Susan Elsworth - Human Resources and Training
Sue is one of the original members of the Developing Lives Services (DLS) team. She is the CQC nominated individual for Developing Lives Services, and has worked alongside Dimitri, the director, since 2013.
Sue has a Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care and a degree in Health and Community Studies. Sue leads the Human Resources and Training Team for DLS, and continues to deliver training, for support workers, all the way through to management and train the trainer courses.
Sue’s interests are people development and talent management, seeing the potential in every individual. Sue places the people we support at the heart of every training course and learning objective.
Stacey Harvey – Head of Service
Stacey joined the team in July 2022 with 25 years’ experience in social care, having previously worked for Medway and BCP Councils in the Community Learning Disability Team and the Preparing for Adulthood Team.
Stacey is a qualified social worker with a Foundation Degree in health and social care from Canterbury Christchurch University and a BA in Social Work from the Open University. Stacey is also a Best Interests Assessor and a Practice Educator for social work students. Stacey has a particular interest in mental capacity and the preparing for adulthood agenda.
Joanna Carter – Services Manager
Joanna joined the team in 2018, with over 9 years’ experience in learning disability and autism services, having previously worked for the Regard Partnership. Joanna holds an NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care, a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Psychology, and a MSs degree in Occupational Psychology from Northumbria University and have recently completed Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management. This combination of practical experience and academic insight equips her with a holistic approach to care and service delivery.
Joanna is particularly passionate about recognising and nurturing individual strengths. She believes in empowering people to realise their full potential, and she consistently applies a strengths-based approach to support those she works with in achieving meaningful, lasting outcomes.
Rebecca Stanley, Care Manager
Rebecca joined the team in July 2023 with over two years experience in the care sector, she joined DLS to complete a management apprenticeship where she qualified with a distinction. She is currently Studying her level 5 Adult Care, whilst in her care manager role.
Rebecca has a strong belief in maximising independence for our service users whilst staff support them with achieving goals, taking part in activities of their choice and the opportunity of new experiences.
Michaila Powell – Occupational Therapist
Michaila joined the team in August 2022, with over 15 years’ experience in education/health care, working with children and adults with physical and learning disabilities, autism and mental health difficulties.
Michaila has an MSc in Occupational Therapy from Bournemouth University.
Michaila has a special interest in supporting young adults, regardless of their diagnosis or difficulties, to overcome any barriers (physical, emotional or sensory) that impact on daily functioning and quality of life, supporting individuals to explore what is important to them and being able support engagement in meaningful activities, enabling people to live their best lives.
Marika Furiato – Team Manager
Marika joined the team in 2018, as a support worker, having previously worked in marketing and merchandising. Marika then progressed to senior support worker and, finally, to her current team manager role, at the end of 2022.
Marika has an NVQ Level 3 in care and is currently working towards Level 4. Marika’s goal is to ensure that the people we support develop skills to be as independent as possible and that they live a fulfilled life.
Antonio Ruffo – Team Manager
Antonio originally joined the team in 2017, after taking a break to continue his studies, he then re-joined us, as a support worker, in 2020. Antonio then progressed to senior support worker and, finally, to his current team manager role, at the end of 2022.
Antonio has an NVQ Level 3 in care, alongside a number of counselling qualifications. Antonio has a special interest in reducing restrictions and positive risk taking, in order to maximise independence.
Janet Manners – Wellbeing advisor
Janet joined the Developing Lives Services team in April 2023, having previously worked with Sue, as a trainer, for 8 years. Janet has over 20 years’ experience in social care training and management, in numerous settings.
Janet has a BSc in Health and Social Care, from Bournemouth University. Janet’s main interests are positive team work, with a particular focus on embedding the company values, empowering our staff teams, and working with management to achieve positive outcomes.
