Meet The Ops!

Head of Operations

Lauren Wraight

I began my journey in care at 17, starting in 2010 as a cleaner in a dementia nursing home. That role only lasted a few months—not due to lack of commitment, but because I spent more time talking to residents than cleaning! Thankfully, someone recognised my potential and offered me a role as a care worker instead.

From there, I threw myself into the sector, working long hours across days and nights to progress through the roles of Team Leader and Care Team Manager.

In 2014, I joined LDC as an Assistant Manager of Care. It was here I truly fell in love with social care, discovering a deep passion for supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs—something I hadn’t realised before. I initially managed our Ashford locations, later expanding to support services in Dover too.

With LDC’s support, including funding for my QCF Level 5 and leadership development, I was promoted to Manager of Care in 2016. A highlight was managing The Glen, which achieved an Outstanding CQC rating in 2018—a proud moment that reflected the hard work of a dedicated team.

As LDC continued to grow, I was fortunate to grow with it—supporting new patches, shaping service developments, and stepping into the Operations Manager role. With continued guidance from the senior team, I developed a wider, company-level perspective.

Today, as Head of Operations, I’m proud to support our entire organisation. I remain as passionate as ever about creating meaningful, positive change—and I love every minute of what I do.

Head of Oak Operations

Jim Wilby

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Head of Pine Operations

Mark Reay

I began my social care career in the mid-90s as a support worker, and over my 30-year career I have seen major improvements in social care and worked my way up to higher management. Most of my experience has been supporting individuals with autism, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and behaviours that can challenge. I joined LDC in October 2024, where the company stood out from other care providers through its personalised approach to the individuals it supports and its focus on building and utilising staff skills.

I am currently overseeing Pine Patch, where I have a fantastic, hardworking team supporting complex but wonderful individuals.

Head of Buisness Development 

Jack Wraight

I first joined LDC Care Company in 2014 as a Night Support Worker. Over the past eleven years, I’ve had the opportunity to progress through a number of roles, including Team Leader, Deputy Manager, Registered Manager, and Operations Manager. Each step of my journey has helped me build the knowledge and experience I now bring to my role as Head of Business Development. Along the way, I’ve been proud to receive five industry awards, recognising my commitment to the care sector. My career has always been focused on supporting business growth so that we can continue to provide the very best support to the people we support.

Head of Birch Operations

Jessie Smissen

I began my career with work experience in a 42-bed elderly residential home while studying for my Level 3 in Health and Social Care. After completing university placements in London hospitals, I realised the NHS wasn’t the right fit and joined LDC as a Support Worker. I supported complex female clients with personality disorders and challenging behaviour. Within 4 months, I was promoted to Team Leader, and after 14 months, became an Assistant Service Delivery Manager. A year later, I progressed to Registered Manager in Birch patch, supporting individuals with mental health conditions, forensic history, and complex needs. After six and a half years, I was appointed Birch Operations Manager, helping individuals transition from prison or secure hospitals into the community through employment, volunteering, and skills development. I find the work incredibly rewarding and am proud to help people improve their quality of life.

Head of Maple Operations

Sharon McMillan

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