Vicki Lefevre
(Responsible Individual)
I’ve worked in residential childcare for the past eight years before moving over to Kingdom Care to help set up our new homes and to work alongside Michael (Thamesmead House) and Nicola (The Meadows). Before this, I have worked in care settings for adults and children, day centres, outreach projects, FE colleges teaching nursing & social work, as well as courses in health & social care and childcare. I have also been a local authority approved foster carer and supported lodgings provider and continue to stay in touch with a handful of the girls (and their families) who have previously lived with me.
I enjoy working with young people and the challenges that they bring to the table, but equally enjoy heading up teams with a shared goal of wanting to provide stability and good quality care to young people. I strive for the young people in my care to have a chance of a childhood, an opportunity to feel valued, to experience positive outcomes across all aspects of their lives and to be the best version of themselves.
I really enjoy swimming – in a pool, in the sea or a lake, and I have been known to dabble with ice-baths. I like caravan holidays, going to the theatre, reading and spending time with my niblings!
Nicola Young
(Manager at The Meadows, Milton Keynes)
Since graduating from university with a Psychology degree in 2005, I have worked with young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties in a variety of settings, including schools and residential childcare. I have always had a passion for improving the lives of looked after children, ensuring they have the same experiences and opportunities as their peers.
In 2013, I became a foster carer and did this for several years until the girls I cared for reached independence. Alongside fostering, I began working in residential care shortly after. I was eager to learn and progress and quickly worked my way up to become a Deputy Manager and then into the role as Registered Manager. I worked alongside my manager to support the opening of a new home which was invaluable experience and has given me the skills and knowledge to now open my own home, The Meadows.
Whilst working in residential childcare I have worked in a variety of settings such as EBD, sexual trauma and complex needs. I have a range of experience and knowledge which I continue to develop through self-learning and regular training. I enjoy leading a team with shared goals and visions; all working together to get the best outcomes for the young people we care for, ensuring they receive top quality care. I enjoy working with young people as every day is different and they can always give me something to smile about no matter how tough a day can be.
My hobbies and interests include music (especially gigs and festivals when I get the chance!), art and walking my dog (Duggee the yorkie – named by my children after the cartoon ‘Hey Duggee’!) I also enjoy spa days as a way to relax and unwind.
Michael Oluwole
(Manager at Thamesmead House, London)
I started working as a support worker, working with adults with learning disabilities. In 2017, I moved on to St Christopher Homes which is a supported living accommodation (for 16+ Looked-After children and Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers), where I rose to become a Senior Support Worker. I am currently with Kingdom Care and I enjoy working under Vicki with her wealth of experience, setting up the new home.
Safeguarding is an important aspect of working with children and I am passionate about providing a safe and thriving environment that supports children’s growth and helps them in achieving their potential.
I love cooking, travelling and reading. I enjoy watching documentaries (especially on animals) with a chilled can of Coca-Cola Original. Friday night is my favourite time of the week, if I am not on-call!