Our Team

Sarah is the founder Director of Karuna Living driving the setting up of this care provision. Working with her co Director Tracey and Registered manager, Simon, she has steered the development of the business over the last 3 years. Her focus is directed internally as she oversees many of the strategic, financial and business support aspects of the company. As the Nominated Individual for Karuna Living she is also responsible for maintaining the standards set by the CQC.

Sarah has a medical background but set up and continues to run a Leadership Consultancy, Complete. with her husband Alan. This enables her to offer a depth of experience and guidance to our team to ensure the best possible solutions for our service users and support workers.

I believe that we are all capable of continuing to learn and develop – our children and ourselves.

Sometimes this requires us to have the courage to do things we think we are not capable of. Setting up Karuna Living happened because there was no suitable provision available for our children. We had the choice to accept that or not, we chose to find our own solution.

But we don’t need to feel alone when we step out into the unknown and I am thankful for all the guides we continue to find along the way and in particular for the support of family and friends.

Tracey has always been passionate about travel and had a long career in the travel and tourism industry before deciding to change her career path when making the move to Ringwood.

Tracey found a role as admin support in a local special needs school, and this role resonated for her as she has always been closely involved in supporting her son Scott’s needs. This involved working closely with specialists, engaging private therapists, and making her own resources to enable his development.

At the school Tracey’s networking skills made her the natural hub for other parents to gravitate to. She brings the same energy to her role at Karuna Living by bringing the team together, managing all our HR and recruitment and leading on Health and safety.

Tracey joins Sarah as a Director of Karuna Living and works closely with her on all the strategic and business management tasks. She also works alongside Simon the registered manager on the day to day tasks.

We are immensely grateful for the high standards, organisational skills and experience Tracey brings to Karuna Living and for her courage to take a leap of faith and take on this role.

I never imagined I would be brave enough to take on such a huge challenge!

Setting up Karuna Living has been exciting, and terrifying in equal measures. The wish to see my son fulfil his potential has given me the determination to make this venture a success, and I feel privileged to be working alongside such a fantastic team of professionals.

I now feel confident in saying that the future is bright for our very special young people, having created a unique and loving environment which is the Karuna Living family.

I believe that everyone needs a chance to thrive. In 2005 I started my journey into the social care sector! Wow how things have changed.

I have had the most fantastic opportunities and people believing in me, giving me the chance to get where I am today. Joining this quest to build Karuna Living must be the biggest and best opportunity that I’ve ever been given, seeing our beautiful boys flourish every day in every aspect.

From day one to present day, I can only explain this as a mind-blowing experience which I am extremely proud to be named the registered manager of.

I have been supporting people with autism for 15 years. I am at my happiest outdoors either walking, running or climbing or out on the water somewhere.

Joining Karuna Living has allowed me to continue my passion of supporting people to achieve their potential in a fun and caring environment.

I have worked at Karuna Living since January 2022. I switched from specialist education to being a Karuna Companion for a new challenge. I enjoy supporting these wonderful “boys” to have as many fun and exciting opportunities as they can! In my own time I like to travel and hang out with friends

I believe that there is something more than just school and college settings where learning can be achieved. Although I have been lucky enough to have worked with the “boys” in their educational settings, I now have the privilege of joining Karuna Living for the new exciting pathways into their adult lives.

When I’m not at work you will find me in the depths of the local forests walking my dogs or kayaking at Christchuch which is a special area to me and my grandchildren.

I am looking forward to our next chapter!