Dr. Carly McNamara PhD (They/Her)
Doctor of Philosophy, Celtic
Before creating My Academic Family they served as a coach and mentor to students pursuing post-secondary education in both formal and informal capacities.
How we started
My Academic Family started with the desire to help others successfully navigate university level education.
The company was incorporated as a social enterprise in 2022, and although the business itself is new, the work that goes into it is not. Years of education, planning, and hands-on experience are the basis upon which My Academic Family stands.
Our Passion and Drive
The passion and drive of our founder, Carly McNamara was harnessed towards education and educational achievement in 2010, when they began their studies in Adult Education. This was Carly’s second postgraduate degree to navigate without the benefit of advice from experienced postgraduates.
Making Student Life Easier
Making the move from secondary school or college to university can be a big shock regardless of the student’s background. Our goal is to support students by providing information to help students reduce stress, stay engaged in their university experience, and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Our Mission
My Academic Family is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for all students, with a special emphasis on prioritizing and empowering first-generation, care experienced, estranged, and displaced students. We strive to ensure that all students have access to valuable information that helps them understand how to navigate the university environment, unlocking vast possibilities for academic success, personal growth, and positive impact in their lives and the lives of those around them.
Our Vision
We envision a world where more students successfully complete their university degrees, feel engaged in the educational process, and take full advantage of the opportunities available to them at university.
Our Core Values
These are the central values that inform every decision and the creation of every resource at My Academic Family.
1
Pursuing Equity
We believe that it is vital to meet people where they are and working from there to reach their goals.
2
Opportunity
Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their own educational goals.
3
Responsible Community Membership
My Academic Family frequently works with under-supported populations, which makes it extra important that we make responsible use of our resources and ensure our work benefits the community.
4
Collaboration
Working together in ways that respect each other and honour the value that different perspectives bring to our work means a more considered and more effective outcome.
Meet Our Team
Our team is dedicated to supporting university students throughout their education. They bring their own experiences and knowledge to the table to help empower students with the tools they need to succeed. Get to know the faces behind our mission and discover how we’re shaping the future of university education.
Who are our mentors?
Our mentors are volunteers who have already completed their university degrees in the UK. Many of our mentors were first-generation students themselves and understand the extra difficulties associated with coming to university without a support network that is familiar with what university is like.
Susan (she/her)
BSc Adult Nursing and Graduate Cert. in Ophthalmic Nursing
Susan is an Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner working in Greater Glasgow and Clyde with both clinical and surgical roles
Daniel (He/Him)
English Language and Literature
Daniel has always been passionate about supporting people to be their best, and now works at Glasgow Kelvin College as their Organisational Development Lead.
Gina, PhD (She/Her)
Women’s Studies and Feminist Research
Gina’s academic interests include arts-based research, Pagan studies, and life storytelling. Gina is a photographer who loves creating fictional characters inspired by fantasy, and feminist historical fiction.
Fiona (she/her)
Accountancy (Honours)
Fiona is a qualified Chartered Accountant who has a true passion for helping others reach their full potential.
Our Memberships
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Scottish Mentoring Network
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