Debbie Moreton, CEO

Debbie Moreton joined Step by Step in 2007. Having been a foster parent for many years, she wanted to be involved in a charity that made a difference to young people’s lives. Debbie initially worked in the Supported Lodgings service before progressing on to Head of Young People’s Services and then CEO in July 2020.

Debbie has overseen the growth of Step by Step and the expansion of Supported Lodgings into six counties. She created a number of specialist support services and worked with local councils to have them commissioned. The charity had 12 placements when she started and now has over 350.

“I was a foster mum for many years looking after teenagers and equipping them with the skills they needed to gain independence. This background has allowed me to understand the needs of the young people we support at Step by Step.”

Mae Partridge, Head of Foyers & Wellbeing (DSL)

Mae joined Step by Step in 2015. As Regional Foyer Manager, Mae oversees our Foyer accommodation in multiple counties. She is also the Safeguarding Lead, implementing procedures and empowering staff to ensure the safety of the young people we support.

Mae has a background in helping people in the community and volunteering from a young age. She studied the caring relationship at University and understood the importance of showing someone care. This led to her joining Step by Step where she could help young people overcome barriers and achieve their goals and aspirations.

“I wanted to be part of something good. Something that doesn’t give up and doesn’t write people off. We let young people lead the way, telling us what they want rather than us dictating what they need.”

Kelly Headen, Head of Fostering & Supported Lodgings

Kelly joined Step by Step in June 2012. Her role is to manage the Supported Lodgings service, including a large number of Step Workers. She has been integral to the impressive growth of Supported Lodgings, steering the service as it moved into new counties and helped an increasing number of young people.

Kelly has an extensive background in charity work and volunteering, with over 20 years sector experience. Her career has been defined by wanting to help others, particularly those experiencing homelessness. She first encountered Step by Step when attending a Sleep Out event. Impressed by the passion of staff and the success stories of young people, Kelly decided she wanted to be part of the charity.

“I am immensely proud of the development and progress we have achieved at Step by Step and the amount of young people we are in a position to support.”

Rebecca Palmer, Head of HR

Rebecca joined Step by Step in September 2020. As HR Manager, she has introduced a range of new systems and procedures aimed at empowering and rewarding staff. She brings to the role over 10 years of diverse HR experience, having worked for organisations small and large, and is a Chartered Member of the CIPD.

Rebecca has a long-standing interest in homelessness and experience in volunteering. It was these interests that drew her to Step by Step.

“The combination of working for a charity that supports young people and works to end homelessness inspires me. I hope my skills and experience will help Step by Step to achieve their aims.”

Alice Thurlow, Head of Finance

Alice is a Fellow of the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales) with a wealth of experience from a career spanning 28 years, the latter 21 years in Head of Finance roles. She joined Step by Step in March 2022 and quickly became an integral part of the Leadership Team.

Alice provides first class financial support to the whole business, whether that be the services, the Trustees or the rest of the Leadership Team. She has introduced a lot of automation into our financial processes and is greatly enhancing our Financial Reporting and Budgeting & Forecasting procedures.

“I was drawn to Step by Step due to the amazing work they do with young people who haven’t had the best start in life. I am incredibly proud to be part of such a devoted and forward-thinking team.”

Anda Chiu, Head of Fundraising

Anda joined Step by Step in 2017. As the Head of Fundraising, her role oversees the income needed to fund our specialist support services, which are unfunded by statutory income.

Anda spent a number of years volunteering before officially working for the charity sector in 2015. She has worked in fundraising since then and has a Diploma in Fundraising with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.

“It is such a privilege to work with supporters and donors who are so passionate about helping young people to break the cycle of homelessness. My favourite part about working for Step by Step is seeing the young people years late when they come back to see us again, sometimes bringing their own children to meet us.“