Our heads of service

Alex

Alex Kaitell

Head of Corporate Parenting.

Hi, my name is Alexsandra Kaitell, however most people call me Alex. I joined Medway Children’s Services in September 2022, as Head of Corporate Parenting.

I completed my Social Work qualification in Liverpool. However, I always say I grew up as a social worker in a number of London boroughs and Essex.

I have 20 plus years’ experience of leading social work services, and I am excited to now lead Medway’s Corporate Parenting Service. I began my journey into social work as far back as 1988, undertaking voluntary work with homeless young people. I went on to qualify as a social worker in 1994 and have since held a variety of roles in statutory children’s services at operational and leadership levels.

Having spent over 30 years working in the public sector with children, young people, and families, I remain driven, passionate, and committed to ensuring those who are vulnerable in society, are seen, heard, protected, encouraged and supported to reach their potential. Through building strong relationships within Medway and with our partner agencies, I really want to ensure that our children and young people have every opportunity to succeed.

Kelly

Kelly Cogger

Head of First Response and Family Solutions.

I have worked within Medway Children’s Services for over 25 years. I started as a volunteer, and I qualified as a social worker in 2004. I have worked in many different social work teams within Children’s Services, and I gained my current role in July 2019. 

Ingrid

Ingrid Crisan

Head of Provider Services.

I am a social worker with 20 years’ experience in leading teams and delivering services to children and their families. I joined Medway in 2019 and I currently lead the Provider Services portfolio. I am proud of the extensive support that we offer to children in Medway through the Youth Service, Parklands (the short breaks children home) and the Fostering Service. I am privileged to work with passioned practitioners who deliver innovative services through the multi-disciplinary service. 

Pauline

Pauline Naraine

Head of Service for Children’s Social Work and 0 to 25 Disability Team.

I qualified as a social worker in 1997, attaining the Diploma in Social Work at Mid-Kent college in Chatham. I began working for Medway Council Children’s Social Care in July 2022, so I have come full circle from where my social work career first began. I cannot believe I have been qualified for so many years!

Social work has always been my passion, and whilst it might sound clichéd, it is a job and career that l love. I enjoy working and leading services where we share the same values in making a difference and improving outcomes for children and young people and their families. Building and sustaining relationships, listening, empowering, and ensuring that the child or the young person is at the heart of any focused intervention and work we do has a significant and positive impact.

In my free time I spend time with my family and became a 'glammy' not granny in 2021! I love travelling with my favourite destinations being Cuba and Barbados. I also enjoy going to the theatre, the gym and when I have time reading, with one of my favourite writers being Maya Angelou. So in Maya’s words remember…. every journey begins with a single step.

Becky

Becky Cooper

Head of Safeguarding and Quality Assurance for Medway Children’s Services.

I qualified in social work in 1995 and joined Medway at the beginning of September 2019. Before moving to Medway, I worked for Kent County Council where I was the Head of Service for Safeguarding and Quality Assurance for Children’s Social Work Services. I have a 27-year social work career that followed my youth-work days in Brixton, south London.

I seek to bring knowledge and experience in building a culture where managed risk is accepted and understood. And I'm passionate about developing a culture of learning, reflection and acceptance of accountability within complex organisations. I aim to promote kindness and believe in the power of human relationships. Working together to serve the children, young people, families and communities across Medway is at the centre of my service’s work.