Our staff

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 6 years and has a staff team of four. Their combined skills range from general repairs, painting and decorating, carpentry, electrics, plumbing and more significantly any home improvement projects.

Declan Lola

Declan has over 15 years experience working with young people and their families, 8 years in residential settings. Declan has developed his career with My Choice from Residential Support Worker to his current position as Registered Care Manager. Declan is currently undertaking his Open University Degree in Social Work and has achieved the NVQ Level 3 in Care and Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management with Young People.

Kate Kilford

Kate was the Deputy Manager at Maple House since November 2014, previous to her current manager role. 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 with in 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.

Bethany Sjostedt

Beth has been employed at My Choice for over four years, for the majority of this time she has worked as the Deputy Manager at Osprey House.

Prior to this Beth spent seven years as a teacher of English to children under the age of sixteen where she was managed varying levels of challenging behaviour.

Beth has also volunteered in Vietnam for six years within a shelter and cared for girls, up to the age of 18 years, who were being trafficked.  She also volunteered in Vietnam for a year, rescuing young people from Exploitative Orphanages.

Beth has a BA in English and Teaching. Beth has achieved her Diploma Level 3 Working with Young People, she obtained the award February 2016.  Beth has attended and completed the Therapeutic Practitioners Award at My Choice, she was awarded her certificate in November 2018.

For Beth’s continued professional development she is undertaking the Diploma 5 Leadership and Management Award.

Beth has taken a lead on PREVENT training while also being the CSE Champion for the home.  She is also the First Aid Officer at the home.