Meet The Founders
Monique Anthony…
…is a qualified social worker with 15 years of safeguarding practice and management experience. She has worked in various parts of children’s services including fostering and adoption. Monique is a Practice Educator which means she has served as a mentor and supervisor for social work students during their field placements. She has provided guidance, support, and feedback to help students integrate theory into practice, develop professional skills, and meet learning objectives while adhering to ethical standards and professional guidelines.
As an independent social worker her area of expertise includes specialist parenting assessments (PAMS, ParentAssess); the recruitment and assessment of prospective adopters and foster carers as well as creating and running training courses related to child protection and special guardianships.
Aimee Ellenor…
…is a qualified Social Worker with over 15 years of practice in Children’s Social Care. Aimee has extensive experience in safeguarding and care planning working within; Local Authorities, as an Independent Social Worker and as a Children’s Guardian.
She has written policy for best practice using Family Group Conferencing, led and managed the practice development and rollout of the DofE pilot Lifelong Links for a London Local Authority. Aimee has a passion for working with young people and care leavers directly as well as by challenging and supporting systems to ensure that young people can achieve their goals.
Combined…
…Aimee and Monique have 30 years experiences as social workers and managers within various local authorities. They have gained a deep understanding of the needs of vulnerable children and families, enabling them to provide tailored support and interventions. Their experience in working with diverse populations allows for a holistic approach that considers cultural, social, and emotional factors.
Their experience enhances the quality of care and decision-making within the home. With shared responsibilities and perspectives, they effectively collaborate in developing policies, procedures and therapeutic approaches. This collaborative effort promotes consistency, continuity, and accountability in the care provided to children.
Moreover, two social workers as founders can create a supportive and professional work environment for staff, promoting teamwork, learning, and growth. Their expertise in case management, advocacy, and crisis intervention ensures that children receive comprehensive support to address their needs and achieve positive outcomes.
The founders believe this will lead to a well-rounded, responsive, and effective care environment that priorities the well-being and development of children in their care.
At Your Odyssey, the Secure Base Model is integral to our approach, prioritising secure attachments and emotional safety for young people aged 11-18. Staff serve as secure bases, providing support and consistency to foster trust and resilience. This framework ensures holistic support, empowering young people to explore and develop social-emotional skills within a nurturing environment. By underpinning all interactions and interventions, the model promotes long-term well-being and positive outcomes.
Our unique therapeutic care approach emphasises consistent parenting within a theoretical framework, fostering resilience and security. Recognising the importance of secure relationships, we strive to create a caregiving environment where youth feel safe and supported to navigate challenges and emotions. The Secure Base model, drawing from attachment theory, incorporates dimensions like Availability, Sensitivity, Acceptance, Co-operation, and Family Membership, each contributing to the child's development. Developed by Professor Gillian Schofield and Dr. Mary Beek, this model enhances our understanding of caregiving dynamics and their impact on youth outcomes. We are committed to providing a secure base for youth in our care, promoting their well-being and future success. For more information, visit the University of East Anglia's website or watching an introductory video.