Holmwood House Care Centre

I qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 2003 and became the Home Manager at Holmwood House.

Before my training, I worked in nursing and residential homes as a care worker, and as a student nurse did placements in the community care homes. I always loved the ‘homely’ feel of working in care homes rather than the clinical environments of hospitals, and that’s why I pursued a career in nursing in social care.

Since qualifying, I have been lucky enough to work in lots of outstanding care homes that specialise in palliative care, young adults with head injuries, MS and care of the elderly.

Being a nurse has enabled me to travel and visit different places in the UK, have a varied role, and continuously learn new skills. It has enabled me to learn how to communicate with people and care for them. I have been involved in numerous projects and pilots throughout my career, and am lucky enough to win ‘best nursing care’ in the UK care home awards.

I am a big advocate for Nursing in Social Care and have recently been involved in the teaching and learning in care homes project at Holmwood House, and currently a member of the Social Care Nursing Advisory Council for the East of England region and involved in the ‘This Nurse Can campaign at UEA.

Molly qualified as a nurse 21 years ago, fulfilling a lifelong ambition. Though initially planning to become a general nurse, she chose to specialise in mental health nursing – a decision that has shaped her career ever since.

She began working in forensic units, thriving in high-pressure settings and supporting individuals with challenging behaviours. Later, she transitioned into social care, where she discovered a passion for dementia support.

Molly has held senior roles, including Clinical Lead Nurse and Deputy Manager in a care home for residents with complex neurological needs. Her depth of experience and person-centred approach led her to join the nursing and management team at Holmwood House.

Outside of work, Molly enjoys time with her family and puppy, tending her allotment, and attending music festivals.
Proud to be a nurse, she feels privileged to support individuals living with dementia, delivering care that is compassionate, meaningful, and truly person-centred.

Dawn has been a qualified nurse for over 35 years and has worked at Holmwood House since 2005. Working clinical shifts as well as supporting the Registered Manager in her role means Dawn is able to oversee and support staff in excellent care delivery. Dawn has a great passion for Diabetes Care and is also very involved in the delivery of training.

Victoria brings over 35 years of customer service experience to her role as Administrator at Holmwood House. Her career began in the insurance industry, where she spent 23 years building a strong foundation in client care and operational support.
Transitioning to work for a decade in banking, Victoria assisted customers with a range of financial needs while delivering calm, supportive service. She then moved to serve as a Branch Administrator for a domiciliary care company, helping new staff settle in and overseeing daily operations.

Since joining Holmwood House in March 2025, Victoria has felt genuinely welcomed by residents, families, and the team. Her warmth, professionalism, and dedication make her a valued member of the home.
Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with family and friends, peaceful walks in the woods, and visits to the seaside to recharge and unwind.

Kayleigh Dillon

With a number of years of dedicated service at Holmwood House, Annie brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Catering Manager and Head Cook. Annie’s journey in the culinary field began with a strong foundation in catering studies, culminating in an NVQ Level 3 qualification.

She took a brief career pause in 2013 to welcome her two children but has remained committed to providing high-quality, nutritious meals in a warm, welcoming environment. Known for her bubbly and outgoing nature, Annie says she thrives on creating a positive atmosphere both in and out of the kitchen. Annie values a healthy work-life balance and believes this contributes to both professional excellence and personal happiness.

When she’s not at work, Annie loves to spend time with her children, exploring the outdoors through adventures, beach days, and forest walks.

Leon is a dedicated and experienced Group Facilities Lead with a strong background in maintenance, health and safety, and infection control within care settings. He is known for his proactive, approachable nature and effective communication skills. Leon oversees all facilities and domestic operations, conducts regular audits, and ensures compliance with training and safety standards within the group.

He delivers induction and mandatory training for staff and maintains accurate records for auditing purposes. Always willing to learn new skills, Leon recently enhanced his expertise with a Level 2 Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control and Legionella Awareness training. His additional qualifications include pest management, risk assessment, environmental protection, law and sustainable development, as well as energy management and mental health first aid.

Outside of work, Leon is a proud supporter of Bristol’s rugby team, enjoys walking his dogs, swimming, and raising money for charity.

Born in Póvoa de Varzim, a coastal town in northern Portugal, Irene moved to England with her husband in 2002 and is a proud mother of two daughters.

She joined Holmwood House in 2020 as a House keeper and was promoted to Head of House keeping in 2021. In this role, she leads the domestic team and oversees all aspects of cleaning and laundry, ensuring the home is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort.

With extensive experience in hygiene and quality control, Irene previously worked at Bernard Matthews for over a decade, progressing from cleaner to team leader and Quality Controller. She was responsible for staff training in food hygiene, allergens, and health and safety, and often supported management by translating Portuguese to English.

Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering at the local school, walking, crafting, listening to music, and spending time with her daughters – ideally with coffee and chocolate in hand.