The Family
Hazel Da Costa
Hazel’s career began in Adult Social Services in Kent, the largest local authority in England, where she worked in Enablement Services — supporting people to live independently and reduce their reliance on domiciliary care. From there, she moved onto purchasing, becoming Community Arranging Support Manager for the county. In this role, she led a team of 40 staff, working closely with health partners, integrated care boards, care providers, day centres and care homes. It was demanding work, but deeply fulfilling — Hazel felt proud to be serving her community.
After moving to Lincolnshire to raise her family, Hazel shifted into corporate services, managing portfolios of programmes and projects across Children’s Services, Adult Social Care and Health, and Asset Management. While the role sharpened her strategic skills, she missed the sense of direct impact. The politics weighed heavier than the people — and Hazel knew she wanted more.
That “more” became The Extra Daughter, launched in Spring 2025. Born out of a passion to bring empathy, trust, and a family-first approach into care, the vision was simple: to create the kind of service she would want for her own parents.
At home, Hazel and her husband are happily outnumbered by their two energetic children, whose schedules include tennis, horse riding, swimming, football — and just about any other activity they can squeeze in. When they’re not ferrying kids around, you’ll find the family exploring the Midlands or knee-deep in their latest project: renovating their home in Grantham. The house is shaping up beautifully, though Hazel jokes the garden may never truly win its war against weeds.
Hazel brings not just professional expertise, but lived experience, warmth, and drive to The Extra Daughter — blending the heart of a family member with the know-how of someone who understands the care system inside out.
Nicola Harrington
Nicola has spent her career making connections that matter. She spent the majority of her career as a teaching assistant in special needs schools, where her patience, empathy, and natural ability to bring out the best in children shone through. Later, moving to home-to-school transport, she discovered just how powerful her skills could be: using Makaton, Nicola opened up morning conversations with a non-verbal child who had gone years without being able to chat to transport staff. Moments like these define Nicola— she makes people feel seen, valued, and understood.
Outside of work, Nicola pours her energy into her community and her family. She is an active member of her church, helping to run the local youth group, and a proud mum of three, always cooking up new adventures for them — whether that’s a fishing trip, a surprise afternoon tea, or something completely unexpected.
A keen traveller, Nicola splits her time between the UK and her beloved Dalyan in Turkey. An expert planner, she’s gathered more travel tips and recommendations than most travel agents (though we’re glad she chose to work with us instead!). Whether you need advice on a good day out, a hidden gem for dinner, or a sunny spot abroad, Nicola is your go-to.
Warm, adventurous, and endlessly caring, Nicola brings not only experience but a zest for life to every person she supports.
Michael Da Costa
Michael brings over two decades of experience in logistics, operations, and transport management, with a proven track record leading large teams and managing complex fleets across retail, e-commerce, and passenger services. Croydon born and raised, he’s built his career from the ground up — starting on the shop floor and steadily moving into senior leadership roles with roles including supermarket home delivery operations manager, public transport services manager. Since relocating to Lincolnshire, Michael has worked in special and disabled home-to-school transport, and logistics special operations.
What sets Michael apart is not just his technical expertise but his people-first approach: he’s led teams and managed fleets of more than 1,500 colleagues, delivering to tens of thousands of households each week, and overseen services that support some of the most vulnerable in our communities. Efficiency, safety, and process improvement are his bread and butter — but at his core, Michael is a people person, always putting others first.
Away from work, Michael is a true family man. Raising two daughters is the joy (and daily challenge) of his life, his proudest role by far. He’s also never far from an engine — whether it’s cars, motorbikes, or anything with a bit of speed. Rest assured, though, he saves his need for adrenaline for his hobbies, not the company car park.
In short, Michael is the steady pair of hands (and the sharp mind) that keeps everything moving smoothly behind the scenes.