Heathland House

What I Do
It is my role to ensure that Heathland House is a place where both residents and staff can thrive and feel happy. I oversee the day-to-day running of the home while equipping our heads of departments with the tools and support they need to excel in their roles. I enjoy collaborating with others and fostering positive connections across the home, creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and motivated.

My Experience
I hold a Level 5 qualification in Health and Social Care, a BSc in Psychology, and an MSc in Conservation and Biology. I have over 10 years of experience as a Care Home Manager in the Dorset area, during which I successfully developed two services from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ CQC-rated homes. I have extensive experience in using positive behaviour support to help individuals flourish in residential care. My previous role was as Registered Manager of the largest elderly care home in Dorset. At Heathland House, I am now combining my expertise in quality care with the luxury and comfort our home provides, creating an environment that exceeds expectations.

About Me
I live by the sea with my young family. We enjoy forest walks, dancing in the living room, and exploring creative activities together. I am a naturally positive person who enjoys finding solutions to complex challenges. I am passionate about learning—while I may not have all the answers, I am always willing to find them.

What I Do
My name is Mary Stepin, and I am the Deputy Manager at Heathland House, having joined the team in December 2022. I work closely with the General Manager to ensure that residents, their families, and our staff team are fully supported. My role is focused on delivering a service that is personalised to the needs and wishes of each resident, fostering a caring and compassionate environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

My Experience
I began my career in Social Care in 1984 as a Care Assistant in a residential home run by Dorset Council, later transferring to the Borough of Poole following the reorganisation of local authorities. In 1996, I moved to Germany and worked at the Army Medical Centre, gaining valuable international experience. Upon returning to the UK, I joined a local Housing Association as a Registered Manager, where I developed Supported Living, Domiciliary Care, and Extra Care services for the community. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in managing care services and supporting both residents and staff to achieve the highest standards of care.

About Me
I am married with five children and four grandchildren. Football has always been a passion of mine—growing up, I played informally with friends and at school when girls weren’t officially allowed to play. While living in Germany, I managed several children’s teams, and now I enjoy watching the game from the terraces as a season ticket holder with AFC Bournemouth. Outside of football, I love spending quality time with my family and attending music concerts.

What I Do
I am the Deputy Manager at Heathland House, overseeing the care floors to ensure residents receive the highest standards of support. My responsibilities include managing admissions and discharges, monitoring care plans, overseeing medication administration, and completing audits for the care elements of the service. I also supervise and support our dedicated care team, fostering a positive, professional environment where residents’ well-being is always the top priority.

My Experience
I have 18 years of experience in the care sector, beginning with supporting children with autism in schools and later assisting adults with disabilities living in the community. I then transitioned into residential care, gaining experience in both a nursing home and a dementia care home. Before joining Heathland House, I served as Deputy Manager in a large mixed dementia and residential home for another provider for two years, further developing my leadership and care management skills.

About Me
I am an animal lover with a large herd of guinea pigs, a small group of chickens, and two family dogs. I enjoy a range of crafts, including sewing, knitting, floristry, candle making, and decoupage. I also cherish spending quality time with my family and socialising with friends, balancing my professional life with the hobbies and relationships that bring me joy.

I would love to welcome you for a visit at Heathland House, as part of my role is to help people find the right care and support in their later years and to help you through what can be a hard task, especially if you have not been in the position of caring for a loved one before or you do not know what support or help is available.

Having supported two of my own family members to find the right care for them in previous years and been involved in older persons' housing for longer than I would like to mention, it would be a privilege to assist you in your search.

My past experience has also been within an estate agency as well as residential care, which gives me the insight to signpost you to advice and support.

Living close to Heathland House in the New Forest, I am able to enjoy all that this beautiful location has to offer and am ably placed to share my knowledge with you.

What I Do
As the Wellbeing and Lifestyle Lead, I am responsible for ensuring that all residents have access to engaging, enjoyable, and meaningful activities throughout the day. I take pride in listening to each resident, tailoring activities to their individual preferences and interests. I also strive to ensure that every activity reflects Cinnamon’s core values and high standards by incorporating both physical and mental stimulation to support and enhance each resident’s cognitive and physical well-being.

My Experience
Before joining Heathland House, I gained valuable experience across a variety of unique roles. My passion for theatre began early, and I worked as a children’s entertainer at the Sandbanks Hotel while completing my BA Honors degree in musical theatre. At 22, I chose to explore a different path, completing a master’s degree in Zoo Biology and beginning my career as a zookeeper, specialising in the care of large mammals.

Alongside this, I took on a role as a domiciliary carer, where I discovered a genuine passion for the care sector. This experience led me to a supervisory position within a domiciliary care company, which I enjoyed, but I knew I wanted a role that was more active and creative — a journey that ultimately brought me to Heathland House.

About Me
I grew up in Ferndown and moved to Southampton in 2017 to complete my university degree. I’ve stayed there ever since and now share my home with my two cats, Raya and Eva. I’m a very active person who loves a challenge — I regularly take part in running events, and my biggest goal will be completing the London Marathon in 2026. When I’m not on the move, I love getting lost in a good story, whether it’s in a book or at the cinema.

What I Do
I am the Head Chef at Heathland House, responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving fresh, seasonal, and nutritious meals. I create seasonal menus and lead the kitchen team to ensure every mealtime is not only delicious but also an enjoyable experience for our residents. My team and I take pride in making every dish with care and attention, turning each meal into a highlight of the day.

My Experience
I have been cooking for 10 years and have been part of Cinnamon for nearly 8 years. I began as a kitchen assistant and worked my way up to Head Chef, developing both my culinary skills and leadership experience along the way. I hold an NVQ Level 3 in Production Cooking and was honoured with the Non-Care Team Member of the Year award at the Cinnamon Awards, recognising my contribution to the team and the home.

About Me
Before becoming a chef, I spent 8 years working as a qualified carpenter. I lived in Canada for 3 years, where I first started working in kitchens and discovered my true passion and love for food. While there, I also became a devoted fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, a passion I continue to follow from England. Recently, I purchased a house with my fiancé, and we are looking forward to starting a family in the future.

What I Do
I provide administrative support, helping to ensure processes are well organised, records are accurate, and both colleagues and visitors feel welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive. I am naturally positive, and I find real satisfaction in contributing to a warm, professional environment that supports the wider team and ultimately enhances the experience of our residents.

My Experience
I have spent my entire career working in administration, building a strong and varied skill set that supports me in my role today. Over the years, I have developed excellent organisational, communication, and time management skills, allowing me to manage multiple responsibilities with efficiency. Working in fast-paced environments has strengthened my ability to stay calm under pressure and provide consistent support to both management and colleagues.

About Me
I enjoy leading an active and balanced lifestyle outside of work. I regularly attend the gym and practise yoga, both of which help me stay energised and focused. Boating has been a huge part of my life, something I have enjoyed with my family since I was a child, and it remains one of my favourite ways to relax and spend quality time together. I also love travelling and exploring new places whenever I get the opportunity. I bring the same enthusiasm, positivity, and commitment I value in my personal life into my professional role each day.