Linda Hill

Director & Strategic Lead

Meet Linda, one of Lika’s Directors, our Strategic Lead and our resident storyteller. Linda has a degree in Criminology and an MA in Social Work and is a Systemic Social Work Practitioner. Like Kate-Marie, Linda has been absorbed in creating change for families. Linda’s heart was built for fostering and, as she likes to say, “it’s all in the match: Get the right carer and child together and the magic just happens”. We think she’s pretty magical, too. She’s another reason Lika is going from strength to strength. “I love the calibre of carers we have recruited and following their journey as they grow and develop with every challenge. They are changing lives and it’s amazing to watch.” Linda is passionate about finding creative ways to teach young people and foster carers about the impacts of trauma and, most importantly, how to understand it and work through it. Linda has extensive experience teaching systemic family therapy ideas to social workers and teams across the UK.

Susanna Carr

Consultant Social Worker and Practice Lead

Susana is one of Lika’s shiniest stars. Susana is an experienced Systemic Social Work Practitioner with experience in both adult and children’s social care. Susana is a creative soul and a lateral thinker — which is perfect for those moments when you need that extra little bit of support. Susana’s enthusiasm and energy fill the room — as does her cracking smile! Susana has a passion for championing people. As she says, “as a social worker you often cross paths with people at a time when their lives can be in turmoil or crisis, and I am always so amazed at children’s and young people’s resilience”.

Jamie McCreghan

Recruitment Manager

Meet Jamie, Lika’s Recruitment Manager and our “Thunder from Down Under”. Jamie trained as a Social Worker in Australia; however, he became a qualified Systemic Social Work Practitioner in the UK. Jamie’s experience is with looked-after young people in both government and private settings. Jamie has extensive experience in consulting and teaching social care practitioners around the UK about putting Systemic Family Therapy ideas into practice. As Recruitment Manager, Jamie oversees the recruitment and support of both new and transferring foster carers to Lika. “Every day in fostering means new learning, new challenges and connecting with a fostering community that wants to share your experiences,” Jamie said. “Finding foster carers who want to be part of this is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever been a part of.” Jamie has been part of Lika since our very first foster carers joined the agency, so he has a good sense of what it takes to be an outstanding foster carer.

Sasha Dickson

Supervising Social Worker

Meet Sasha, one of Lika’s Supervising Social Workers, a therapeutic fostering enthusiast and our resident songstress. Sasha has extensive experience in social work with children and families and specialises in both supporting children who have experienced trauma and helping carers find strategies to support those young people. What does she say about working for Lika and about her role? “Everything about Lika’s ethos and values just resonates with mine,” she said. “I love meeting our carers and hearing their journeys — about what got them into fostering — but I also love being able to work with them, try out new strategies, and hear what works for them.” Sasha is a key support for both the agency’s foster carers and the young people they look after. If you need support, you know Sasha is only a phone call away.

Gina Johnson

Matching / Supervising Social Worker

Meet Gina, one of Lika’s newest social workers, travel enthusiast and approved foster carer with over 15 years of experience. Gina has a dual role working as our matching worker, matching foster children with our available carers, alongside joint working a small caseload of carers. Gina’s skills lie in her ability to spot characteristics of foster children and foster carers, so she can make the best and long-lasting matches.

“For me, it’s about building positive relationships with carers and supporting them in making a real difference in the lives of children and young people. I believe all children and young people should be able to thrive and be given opportunities so they can develop to become the best they can be.” – Gina, we couldn’t agree more.

Sasha Cole

Matching Lead

With over 10 years’ experience in fostering referrals, Sasha brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Lika team. She is passionate about finding the right family for every child and young person because she knows that the right match can make all the difference to a young person’s life. For Sasha, it’s about understanding each child’s individual needs, listening to foster families, and creating the strongest possible foundation for a positive and lasting placement.”

She believes that fostering is a whole-family commitment. Every person in the household has a part to play in helping a child or young person feel safe, accepted and loved. Knowing that she can help bring families and young people together at the start of their journey is a privilege. Sasha is committed to creating thoughtful matches that give children the opportunity to grow, thrive and, most importantly, feel that they belong.

Sabina Shanji

Business Administration

Meet Sabina, the queen of organisation. Sabina is Lika’s support behind the scenes and the one who keeps everything ticking along so smoothly. Sabina is our office manager, minute taker, administrator and all-round technology guru. As she says, “putting new systems in place can bring really positive changes in life but you’d have to shake off old habits”. This is why she is so crucial to Lika’s operations — she can crack any challenges that she’s faced with.

Sharon Parkes-Elcock

Fostering Ambassador

Sharon brings a vibrant mix of warmth, humour and deep commitment to her role as a foster carer and Fostering Ambassador at Lika Family Fostering. With years of experience supporting children of all ages, she uses a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach that balances structure with playfulness – setting clear boundaries while remaining nurturing and compassionate.

As a Fostering Ambassador, Sharon plays a key role in mentoring and supporting fellow carers. She draws on her professional background in training, panel work, and youth support to offer guidance, share knowledge, and help carers reflect and grow in their roles. Sharon is an excellent advocate for children and carers alike, and is always solution-focused, emotionally attuned and grounded in the realities of fostering.

Whether supporting a young person through crisis or helping a carer feel confident in their approach, Sharon brings humour, heart, and a strong belief in the power of relationships to transform lives.