Zia is a graduate from Oxford University (Saïd Business School) and holds his Level 7 and Level 8 diplomas in Strategic Management & Leadership. Zia also completed his PhD in Education and has been a visionary in school leadership and management around the world, building on his science background. Also a former SAR helicopter pilot for the UN (DESA Africa), Zia is dedicated to improving the welfare of those in need and fulfilling humanitarian work through his partner charities.
Melanie brings many years of experience in establishing care homes and providing specialised education. Her expertise spans the complex and evolving landscape of therapeutic child care.
Before establishing Bayleaf Care, she worked in education across Europe and the Middle East in teaching and school management roles. A qualified English teacher, she also holds an MA in International Education, and is currently completing her Level 7 in Senior Leadership.
Under her leadership, Bayleaf Care applies a trauma-informed, relationship-based model of care built around the PACE framework, with a multidisciplinary in-house team delivering tailored therapeutic and educational support to create a bespoke wraparound care service.
Wayne graduated with a degree with Honours in French with Teaching Studies from the University of Surrey: Roehampton Institute in July 1994, after which he commenced his teaching career. His roles have ranged from class teacher to Interim Executive Headteacher. He is currently a headteacher of a large, urban infant school in the London Borough of Croydon. The school is characterised by its high levels of pupils and families with English as an additional language.
Amongst numerous awards and qualifications, Wayne has acquired his National Professional Qualification in Headship (NPQH) and more recently, his National Professional Qualification in Executive Headship in 2021 (NPQEL).
Currently, Wayne has undertaken an MSc in Health and Social Care and will be overseeing the education and staff training at Bayleaf Care.
Dr Usmaan qualified as a dentist from the University of Manchester and has joined the Bayleaf team as the Director of Business & Finance. He has a strong understanding of business and finance having run his own company successfully. To further his understanding will be enrolling with the University of Oxford’s Said business school on their course.
Dr Usmaan is passionate about the Bayleaf vision and the model of care we provide. He is keen to make sure every young person is looked after well and will not compromise on their care.
Dee has a Degree in Economics and has spent the past 36 years as the director of a very successful corporate finance business. Dee has also been an Operations Director for a property development company in the UK and Ireland. Dee is currently involved in advising high net worth foreign investors in the acquisition of UK land and property and is hoping to use his skills to improve the living conditions of vulnerable children.
Laura has over 24 years experience working in the children’s residential sector within various roles, progressing from residential support worker to Director of Operations. She has also worked as part of a quality team supporting other registered managers to improve the quality of service delivery within their homes.
Her experience predominantly lies with autism and learning disabilities however this expands to EBD, SEMH and complex health needs.
Laura is passionate about providing the best possible care for children and young people allowing ample opportunities to have positive and memorable experiences
Michelle has worked within the Children’s Residential Services since 2008 and has completed her Level 5 in Leadership and Management. Michelle has previous experience managing and RI over children’s homes and supporting Regional areas, gaining Good and Outstanding homes. with knowledge in Commissioning for Children’s homes.
Michelle has passion working in this field and providing high Quality Care to all young people and ensuring that staff development and knowledge is priority.
Taz is the registered manager of Yew Tree. She has over 21 years experience supporting children and young people predominantly with a diagnosis of autism, learning difficulties, challenging behaviour and other associated complex/health needs.
Taranjit is trained to level 5 equivalent in Care and Management and is a designated safeguarding lead.
She is passionate about the care she provides to children and has fulfilled many roles in Children’s Homes, within her career and through her development she has become a successful Deputy and Registered Manager in large Children’s Home.
