Our Team, Our Values,
Our Experience

Raff Baccus

Business Development Manager

I have been working with individuals with Dual-Diagnosis since 2010, I joined Magic Life as a Support-Worker, part-time in 2015. I was in the last year of my studies to become a registered member of BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy), My final essay was about the impact of Mental-Health in BME (Black Minority Ethnic) males and the issue of Dual-Diagnosis. I found that working face to face with these individuals gave me more insight than any research paper ever could, and ultimately I was able to get a hands-on approach to supporting individuals. I have now worked at Magic Life for over 8 years, and have moved from a Support-Worker, Project Manager, Area-Manager to Business Development Manager, through recognition of my hard work and understanding of the individuals we support. My life experiences have enabled me to have an understanding and empathetic relationship with individuals, there is nothing more rewarding than supporting someone to move towards a more independent way of living. MagicLife is a forward-thinking company that has great plans for the future; I am excited about how the company is expanding and look forward to being part of that growth. I am also somewhat Spurs mad!!! Raff Baccus ×

Paweł Gawronski

Area Manager

I have been working in social care in London for over 11 years. Having worked across five different boroughs of London; I had a chance of gaining experience in a variety of settings; which included residential care, respite, advocacy, outreach, and day services. My professional career and values allowed me to adopt a holistic approach to care provision as I believe it is important to find the right balance between every aspect of human life. I still get the most satisfaction out of seeing people we support to develop and achieve. I am looking forward to utilizing my skills and experience whilst at Magic Life. ×

Sonia Powell

Quality Assurance Manager

Having been in the Social Care industry for a long time in one capacity or other, I have developed the motivation to ensure that the work we do, practical, person-centred and administrative, is in line with the CQC and Local Authority standards and is documented as such. Quality Assurance is a team effort so the ability to work as part of a team and collaborate together to achieve high-quality standards and seeing the recommendations and suggestions being utilized is very rewarding. Attention to detail is my forte and, as I have disclosed at some of the projects I visit, “I get paid to be nosy!” ×

Ally Slater

Area Manager

I began my career in 2009 working for an Autism specific service in Hertfordshire. I marvelled at what I learned most importantly from the people I was supporting and I can testify a lot of my knowledge comes from them. I quickly progressed and eventually went on to work with a more varied client group, helping to manage and supporting people with learning disabilities and people with mental health issues. While gaining my professional qualifications along the way, I also learnt about how to grow a community and the joys and challenges that come along with that growth. The personal nature of the work we undertake has helped me to make it my mission to ensure that people get the best standards of care we can possibly give in whatever roles I have undertaken. My purpose now comes from supporting others to develop their skills and talents to best serve the needs of those we support as well as providing a safe, happy environment that helps people to live their best lives. ×

Dan Murphy

Area Manager

I have worked in the health and social care field for 13 years, during this time I have worked my way up from support worker to registered Manager. Throughout this time, I have also been able to obtain my Level 3 in health and social care as well as my level 5 Diploma in Leadership and management. As well as my CQC registration. During my career, I have had the opportunity to work in various settings whilst supporting individuals who have a wide range of emotional, mental health and physical needs. These have been in supported living projects, residential homes, and outreach services. I have a real passion for wanting to see progression, happiness, and fulfilment in the lives of the people we support. I am proud that over the years I have been instrumental in making peoples dreams. Hopes and desires a reality. There really is no better feeling. ×

Peta Roberston

Magic Life Training Manager

I began my career in the Hospitality industry. I worked initially in restaurant management, before discovering a passion for training twenty years ago and becoming London District Trainer for an international restaurant chain. Eventually, I felt ready for a new challenge and made the switch into Health & Social Care. I consider myself very much a people person and feel this is a perfect fit for me. I have really enjoyed expanding my knowledge and becoming qualified in areas such as Positive Behaviour Support. I joined Magic Life in 2021, and it’s great to be part of such a forward-looking team that is firmly focused on Person-Centred Care. I love getting to spend time with all of our Support Workers and hope we can help provide them with the skills they need to make a real difference in people’s lives. ×

Ginette Collendavelloo (CIPD)

HR Manager

Ginette, our dynamic HR Manager, brings a wealth of experience and adaptability to Magic Life UK. Originally from Mauritius, she fearlessly embraced the challenge of working in a new country and sector. Starting her journey in administration and printing, Ginette seamlessly transitioned into various roles at Precious Homes, including recruitment, payroll, maintenance, and HR for the past eighteen years. Her recent success as a project leader for the Ceridian implementation showcases her leadership and commitment. Join us in welcoming Ginette to the Magic Life family, where her passion and dedication enrich our mission of supporting vulnerable individuals. Her story is a testament to resilience and excellence. ×

Julie Fawz

Service Manager Cedar Lodge

I have held various jobs in the past. For 10 years, I worked as a door supervisor before opening my own business - a children's clothing shop - which I ran for 9 years. Eventually, I decided to pursue a different career path, and that is when I became a manager at Paddy Power bookmakers, a position I held for another decade. During this time, I also cared for a young man with cerebral palsy. This experience sparked my interest in caring for vulnerable individuals. I started researching all aspects of care and was particularly drawn to working with dementia patients. My first job as a support worker involved working with dementia patients in a supported living environment. We would take them out, do activities, and even spend time listening to their life stories. I first heard about Magic Life through a past manager. The company had so many positive aspects that I was immediately interested and knew I would love to work for them. I noticed on their website that a new build was being developed in Higham's Park. I mentioned this to my previous deputy and some colleagues I was still working with, and once it was ready, we all applied and got the jobs. I started as a night senior support worker, working here with Autism/LD/mental health patients, and truly enjoyed interacting with all the residents who were gradually moving in. This is where I discovered my passion for working with Autism and other learning disabilities. Seeing them smile and enjoy their daily activities, as well as achieve things in their day-to-day living, is a pleasure. In this role, working with Autism and LD, you need to have passion, dedication, empathy, and patience. I can confidently say that I possess these qualities for all the residents here and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. After nearly 2 years, I was promoted to Deputy Manager, a position that required me to switch to day work. This change allowed me to get to know all their characters better and spend more enjoyable time with them. I became a Project Manager in February 2023, and all I can say is I absolutely love this job. I wouldn't change it for the world and would recommend anyone to work for Magic Life if they have the heart and passion for this line of work. ×

Arun Gopal

Service Manager Hale End

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Faustina Anokye

Deputy Manager Cedar Lodge

After a year of studying at Sunderland University, where I graduated with a degree in International Tourism and Hospitality, I ventured into a different career path, eager to learn more about social care. I've always admired those within the care industry and have applauded their passionate and strong desire to help and encourage those in need. Following my year in hospitality, my career took a turn for the better when I started working as an escort for vulnerable children with learning difficulties. Working there has allowed me to grow, not only as a support worker but also as an individual. It has enhanced my understanding of health and social care and has given me the opportunity to truly have a positive impact on other people's lives ×

Yolande Martin

Service Manager - Harringay Road

I have been working in the care sector since 2010 as a domiciliary support assistant. In July 2016, I joined Magic life as a support worker supporting individuals with mild/moderate mental health needs. The team was highly trained and I gained valuable skills, such as; compassion, effective communication skills and ways to de-escalate challenging behaviours. The team was able to make a difference in the daily lives of service users to overcome challenges. Being promoted to a senior support worker has a lot to do with my ability to learn from the vast amount of training available for staff to better meet the needs of the individuals we support. ×

Sundus Mohamed

Deputy Service Manager Devonshire

My name is Sundus and I would like to think I bring the right balance of analytical mind and empathy into my role of a Deputy Manager. Back in 2019 I have completed BSC in Biology with honours at UCLAN in Preston. This gave me a solid background and strong organisational skills, but also crucial knowledge around human nature and how this can be apply in daily life. Perhaps for some it was a surprise but for me it was a natural step to take on a role in care system. Having started as a bank staff at Devonshire Lodge I quickly developed into a senior support worker and enjoyed this role for some time. My organisational skills and drive for professional development pushed me forward as I was given more tasks linked to auditing and supervising staff. At the same time, I have never stopped enjoying interactions with people supported, offering new person centred activities, organising parties or simply hanging out with our residents. I feel that the mixture of all the above made me a right candidate when I was offered a role of Deputy at The Lodge which I plan to hold for foreseeable future. ×

Hollie Ferguson

Service Manager Devonshire Lodge

I began working in care when I was 18 years old. It's something I've always been passionate about. I never imagined I would enjoy my job as much as I do. Over the years, I've gained extensive experience in various health and social care settings, starting as a carer and working my way up to a management level. I've developed a wide range of skills and knowledge during this time. The person-centred approach is extremely important to me. I believe that this approach allows individuals in our care to experience the best quality of life. To care for and support someone the way you would want to be cared for is essential. I've been with Magic Life for a year now, and I've never been happier. ×

John Massaquoi

Service Manager Manor Lodge

Being passionate about helping individuals with needs has been one of my goals when growing up, hence I decided a few years ago to change course in my pursuit of this dream into a reality. A life of devotion, caring, supporting individual's with needs has fulfilled my life goals. I enjoy listening, participating, communicating and supporting individuals with the help of my colleagues. I take great pride in my work and personal image at all times and take my place as a role model for those I help support. I have developed a professional approach In helping those I support and always aim to achieve the best results for my team and for the people in my care. I am looking forward to expanding my role with Magic Life and helping to make a better life for all. ×

Segun Stephen

Service Manager 672 High Road & Chapel Row

I started working in health and social care as a forensic mental health support worker in a mental health care setting, I got promoted to the role of senior support worker before I left the organisation for other challenges. I have experience in physical disabilities, Learning disabilities, young people and mental health. Over the years, I have developed more commitment in care in my previous roles as a Team Leader because I have supported vulnerable individuals in removing barriers that limit social inclusion, limit abilities to achieve goals and aspiration or actions that undermine effective communication. I am pleased to join Magic life to achieve further personal developments and goals. I am convinced that I am currently in the right environment and I also have the right support. ×

Shamar Grant

Deputy Service Manager 672 High Road

I started studying health and social care in college, since then I have worked in the health industry, I have worked in various health and social care settings with service users with different care requirements. During this time, I have developed and learned several skills and knowledge that are necessary in this field of work. I have also worked alongside management and stakeholders involved in the care of the individuals. This has built up my confidence which is why I applied for the role Deputy manager. I hope to bring a positive impact to the magic life team as an organization and as part of the team. ×

Meena Nagi

Deputy Service Manager 672 High Road

I have been working in the care sector for more than 20 years. I started as a receptionist for the Community Mental Health Team. I had the opportunity to open my own supported living for mental health users. I had the full responsibility for both service users and staff. This was in operation for 15 years. It was hard work and took a toll on my health, so I made a very difficult decision to sell the business. I took a career break for a year and became bored just doing household chores. I saw an advert for a senior support worker position at Magic Life, and I was successful in my application. I have worked on various projects for Magic Life. They have provided me with support and encouragement. I am excited to be a part of this organisation and am committed to achieving well and facing new challenges as a Deputy. ×

Jozef Kuczik

Service Manager Burlington Lodge

I started my career as a care assistant in a nursing home in 2007 and cared for individuals living with dementia, early onset dementia and physical disabilities. In 2016 I moved to Magic Life as a support worker and quickly promoted to a project manager at Bruce Grove Villa supporting individuals with mild and moderate mental health needs. Our highly trained team provides support for our service users to overcome day-to-day challenges and barriers they face in their life, we help to build their practical daily skills and to access community and health care services. Our staff encourage the service users to take part in a variety of activities and help to develop their self-confidence, choice and control of their lives and to promote their wellbeing. I take a lot of satisfaction in helping make a difference in peoples lives. ×

Luisa Chagas

Service Manager Northlands

My name is Luisa Chagas and I have worked in Health &social care for over 30 years in a variety of services and provisions by building a good strong Partership with the outside agencies to ensure service users receive every opportunity available to them to improve their life's. I came to this profession completely by accident over 30 years ago since I have been able to complete 2 degrees, one in Psychology, and I'm currently just completing my dissertation in Criminal Psychology. I'm a great believer in Person centered care which has been my ethos throughout my career, and I have seen amazing results in the people I have supported previously achieving a good standard of life and I' looking forward to replicating the same results here. I built community links and partnerships and that is how I have seen amazing results with the people I have supported in the past. I look forward to being part of the Magic Life family. ×

Suzette Whyte

Service Manager Park Side

I have been working in the health and social care field for the past 24 years, holding various roles such as a residential support worker, care worker, and senior support. I've worked in diverse settings, including care homes, residential respite children's services with the council, day centres, and supported independent living facilities. My experience extends to hospitals, specifically North Middlesex, and domiciliary care. My work has involved interacting with both children and adults with a range of conditions such as autism, learning and physical disabilities, epilepsy, Asperger syndrome, and challenging behavior. I've also worked with individuals dealing with schizophrenia, brain damage, alcohol dependence, and those who are refugees or teenagers. My responsibilities have included care for children whose parents are in prison, drug addicts, those prone to self-harming, and individuals with cerebral palsy, hyperactivity, and various mental health conditions. I have experience in monitoring vital signs like blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as communicating with non-verbal service users presenting challenging behavior. Throughout my career, I've been privileged to work alongside some fantastic service users. I have a real passion for supporting and developing everyone under my care. There is no better job satisfaction than what I derive from working in the health and social care field. During this time, I earned my Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care and my Care Certificate, among other trainings. I joined Magic Life in 2021 as a bank support worker. At the beginning of 2022, I applied for a senior position at Park Side, which I was offered. A few months later within the same year, I was promoted to Deputy ×

Cheryl Evans

Service Manager Bruce Grove & Winns Mews

I am an outgoing individual who has a passion for working with young people and adults who require support to make changes in their life. I have extensive experience working within the social care sector, specialising in young adults with disabilities in mild Autism, Asperges, Downs Syndrome, Global development delay to the higher end of the autism spectrum. Both Verbal and Nonverbal. I have been in this field for thirteen years. I was a housing Manager for 7 years, I have my level 5 in management, NVQ Health and social care level 2 and 3 and my youth work NVQ level 2 and 3. I believe the smallest outcome is a positive outcome, which always brings joy to those who thought that they could not do it. My Motto is yes you can. Cheryl Evans Project Manager ×

Emem Ekanem

Deputy Service Manager

Having gained experience and educational qualifications in business and organisational communication, strategic management, aviation, human resources, project management, and the educational sector, I ventured into the social care field. My motivations for this change were threefold: firstly, a deep-seated passion for acting as a positive change agent; secondly, a genuine care and interest in people's well-being; and thirdly, an enthusiasm for diversity, gender, and social inclusion, which is also the focus of my current research. Always open to challenges and committed to continual learning, I have embraced the complexities this sector presents. In the span of just over three years, I have gained a wealth of knowledge, including but not limited to, learning disabilities and mental health. I joined Magic Life in April 2022 as a support worker. By God's grace, I was promoted to the role of Deputy Manager in October 2022 and officially began the role in January 2023. The experience, comprehensive training, and unwavering support and encouragement from all quarters have made this journey incredibly rewarding. I am poised to continue unlearning, relearning, serving as a positive change agent, being an effective team player, and ensuring that the 'magic' at Magic Life is felt by all. ×

Doreen Henry

Deputy Service Manager Grove Park Road

I began working in the care sector in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, in 2002. The following year, I moved to London and continued along this career path. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working in a diverse range of care sectors including nursing, residential, and disability. However, it was when I started working with children with complex needs that I truly realised this was my passion. The care profession offers me a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfilment. It has provided me with a purpose in life that I hadn't found before. Witnessing a positive improvement in the life of someone I support brings me immense joy. When I joined Magic Life as a support worker in 2021, from my very first day at Grove Park Road, I felt I was exactly where I was meant to be. Admittedly, it presented its own set of challenges, and still does, but with my experience and the comprehensive training provided by Magic Life, I knew I was poised for growth and personal development. I was promoted to Senior Support Worker in 2022, and less than a month ago, I was honoured to be promoted to Deputy Manager here at Grove Park. I am profoundly grateful to continue in a profession I adore, and in doing so, I am contributing positively to the lives of the wonderful ladies I support. ×

Nadia Ghaly

Service Manager Park Lodge

I have been working in the health and social care sector for 13 years, starting off as a youth worker. However, for the last 8 years before joining Magic Life, I worked with young adults with learning and physical disabilities, starting as a support worker, then an activity coordinator and communications lead, and then moving up to management. I have had the privilege of working with and learning from many people in the health and social care field, which helped me get my degree in Health and Social Care. I joined Magic Life to learn new things, help people, promote independence, and create new opportunities for the people I support. ×

Pretty Bhinda

Acting Service Manager Park Lodge

I worked in the care for 23 years and started my role as a support worker in a day center as an activity facilitator. As time passed by I developed my skills in care and made progress in the field of Health and social care. I joined Magic life in 2017. The nature of the job made me realize my real passion for promoting young adults to be independent and how to motivate others in terms of simple activities in the house. At Park Lodge, I organized various indoor and outdoor activities for our young people. Our residents enjoy the plan of the day and look forward to having a pleasant day. This may be anything from a Day trip out to visit places of interest or a planned indoor event such as parties, cultural events, games, and handcrafts. This is a way to engage our residents in a positive way. Throughout my journey in care, I have learned a lot from my colleagues and feel happy to see my residents always have a smile on their faces and asking me for the plan of the day. I am known to be funny, chatty, and reliable. I believe I must be the kind of person with these qualities to be able to motivate my service users to bring out their potential. ×

Aneta Cydejko

Service Manager Cherry Tree Lodge

My name is Aneta and I have over 17 years of experience in the social health sector. I began my journey as a support worker and have progressed to various roles including senior support worker, team leader, deputy manager, and registered service manager. Throughout my career, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience working in different settings such as residential, nursing, and domiciliary care. Interacting with service users, their families, and other support networks have always been a true passion of mine. My most recent role was as a service manager of a CQC-registered supported living accommodation, providing care and support for up to 9 individuals with learning disabilities and mental health. Prior to that, I managed a 24-hour residential service catering to 24 service users with mental health and some aspects of learning disabilities. I was able to effectively manage the service by implementing monitoring tools to evaluate the day-to-day performance of my workforce and ensuring that the service met the needs of its community and service users. I have always worked closely with commissioners and stakeholders relevant to the organization and have received positive feedback in CQC reviews. I am proud to have led a team through a transformation from "requires improvements" to a "Good" rating in the CQC inspection. In December 2018, I decided to take a career break to become a full-time mother of two precious children. As much as they are my whole world, I am now more than ready to return to the workforce and give it my all to make other vulnerable people's lives more meaningful and worth living. In my free time, I love to travel to new places, meet new people and their cultures, cycle, hike, and take walks in local parks. When I get the chance, I also enjoy reading a good book or cuddling up with my children and watching TV. I am honored to be chosen as the service manager of Cherry Tree Lodge in Croydon and see it as the perfect way to come back and shine. Since joining the Magic Life team, I have felt nothing but support and encouragement. I am excited to be a part of this organization and am committed to achieving well and facing new challenges. ×

Stacy Watson

Service Manager The Hamptons Peterborough

I have worked in the Health and Social Care Sector for the past twenty-two years, and my experience has ranged throughout that period, including working in Domiciliary care, with adults with learning disabilities, Nursing care, Residential care, and Dementia care. I have completed an NVQ 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care and a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. I have worked in a Senior Care role for over ten years and in a managerial role for over seven. As a result of my experience, I have developed versatile knowledge and understanding of the practical, psychological, and clinical aspects of care. I am a true believer in Holistic and Person-Centered Care (PCC), and my strongest attribute lies in dealing with individuals with challenging behavior often associated with Dementia, Learning Disability, and Autism. I love motivating individuals who share the same passion for caring for others as I do. ×

Yvonne Spillane

Service Manager 95 Greyhound Road

I have a vast experience in Health and social care for 12 years. 7 of which I have been a Registered Care Manager with governing body CQC working alongside clients with who require specific and specialist care needs. My role required me to manage a big team of clinically trained staff and to periodically ensure that a high delivery of patient care is delivered in the likes of our service users’ homes and to enough our staff to promote empowerment and independency were able. I would ensure that all staff will operate in adherence of CQC guidelines and that they are fully competent to deliver safe care. ×