Meet The Team

I joined Home-Start in September 1998 when my youngest child started primary school, and she is now a mother with her own child at nursery. So I think I can say with some assurity that at times, I feel like ‘part of the furniture’. Over this time I have seen the Charity grow and evolve in order to meet the needs of the local community.

I am proud to be part of team, all of whom are committed to the organisation and are passionate about enabling families to make positive changes in their lives and giving children the best possible start in life.

I joined Home-Start Dover District in November 2004 on a part time basis when my youngest daughter started primary school. Over the years, as my daughters grew older I have increased my hours and taken on additional roles and now enjoy working full time.

Even though my role is predominantly office based I enjoy being able to engage with the families we support and to see the difference Home-Start and our lovely volunteers can make to achieve better outcomes for families.

I joined Home-Start Dover District in July 2001, initially on a part time basis working 10 hours a week as a Group Play Worker. This involved working alongside Tracy, providing play activities for the children attending our Family Groups. That all seems a very long time ago now and during the years my hours and roles have varied considerably and I am currently a full time member of staff supporting families in the community.

I work closely with all of our lovely volunteers to help make a difference in the lives of the families that we support and try and give children the best start in life. I love my work and although it can be challenging at times, it is also very rewarding.

I have worked with children and families for just over eight years. I am passionate about supporting families with whatever issues they are facing, I will do my very best to help a family as I believe that all children deserve the best possible start in life.

I have two of my own children and understand that at times being Mum can be difficult but with the right support and encouragement it is the most rewarding role ever.

I joined Home-Start as a Family Support Worker in 2021 my job role is supporting families in understanding their child’s development and emotional needs of children with neurodiversity or neuro-typical.

I am passionate about helping parents in understanding their child’s developmental and emotional needs and to support families to put developmentally appropriate parenting strategies in place, I really enjoy offering in-home support and getting to know the families.

I’m a mum of three and have worked with children for 22 years in early years settings and as a child minder. More recently I became qualified in counselling, understanding young people and adults is key to my drive in supporting families. I really love being a part of the Home-Start team.

I joined the Home-Start team in February 2022 where my role was predominantly to support families with children who are on the pathway for, or have a diagnosis of Autism/ADHD. My previous employment as a Neonatal Midwife and Community Public Health Nurse enhanced my knowledge and experience with child development and the importance of early intervention to promote and the best outcomes for children.

As a Mum, I recognise that parenting can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with unanticipated challenges. Working for Home-Start allows me to build trusting relationships with families and children who may be facing difficulties. I am able to work alongside them, empowering them and where necessary advocating for them to ensure they feel recognised and supported.

As the saying goes: “Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life”, and this is definitely true of my experience working for Home-Start!

I have worked in Early Years for 24 years, I started working at a local pre-school and gained my qualifications in Childcare. I then worked in the community at the local Children Center’s supporting families with young children in many different ways from understanding children’s behaviour to Baby Massage. I also facilitated parenting groups and stay and play sessions.

I have enjoyed raising my 3 children who are all grown up now. Working with families and children and being a parent is such a rewarding job and I enjoy building relationships and watching parents and children’s confidence grow.