Meet the Juniper House Care Home Team

From nurses and carers to chefs and housekeepers, staff in our home are here to deliver high quality care and services to those we support. Check below to meet some of the friendly faces you are likely to see when visiting our home:

Seema Thekkethottathil

General Manager

Hi, my name is Seema, and I am the General Manager here at Juniper House. Welcome to our website!

I have been a qualified nurse since 1996. I started my career in India as an orthopaedic trauma theatre nurse, and following this, I moved to Italy and worked as a nurse and shift coordinator in a 120 bedded care home. This has given me valuable experience in dementia care and a great opportunity to learn different cultures and values.

Since 2014, I have lived in the UK. I started my career in the UK, working for the NHS at The Horton General Hospital on the A&E Department, and my most recent role was as Deputy Sister, again in A&E. My role as deputy sister meant I was the most senior person on shift and involved managing the capacity and flows through the system, and being the first assessor to any deteriorating patients.

I am delighted to have joined Barchester Healthcare and be a part of a company that strongly believes in delivering truly personalised care for our residents in such beautiful and bolstering surroundings.

If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Karen Leach

Deputy Manager / Clinical Lead

I started my career as a Registered Nurse in 1985. I worked for NHS for many years and thoroughly enjoyed working in different departments. Then I left NHS and specialised in palliative care working in Marie Curie Hospice where I gained much experience in caring for patients EOL. In 2019, I applied for role of RGN in Juniper House, with years of experience and expertise in the Care Homes which is very different from other areas of Nursing but very rewarding and most enjoyable. Within few months I was given the opportunity to become Unit Manager for elderly and Frail and enjoyed leading my team and developing the units to high standards. In 2021, I applied for the position of Deputy Manager/Clinical Lead. I am thoroughly enjoying my role and watching Juniper House flourish. I am proud to be a part of a wonderful team.

Larisa Bledea

Community Manager

Hi, I am Larisa and I am originally from Romania. I moved to Brackley with my family in 2016 and I started working at Juniper House as a Nurse. Later I was promoted to Unit Manager for the ground floor. After this, I went on nights for about three years as a Senior Nurse as I had my little baby. Later I applied for Unit Manager for 1st floor, where I am now. What I can say now is that there has been lots of changes over the years and I am really enjoying working at Juniper House. After so many years of engagement, it is a part of my family and yes, I love my job.

Tyisa Houghton

Community Manager

I started at Juniper House in 2012 as a Care Assistant and was promoted to Senior Care Assistant within a month being here. I was intrigued at the nursing side and was there for selected for the first Cohort to complete the Care Practitioner course in the country. This did not stop me from wanting to go further and the next stop was taking myself off to Northampton University where I completed a 3 year Nursing degree. Once qualified in May 2021 I had no doubt that I wanted to remain at Juniper House and practice as a qualified Nurse. With being qualified less than a year I applied to be head of Unit for the downstairs floor and was successful and this is where I am now.

Naomi Chauhan

Administrator

Hi, my name is Naomi, I joined Juniper in February 2023 as the Administrator to support Seema our General Manager and Karen our Deputy. I am always on hand if any relatives, residents or co-workers have any questions or need help with anything. I can honestly say I love my job and although I don't have a direct care giving role to the residents I really enjoy seeing them and talking with them on a daily basis. I have a varied background of finance, administration and customer service. I am a bit of a crazy cat lady and have two feline related diplomas!! In my spare time I volunteer for the Cherwell cats protection. My other hobbies include gardening and swimming, in April 2023 I raised money for the Alzheimer's society by swimming 5 Miles in a month. My office is next to reception so please feel free to pop your head in and say hello.

Hayley Brice

Activities Coordinator

Hi, I’m Hayley I joined Juniper House In 2023. I have around six years’ experience in health and social care, starting as a healthcare assistant and then as I increasingly noticed how important residents well-being is in their daily life, onto an activities co-ordinator. I have grown passionate about improving their quality of life on a daily basis and being a companion and smiling face for our residents. I love to encourage residents to continue with things which they have always done throughout their life such as gardening or arts and crafts and also trying new things like learning a new dance technique! I am passionate about ensuring residents keep in contact with the community, so we regularly board the mini bus and I drive them to somewhere which they will love.

My favourite activities are in the summer where I plan many events to take place outside in the sunshine. Any excuse to be outside, whether it’s out in our greenhouse or having a drink in the garden with live music. I think this is such a happy time for residents and their families.

Andrew Blunt

Head Chef

Hi, my name is Andrew, I have been working at Juniper House as the Head Chef for Just over 3 years. I bring a vast wealth of experience and knowledge with myself to Juniper House, from working  Star Hotels, Privately Run Gastro pubs as well as 6 years working in hotels in Christchurch, New Zealand. I am passionate about putting the freshest, tastiest meals In front of your loved ones, from traditional English favourites as well some more modern dishes with a twist. One of my favourite parts of my job is talking to our residents and finding out what they like or would like to see on our seasonal changing menus, I am always around the home so if you should want to have a chat to me I would be more than happy to.

Luke Carr

Head of Maintenance

Hello, I’m Luke, Head of Maintenance at Juniper House. I joined the team in 2015 and become HOM at the beginning of 2024. I’m passionate about maintaining the home at high standard and providing an inviting environment for our residents, visitors and staffs.

Andrea Esterhuizen

Head of Housekeeping

Hello I am Andrea, I have been working for Barchester for 17 years I first started working at chacombe park in 2007 as a housekeeping   assistant and kitchen assistant in 2013 I transferred to juniper house working as a housekeeping assistant .In July 2023 I took over the role of head house keeper I am responsible for the housekeeping and laundry team and keeping the home clean and a safe environment to live in.

Tracey Campion

Administration Assistant

Hello. I'm Tracey and I am part of the Administration Team at Juniper House. I support the General Manager and the Administrator with any communications, record-keeping or financial processes that I can help with. I answer the telephone so it might be me you speak to first. I am really pleased to be working as part of a supportive team and I like getting to know residents' families.

Naomi Houghton

Senior Healthcare Assistant

Hi. I’m Naomi and I’m a Senior Healthcare Assistants at Juniper House. I joined as a Carer in 2013 and was promoted after a year. I have previous experience of domiciliary care, supporting people in their own homes. I have gained experience in the residential and dementia communities here at Juniper House and I am looking forward to doing an NVQ3 in Care. I really enjoy my role, providing care with dignity to help people feel good for the rest of the day. I pay close attention to nutrition and hydration, making sure residents have appetising food and drinks of a consistency that makes it easy to swallow. I love getting to know residents, their backgrounds, their families and their likes and dislikes. It is often the little things that show we care, such as knowing whether an individual likes the radio left on or off, how they like to be referred to, and what little treats make them happy.

Jamie Carpenter

Carer

Hi, I’m Jamie and I’m a Care Assistant here at Juniper House. I joined here in 2018. I have enjoyed working here. I enjoy my role ensuring residents needs are met. Getting know the residents and their families, their preferences and also their likes and dislikes. I recently completed my NVQ2.

Josmi Joseph

Carer

I have been working in healthcare industry for more than 7 years in different parts of globe. I always enjoy my role as a Carer here and it gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction to work in an atmosphere where we can meet and greet people and serve someone in real need and make them smile.  It motivates me a lot and very close to my heart.

Jane Robbins

Second Chef

I am second chef at Juniper House. I have predominantly cooked in nursing homes. I enjoy cooking for flavour and quality. My favourite is baking cakes. My hobbies are hill walking with my two collie dogs, Jessie and Storm. I also used to show jump in my younger years.

John Lopez

Kitchen Assistant

I am really enjoy my role here as a Kitchen Assistant. I like to help my chefs Andy and Jane, keeping the kitchen running smooth and clean. I enjoy singing and dancing in my private time.

Mario Coelo

Housekeeping Assistant

Hi my name is Mario. I have been working for last 5 years as a housekeeper in Juniper House, Brackley.  I ensure that the care home is clean and presentable specially the residents rooms and amenities and the common areas of our home to the highest standards of Barchester. I am honest and do enjoy my work. I also enjoy talking with the residents and their family.  Juniper House is like a family for me and I am happy to work here stress free with my wonderful colleagues.

Janet Black

Housekeeping Assistant

My name is Janet. I have been at Juniper for almost 10 years. I love my job. I was a Carer, then went onto House Keeping which I enjoy. I love to look back at my work each day. I am semi-retired not ready to quit yet.