Teddy and Milo

Meet the Pawfessionals: Teddy & Milo

Teddy – Chief Comfort Officer (CCO)
Teddy is the calm, contemplative type—the wise old soul in the room who always knows when someone needs a cuddle or a calming moment. With a resume full of emotional support and strategic napping, Teddy ensures the office vibes stay balanced and zen. When he's not inspecting biscuit supplies or supervising quiet moments, you’ll find him curled up in his favorite spot, contemplating social justice or just the next snack.

🐶 Milo – Director of Mischief & Morale
Milo is the younger, cheekier brother with a nose for mischief and a heart full of love. Equal parts clown and cuddle machine, Milo keeps spirits high and laughter rolling. He specialises in office zoomies, sock thievery, and spontaneous team-building exercises (usually involving tennis balls). Milo ensures no day goes by without a smile—his tail-wagging enthusiasm is absolutely contagious.

Together, Teddy and Milo form the unofficial Houndquarters of First People. They're more than mascots—they’re mindfulness mentors, joy distributors, and the four-legged heartbeat of the team. Because changing the world is serious work… but someone’s got to keep it pawsitive.

Wendy Nee

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & LEAD THERAPIST

Meet Wendy: Our CEO: A Passionate Advocate for Empowerment

Wendy founded First People Housing CIC in April 2022, driven by a deep commitment to supporting individuals facing homelessness and vulnerability. Prior to this, her extensive experience in the social care sector spanned two decades, encompassing diverse areas like substance misuse, domestic violence, and criminal justice. Previously, she served as Operations Director at Druglink and later transitioned to a Consultant CQC Registered Manager role at a leading global medical and pharmaceutical company.

Wendy's passion lies in empowering individuals to believe in themselves and achieve positive change, no matter how seemingly small. This dedication is reflected in her leadership style and her unwavering support for our residents. Her efforts have been recognized through two consecutive "Care Leadership Awards" and "Most Innovative Care Team" awards from the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association. Additionally, she has contributed valuable insights to various publications focused on the issue of homelessness.

Beyond her extensive experience, Wendy holds a diverse range of qualifications:

• Qualified Counsellor: Equipped to provide therapeutic support and guidance.

• NLP Master Practitioner, Trainer and Coach: Possesses advanced skills in personal development and coaching methodologies.

• Level 5 Award in Leadership in Health & Social Care: Demonstrates expertise in leadership and management within the healthcare and social care sectors.

• Qualified Health and Wellness Coach: Empowers individuals to achieve their personal health and well-being goals.

• Currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Addiction, Psychology and Counselling: Continuously expanding her knowledge and skillset to better serve the needs of our residents.

Wendy's leadership and dedication creates a foundation of unwavering support and empowerment for individuals seeking to build a brighter future.

Kieran Ruane

DIRECTOR of SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT

Meet Kieran: From Business Leader to Champion for Change

Kieran joined First People Housing CIC in November 2023, leveraging his 30 years of private sector experience to manage our service operations. This career shift reflects his passion for supporting those experiencing homelessness and substance misuse.

Kieran's journey began in January 2019 with volunteering at a local drug and alcohol service, where his empathy and positivity shone through. He then transitioned to a paid role in their night shelter, gaining invaluable firsthand experience during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Kieran's dedication led him to Druglink in March 2021, where he managed a housing project for individuals facing similar challenges. He brings a unique blend of business acumen and social sector experience, further enhanced by his Master Practitioner qualification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).

Kieran's diverse skillset and unwavering commitment prove him to be an invaluable asset to our team.

Mark Woolman

DIRECTOR of OPERATIONS and SERVICES

Meet Mark: Builder of calm in the chaos — with spreadsheets, heart, and a side of humour.

Mark joined the First People Housing CIC team in November 2022, bringing a wealth of experience to support our daily operations. His arrival allows Wendy, our CEO, to dedicate more time exploring growth opportunities and reaching out to even more individuals in need, particularly those belonging to hard-to-reach groups, including women.

Mark boasts over three decades of experience working within local authorities, having held various operational leadership roles. His diverse background encompasses areas like health & safety, regulation, and legal matters. Additionally, his valuable experience as a landlord equips him with a deep understanding of property management and the high standards we strive to maintain in our accommodations.

Mark's commitment to personal and professional development is further reflected in his qualifications. He is a qualified coach and is currently pursuing a Level 2 Counselling qualification. This combined expertise allows him to effectively support our team and contribute to our mission of empowering individuals.

Maxine Knudson

SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM LEADER

Mark Davies

SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM LEADER

Brian Marshall

LONDON LEAD

I am a passionate social care professional with extensive experience supporting people from all walks of life. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in challenging environments where empathy, resilience, and a person-centred approach were key to making a real difference. My goal is simple: to empower individuals to make positive, lasting changes through compassionate support and practical guidance.

I’ve worked across mental health outreach, youth offending teams, and homelessness projects, always striving to see the person behind the problem. Alongside this, I’ve volunteered to counsel young people and support mental health charities, reflecting my commitment to community and wellbeing.

With expertise in mental health, substance misuse, youth offending, and supporting vulnerable groups, I bring strong skills in assessment, recovery-focused interventions, and multi-agency collaboration. I’m passionate about advocating for others and inspiring confidence in both service users and colleagues.

I hold an MSc in Social Work, a BSc in Psychology, and a Counselling Skills Diploma, and I’m currently completing an MSc in Addiction, Psychology, and Counselling at London South Bank University.

Debra Cook

ADMINSTRATOR

I joined the team in April 2024 as the Administrator, and let me tell you, my path here has been anything but ordinary!

My career journey has taken me through diverse experiences. I've worked in the fast-paced world of a leading telecom company, enjoyed a creative stint as a tea shop owner, and even dabbled in retail. Each chapter has equipped me with valuable skills and the joy of meeting people from all walks of life.

However, before joining FPH, I hadn't directly encountered the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, or offending behaviour. Since then, witnessing our clients' journeys – from initial assessments to finding stability – has been incredibly rewarding. Knowing that we're helping them move forward is truly fulfilling.

So, what do I bring to the table?

Organisation and Efficiency: I thrive on keeping things running smoothly! My years of administrative experience have been instrumental in ensuring efficient procedures for processing housing benefit claims – a critical source of funding for our clients' housing.

Supporting the Team: By taking care of the paperwork, I free up our support workers to focus on what they do best – supporting our clients on their recovery journeys.

This new chapter has been immensely satisfying. I'm excited to continue contributing my skills and witnessing the positive impact we make at First People.

Caroline Bish

SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT WORKER

Meet Caroline: From locked doors to open futures — empowering every step.

Empowering Lives Through Holistic, Inclusive Support

I'm passionate about supporting people from all walks of life, and my background reflects that! For many years, I've worked in various settings, gaining experience that allows me to connect with individuals facing a wide range of challenges.

Here's a glimpse of my journey:

Supporting Elderly Residents: I've had the privilege of working with seniors in both nursing homes and residential settings. This experience instilled in me the importance of empathy, respect, and ensuring a high quality of life for our elders.

Hospital Care: My time in the coronary care unit sharpened my focus on providing critical support and emotional well-being to patients during a difficult time.

Supporting Young People: Working in a PRU (Pupil Referral Unit) school setting exposed me to the complexities faced by young people with challenging behaviours. This experience honed my skills in de-escalation, positive reinforcement, and creating a safe learning environment.

Addiction Recovery and Reintegration: Supporting individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction in the community has been incredibly rewarding.

I was particularly involved in launching a pilot project assisting prison leavers with housing upon their release. This experience combined my passion for social justice with my desire to help individuals reintegrate into society successfully. I continue to provide ongoing support to service users transitioning out of the criminal justice system.

Qualifications:

Higher Diploma in Health and Social Care (Open University)

Diploma in CBT/Counselling

Diploma in Criminal Psychology

Always Learning:

I'm constantly striving to enhance my skills, and I'm currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in CBT and Counselling. This dedication to continuous learning ensures I can offer the most effective support possible.

My passion lies in building rapport, providing a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Clare Stevenson

SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT WORKER

Meet Clare: Holistic Advocate for Well-Being, Housing, and Recovery.

I'm thrilled to be part of the team at First People Housing, where I focus on promoting personalized well-being and development for each client based on their unique needs. My approach is client-centered, offering comprehensive support that goes beyond just housing. I'm passionate about advocating for our clients' physical and mental health, which are often neglected during periods of homelessness or addiction.

Prior to joining First People Housing, I embarked on a fulfilling journey dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations. With over 20 years of experience, I've held roles in diverse settings, including:

Schools: Focusing on youth offending and mental health support

NHS call handler: Providing essential support in a fast-paced environment

Rape crisis service: Empowering survivors and offering crisis intervention

Crash Pad officer with Herts Young Homeless Team: Assisting homeless youth

Various homeless/housing provisions across Hertfordshire: Supporting diverse needs, including mothers and babies at a dedicated unit and individuals at a night shelter

Local ESC/PRU: Working with teenagers on emotional regulation, teaching mindfulness and the Open Minds Programme

Druglink: Supporting substance abuse clients, ex-offenders, and those facing homelessness

Safer Places supported housing setting: Delivering empowering workshops and holistic healing modalities to women fleeing domestic abuse

Throughout my career, I've honed my skills in counseling, Reiki, meditation facilitation, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), and more. These holistic approaches allow me to create a personalized path towards healing and well-being for each client.

Witnessing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations firsthand has fueled my passion for this work. I firmly believe that everyone deserves a chance to rebuild their lives. My diverse experience has equipped me with the empathy and skills necessary to make a positive impact as part of the First People Housing team.

Marcia Peake

SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT WORKER

Meet Marcia: Care that listens. Support that stays. Heart that never quits

My Journey in Care and Community Support

With over 20 years of experience walking alongside some of society’s most vulnerable, my path has been one of deep compassion and practical support.

I began my journey in nursing and residential settings, where I had the honour of caring for elderly residents—learning that a warm hand, a listening ear, and a kind smile can make the world feel a little more gentle.

In the community, I continued this mission, offering support to elderly individuals in their own homes, ensuring dignity, comfort, and companionship remained ever-present.

My experience also extends into the hospital setting, where I supported elderly patients during times of vulnerability, providing consistent care in an often-chaotic environment.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, I’ve worked in school environments supporting young children with special needs and challenging behaviours—championing their unique voices and helping them thrive in their own beautiful way.

More recently, I’ve supported individuals in the community through my work with mental health and wellbeing services—liaising with service users, listening without judgment, and walking beside them on their journey toward hope and healing.

Every step of the way, I’ve believed in the power of human connection. Whether in a care home, a classroom, or a quiet living room in the community, I bring heart, humour, and hope into the work I do.

Amy Hall

SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT WORKER

Michelle O'Neill

SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMEN WORKER

I’m excited to join the team at First People and to make a real difference in the lives of those we support. My career journey has been wonderfully varied — from the bright lights of London casinos and cruise ships to running my own decorating business — but in recent years, I’ve been drawn to more nurturing, people-focused roles.

I’ve worked as a Functional Skills teacher, supporting young construction students with maths, English, and employability skills; as an Inclusive Learner Support worker, helping 14–16-year-olds with learning difficulties and behavioural challenges; and as an Employment Coach during and after the pandemic, guiding people back into the workforce through coaching, CV support, and workshops.

More recently, I worked with a homelessness charity in a role much like this one, helping people with diverse needs to find and sustain safe housing while tackling challenges such as mental health, substance misuse, and financial issues — or sometimes just being a listening ear when they needed one most.

I hold qualifications in Counselling, NLP, Coaching, and Timeline Therapy, and I pride myself on being a compassionate, attentive listener who helps people find hope and possibility in difficult times.

Ciara Tormey

PEER SUPPORT WORKER

Meet Ciara: Voice for the voiceless. Hope for the hopeless. Tea for the tired.

I'm passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals, particularly those facing homelessness. My role at First People allows me to directly support them by providing resources, guidance, and most importantly, empathy and compassion.

Many people experiencing homelessness have faced significant challenges. I believe in fostering understanding and offering a source of comfort and hope during their difficult time.

Advocacy and Building Trust

Being their advocate is a crucial part of my work. I'm dedicated to raising awareness about the issues they face and ensuring their needs and rights are recognized. Advocacy helps create positive changes in the lives of individuals and within the system as a whole.

Personal Growth Through Service

Supporting others has a profound impact on me as well. It fosters empathy, resilience, and a deeper understanding of social issues. Building trust and strong connections with individuals lets me witness meaningful changes in their lives, which is incredibly rewarding.

I'm excited to be a part of the First People team and contribute to making a difference in our community

Dwaine Tompkins

PEER SUPPORT WORKER

Meet Dwaine: I enjoy working with First People Housing as a Peer Support Worker because it allows me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others while staying connected to my community.

I value the opportunity to support individuals through their personal journeys by offering empathy, lived experience, and practical guidance.

The role gives me a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment, especially in helping people feel seen, heard, and understood. I also appreciate the collaborative environment, where I learn from my peers and contribute to a supportive, culturally respectful space that honors Indigenous values and strengths.

Overall, the position deepens my passion for community care, advocacy, and holistic support.

Jordan Piercey

PEER SUPPORT WORKER

Meet Jordan: Always ready with a warm cup of tea and a listening ear.

I’m passionate about helping people create positive change in their lives. My background working within the criminal justice system gave me experience supporting individuals who’ve faced some of life’s toughest challenges—homelessness, time in custody, and struggles with substance or alcohol misuse.

I believe everyone deserves a fresh start, and I’m here to make that possible. Whether it’s offering practical advice or simply being someone to talk to, I value every opportunity to support someone on their journey toward independence.

What drives me is knowing that, through First People Housing, I can help individuals not only secure a home but also maintain a tenancy and build the confidence to live independently. Every success story, no matter how small, reminds me why this work matters. Making a difference in someone’s life—even in the smallest way—fills me with hope, positivity, and joy.