 20+ years in operational leadership, accredited training, and trauma-informed practice, I’ve led strategic planning, team development, and service design across clinical, educational, and third-sector settings. Our work supports children and young people through dyadic therapy, creative modalities, youth groups, and trauma workshops. This session shares what works, and what doesn’t, when embedding trauma-informed principles across systems.
Drawing on our journey of service expansion, SQA-accredited training, and youth-led advocacy, I’ll offer practical tools, reflective insights, and a few uncomfortable truths. Because real change demands structure, accountability, and showing up with compassion and clarity.
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
I am the Clinical Coordinator and Referrals Lead at The Miracle Foundation Scio where I support children and young people through trauma and loss with empathy and care.
Every day I witness the difference we make alongside the real heroes, the parents, kinship carers and foster carers who trust us with their child’s healing. The pain that echoes through their stories is raw and real. I believe this must always be met with compassion, professionalism, and heart.
This charity was born from my own family’s grief after losing my big sister and big brother within seven years of each other in the last ten years. Being here is more than a job, it is a purpose I hope to continue for every family who needs us.
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.
