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Become a Foster Carer or Host: Be the supportive figure a young person needs to flourish
Meet the strategic leaders behind Step by Step's mission to end youth homelessness.
Step by Step's Leadership Team brings together strategic insight, deep sector experience, and a shared belief in the potential of young people. From safeguarding to finance, fundraising to front-line services, each leader plays a crucial role in shaping our mission, guiding our services, and delivering the impact we are known for.
Together, they ensure we remain ambitious, accountable, and always focused on what matters most – empowering young people to move on from crisis, grow in confidence, and fulfil their potential.
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer

Debbie leads the charity’s vision and direction, working with the Leadership Team to deliver innovative, high-quality services that support vulnerable young people across six counties. Under her leadership, Step by Step has grown significantly, with Supported Lodgings expanding from 12 to over 350 placements and a range of specialist services now commissioned by local authorities.
With over 25 years’ experience in the care and youth sectors, Debbie remains deeply committed to ensuring every young person has access to the support they need to realise their potential and contribute positively to their communities.
Debbie is also a Director of Step by Step Fostering, and an active member of Homeless Link and Your Youth, advocating for system change and championing young people’s voices.
“Being a foster mum gave me first-hand insight into the challenges young people face. That experience still drives me today to lead services that truly make a difference.”
Head of Foyers and Wellbeing and Safeguarding Lead
Head of Foyers and Wellbeing and Safeguarding Lead

Mae leads the strategic development and delivery of Step by Step’s Foyer, Launch and Counselling Services, creating safe, supportive environments for young people facing hard times and complex challenges. These services play a vital role in early intervention, resilience-building, and helping young people navigate difficult life experiences with confidence and care.
With over a decade of experience working with vulnerable people, Mae brings a trauma-informed and person-centred approach to her leadership and is qualified as a Chartered Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Her strategic insight and governance expertise strengthen Step by Step’s commitment to continuous improvement, accountability and high-quality care.
“Every young person deserves to be reached and supported, especially in their hardest moments. Working together, we can grow our impact and help where it matters most.”
Head of Fostering and Supported Lodgings
Head of Fostering and Supported Lodgings

Kelly leads our Fostering and Supported Lodgings services across six counties in the South of England. As an innovative leader, Kelly encourages change and continually strives to develop, shape and strengthen services to deliver the very best for children and young people.
Kelly has had an extensive, 25-year career within the housing, support and mental health sector. She draws upon her invaluable knowledge and expertise to drive forward the charity’s mission and vision as an integral part of the Leadership Team. She is also a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Ofsted Responsible Individual.
Outside of Step by Step, Kelly is a school Safeguarding Co-opted Governor and Girl Guiding unit leader for her local community, striving to make life better for the next generation.
Head of Fundraising
Head of Fundraising

Anda drives the organisation’s income generation strategy and leads a high-performing team securing vital funding for its life-changing services. She also manages a portfolio of strategic partnerships critical to the charity’s long-term sustainability.
With over 12 years of experience in the sector, Anda brings deep expertise across multiple income streams and holds a Distinction in the Diploma in Fundraising from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. She was recently a panel speaker at the Directory of Social Change's Fundraising Now conference, where she addressed the pressing challenge of navigating the “cost of giving” crisis.
“Fundraising isn’t just about asking for money - it’s about building belief. When people believe in your mission, they invest in your impact.”
Head of Human Resources
Head of Human Resources

Rebecca leads our people strategy with compassion and conviction. With over 15 years in HR, she’s driven by a belief that everyone, especially those in caregiving and charitable roles, deserves to feel valued and fairly rewarded.
She’s a vocal advocate for addressing pay inequality in the sector, championing fair remuneration for work that shapes lives and benefits communities.
Rebecca holds a CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management and has led initiatives to improve wellbeing, inclusion, and leadership development.
“My mission is clear - to build a great place to work and value those who choose to work for Step by Step.”
Head of Finance
Head of Finance

Alice leads the charity’s financial strategy and oversees all financial matters to ensure the charity’s resources are managed effectively. Her goal is to make sure every pound is used wisely and in line with Step by Step’s mission, while also ensuring the charity remains resilient and grows sustainably, enabling us to continue delivering life-changing support to as many young people as possible.
With over 30 years of financial expertise in both the charity and corporate sectors, Alice is passionate about using her skills to create a lasting social impact. She is a Fellow of the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales) and joined the charity in March 2022.
“Sound financial management isn’t just about numbers - it’s about creating a strong foundation that allows us to support young people, change lives, and ensure our impact lasts for years to come.”
Head of Strategic Marketing & External Affairs
Head of Strategic Marketing & External Affairs

Nic leads Step by Step’s strategic marketing and external affairs, driving the charity’s public voice and influence. She combines deep sector knowledge with a passion for driving systemic change, working to ensure the charity is recognised as a leading authority on youth homelessness.
She led the development of Be the Hero and Take a Stand Against Youth Homelessness, Step by Step’s flagship campaign to raise the charity’s profile and strengthen its presence across media, political, and research networks. The campaign reaffirmed the charity’s belief that young people are the heroes of their own story and, when empowered, are changemakers in their own right.
An experienced spokesperson and thought leader, Nic works closely with journalists, MPs, commissioners, and sector partners to shape narratives, share evidence, and advocate for long-term solutions.
“Communications are not just about telling our story - they are about shaping the conversation. When we shift narratives, we change lives.”