Meet Our Team

Hello, my name is Sara. I am the Registered Manager for the agency, I joined the Starz Fostering team in July 2022. I work Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm and I also provide cover out of hours as a member of the team on the ‘on call’ rota. I am a qualified Social Worker and I am passionate about supporting children and young people and those who care for them.

I have worked with children and young people and/or their parents/carers for nearly 30 years initially volunteering as a Youth Worker prior to working in residential childcare, in a short breaks team for children with a disability, within a fostering team at the local authority and an Independent Fostering Agency before joining the team at Starz Fostering. 

If you would like to find out more information about fostering and the support and guidance, we provide at Starz Fostering please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.

Hello, I’m Nicky Starenczak. I am a Director for Starz Fostering. I was in care myself both residential and foster care. I then worked for N.A.Y.P.I.C , which was the National association for young people in care.

I always knew I wanted to become a foster care, rather than have my own children and once settled with my partner we began our 21-year journey of fostering. We have fostered many children who have all needed different things from us. We have 8 children who call us mum and dad and 5 that decided to take our last name as their own. Wanting the best opportunities for children in care and keeping them safe is my passion. I currently live with my partner and 3 staying put young people, 2 of whom are at university. I am proud to be a CEP & Foster mum.

I am excited to see Starz light the way in changing the way IFA’s support young people leaving care. If anyone out there is interested in becoming a foster carer, please get in touch.

Hello I'm Lisa Whiting. I'm a Director of Starz. I live in Norfolk with my husband and my youngest son, my other children are all grown up and live near. I'm a nanny to 3 beautiful grandchildren.

I work with young people who suffer with mental health issues. I've also worked with people who have learning disabilities. I enjoy working with children, young people and adults alike. I have 6 dogs of all different breeds and have rescued 3 of them from Spain. I'm dedicated to our ethos at Starz and look forward to meeting and helping each and everyone of our new Starz along their amazing journey with us.

Hi, my name is Zoe Key. I am one of the Directors for Starz. I have worked with many children over the years and have really enjoyed making a difference. I spend some of my time looking after adults with learning disabilities.

I enjoy putting back in the community.

 I love spending my spare time with horses and travelling. I have 3 grown up daughters including twins. My daughters live away from home now as they are all following their own dream, working and living family lives. I have 1 grandson and another on the way.

Hi, my name is Lizzie, I am the Administrator for Starz Fostering. I work part time Monday to Friday 9.30am to 2pm.

At home I love card making and generally anything crafting. I have one son and a cat called Chewie. We called him Chewie as he makes noises just like Chewbacca from Star Wars!!.

My name is Mary, and I am the Agency Decision Maker for Starz. This means that I am involved in deciding whether adults who apply to be foster carers have been properly assessed and that they are the right people to do this important job.

I qualified as a Social Worker in the early 90’s and have worked mainly with children and young people during this time which has been a joy and a privilege. My fostering experience has now spanned over 13 years, 6 of which I was a Manager  for  a  medium  sized fostering agency. I am passionate about the recruitment and support of foster carers to provide high quality care and support to children who need a substitute family and I feel proud to be part of this agency with such sound core values and its unwavering commitment to carers and children.

Hello, my name is Andy Whiting. I am married to Lisa who is one of the Directors for Starz. I am delighted to join the Starz team as a volunteer Family Support Worker. My current job is serving in the British Army, I have now served in the Army for 35 years. I’m really excited about getting to know our Foster Carers and the children that they support.

I have 5 children, 3 of my own and 2 stepchildren. They are all adults now and have their own houses and families except for my youngest son who is now studying singing and song writing at BIMM University in Brighton.

I have 3 beautiful grandchildren, with two more, all being well, arriving this summer. I’m a huge Manchester United supporter. I have 6 dogs which keep me busy. I also enjoy raising money for charity. I have been selected on the Queens Summer Honours List and Kings New Year Honours List for separate awarded medals, for services to charity.

I’m really looking forward to working with the team and getting to know our Starz families.