Andrew Rome: Director of Research and Consultancy
Qualifications:

• MSc in Alcohol and Drug Studies with Practice, 1998–2002, Centre for Alcohol & Drug Studies, University of Paisley
• Diploma of Higher Education in Addiction Studies, 1994–1997, Leeds Addiction Unit, University of Leeds
• Registered Mental Nurse, 1988–1991, School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Dundee

Andrew has a practitioner background in substance misuse and has spent most of his professional career promoting multidisciplinary care for people with alcohol and drug problems. Over the last fifteen years he has been involved in the design, development and evaluation of policy and procedures for the care and treatment of alcohol and drug misuse at local and national level.

Andy Perkins: Director of Training and Development
Qualifications:

• Diploma in Addictions Management (with Distinction), 2001-2003, Kent Institute of Medical & Health Sciences, University of Kent

Andy is an experienced substance misuse and homelessness professional, consultant and trainer, now based in Scotland, having previously worked (1995-2005) for a national Alcohol & Drug Residential Rehabilitation and Homelessness provider based in the south of England. He is proven in the management of non-statutory services with over 10 years experience spent managing at Middle and Senior Management levels. He is also an experienced Charity Trustee having spent a total of 11 years as a Trustee of two different charities. As an experienced and qualified professional and trainer, he has spent the last decade implementing, developing and evaluating care programmes for those in recovery from substance misuse and their children, as well as the homeless. Andy is a member of the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals.

Kirstie A. Hanning: Research Assistant
Qualifications:

• BSc Hons in Medicine, 2002-2009, University of St. Andrews 

Kirstie recently graduated with an honours degree in Medicine from the University of St. Andrews and is registered with the University of Manchester on the joint MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) course.

She currently holds an honorary contract with NHS Tayside as a Clinical Research Associate having worked flexibly for three years within the Department of Clinical Genetics (Ninewells Hospital, Dundee), conducting research in the field of familial breast and ovarian cancer. She has experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, including; project design, data collection and collation, statistical data analysis, conducting literature reviews, and interviewing. Kirstie has published in peer-reviewed journals and has presented her work at national conferences.

In addition, she has worked on the National Health Service in various roles for the past ten years and has spent time specifically caring for people with drug and alcohol problems in Edinburgh. Kirstie is currently studying modules in statistics through the Faculty of Health Informatics at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Myshi Mackenzie: Research Assistant
Qualifications:

• MA Hons in Psychology, 2004-2009, University of Dundee

Myshi recently graduated with an upper second class honours degree in Psychology from the University of Dundee. During this period she worked as a research assistant in her third and fourth year and gained research skills such as questionnaire design, structured interviews, conducting controlled experiments and data collection and analysis. Shortly after completing her degree Myshi joined the Figure 8 team in September 2009.

In addition to developing an understanding of psychological theories, Myshi has gained a wide range of research experience during her degree. Her dissertation ‘How does the orientation that a buggy face affect parent-infant interaction?’ was the first study of its kind and enabled her to gain publications through presenting in national conferences and writing for the Scottish Bulletin.

Prior to her University career, Myshi lived and studied in Sri-Lanka for 19 years. During this time, she has gained experience working with vulnerable groups through teaching in The School for the Deaf and Blind and the working in the Tsunami Victims Aid Group-British Red Cross.

Katie Boyle: Training & Development Manager
Qualifications:

• BA Hons in International Business & Modern Languages (with Distinction), 1997-2002, University of Strathclyde

After graduating, Katie spent four years working in Spain as an English Language Teacher and Translator where she developed a keen interest in training and facilitation.

Katie joined Figure 8 as Training & Development Co-ordinator in August 2007 and is also studying part-time towards a MSc in Management of Training and Development at the University of Edinburgh. Katie is an affiliate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Kirsty Elliot - Business Administrator

• LLB in Scots Law 2003-2007 University of Dundee
• Diploma in Legal Practice 2007-2008 University of Dundee
• LLM in International and European Law 2008-2009 University of Dundee

Kirsty joined Figure 8 in January 2010 as Business Administrator. Her background and previous work placements in law along with her experience running the university debating society have developed her organisational skills, perfect for her role at Figure 8.