Meet the Team

Carol Payne

Operations Manager

"I have worked at New Directions since 1995, I started as a Support Worker and progressed through roles to become a Registered Manager. I manage the Respite and Day Opportunities services at New Directions. 

My main focus is to provide the highest quality service for the people we support, encouraging them to be as independent as their needs allow. 

It is a privilege and a pleasure to come to work every day knowing that I and the team I work with can make a positive difference in the lives of the people we support."

Tosin Arannilewa

Deputy Manager

"I joined New Directions six years ago as a Support Worker and currently working as a Deputy Manager. 

Throughout my journey, my mission has remained exactly the same: see the individual and not the condition. At New Directions, we believe that your goals and individuality always come first. Our professional, helpful, and deeply caring team is here to ensure that your stay is comfortable, enriching, and fully tailored towards you. We work side-by-side with our customers and their families to break down barriers and achieve what others think is impossible!"

Sarah Chilton

Team Leader

"I have worked at New Directions since 2016, I am both a Senior Support Worker and Team Leader. I work in the office on Monday, Thursday & Friday.

I believe I have the best of both worlds, often the first meeting at Milner House, tea visits & then supporting for the first overnight stays at Milner House, conception to completion.

I am privileged to get to know both the customers & their families. We are a close team always striving to support our customers to maintain their independence & gain new skills. It is always a joy to see customers start in respite, gain new skills & be part of their journey into independent or supported living."

Cacey Phillips

Team Leader

"I have worked within New Directions for 10 Years, I started as a Support Worker at Supported Living and moved over to Respite, and worked up to become a Team Leader. 

I have seen, helped and taught many people we support to become more confident and independent, and achieve targets on what they have chosen and it gives me great pleasure to come into work every day to witness the strength of the people we support and the team helping to make their achievements."

Zoe Batchelor

Senior Support Worker

"I have worked at New Directions since 2017. I started as Bank Staff and moved up to full time at supported living and eventually moved over to the Respite building and have enjoyed working there helping the people we support gain as much independence as possible and helping them get ready for the next stage in their lives."

Ruby Perkins

Senior Support Worker

"I have worked with New Directions since 2024. 

I really enjoy working here as it is really nice to see the difference me and the other staff can make to someone's day to day life."

Mark Evans

Support Worker

"I am a late comer to the Care Industry having worked all my life in Engineering all over the world. I joined New Directions recently as a “young” man in his 50's My reason for joining is that I have a daughter who has Cerebral Palsy and Autism and other complex needs that lives in Supported Living with New Directions. She has been encouraging me to join for years so at a break in my career I made the jump and now I hope I am offering my worldly wisdom and care and giving something back.

I now work in Respite Care at New Directions and love the way we are able to provide professional care and support for our Service Users and just as importantly to allow their parents / carers some respite and well-earned time off."

Temitope Ajayi

Support Worker

"I started working at New Directions Respite service in March 2026. I have worked in Care settings for three years and I have gained a lot of knowledge and would love to learn more about the people we are supporting in Respite.

I am a fun bubbly person that loves to sing and dance and I love playing games. I am always up for a challenge and help others to achieve their goals."

Ruby Brandon

Support Worker

"I recently started working for New Directions. I chose this job role as I have always wanted to help people and make a change, it is really nice to work alongside a good staff team and recognise the difference we are making."

Jana Kutliakova

Support Worker

"Although I am new to the organisation, I have over 10 years of experience working in care and support.

I have supported people with a wide range of needs and am committed to providing safe, person-centred care that promotes dignity, choice, independence, and wellbeing.

I look forward to working closely with individuals, their families, and other professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes."

Favour Orih

Support Worker

"I started working at Respite in February 2026. I enjoyed supporting the customers at Milner House. I am currently on maternity leave, returning in January 2027. "

Mandeep Mann

Domestic Assistant

"I have been working for New Directions since 2015. I started off as a Domestic Assistant and then progressed to a Support Worker in 2016. I had a lot of support from the company in terms of training. I have been fortunate to work with service users with a variety of needs, helping them in managing their daily life. Giving them support emotionally and physically in terms of helping them in their day to day tasks."