Our Senior Leadership Team is comprised of experienced individuals from a range of professional backgrounds, who all work collectively to deliver the strategic goals and vision of Silver Birch Care (Residential Services). Learn more below.
Karim Lalani
Chief Executive
Karim has over 40 years’ experience of founding and running successful businesses with prudent fiscal management and capitalisation, from start-ups, to retail and healthcare. He strives to help vulnerable groups in society wherever possible. SBC(RS) is run as a controlled multi-site growth programme to develop high quality education in Peterborough and regionally respected Ofsted regulated children’s care services across the UK.
Rebecca Ouellani
Director of Operations
Rebecca has worked in children’s care for over 14 years and has held several positions within this sector, including residential care specialising in supporting children with emotional difficulties, learning disabilities, and challenging behaviours. She has a range of qualifications including Diploma 5 NVQ 4 in Management, and NVQ 4 in Health and Social Care, ILM Level 5, and BTEC Level 4 in Education and Training.
Greg Lapham
Corporate Development Director
Greg has over 20 years of experience in adult and children’s specialist services at executive level. He has an extensive background of developing new business, and is experienced in creating and enhancing brands with a primary focus on exceeding expectations for service delivery, whilst ensuring optimum commercial performance, growth, and most importantly, improving outcomes for young people.
Shazia Lalani
Marketing Director
Shazia has a broad range of B2B and B2C Marketing experience gained from several years of working across companies in professional services and retail. She has a Professional Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and is skilled in digital marketing, end-to-end campaign project management, PR, events, and client relationship management.
Craig Wallace
Operations Manager & Responsible Individual
Craig has worked in social care settings for over 17 years, working with and supporting children in an EBD setting. He has previously also been part of a front-line crisis intervention team. Craig has a range of qualifications including Diploma 5 in Leadership and Management in the care of Children & Young People.
Mariam Gbaja
Registered Manager (Magnolia House)
Mariam has over 20 years of experience working in the social care sector. She is currently undertaking Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, and her other qualifications include MSc Criminology with Forensic Psychology, BA Honors Criminal Justice & Criminology, Level 4 NVQ Social Care, Level 4 NVQ Registered Managers Award, Diploma in Psychodynamic and Person-Centred Counselling.
Folashade Olayiwole
Registered Manager (Acacia House)
Folashade has 11 years’ experience working within residential homes for children, young people and adults with complex needs, learning disabilities, autism, and mental health. Folashade has various qualifications including Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People, BSc in Psychology with Counselling, and is currently enrolled on Level 5 Diploma Leadership and Management in residential services.
Mandy Ohenhen
Registered Manager (Olive House)
Mandy has 8 years’ experience working in the Health and Social Care sector with children and young people. Mandy has various qualifications including Level 5 Diploma and Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care in Children and Young People’s Services, Bachelors in Law, and MBA in Business Management
Shannel Espuet
Registered Manager (Acorn House & Hazel House)
Shannel has 12 years’ experience in the health and social care sector. She has worked with children and young people with varying behavioural needs, county lines, asylum seekers, complex needs, and learning disabilities. Shannel is currently undertaking her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management in Health & Social Care in Children & Young People in a residential setting.
Abs Latif
Head of HR & Payroll
Abs has over 15 years’ experience in developing, recruiting, inducting, training, and leading teams. His expertise spans the entire HR lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding, to talent development and employee engagement. His qualifications include a Degree in Computer Communication and IT, HR Management – Advance, and GDPR Practitioner.
Karen Fowler
Placements Manager
Karen has extensive experience within the children and young people’s social care industry. She has in-depth knowledge and skills in safeguarding, and experience with building excellent rapport with young people and Local Authority placement teams across England. Her qualifications include BA Hon Psychosocial Studies, HE Diploma – Social Work and Community Work, and Level 3 Designated Safeguarding.
Dr Kamal Khan
Group Head of Systems Development & Data
Kamal has extensive experience in developing and establishing quality management systems, based on a variety of national and international accreditation standards. He was previously an internal auditor and science teacher, and has a Doctorate in Finance, BSc (Hons) Pharmacology, and Masters in Business Administration & Quality Management System.
Kazim Kassam
IT & AI Specialist
Kazim is an experienced web developer specialising in full-stack development with over six years of expertise across both MERN and LAMP stacks. He excels in building dynamic, user-focused websites that drive engagement and business growth. Skilled in front-end technologies like React and Vue.js, and back-end frameworks including Node.js, Python, and PHP, Kazim has a proven track record of delivering tailored solutions to meet diverse business needs.
Ganesh Kandiapillai
Finance Manager
Ganesh is a highly qualified Accountant with over 25 years of retail and industry experience. He is skilled in managing the complete accounting cycle of control, planning, budgeting, and reporting of companies. He qualifications include CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting, and BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance.
Edwin Maharaj
Head of Facilities
Edwin has over 13 years experience in the social housing sector and retail management. He specialises in setting up new homes, managing maintenance issues, and all aspects relating to health and safety/ compliance. He is a qualified ISOH inspector, and his qualifications include IOSH Managing Safely, NVQ in Customer Services Level 2, and FAA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work.
Jade Waterman
Training Manager
Jade has held various operational and managerial roles across Children’s Homes and Supported Accommodation services. She holds a Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management (Distinction) and a Level 3 Award in Education and Training. She is also a certified Level 2 Safeguarding Train the Trainer, Fire Marshal Trainer, and Emergency First Aid at Work Trainer.
Marie Bliss
Executive Assistant
Marie spent 18 years as an EA at Tesco, supporting Government Affairs, Corporate Responsibility, and Group Communications. Alongside her role, she volunteered as a mentor for women in prison and later with SHOUT 24/7. Over the past two years, Marie embraced new challenges, including working with patients on a CAMHS ward, and contributing to The Medical Research Network.
