Our staff

Georgina Colgate

Georgina is our HR Manager and has worked at My Choice for over 15 years and for the majority of this time, as our HR Manager. Georgina’s role is to ensure HR procedures and policies are followed and providing direction by liaising with our managers and their staff team. Georgina deals with issues related to staff such as performance management, staff development, safety, wellness, benefits, communication and administration.

Mark Kazmarski

Mark has over 20 years experience working in the IT industry. Mark has worked at My Choice since the company was founded as the IT manager. Mark has developed our bespoke computer systems within Head Office, the Children’s Homes, My Choice School, Training and Maintenance departments. Mark consistently strives to improve our IT systems and he is readily available to assist with any difficulties experienced by the staff within the organisation. Mark also ensures the IT provision is kept safe and secure. My Choice work with Microsoft O365 and Clear Care recoding systems in the homes.

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.

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