Managing Director & registered manager DSL
Tracey Green
I have worked in health and social care for 28 years, with experience spanning a range of settings—from nursing homes caring for the elderly with dementia, to supporting adults with challenging behaviours and autism. I have also worked in independent living, assisting people in their own homes and shared housing, including those with learning difficulties and complex needs. Additionally, I have worked as a personal assistant, supporting adults with learning disabilities in everyday life, college, social activities, and holidays.
In 2010, I founded Bright Opportunities CIC and have since grown the organization to include three successful day centres. I also serve as the registered manager for two supported living schemes in the High Peak, a role I absolutely adore.
I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Bright Opportunities and the in house trainer in the administration of Buccal Midazolam for epilepsy management amongst many other roles.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, attending concerts , swimming, and walking my dog, Cassie. I love spending time with my friends and family, and I am especially proud of my two beautiful boys,
I love a good holiday and making memories.
Transport Manager & Support Worker, Administration
Barrie Green
My name is Baz, and I manage the transport arrangements for our clients, ensuring they are safely brought to and from the Day Centre. I also handle the payroll system and various administrative tasks.
As the in-house trainer for the ARC, I’m passionate about delivering quality training, which is a role I truly enjoy.
I find great fulfillment in providing care and support to our clients and take pride in making a positive impact.
Outside of work, I enjoy riding my eBike, spending time at the sauna, and swimming. I also love spending time with my dog and my two amazing kids.
Day Centre Manager
Sarah Cooper
Hi, my name is Sarah. I have worked in care since I left school, taking on various roles over the years. I have experience working with the elderly, in nurseries, and in the past, I was a Personal Assistant (PA) for children with learning and physical disabilities.
I now manage the Bright Opportunities Centre for adults with disabilities, a role I truly enjoy. I am passionate about providing person-centered care and manage a team of 20 skilled and dedicated care professionals. I am responsible for organizing the daily running of the centre and coordinating activities for our clients.
I have two boys, and on the weekends, I spend time watching my youngest play football.
Team Leader
Cheryl Starr
My name is Cheryl Starr, and I have been working with Bright Opportunities for 9 years. I have 15 years of experience working with people with learning disabilities, and I truly love what I do.
I am passionate about encouraging individuals to reach their full potential in a safe environment and helping them become integrated into the local community.
In my spare time, I enjoy wildlife, birdwatching, and walking in the countryside.
Team Leader/Fire Marshall
Tom Taylor
My name is Tom, and I’ve worked in care for around 12 years, which is something I truly enjoy. I take great pride in knowing that I’ve made a positive difference in someone’s life each day.
I have a laidback attitude towards work, and I enjoy having fun, but I’m also always ready to step up and do what’s necessary when the situation calls for it.
I have a wonderful family and am a full-time dad, so I understand the importance of balancing fun with being firm when needed.
I have many hobbies, including collecting figures, playing games, and watching films—interests that some of our service users share, and I enjoy incorporating these into my work. I’m also a fan of craft beer.
Team Leader
Julia Owen
My name is Julia, and I have worked for Bright Opportunities for approximately 4 years. With 27 years of experience as a support worker, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many of our service users. I enjoy cooking, walking, and spending time with my family.
I truly believe that Bright Opportunities is a wonderful place, filled with positivity for both staff and service users, and I absolutely love my job!
Team Leader
William Cooke
Hello, my name is Will. I have 7 years of experience working in the care field. I truly love my job, especially seeing everyone happy and thriving. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, walking, and playing music, particularly the piano.
Support Worker/Arc Trainer
Jo Brindley
Hi, I'm Crow! I have worked in elderly care for 26 years and decided to make a change to something fun and rewarding, which led me to Bright Opportunities 6 years ago.
I continue to learn so much in this role and absolutely love it.
I enjoy spending time with my family and my dogs. I hold my NVQ Level 2 and 3 in care and have completed the Train the Trainer course for ARC at Bright Opportunities, which I really enjoy. Sharing my skills and teaching the staff is something I'm truly passionate about.
Support Worker
Teresa Rosik
Hi, my name is Teresa and I have worked in care for 13 years. I like to go for long walks and swimming I also like gardening. I do a lot of baking and cooking and I also like to learn different skills.
Support Worker
Nicole Young
Hi, I'm Nicole Young. I worked as a mobile hairdresser around Buxton since leaving school, so I know almost everyone in the area. I’ve been working at Bright Opportunities for 3 years now, and I really enjoy the challenges and varied activities that come with the role.
I have two amazing little girls, and in my spare time, I enjoy swimming and socializing with my friends.
Support Worker
Kelly Furness
Hello, my name is Kelly I am 32 years old and have twin girls, husband, two dogs and a cat. I have 12 years of experience supporting people in the community and encouraging people to live happy & independent lives! I love my job it’s very rewarding and so glad I was given the opportunity to work at Bright Opps. I love going on holiday with my family and socialising with my friends.
Support Worker & Transport Support
Tim Peach
I’ve been working as a support worker for children and adults for 15 years. I have two beautiful children, and I enjoy spending time outdoors and walking. I love mountain biking, playing crown green bowls, and watching most sports.
Cheers,
Tim
Support Worker
Chelle Wynne
Hi my name is Chelle. I love my job as a support worker and find it extremely rewarding and I adore the clients. I treasure time with my 4 grandchildren and enjoy going on holiday in my converted van. I also enjoy Music lots and I was a DJ for 27 years in and around Buxton.
Support Worker
Millie Spencer
Hi, I am Millie, this is my first time working in care. my previous jobs were dog grooming and cafe work. I like to listen to music, go to concerts, spend time with animals and spend time with my partner.
Support Worker
Mary Lingard
Hi, I've spent the past 20 years on care, community and care home. Before care I worked with young people with behavioural problems, in a unit then later at school. Love travelling reading and swimming, but mostly my family time.
Support Worker
Josh Winterbottom
Hey, my name is Josh. I completed my studies in health and social care after leaving school, and I’ve always had a strong interest in helping others. I’ve been passionate about caring for people, and I’m excited to finally pursue a career in this field.
I’m eager to make a positive difference in the lives of those I support and am committed to learning and growing in my role. Outside of work, I enjoy dog walking and music, and I’m looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that come with this rewarding career.
Support Worker
Paige Robertson
Hi everyone, I’m Paige! I’m a fun, happy, and confident woman with a big heart. I enjoy playing darts, doing diamond art, and collecting Marilyn Monroe and skull artwork. Music is a big part of my life, and I love going to concerts. One of my favourite hobbies is playing board games and old classic retro video games.
I’m new to this line of work, and I’m excited and happy to be here. I’m always looking for a challenge, and one of my biggest dreams is to have a career that aligns with my personality and allows me to make a difference. Growing up around people with learning difficulties, I understand that they often need a little extra support, and I’m more than happy to offer that help. I’m grateful to be fulfilling my dream and am looking forward to supporting others in reaching theirs as well.
Support Worker
Catherine Ashby
Hello, my name is Catherine. I have been working at Bright Opportunities for 2 years as a support worker. My hobbies include cooking, crafting, going for walks, and anything Disney. I really enjoy spending time outdoors and being in nature.
Although I had never worked in care before, I was initially a bit nervous, but I’ve loved every moment since joining. I find great joy in working with both the clients and the staff, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience.
Support Worker
Grace Ball
Hi, I'm Grace! I enjoy my job at Bright Opportunities and find it very fulfilling.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends, as well as going to the gym.
I live with my mum, dad, and sister, and we get along really well. In my free time, I enjoy horse riding and going on holiday. I also absolutely love dogs!
Day Centre Staff
Maxine Gillbanks- Warnet
My name is Maxine , I have 4 grown up children and I have recently moved to Buxton from North Yorkshire.
I worked as a secondary school teacher for over 20 years and for the past 10 years I have been doing accounting and working with Adults with Learning difficulties. I love working with people and I enjoy helping clients with their developing their confidence and independence.
My hobbies are socialising, visiting family and friends and I also love amateur dramatics. I also like walking n swimming.
Volunteer
Margaret Newman
I worked in education for 23 years working with young people with learning difficulties/disabilities, after leaving the education sector I was lucky enough to be asked to manage Bright Opportunities
which was absolutely brilliant.
On my retirement I was asked if I wanted to become a volunteer I immediately agreed. I am married and have 3 wonderful children and 3 amazing Grandsons.
I am a football fanatic following my amazing team Macclesfield FC home and away.
I have a Labrador and enjoy walking in the countryside around Buxton. I love books and crossword puzzles. I like to think of the staff and clients as my extended family and adore them all.
Care Co-ordinator
Lucy McGrath
Hi my name is Lucy. I joined Bright Opportunities during my second year of university 3 years ago.
I have a BA honours in Education with SEN, Disability and Autism, and I have carried out many placements in schools and social care provisions.
I currently write care plans for our clients, and support new service users through their transition whether this be from their school or other provisions. I also work with other professionals to ensure our clients are supported using a multi disciplinary approach. I love spending time with my toddler, husband and our dogs creating memories and exploring new places.
Receptionist
Ricky Thompson
Hi, I'm Ricky, I've joined Bright Ops after working for 17 years at Waitrose as I needed a fresh challenge, and this company fits my ethos perfectly. I'll be the first person you see when you walk through the market street door greeting with a beaming smile and a zest for life. My main hobby is football, I follow Buxton FC home and away, my main other interests are stock car racing and I'm a regular at the track spectating, I also love walking which is brilliant, plus cricket and Formula 1, my main passion in life is to be an active part of the Buxton community and to make a real difference to people's life's with kindness and time for all
Allotment
Rachel Fletcher
My name is Rachel, I’ve worked for the NHS for 30 years, I enjoy spending time with my Grandson, I love being in the outdoors, I have 3 cats, Daisy my allotment cat, Phillip and Elizabeth at home and Brian the Lurcher my dog, I'm absolutely loving my new role with Bright Opportunities