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 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.

Laura Thornley

Laura has worked in children’s services for over ten years. Prior to joining My Choice she worked for two years at Shoreham Academy as a Primary Link and Alternative Provision Key Worker. She also has experience of working in other school environments working alongside vulnerable children and young people and those with behavioural and SEN needs.
Laura’s is the lead Diploma Assessor at My Choice, she is responsible for the learning and progression of the staff in regards to the Diploma Level 3 Children and Diploma 5 Leadership and Management Award.

For five years, Laura worked at Aspire Sussex (formerly WSCC) ACL Tutor and Assessor Skills Centre. She provided learning opportunities for adults and young people over the age of 16 years. Her role encompassed to tutor and assess ACL for Level 2 and Level 3 child care qualifications, ensuring high standards of course delivery in the classroom environment, producing Schemes of Work and Session Plans in line with standards, using a range of assessment methods in accordance with criteria, supporting learners with their professional development, access and observe learner portfolios in line with standards and observe learners in the workplace and participate in standardisation meetings.

Laura works with all staff registered on the Diploma 3 and 5 qualifications. Laura has an excellent staff achievement rate and is based at the company’s Independent Training Centre. Our centre is registered with CACHE.

Laura’s qualifications include:

1. City & Guilds A1 Assessors Award
2. Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector PTLLS
3. Certificate to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector CTLLS
4. FdA in Childhood Studies
5. City & Guilds Level 3 Playwork

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.

Michelle Allen

Michelle has been employed at My Choice for over 7 years.

Michelle has worked within the care sector since 2002, roles including Social Care Assistant, Registered Domiciliary Care Manager and Registered Service Manager at Mencap. She has gained a wealth of experience and progressed within My Choice, starting her employment in September 2012 as a Senior Residential Support Worker to Deputy Care Manager at Ivy Cottage and to her current position as Care Manager at Pebble House. Michelle has achieved her Level 3 Diploma and Level 4 in Health and Social Care. Michelle has also commenced her Diploma Level 5. Michelle has attended numerous training courses to maintain her CPD and has a wealth of experience supporting vulnerable young people.