Acacia Mews Care Home - Avery Healthcare

I came to the UK from Romania in 2014 with my husband to build a new life.

In 2016, after many applications to different care homes, without success, Acacia Mews gave me a chance and I started to work as a Care Assistant on the night shift. With my ambition and respect for the role I was in, I was supported by Avery to complete my NVQ 2 in health and social care. In 2018 I was promoted to Senior Carer. In 2020 I enrolled at Bedfordshire University and started my level 5 in Health and Social Care.

In 2022 I changed to day shifts after I was promoted to Team Leader.

I am very dedicated to the job that I do, I am empathetic, and patient and enjoy working as part of a team. Read less

My name is Aleksandra Tomczak but I like to be known as Aleks.

I am the Head Housekeeper at Acacia Mews. I started working here in 2013 as a Housekeeper before being promoted to Head Housekeeper in 2017.

I moved to the UK from Poland in 2008. I live with my Husband and our British Blue cat called Mr Wilson. I have one Son who now lives in Chicago, USA.

Interaction with the residents is a rewarding part of my role as well as working in a great team. Read less

My name is Suzana, I am Albanian, and I moved to the UK in 2016. I joined Acacia Mews in March 2017, and I am now proud to be the Head Chef, leading the kitchen team and preparing nutritious, high-quality meals for our residents.

I have always had a passion for cooking and enjoy creating food that brings comfort and enjoyment while meeting our residents’ individual needs.

Through dedication and hard work, from a kitchen assistant with minimal experience, I became a sous chef in September 2019 before being promoted to Head Chef in April 2025.

I hold an NVQ Level 2, Level 2 Food Production, and Level 3 Food Safety qualifications, supporting my commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.

I am proud to be part of the Acacia Mews family and look forward to continuing to make a positive difference every day. Read less

I am Ionela and it is a true honour for me to be part of the Acacia Mews team. Since joining the company in 2019 as a Bank Receptionist, I have always felt a strong sense of belonging here.

My professional development has been shaped not only by my experience but also by my academic journey. I am proud to hold a Master’s degree in Financial and Banking Management (RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7), alongside a Level 3 Diploma in Administration, PA, and Secretarial Studies completed in the UK. These achievements have given me the confidence, knowledge, and skills to grow in my role and contribute meaningfully to the team.

I take pride in being part of such a vibrant care environment, which has given me the opportunity to grow and progress—from Receptionist to Administrative Assistant, and became a full-time Home Administrator in March 2024. In my role, I warmly welcome visitors, professionals, and residents, while ensuring that all administrative processes run smoothly and efficiently.

It is always a pleasure when a resident knocks on my door with a query or simply stops for a chat in the corridor. Being able to bring a smile to someone’s day is something I truly value. Read less

My name is Mark Walker, and I have been the Maintenance Operative at Acacia Mews since January 2024. Before that, I was the Maintenance person at another care home for 12 and a half years, so I have nearly 15yrs experience in this role.

I have always enjoyed fixing, repairing, and building things since I was a teenager, most likely stemming from building and repairing cars and motorbikes in my youth. It always gave me satisfaction! And it's something I continue to do now for the same reasons.

I have always enjoyed the outdoors! Hunting, camping, 4x4 driving, abseiling and even owned and raced a group 3 Rally car!

Since being back in the UK, I have been into Horses, and now own 2. I have competed in the “In hand showing” with my pony and made it through to the Chiltern Thames championships in 2017, and have taken my thoroughbred hundreds of miles on rides and sponsored rides. Read less

My name is Bella, short for Izabela, and I am Polish. I have worked for Avery since 2014, and I am the Deputy Manager at Acacia Mews. My first role was as a hostess and care assistant. I was promoted to the senior care assistant role in December 2014 and then became a team leader in October 2015. I was promoted to deputy manager in February 2021.

I have a level 3 diploma in health and social care and the equivalent of a BSc (Hons) degree in psychology and social rehabilitation.

I really enjoy my work and can confirm we are all one big family at Avery.

My philosophy is simple: live life to the fullest, and I would like everyone to do that. Read less

My name is Gabriela Stelmaszuk, known as Gabi, and I am the new Wellbeing and Activities Co-Ordinator. I started at Acacia Mews in April 2025. Alongside this role, I am a penultimate Health, Wellbeing, and Social Care student at Oxford Brooks University. I started my journey with Avery a year ago and have enjoyed getting to know the residents and staff alike, being part of their daily routines, and being responsible for their development during their time at Acacia Mews. I find this role very rewarding and have been in the industry for over half a decade. It is vital to me to keep developing to provide the best care for our residents and to accelerate my personal and professional growth towards becoming an occupational therapist Read less

My name is Victoria Butler, and I worked as a nurse for approximately 28 years in my native country, Ghana, specialising mainly in gynaecology. I joined Avery Healthcare in 2012 as a carer at Acacia Mews Care Home. My career progressed steadily, and in 2013 I was promoted to Senior Carer, followed shortly afterwards by Team Leader. In 2014, I was given the opportunity to train as a Home Trainer, a role that I proudly held until late 2025. I was also honoured to be part of the second group of staff enrolled on the Advanced Carers Course in 2017, an initiative introduced to support professional development and excellence in care.

Throughout my years with Avery Healthcare, I have been fortunate to receive continuous support from my Home Manager and colleagues. I have genuinely enjoyed my time with the company. While there have been occasional challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the positive experiences and achievements have far outweighed the difficult moments.

One of the greatest privileges of my career has been working on the Bluebell Suite since joining the home. This opportunity has enabled me to develop a deeper understanding of dementia and the unique care needs of those living with the condition. It has taught me the importance of treating every resident as an individual, recognising their personal history, preferences and dignity. For this experience, and for all the opportunities I have been given throughout my career, I am truly grateful.

Looking back on my journey, I feel proud of the contribution I have made to the lives of residents and their families. Caring for others has been more than a profession for me; it has been a privilege and a calling that has brought me great fulfilment. Read less