Our staff

Pauline Gunnell

Pauline has been employed at My Choice for over five years and progressed to Deputy Care Manager at Kestrel House in February 2016. Pauline was then promoted and commenced her role as Registered Care Manager at Kingfisher View on 2nd May 2017.
In November 2020 Pauline moved on from post as manager at Kingfisher and progressed to East Team Manager, overseeing four homes in the east team at My Choice.

Pauline has increased her knowledge and professionalism and has an extensive background in Social Care.
Pauline worked as an SEN Assistant for seven years, Residential Care Worker for six years and a Family Support and Inclusion Manager. Pauline then started her own business for a short while to then return back into residential care services. Pauline has worked with a wide variety of young people with differing needs and has developed behaviour management plans and implemented transition plans. Pauline has strong leadership skills and develops staff members to ensure they reach their full potential.

Pauline has an extensive educational background: She has achieved her Certificate in Counselling Skills, BSC Hons in Psychology, Diploma in Therapy and Counselling, NCFE Safeguarding Children and Young People. Pauline is the Team Teach Instructor for the Company. She is also one of the two the Outcomes Star trainers. Pauline has completed the Diploma Level 5 Leadership and Management Award and has also completed the Advanced Therapeutic Practitioners Award.

Darren Widdows

Darren has over 30 years’ experience working in the building trade including managing a building supply store. Darren has worked at My Choice as the Maintenance Manager for 12 years and has a staff team of five. Their combined skills range from general repairs, painting and decorating, carpentry, electrics, plumbing and more significantly any home improvement projects.

Cian Hughes

Cian commenced his role as Care Manager at Kingfisher View in November 2020. Cian has experience of working as a Registered Care Manager in various settings since August 2012 for adults and young people with complex and challenging needs, including special educational needs in residential settings, adult health, social residential homes and most recently, supported living. Prior to joining My Choice Children’s Homes, Cian was the Registered Manager for Sussex Empowered Living. He has also worked at St John’s School and various other college settings. Cian has knowledge of the CQC Regulatory Standards and the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.

Cian is experienced in dealing with local authorities and regulatory bodies. He has strong leadership skills and supports staff members to develop their practice.

Cian develops professional relationships with the adults and young people in his care. Cian has completed a range of training and has qualifications in Health and Social Care. These include NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care, Level 4 Introduction to Management and the Level 5 Health and Social Care qualification.

Kate Kilford

Kate is the Registered Care Manager at Maple House. Kate has been employed at My Choice for over 5 years. Previous to this she was the Deputy Care Manager, a role she commenced in November 2014. Kate has worked within residential services for over 14 years. She has gained a wealth of experience working with looked after children and has progressed from numerous senior roles to deputy roles in other organisations. Kate has also worked as an Acting Manager within other My Choice Homes, this has been a part of her CPD. Kate has achieved her Level 3 Children and Young People qualification and the Therapeutic Practitioners Award in January 2017. She is currently studying for a BA in Childhood and Youth Studies and has completed the Diploma Level 5 Leadership and Management Award.

Kate is a child focused practitioner with a strong ethos for advocacy services.