Oakley Grange Care Home

One of the most rewarding parts of my role as Home Manager is being able to make a genuine, positive difference to our residents’ lives, continually enhancing their experience in later life. I am equally proud of supporting and developing our team, helping each individual grow in confidence and progress in their career. Above all, my focus is on ensuring every resident receives the very highest standard of person-centred care within a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.

My journey in the care industry began over 30 years ago, following a school work experience placement that sparked a lifelong passion for care. I started my career as a Care Assistant and quickly progressed to a Senior Care Assistant role, gaining invaluable experience across hospitals, community support and more specialised care settings. I later progressed into management, working as a Care Manager within a 106-bed residential home before going on to commission a new 70-bed care home during the Covid pandemic. More recently, I have managed a nursing home. These experiences have shaped my approach to leadership, enabling me to guide teams through challenging times, drive continuous improvement and foster a positive, supportive culture where both residents and colleagues can thrive.

I enjoy spending time with my family by hosting big family gatherings, cooking together, and I love to travel and enjoy listening to reggae music. My children are my world, and I hope to raise them to be fair, respectful and open-minded individuals.

In my role as Deputy Manager, I support the General Manager in setting the standards for the home. I also work closely alongside the Team Leader, Senior Carers and the Care Team out on the floor to ensure there is quality in resident care. I like walking around the home, meeting the residents and the team and making sure all our residents have everything they need. I have developed strong relationships with our residents, relatives and other professionals. I also need to ensure the home meets the CQC requirements and the company’s aims and objectives. I like to support the team and mentor new team members. I am also the Train the Trainer Lead for Moving and Handling tasks.

I am a qualified registered nurse. I have worked in the care industry since I came to the UK in 2011. Working as a registered nurse helped me gain more experience and improve my skills. I possess experience working in Radiology as a Radiographer before coming to the UK. I started my career as a registered nurse in a care home. Over the years, I progressed to a Deputy Manager role and a Home Manager role in different companies. I have completed a Level 5 Diploma in Management and Lead to Succeed course. I joined Cinnamon Care Collection in March 2025 as Deputy Manager.

I live with my partner and my son. I enjoy quality time with my family. I am a proud mom as my son is in his third year in an apprenticeship, working and studying to become an electrician. I enjoy travelling, I drove twice to Romania and took my cat Molly with me as well. I like holidays at the seaside, in different countries. I also have a kitten called Milo.

As Home Admissions Advisor, I support residents and their families from their very first enquiry, guiding them through the process of choosing the right care with confidence and peace of mind. I provide clear information about our care options, facilities and the expertise of our team, ensuring families feel informed and supported at every step. Visiting Oakley Grange is the best way to experience the warmth of our home and meet our exceptional team. I also work closely with local professionals and community groups to ensure Oakley Grange remains firmly connected to the local community. The highlight of my role is meeting our residents and hearing the stories of their remarkable lives.

My career began in the finance sector, where I progressed from Team Manager roles within large brokers and lenders to Operations Manager at GE Money. Although I am a qualified Mortgage Advisor, my career path changed following the financial crash, leading me into the care sector.

It was during my time supporting families at a pre-opening care home that I discovered a genuine passion for the care industry. Since then, I have worked with a number of healthcare providers, guiding and supporting families through what can often be an emotional and challenging journey with empathy, understanding and reassurance.

Outside of work, I have a love for music, especially live events. I enjoy everything from open-air concerts to tribute nights at the local pub, with my main wish being to get tickets for the Glastonbury Festival! I also enjoy art exhibitions, flower shows such as the Chelsea Flower Show, and simple pleasures like coffee and catch-ups with friends or quality time with family.

I support individuals and families as they begin their care journey, offering guidance, reassurance, and a friendly face every step of the way. Another important part of my role, and one I enjoy immensely, is organising community events and support groups within the home. These events bring residents, families, team members and the wider community together to create meaningful moments for everyone.

I joined Oakley Grange in October 2025 and have worked in the care sector since 2022. Before this, I built a successful career in event and hospitality management, as well as sales and marketing across a variety of genres, including within the charity sector. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I volunteered to support elderly and vulnerable people, which inspired my transition into care, a role where I could truly make a positive difference.

I’m a huge animal lover with two elderly cats and a fish called Wander. In my spare time, I plan events and parties for friends and family, including weddings and charity fundraisers. I also have a passion for all things vintage and enjoy upcycling furniture, even creating bespoke vintage pieces with my daughter to raise money for local charities.

I am responsible for preparing nutritious and enjoyable meals for our residents while ensuring their individual dietary needs and preferences are met. For me, food is not just about nutrition; it is about comfort, dignity, and creating small moments of joy each day. The most rewarding part of my role is receiving positive feedback from residents at the end of service. Seeing their smiles and hearing that they enjoyed their meal makes the work truly worthwhile.

Before joining Oakley Grange in 2025, I worked in other care homes where I gained valuable experience supporting residents with a wide range of needs, dietary requirements, and personal preferences. My experience in care settings has helped me understand how important good food is to residents’ wellbeing and daily happiness.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. I like playing tennis and keeping fit whenever I can. I also enjoy going on road trips and exploring new places. One of the things I appreciate most about working at Oakley Grange is the amazing team in the kitchen. We have a strong team spirit, which creates a positive environment where it feels like more than just a job.

As Hospitality Supervisor at Oakley Grange, I oversee the day-to-day running of our hosts and hostesses, ensuring every resident enjoys a warm, welcoming and refined dining experience. My role is about more than service; it’s about creating meaningful moments that enhance our residents’ quality of life. I take pride in delivering an elegant, seamless hospitality experience within a luxury care setting, where comfort, dignity and attention to detail always come first.

Unlike many hospitality roles, my work carries real emotional meaning. I value building relationships with residents and their families, creating positive experiences, and being part of a team that genuinely cares about maintaining high standards.

I joined Oakley Grange in January 2026 and bring with me around 10 years of experience within the health and care sector. My career has spanned domiciliary care and residential settings, progressing from Care Assistant to Senior, Care Coordinator, Junior Nursing roles, and Hospitality Leadership within luxury care homes.

It was in those luxury settings that my passion for hospitality was reignited, managing dining teams and delivering fine dining experiences that truly made a difference to residents’ everyday lives. This role allows me to combine my care background with my love of hospitality, all within an environment I know and genuinely enjoy.

Outside of work, life is wonderfully busy with three children, a cat, a dog, and a partner in the forces, so “hobbies” are more of a theoretical concept! When I do get the chance to relax, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and cheering on Birmingham City FC. After years of loyal suffering, they’ve finally become a team that’s actually fun to watch!