Chief Operating Officer – Kerri Davies
Kerri serves as Chief Operating Officer at Newmarket Open Door, bringing extensive operational and leadership experience from the health and social care sector. Prior to stepping into the COO role in April 2025, she served as Operations Executive within the organisation, contributing to service delivery and operational development at a strategic level.
With a background in regulatory leadership, Kerri was previously the CQC-registered individual responsible for regulatory compliance of highly complex services supporting individuals with profound disabilities and significant health needs, ensuring safe, person-centred care in line with regulatory standards.
A passionate advocate for grassroots impact, Kerri combines strategic oversight with a hands-on, values-led approach. At Newmarket Open Door, she plays a central role in delivering the charity’s mission, overseeing service delivery, compliance, and organisational development.
Outside of her professional role, Kerri finds balance in nature and values time spent with her family.
Accommodation and Business Support Manager – Tracey Dove
Tracey began her journey with Newmarket Open Door in October 2000 as a volunteer, taking a career break to raise her young family. After six months of dedicated service, she transitioned into a staff role as a support worker. Over the years, her responsibilities grew and evolved, and today she serves as the Administration and Business Support Manager.
Having witnessed the transformation of Portland House, from its early days in 1999 with just seven bedspaces to its current nineteen, Tracey has been a steady presence through countless changes. One of her greatest joys is seeing former residents flourish, many of whom she still sees around town, thriving in their new chapters.
Outside of work, Tracey finds happiness in singing with a local choir, enjoying holidays, spending quality time with her granddaughter, and walking her beloved dog.
Service Manager – Sonia Paxton
Sonia began her career in the equine industry, spending 35 years teaching riders, training horses, and earning qualifications including a BSc (Hons) in Animal Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Equine Physical Therapy. She later worked in the NHS as a medical secretary, completed the CRUSE Bereavement Counselling course, and moved into the welfare sector.
After serving as a Welfare Officer for a local charity, gaining the Welfare Diploma from the Defense Medical Welfare Service, Sonia developed strong expertise in working with housing providers and supporting people in need.
Since joining Newmarket Open Door in 2017, Sonia has led our services for homeless young people, helping them secure safe, permanent housing and develop the skills and confidence to maintain it. Sonia works closely with residents to create tailored support plans and partners with West Suffolk Council, social services, probation, police, NHS, and training providers to connect young people with the opportunities they need to succeed.
Sonia’s work is central to our mission, bridging the gap between immediate housing needs and lasting independence. Outside of work, Sonia enjoys studying animal and human behaviour and begins each day walking her daughter’s dog through the woods near her home.
Retail and Community Outreach Manager – Brett Callaby
Brett brings over 20 years of experience in sales and business development, having held senior positions including Sales Director and Business Manager. During his 15 years with a leading organisation in Scotland, he was instrumental in building and leading a high-performing team, delivering sustained growth and measurable results.
At Newmarket Open Door, Brett leads both our retail operations and community outreach. As the public face of the charity in many settings, he plays a key role in networking, building partnerships, and representing our work at events, conferences, and community forums. Brett works to integrate our retail activities with the support we provide in our accommodation services, ensuring that fundraising, awareness, and service delivery are connected for maximum impact.
By forging strong relationships with local businesses, organisations, and stakeholders, Brett helps expand our reach, raise our profile, and create new opportunities for collaboration that directly benefit the young people we support.
Outside of work, Brett enjoys spending time with his young family and caring for his disabled son, Archie, who is his daily inspiration.