Meet The Team
Paul Carr is the founder and CEO of Woodford.
His role is leading the strategic direction of the organisation and building and empowering his team of colleagues to deliver services that provide thoughtful, relational based care.
He holds an MBA and a Diploma in Systemic Leadership and Management in Residential Child Care. He sits on the board of the North East London Commissioning Partnership where he leads on developing innovative practice in children’s social care.
Paul is committed to serving others and empowering those around him to reach their full potential, his mission is to contribute to positive change in society and protect and care for its most vulnerable members. Paul is a proud family man originally from Glasgow, Scotland, he now lives in his adopted city of London with his wife and children.
Paul Carr
Operations Manager
Cindy joined the organisation in July 2022 as the Responsible Individual, bringing with her an extensive career of over 25 years in children's services across the third sector, private sector, and local authorities.
With more than 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles and as a Registered Manager, Cindy has cultivated a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding therapeutic childcare. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Therapeutic Communication with Children and Organisations, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Psychoanalytical Studies, both from Essex University.
Cindy has received specialised training in the nationally recognised trauma-informed models, including Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) and Non-Violent Resistance (NVR). She is particularly committed to developing responsive strategies for children and young people who have experienced complex developmental trauma. Her approach incorporates systemic therapeutic frameworks that recognise the interconnectedness of family dynamics, educational environments, and community resources, ensuring that the holistic needs of each child are met.
Cindy’s dedication to creating safe and nurturing environments for children who have faced trauma is further enhanced by her emphasis on collaborative practices. She believes in the importance of involving all stakeholders—caregivers, educators, and community members—in the therapeutic process to foster resilience and promote positive outcomes.
Colleagues and friends describe Cindy as caring, consistent, and passionate about her work. Her empathetic communication style and systemic approach empower her to effectively support both staff and the children in their care, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness of therapeutic childcare.
Cindy Willis
MARCIA Rose-Hines
Training & Development Manager / Assessor – Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Childcare
As Woodford’s Training & Development Manager, Marcia plays a key role in shaping the professional growth of our staff and the continued development of our services. She oversees the design and delivery of our workforce development programme, ensuring all staff receive high-quality training in trauma and attachment-informed care, safeguarding, and therapeutic practice. Working closely with managers, she identifies learning needs, builds training pathways, and supports reflective practice across our homes and supported accommodation services.
Alongside this, Marcia is one of the academy’s assessors for the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Childcare, where she mentors learners, assesses their progress, and ensures they gain both the knowledge and practical skills to embed therapeutic childcare in their daily work.
Through her dual role, [Name] ensures that Woodford’s staff are not only compliant with professional standards, but also confident, capable, and deeply rooted in our psychosocial model of care. Her work strengthens the organisation’s capacity to deliver consistent, high-quality practice, and supports our mission to transform the landscape of residential childcare.
Marcia has a Level 7 diploma in systemic Leadership & Management from The Institute of family therapy and has Qualified Assessor Status.
With over 15 years' experience in adult & children's social care working across various services including Mental health & residential short breaks. Marcia worked as a voluntary counsellor in the USA inner cities, working with children from deprived backgrounds supporting trauma & emotional needs stemming from neglect and abuse. ESL (English second Language) Teaching assistant 3 years local primary.
"My personal goal in life is to positively impact those around me".
hr and business manager
Lynn is the HR and Business Manager providing support to all of our Woodford Homes from our central office.
Lynn has a degree in Primary Education and worked in schools for 15 years teaching and providing support to children with special needs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Prior to her teaching career, Lynn provided administrative support to the Project Management division of a large organisation.
Lynn was inspired by the ethos of Woodford and enjoys working with a team who are passionate about providing innovative and high-quality Social Care. Lynn enjoys leveraging her varied skills and knowledge to help make a difference to the lives of the young people that Woodford cares for.
Lynn is a proud mother of 2 and away from work enjoys exploring the countryside with her two Labradors and visiting family in Italy.
Lynn aungier
placement officer and business administrator
Jane is an experienced childcare professional who previously worked as a Registered Manager in the children’s home sector, bringing with her extensive knowledge of residential care, safeguarding, and multi-agency working. She now applies this expertise in her role as Referral Coordinator at Woodford, where she plays a key part in managing referrals, liaising with local authorities, and ensuring that every child is carefully matched to the right home. Her background in management means she understands the complexities of practice on the ground and can bring insight, accuracy, and empathy into the referral process.
Jane is recognised for her attention to detail, calm approach, and can-do attitude, as well as her ability to strengthen systems that support high-quality care. By ensuring administrative processes are efficient and transparent, she helps maintain the stability and therapeutic consistency that underpin Woodford’s trauma-informed practice.
Outside of work, Jane devotes much of her time to caring for her grandchildren, as well as being actively involved in local charitable organisations, particularly those supporting mental health. She also enjoys spending time in her garden and is known for her love of wearing colourful fascinators, which reflect her warm personality and positive outlook. Jane’s combination of professional expertise and personal warmth makes her a trusted and valued member of the Woodford team.
jane coulson
Therapeutic Consultant
Tony is an experienced Family and Systemic Psychotherapist with over 20 years of work across CAMHS, youth offending teams, fostering, and children’s services. His career has focused on helping children, young people, and families overcome complex challenges through systemic, trauma-informed practice. Alongside direct therapeutic work, Tony is a skilled trainer, supervisor, and consultant, passionate about developing practitioners and embedding reflective practice in teams.
Tony holds an MSc in Family and Systemic Psychotherapy, a Postgraduate Diploma in Systemic Practice with Families and Couples, and an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling. He is also trained in EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Compassion-Focused Therapy, bringing a breadth of therapeutic approaches to his practice.
Outside of work, Tony enjoys travelling and exploring new cultures. He is also a keen motorbike enthusiast, often finding freedom and inspiration on the open road.
Tony Charles
Art Psychotherapist
Farah is a qualified Art Therapist, registered with the HCPC and a member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). She has experience supporting children, young people, and adults through art psychotherapy, helping individuals explore and express complex emotions in safe, creative ways.
With a background in fine art and therapeutic practice, Farah brings creativity and compassion into her work, whether in schools, children’s homes, or community settings.
Outside of work, Farah enjoys weight training, playing piano, art, anime, and exploring culture, finding inspiration in creativity both personally and professionally.
Farah sultani
emma mclaven
Registered manager at woodford children’s home
Emma brings over 20 years of experience working with children, young people, and families across residential, health, and charitable sectors. She has managed teams in both statutory and third-sector settings, including roles as a Senior Residential ARC Worker with Hertfordshire County Council and as a Service Manager with the Terrence Higgins Trust.
With a strong background in safeguarding, staff supervision, and therapeutic practice, Emma has developed a reputation for being solution-focused and committed to ensuring the welfare of children remains at the centre of practice.
Emma is currently completing her Level 5 Leadership and Management Residential Childcare and holds a Level 3 CACHE Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, alongside therapeutic training including Therapeutic Life Story Work and Therapeutic Skills (Level 3). Her qualifications and lived practice experience enable her to also work as one of the assessors for the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Childcare within the Woodford Academy of Learning.
Outside of work, Emma is passionate and caring, with a love of fast cars, amateur boxing, and spending time with her beloved dog, Enzo. She brings this same energy, discipline, and compassion into her professional life, making her a valued member of the Woodford community.
rachael eglinton
Registered manager at harmony house
Rachael is an experienced childcare professional with a career spanning more than 20 years in both local authority and private sector services. She has worked extensively in residential and short breaks provision, supporting children and young people with disabilities, complex health needs, and those who have experienced trauma. Her experience includes over a decade with Newham Council as a Senior Support Worker in their short breaks service.
Rachael began her career with Woodford as a Support Worker and, through her dedication and commitment, progressed to Senior Support Worker, Deputy Manager, and now Registered Manager. Her journey reflects Woodford’s commitment to developing and investing in its staff, ensuring that career pathways are supported and talent is nurtured from within.
Rachael is currently completing her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare Known for her motherly approach, patience, and ability to build meaningful relationships, she is dedicated to ensuring children feel safe, valued, and able to thrive.
Outside of work, Rachael enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, eating out, and listening to music — pursuits that bring balance and joy to her busy professional life
Terry Gerbaldi
Registered manager at the hub
Terry has enjoyed over 10 years being part of a sector that is close to his heart. Starting his career as a support worker in therapeutic settings working with children living with additional learning needs and complex presentations, he has worked his way up and across the sector supporting vulnerable children and young adults from multiple backgrounds, whilst supporting organisations with the introduction and implementation of robust resources and practices designed to increase positive outcomes for service users.
Terry holds Level 5 in Leadership & Management, Level 3 CYP Health & Social Care, and is accredited in Therapeutic & Trauma informed practices such as Proactive Approaches, Non-Violent Resistance, and Ethical Care.
Terry is a ruthless advocate for his children and team and proudly wears his label as a “disruptor” of unethical practices as a badge of honour. He is ecstatic to be given the opportunity to grow within an organisation that holds genuine values such as investment in colleagues and commitment to children.
He is a big softy and a kid at heart, choosing to play computer games, play cards, and build Lego in his spare time. He also enjoys going to heavy metal concerts and cooking. Terry is a self-confessed Lego addict – having a large collection of Lego vehicles splattered over his house.
Sheila doherty
dual Registered manager - district house and d2 children’s homes
Sheila is a passionate and highly experienced residential childcare professional with over a decade of practice in children’s homes and youth services across the UK and Ireland. She began her career in youth and community projects in Donegal, Ireland, before moving to London where she developed through roles at St Christopher’s Fellowship, progressing from Residential Worker to Team Leader and eventually Deputy Manager. She later became Deputy Manager in Hertfordshire County Council, where she oversaw the operational running of the home, staff development, safeguarding practice, and compliance with Ofsted.
She holds a BA in Applied Addiction Studies, a QCF Level 3 &5 in Residential Childcare, and has completed a wide range of professional training.
Sheila is known for her commitment to creating safe, stable, and nurturing environments where young people feel supported to thrive. She combines strong operational leadership with compassion and a clear focus on the best outcomes for children in care.
Outside of work, Sheila enjoys spending time with her family in the Emerald Isle, taking breaks in the sun, exploring piers across the UK, and watching theatre shows. She also loves relaxing with her dog, Alfie, who is very much part of her family.
sean montaque
service manager (gemstone supported accommodation)
Sean is a highly experienced residential childcare professional with over 20 years of practice in children’s homes, Sixteen Plus settings, and youth services. His career spans roles from Therapeutic Residential Support Worker with the London Borough of Barnet through to Registered Manager, demonstrating a consistent commitment to safeguarding, therapeutic care, and leadership in complex environments.
Sean holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services, alongside a Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce. His expertise lies in safeguarding, managing challenging behaviour, team development, and reflective practice. Known for his reflective and open style of leadership, Sean is committed to creating a culture where Young People feel listened to and safe.
Beyond his professional life, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, travelling, and staying active. His warm and steady presence brings balance and stability both in the home and in his personal life, making him a trusted leader within the Woodford team.