Need assistance? You need a Ninja!
We Too! is powered by Ninjas, yes, really. Our volunteers and staff are known as Ninjas, reflecting our commitment to being approachable, welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Meet the Ninjas
Phionna McInnes
Meet Phionna
Hi, I’m Phionna - Chief Ninja and Co-founder of We Too! (Co-founder alongside the legend who started it all, Declan!).
I lead our brilliant Ninja team, dream up big inclusion ideas, build powerful partnerships across the city, and make sure accessibility isn’t an afterthought, it’s baked in from the start. You’ll usually find me at our Head Office in Amicable House, out delivering Relaxed Sessions, speaking at events, or passionately explaining (with enthusiastic hand gestures!) why inclusion makes everything better.
Why We Too!
We Too! was born from our family’s lived experience and a simple belief: families shouldn’t have to fight to belong. What began as one brave little magazine landing in 6,000 homes has grown into a full-blown inclusion movement - from Relaxed Sessions and Ninja HQ to leading accessibility at major festivals across the city. The best part of my role? Watching a child walk into a space unsure… and leave taller, braver and smiling.
Outside of We Too!, I’m with my family, chasing fresh air, refuelling with coffee, or plotting our next big idea.
For me, inclusion means designing spaces that work for real life - sensory needs, communication differences, wheelchairs, noise-sensitive ears and all. I want every family who connects with We Too! to feel seen, understood and completely welcome. No masks. No apologies. Just belonging.
Jillian James (Jill)
Meet Jill
Hi, I’m Jill and I’m the Operations Ninja at We Too!, supporting the day-to-day running of the organisation. No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I love most about the role. I work closely with the whole team, supporting projects, organising events, putting together Holiday Programmes and editing the We Too! Magazine. I enjoy turning sometimes bonkers ideas into reality and researching new activities that can be made accessible to everyone. You’ll usually find me in the office doing admin, but I also love being out and about at Relaxed Sessions and events, seeing families share in the fun.
Why We Too!
My connection to We Too! started long before I joined the team. When my now 13-year-old was just four, we attended the Not So Spooky Halloween party. From the moment we arrived, I felt instantly at ease. I finally understood what a truly relaxed event looked like and could see the positive impact it was having on families around us. That experience stayed with me and showed me just how special We Too! is. In 2019, the opportunity came up for me to become a Ninja and I’ve been lucky enough to be part of We Too! ever since, watching it grow as we’ve welcomed more Ninjas and more customers.
I’m a busy parent and carer and, when I’m not at work (or catching up on sleep!), I love taking my energetic spaniel out for long walks. I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and having a dog more or less guarantees fresh air every day, whatever the weather. I’m very much led by the seasons and a bit faddy. In summer, I enjoy yoga and paddle boarding, and as the colder months arrive, I move firmly into a cheese board and red wine phase.
As a parent to an autistic teenager, I’ve always worried that my son might not be included or given the same opportunities in life. Everyone deserves to feel welcome, understood and able to be themselves, not just as individuals, but as families. I hope our customers feel this when they’re with We Too! and make lasting memories together.
Douglas Marnoch (Doug)
Meet Doug
Hi, I’m Doug, the Distribution Ninja at We Too!.
My role involves distributing magazines, building Ninja kits and fixing just about anything that needs attention, from fairy lights at HQ to a broken sensory tent. I also help move ChillVille, sensory kits and Ninja kits for events. You’ll usually find me at Ninja HQ (sometimes), moving something from one place to another (often), at event information tables, or popping up at school parent meetings and other support groups.
Why We Too!
I joined We Too! because my family were customers first. I then started writing an article for the magazine called ‘Doug on the Dosh’, did some volunteering and, before I knew it, I was empowered by We Too! and became a Ninja. The best part of my role is having a real purpose, making a difference where I can, supporting other families and meeting loads of brilliant people along the way.
Outside of We Too!, I’m a parent carer, a full-time dad-taxi and I love practical gardening, especially growing fruit and veg. For me, inclusion means being able to enjoy new, or familiar, activities together as a family. As my daughter says, ‘It’s a We Too! thing we’re going to, let’s go!’ I hope families feel We Too! is a safe, familiar place, just like my kids do.
Carrie Morrison
Meet Carrie
Hi, I’m Carrie and I’m the Creative Support Ninja at We Too!. I work on the charity’s brand and design, and help create advertising for the We Too! Magazine. My role focuses on making sure our communications are clear, welcoming and truly reflect the families at the heart of everything we do. You’ll usually find me at Ninja HQ in the Trinity Centre, where I also share information and lived experience with parents and carers who drop into the hub.
Why We Too!
I joined We Too! because it means a great deal to me personally, my family has been part of the We Too! community for nine years. The part of my role I love most is knowing the work we do helps families feel seen, understood and validated. Outside of We Too!, I’m a mum and home educator, and I enjoy collecting pre-WW2 Czech glass jewellery when I can find it for an absolute bargain in charity shops.
For me, inclusion means feeling accepted and supported without having to explain or justify yourself. I hope families feel safe, valued and truly welcome when they’re with We Too!.
Gillian Strachan
Meet Gillian
Hi, I’m Gillian and I’m the Empowerment Ninja at We Too!. My role focuses on helping customers access the right services by signposting them to relevant information and support. I’ve also shared my own lived experience through the Ask A Ninja series. You’ll usually find me at Ninja HQ, kettle on, welcoming customers and families into our safe, sensory space. As the other Ninjas know, I’m always up for a chat and a cuppa.
Why We Too!
I’m a parent and carer to two young people with additional needs. When my children were younger, I took them along to We Too! sessions and it was a relief to feel comfortable around others who understood my children without judgement. That sense of understanding and compassion isn’t easy to find and it made me want to connect with others in a similar position. We Too!’s approach to inclusion really resonated with me and I wanted to be part of it.
I love hearing when our customers feel that same sense of belonging through our relaxed sessions, finding their own small community and meeting others who get it.
Outside of We Too!, I enjoy catching up with friends, going to the theatre, reading a good fiction book to escape, cuddling up with my rabbit Fluffy and spending time with family. I also enjoy a cosy night in with a good film, candles on, and time with my partner.
For me, inclusion means acceptance and feeling part of a small community that truly gets it.
Lyn Duncan
Meet Lyn
Hi, my name is Lyn Duncan and I’m the Promise Keeper Ninja at We Too!. My role focuses on making sure children across Scotland are listened to. I also set up activities and support parents and carers who come into Ninja HQ for information. You’ll usually find me at Ninja HQ in the Trinity Centre.
Why We Too!
I joined We Too! to gain more experience working with children, parents and carers with additional needs. The part of my role I love most is running different activities with the children who come in.
Outside of We Too!, I love spending time with my children and going on days out together. For me, inclusion means making sure everyone feels supported and has open opportunities to join in with fun activities. I hope families feel supported, happy and satisfied with the work we do to help them in whatever way they need.
Sofie Munro
Meet Sofie
Hey! My name is Sofie and I’m the Volunteer Coordinator at We Too!
My role involves recruiting, retaining and supporting volunteers. I’m often out and about at events and sessions across Aberdeen, but you’ll also find me at Ninja HQ, catching up with Volunteers and fellow Ninjas.
Why We Too!
I joined We Too! through the Kickstart programme in 2021 after being out of work for a while. When my job coach told me I was going to interview to be a ‘Ninja’, I had no idea what to expect, but I knew it sounded fun.
The part of my role I love most is being involved in such a wide range of opportunities, each bringing something new to learn and plenty of new people to meet. One of my favourite moments so far has been planning, organising and running ‘Battle of the Business’, where companies come together to fundraise, network and, of course, challenge each other in fun games until a champion is crowned.
Outside of We Too!, I love cooking and baking treats that vanish far too quickly. I enjoy trying new creations and experimenting with different styles and recipes.
For me, inclusion means everyone feels safe, accepted and able to join in their own way. No pressure, no judgement, just fun. That’s exactly how I hope people feel when they’re with We Too!, always welcome and surrounded by friends who get it.
Claire Benzie
Meet Claire
Hi, I’m Claire and I’m a Sessional Ninja at We Too!. My role involves supporting families at our relaxed sessions and events, helping to create fun, safe and welcoming spaces. You’ll usually find me checking people into sessions, chatting with families, supporting children at the sensory tent or sometimes even joining in on the fun.
Why We Too!
I joined We Too! after seeing first-hand the positive impact the sessions can have on families and wanting to be part of the We Too! community. The part of my role I love most is seeing families take part in activities together for the first time, especially when those experiences once felt out of reach. Watching families relax, grow in confidence and enjoy spending time together is what I enjoy most.
Outside of We Too!, I’m often found walking along the beach or spending time with friends and family. For me, inclusion is about kindness, education and understanding, with everyone supported to take part in a way that works for them. I hope families feel welcomed, supported and never alone when they’re with We Too!.
Emma Anderson
Meet Emma
Hi, I’m Emma and I’m the Shire Ninja at We Too!. My role involves running one of the parent support groups alongside Ninja Chloe, and you’ll usually find me in Stonehaven at the Family Resource Centre.
Why We Too!
I joined We Too! because of my son, who has autism and ADHD. When he was little, almost every event or outing felt judged, except when we went to We Too! events. We slotted in, we weren’t judged and I met some amazing people, which made me want to help other parents feel that same warmth from We Too!. The part of my role I love most is when parents and carers realise they aren’t alone, that someone else gets it, and the group becomes a safe space.
Outside of We Too!, I’m a mum to two wonderfully chaotic children and I run almost entirely on caffeine, mainly from Starbucks. We all need a guilty pleasure, right?
For me, inclusion means no one feels left out or unwanted because of their differences, disabilities or quirks. We’re all beautifully different and the world would be boring if we were the same. I hope families feel safe, not judged and supported when they’re with We Too!.
Lisa Webster
Meet Lisa
Hi, I’m Lisa, one of the Support Group Ninjas at We Too!. I help create a safe, welcoming space at our parent and carer group in Laurencekirk, where families can chat, share experiences and connect over a cuppa and a biscuit. You’ll usually find me chatting with parents, helping everyone feel at ease, or bringing in guest speakers to share useful, practical advice with our local community.
Why We Too!
I joined We Too! with my friend and fellow parent Margaret, after attending some of the brilliant relaxed sessions and groups where we always felt welcomed and never judged. We saw a real need for a support group in our area, and with backing from We Too! and William’s fantastic Kiltwalk fundraising, we were able to make it happen.
What I love most is seeing people open up, share their experiences and realise they’re not alone. There’s real comfort in knowing others are navigating similar challenges.
Outside of We Too!, life is busy. I’m juggling mum life with a pre-teen and a teenager, navigating flexi-schooling, walking the dog, and fitting in a bit of jewellery making when I can.
For me, inclusion means creating a space where people feel comfortable being themselves, and are met with understanding, not judgement. It’s about being heard, feeling valued, and knowing you don’t have to face things on your own. That’s what I hope every family feels when they’re with We Too!.
Rogan McInnes
Meet Rogan
Hi, I’m Rogan and I’m the Rising Ninja at We Too! My role focuses on creating relaxed events for the charity and make sure they are running smoothly for all our customers. I'm most famous for my very own Pokemon academy which is a school where I teach people how to play the Pokemon Trading Card Game. I am also looking to do various other sessions for our customers who are currently either flexi-schooling or in alternative education paths.
Why We Too!
So……this is annoying! My younger brother is my boss! Declan our founder who I have looked after all his life as a Young Carer and I also help my Mum (Chiefty) as she is d/deaf and sometimes needs support too.
Before I started working at We Too! I always needed to go down to We Too! sessions with them both and I always had a fun time down there. This continued when I went from a regular customer to volunteering at some events including, Twilight Night, Relaxed Ice Skating and Relaxed Bowling to name just a few.
I am delighted that due to being funded through ABZ Works, I can further develop my role and work experience, and I am loving every second of it.
Outside of We Too! I enjoy creating art, playing video games, playing card games, and theory crafting. I also enjoy being with my friends playing and chatting together whenever we have the time to do so.
For me, inclusion means acceptance and feeling part of a small community without having to explain or justify yourself.
The Ninjas behind the scenes
Our Trustee Ninjas support, guide and champion the charity, making sure we stay true to our mission.
Just like our volunteers and staff, our Trustees are also known as Ninjas! Trustee Ninjas.
Meet the Trustee Ninjas
Tori Chamberlain
Meet Tori
My name is Tori Chamberlain, and I am the Chair of the Board of Trustees for We Too! I have been a Trustee since the charity’s inception and became Chair two years ago. In this role, I oversee trustee meetings, helping to keep discussions focused and ensuring we reach the best possible outcomes.
Over the past few years, it has been incredible to witness the growth of the charity. This success is down to our amazing Chief Executive and the dedicated team of Ninjas. To play even a small part in that journey is truly a privilege.
Why We Too!
As a parent to five neurodivergent children, I fully understand how challenging life can be for families of children with additional support needs. We Too! has given my children invaluable opportunities through relaxed sessions where they are not judged, can be themselves, try something new, and experience that wonderful sense of achievement.
Relaxed sessions include sensory adaptations and smaller group sizes, making new experiences far less daunting for individuals. Just as importantly, they provide a space where parents can relax a little too, knowing their child is in a positive and supportive environment. This is probably my favourite part of We Too! seeing those little faces light up when something that once felt impossible becomes achievable.
Spare time doesn’t come often in our busy household, but when it does, I enjoy being surrounded by family and friends, with music never far away. I truly believe that inclusion is simply kindness. I often remind my children that being kind makes a real difference in every aspect of life.
Adele Reid
Meet Adele
Hi, I'm Adele and I'm one of the trustees at We Too!
My role involves supporting the CEO with financial and strategic decisions, drawing on my background in Finance and Accounting and as a parent of a neurodivergent child with ADHD, I bring lived experience to help ensure our work truly reflects the needs of families like mine.
Why We Too!
You’ll often find me at Spectra or Arcadia, as my family loves to attend these (and more!) relaxed sessions with We Too. I joined the charity because of the incredible support my family received during challenging times. Those sessions were a lifeline for us, and I’ll always be grateful. Volunteering as a trustee is my way of giving back so other parents and carers can access the same support and build the friendships we did.
What I love most about being a trustee is the variety; there’s always something new! From Kiltwalks and mud races to pushing myself out of my comfort zone with an abseil, all to raise funds for We Too, it’s an exciting journey.
For me, inclusion means full participation in activities that might otherwise feel out of reach. No parent or carer should feel they can’t join in or fear being judged. I hope every family feels seen, included, and able to enjoy their time with We Too!
April Schelbert
Meet April
April is one of the founding board members of We Too! and has been part of the charity since the very beginning, helping shape its journey and growth.
Why We Too!
I joined the Board when my children were young, at that stage of constant birthday parties, playdates and a busy family life. Raising children with disabilities can feel challenging and, at times, isolating. It’s not always the family life you imagined.
We Too! creates opportunities to go out, take part and enjoy activities together in a space where you’re always welcomed, cuppa included, and made to feel you belong. I’m proud to be part of a small charity that continues to create positive, inclusive experiences across my home city.
What stands out most is the community. It’s about finding your people and building real friendships along the way.
Natalie Sutherland
Meet Natalie
Hi, I’m Natalie Sutherland, a Trustee and Volunteer at We Too!. In my role, I attend Trustee meetings and work alongside Phionna to help shape the strategic direction of the charity, always approaching decisions with fairness and impartiality. You’ll often find me at HQ or out at events, proudly supporting the Ninjas.
Why We Too!
My journey with We Too! began when I was able to take my little boy to Spectra for the first time, thanks to the We Too! Ninjas making the event accessible and inclusive for him. It was an incredibly emotional experience for our whole family, being able to enjoy something we had previously avoided out of fear that he wouldn’t cope in a busy environment. After learning more about Phionna and the work of We Too!, I knew I wanted to give back and support other families like ours.
Outside of We Too!, I’m a keen runner, you could say I’m the “running Ninja,” as it’s something I’m always doing! When I’m not caring for my family, working, or fulfilling my Trustee role, I’m usually training for the London Marathon. One day, I’d love to run it in support of We Too!.
To me, inclusion means ensuring that families like mine can say “yes” to experiences they might otherwise miss, knowing they will be supported and understood.
Leanne Smith
Meet Leanne
Hi, I’m Leanne Smith and I’m a Trustee and Volunteer at We Too!. In my role, I take part in Trustee Meetings and support Phionna with the strategic direction of the charity, always approaching decisions with impartiality. You’ll often find me at HQ or out and about at events supporting the Ninjas.
Why We Too!
I joined We Too! after hearing Phionna speak at an event, her passion for inclusion across Aberdeen City and Shire really inspired me to learn more about the charity. The part of my role I enjoy most is meeting new people.
Outside of We Too!, I train at Bodbox, a boxing gym run by a local professional boxer. Pad work helps keep me sharp both physically and mentally, especially with a busy schedule.
To me, inclusion means ensuring every child feels safe, valued and supported in a kind environment where they can be their best selves. My hope is that every family feels a sense of belonging when they’re with We Too!.
John Slater
Meet John
I’m John, a Trustee Ninja with We Too!. I support the board, the Chief Ninja and the wider charity, helping where I can to keep things moving and growing.
Why We Too!
My We Too! journey started in 2016 when I first met Chief Ninja, Phionna, in the early days of the charity. She shared her passion for creating real change and supporting families locally, and I was quickly drawn in.
Since then, I’ve supported the charity in numerous ways, volunteering my marketing and content experience to support fundraising and awareness, often in ways I didn’t quite expect. That’s included being locked in a haunted room with a group of teachers, and stepping up as a warm-up act for a Gary Barlow tribute. It proves one thing, fundraising can and should be fun! Ps. The room was definitely haunted.
