Elaine Ricketts is a dedicated and passionate Case Manager at AKA Case Management in Walsall, West Midlands. Her journey to this role is nothing short of inspiring, showcasing resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to personal growth.
A New Career Path
Elaine’s professional background spans over two decades in retail, where she worked her way up from entry-level roles to senior management positions at major companies like British Telecom and O2 Telefonica. During her time in retail, she developed a keen interest in mentoring, coaching, and project management, skills that have served her well in her current role. However, after years in the corporate world and a significant personal turning point in her 40s, Elaine decided to pursue a new career path.
In 2011, she made the courageous decision to return to education, enrolling in an Access to Higher Education course. This led her to pursue a BSc in Psychology at Wolverhampton University, a decision that would set the stage for her current career in case management. Elaine’s interest in neuropsychology, particularly the effects of brain injuries, began to take shape during her studies, and she soon realised that this was the field she wanted to explore further.
From Support Worker to Case Manager
While completing her degree, Elaine began working as a support worker for a case management company. This role gave her firsthand experience in working with individuals with acquired brain injuries and introduced her to the world of case management. It was during this time that Elaine’s passion for the field solidified, and she set her sights on becoming a Case Manager.
In 2017, Elaine graduated with a first-class degree in Psychology and was offered a position at AKA Case Management as an Assistant Case Manager. Her dedication and drive saw her quickly rise through the ranks, and today, she plays a pivotal role in supporting clients with complex needs.
A Passion for Making a Difference
Elaine’s passion for helping others shines through in her work at AKA. She speaks highly of the company’s family-oriented environment and the genuine care they provide, not only to clients but also to their staff. She appreciates the supportive and collaborative atmosphere, which allows her to contribute to the well-being of both her clients and her colleagues.
Her role at AKA involves navigating the complexities of case management, where no two days are the same. She likens her work to sailing—’sometimes it’s smooth, but other times, storms come unexpectedly, and it’s our job to steer the course back to calm waters’. Elaine thrives in this environment of unpredictability, finding fulfilment in the challenges and rewards of helping clients on their recovery journeys.
Looking Forward
Elaine’s future goals involve continuing her professional development. She has a keen interest in neuroscience, particularly the connection between acquired brain injuries and long-term conditions like dementia. She is also heavily involved in training and mentoring within AKA, running development meetings and assisting with HR responsibilities.
Elaine’s journey to becoming a Case Manager is a testament to her resilience, passion, and drive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Her unique blend of personal and professional experiences has shaped her into a compassionate and effective advocate for her clients, and we are lucky to have her on our team.
Life Beyond Work
Outside of her professional life, Elaine is a devoted mother and grandmother. She treasures the time she spends with her three children and grandchildren.
A big fan of personal growth, Elaine takes full advantage of her four-day work week, using her extra time to focus on mental health and well-being. She loves to escape to quaint villages, enjoy a good meal, and explore antique shops during her monthly getaways. Elaine shared this fab photo of her trip to Liverpool.
Elaine is also planning for future adventures—her dream is to own a VW campervan and explore the scenic routes of the UK, particularly the South Coast and Scotland. True to her adventurous spirit, she’s ready to jump into this dream, knowing that life’s experiences, even unexpected ones, are often the most rewarding.
Elaine Ricketts exemplifies what it means to embrace change, pursue passion, and continuously strive for growth—both in her career and in her personal life.