My name is Morleen (Molly) Nyirenda Okolonji. I am the founder of Help Handz Child Contact Centre and Women of Substance Community Organization and the author of Ultimate Childcare Manual, Beauty Within, and Childminder Business Planner. I am a proud mother of three amazing boys, a wife, an older sister, an award-winning entrepreneur and a businesswoman from the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
My expertise is not merely limited to the field of Child Care. I have a fusion of experiences, from taking up leadership roles to peeking into academia. I started my professional journey as a school teacher back in 2006. I had the opportunity to take up and lead different managerial roles during my placements in education. Embracing motherhood was a transitioning phase that inspired me to pursue my career aspirations. Aiming to make the world a better place for children and families requiring support, I started my career as a social worker running a successful service of Child Contact centres.
Taking up the leadership roles gave me the critical experience that later helped me founding the Help Handz Child Contact Centre. Embracing motherhood and watching my boys growing up was yet another experience of what I call "enhanced empathy", which invoked my interest in assisting families whose children have unfortunately been separated from them. To make this dream come true, I collaborated with local Child Services Authorities, Attorneys, Cafcass, and private referral sources to provide family support services. As part of my daily responsibilities, I collaborate with social services, including social workers and other child protection multi-agencies, to ensure the implementation of efficient family support services. I believe my strong leadership attributes have led me to where I am today.