Meet the Team

Ben holds an NVQ Level 3 and Level 4 in Children and Young People as well a Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Management and a Diploma in Law and Society from the University of Kent at Canterbury. Other relevant qualifications include certificates in Social Sciences, Politics, Sociology, a Diploma in Stress counselling in the work place, Belbin team role Accreditation and a range of training in advanced child protection. Ben has also completed a significant number of new ways safeguarding accredited PSB training courses.

Rachel Ashton is employed as Compass Children’s Homes Service Manager - South. Rachel has eight years’ experience in working within the residential setting having held positions of Residential Worker, Senior Residential Worker, Deputy Manager, House Manager and Registered Manager and Service Development Manager Rachel holds the NVQ Level 3 in Children and Young People and is currently undertaking her Level 5 diploma in Management and Leadership. Rachel has certificates in advanced Child Protection, the Management of Violence, Anger and Aggression, Health and Safety, Supervision, Attachment, PRICE - physical intervention as well as having completed a number of Problematic Sexualised Behaviours run by Dr Joe Sullivan in September 2015 - 2017.

Nikki has worked with children and young people with complex needs and attachment disorders for 10 years. Nikki has supported an array of needs including sexual harmful or inappropriate behaviours, Asperger’s, self harm, missing from care, offending behaviours, pregnancy’s, mental health problems, attachment disorders, eating disorders, aggressive behaviour and risks of child exploitation. Nikki’s qualifications include an FDa in Therapeutic Childcare, Diploma 5 in Leadership and Management for Health & Social Care in Children & Young People’s Services, PGDip Counselling Psychology Studies, NVQ level 3 in Health & Social Care, BA Dual Honours Psychology and Criminology.

Jessica has worked with Children and young people for 14 years, while achieving a degree in Psychology. She has worked in various roles including Schools, as a Behaviour Support Worker, then as a Pastoral Manager. She has worked as Youth Justice Worker and a Senior Care Officer, in a secure Children’s Home. Jessica has completed her Level 3 NVQ in Children and young People, and Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Management. In all of Jess’ roles to date she has worked with young people who have displayed varying challenging behaviours. Jess has worked alongside a wide range of professionals, developing and maintain positive working relationships, in order to promote positive outcomes for young people.

Sonata Brisley Regional Operations Manager – East Sonata is employed as Compass Children’s Homes Service Manager – East. Sonata joined the Compass Community recently and has ten year’s experience working with children who have experienced trauma. She has worked in a range of roles from support worker to Regional Operations Manager giving her good insight and understanding into the workings of the whole team. Sonata holds her Level 3 Child and Young People’s Workforce Diploma, a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, and has had advanced Level Training in Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) and Therapeutic Child Care. She also holds a qualified teacher diploma, a Level 5 in Leadership and Management, is a qualified PRICE instructor, and is trained by Kent County Council as Child Exploitation Champion, making her part of the KCC Network for the prevention of Child Sexual Exploitation.

Sam Foster is employed as our Residential Development and Project Manager. Sam began his career working with children with complex and challenging behaviour in 2006 working for large provider of Residential care based in Sussex. Sam soon progressed from Support Worker to a senior position and was promoted to a House Manager in 2010. Since his employment in 2011, Sam has been instrumental in several OfSTED inspections, receiving Outstanding with no requirements or recommendations in 2013 and again in 2014 and 2019. Sam is trained in numerous relevant child care qualifications i.e. Level 3 Diploma, Advanced Management and has completed his Level 5 Diploma in Residential Care and Management and is also a qualified PRICE trainer. Sam is dedicated to making opening safe and caring environments for the children placed with us.