MEET THE TEAM

Through their wealth of experience, knowledge and proficiency, our senior management and office team provide carers and the people they care for with high-quality and bespoke support.

CQC has rated us GOOD overall, with OUTSTANDING for ‘well-led’ in 2019.

‘This meant service leadership was exceptional and distinctive. Leaders and the service culture they created drove and improved high-quality, person-centred care.’ CQC 2019

 

Julie Da Costa
Chief Executive Officer

Julie Da Costa has a background in psychology, impact analysis and the care sector, and has worked for Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston upon Thames for more than 20 years.

Valentina Murzilli
Care Manager

A specialist in healthcare management, Valentina has a background in nursing and four years of experience in coordinating care for people with complex needs.

Pauline Doyle
Finance Officer

An integral and valued member of the administration team, Pauline looks after the organisation’s finances. She joined the charity in July 2020.

Fiona Mitchell
Media and Communications Officer

Fiona initially joined our charity as a volunteer during the first pandemic lockdown in April 2020. She went on to become our ambassador, and then joined us as a member of staff in October 2021. Fiona has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist.

 

Rachel Tawadrous
Chief Operating Officer and Café Coordinator

Rachel Tawadrous has devoted her career to the care sector and has worked for our organisation for more than 30 years.

Sarah Toma
Office Manager

An integral part of the team, Sarah recently celebrated 20 years of working for Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston upon Thames. She first joined us in 2001 as a volunteer.

Michaella Ramini
Peer Support Worker

Michaella, who joined us in April 2023, is pursuing a degree in psychology. She has over four years of experience working with vulnerable adults and has a passion for holistic and person-centred practices.

 

 

Nicola Wilson
Care Manager

Nicola Wilson has worked for over 20 years within the health/social and youth sector, and our organisation for the past four years.

Sue Ireland
Adult and Café Lead

Sue, who joined us in April 2022, has many years of experience in working with people living with dementia and other health and neurological conditions. Previously, she has held senior care positions in settings including Kingston Hospital, and St Peter’s Hospital, Surrey.

 

Danielle Way
Saturday Club Lead and Senior Care Support Worker

Our experienced and energetic Saturday Club Lead and Senior Care Support Worker, Danielle Way, has been working for us for five years. She originally joined the charity as a Care Support Worker.

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The Power of Books for Children with Autism

Today on International Read to Me Day, and during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, one of the parent carers that we support is shining a light on the power of books for children with autism. Crossroads Care supports Jane and her daughter Annabel, 13, who has autism,...

Keep Dancing! How Dancing Can Help Children with Autism

During World Autism Month, Fiona Mitchell explores how street dance classes can enhance the lives of children with special educational needs and disability (SEND). Eighteen months ago, Hebe, 15, who has autism and dyspraxia, began attending the Crossroads Care...

Supporting the Well-Being of Dads with Disabled Children

Our Dads Who Care group has become a lifeline to fathers of profoundly disabled children. Here, James, who spoke at our recent AGM, shares how being a member of the group helps to reduce loneliness and feelings of loss. It’s difficult to put into words just how huge...

Getting Carers Talking

With Time to Talk Day taking place in February, Crossroads Care Peer Support Worker Michaella Ramini speaks to us about a new initiative to support people looking after loved-ones experiencing severe mental health issues What is this new mental health initiative? I...

Managing Mental Health when Caring for a Disabled Child

To coincide with Parent Mental Health Day this month, Fiona Mitchell explores how Crossroads Care supports the well-being of local parent carers looking after children with complex needs All parents experience some form of stress at different points in their lives,...

Come and Volunteer with us at Crossroads Care!

Crossroads Care, the charity that supports carers and the people they care for, of all ages and disability, has 24 regular volunteers who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our team. While all our care support workers are paid, highly trained members of...

Our Annual General Meeting 2023!

Enormous thanks to everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting yesterday held in the beautiful salon room at York House, Twickenham. We were delighted to welcome many of the carers that we support, along with our Patron Sir Vince Cable, the Mayor of Richmond Cllr...

A PAID CARER’S VOICE: The Hidden Value of Care

When Saturday Club Lead Danielle Way joined Crossroads Care as a care support worker five years ago, she wanted to make a difference, but never for a moment did she imagine just how working for the charity would enhance her life too ‘For as long as I can remember,...

The Caring Cafe: A Welcoming Place of Respite

During World Alzheimer’s Month, Fiona Mitchell explores how the Caring Café, run by Crossroads Care, has become a lifeline for people living with dementia and their carers It was more than 20 years ago that visitors attended the launch of London’s very first ‘dementia...

World Alzheimer’s Month: A Volunteer’s Story

During World Alzheimer's Month, we are saying a big thank you to former carer, service user and Crossroads volunteer Remo Grasso (pictured front, left) who has most generously supported a number of our community projects, including volunteering at our weekly Carers...