Operational Directors

Kate Stephenson exemplifies the career development opportunities at Channels & Choices, having joined as a residential care worker in 2008 and progressed through dedication and commitment to become Operational Director and Responsible Individual. Kate completed her Level 3 and Level 5 management diplomas while working with us, demonstrating exceptional leadership capability and deep understanding of therapeutic residential care. Her journey from frontline care work to senior leadership gives her unique insight into every aspect of our operations, and her hands-on experience ensures our policies and practices remain rooted in the reality of daily care delivery and the genuine needs of our children and staff.

Salwa Farid has been a qualified social worker since 1994, bringing over three decades of expertise in child services and therapeutic care. As Operational Director and Registered Manager, Salwa provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across all our residential homes and services. She is a qualified workplace coach and practice educator, playing a vital role in developing our staff and maintaining our high standards of care. Salwa’s deep understanding of attachment theory, trauma-informed practice, and child development ensures that every aspect of our operations is grounded in evidence-based approaches that truly support the children in our care.