Meet the West Abbey Care Home Team

Our staff are what hold the home together. Each one of these team members are dedicated to providing high quality care and services to those we support, and ensuring that residents enjoy all aspects of life at our home. See below to meet some of our friendly faces:

Jess Brolan

General Manager

Hello

My name is Jess and I am the General Manager here at West Abbey.

Following the completion of my nursing degree, I went on to work in various health and social care roles.

Most recently managing care services for the residential and nursing sector around Dorset and Somerset area, so bring a wealth of experience to my role.

My Team and I look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful home and wonderful community of residents.

Dani Vasiu

Clinical Lead

Hi I’m Dani, I have worked for Barchester since 2005 and I am happy to be a part of an amazing team that delivers the highest level of care to those they support.

In my free time I like football, running and music.

Tracy Mattravers

Home Administrator

Hi I’m Tracy. I have been the administrator for 18 months and have worked for Barchester since 2008. It is a great honour to be working with such a great team. I enjoy walking, reading and enjoying weekends away in our campervan.

 

Ryan Palmer

Activities coordinator

Hello, I'm Ryan and I joined West Abbey in 2018 in Hotel Services team where I was nominated 2 years running in the Barchester Care Awards by residents and their families. I moved to Activities in June 2021 which suits my outgoing personality. I know our residents well and love seeing their enjoyment of the entertainment we provide plus going out into the community on our mini bus, I have lived in Yeovil all my life so know all the best places to visit. The team call me the 'IT hero' as I'm always able to resolve the connection issues with our virtual events and our computer / tablets!  

Adrian Garwell

Head Chef

Hello, my name is Adrian and I am proud to say I am the Head Chef here at West Abbey Care Centre. I have a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. I believe a good chef is an artist and should be able to create delicious menus from the local, seasonal produce on offer.

We have a strong passionate team here at West Abbey and we are looking forward to welcoming our residents to their new home.

Ateca Filipe

Head Housekeeper

I've been working at West Abbey since 2019, and stepped up to the role of Head Housekeeper in 2020.

I am originally from Fiji, a small island in the south Pacific Ocean, and I am a mother of 4. I am a very family-oriented type of person.

One thing that I love about working at West Abbey is that I get to socialise with people, so the highlights of my day are being able to talk to all the residents living within the home.

Outside of work, my favourite things to do are outdoor activities with my family and friends out in the sunshine!

Becky Alderman

Receptionist

I joined Barchester Healthcare, West Abbey in October 2008 and my role has changed since then and my responsibilities are various – no two days are ever the same, which is what I most enjoy about my job. My hobbies include gardening, baking, crochet, and I especially love spending time making precious memories with my two grandchildren when I’m at leisure.

Nikki Griffee

Senior Carer & Speak up Champion

Hi, I'm Nikki and I originally came to work at West Abbey in December 2018 as a Healthcare Assistant, in September 2023, I progressed to become a Senior Carer and Speak up Champion, as a result of supporting colleagues on a day-to-day basis.

What I enjoy about my job is that no two days are the same and most of all, I love caring for our residents, seeing them smile, singing with them and making a difference, as well as ensuring all their needs are met. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, as well as swimming at my local leisure centre.

Donna Adey

Care Practitioner & Dementia Champion

I joined Barchester Healthcare West Abbey in 2014 as a Healthcare Assistant, and have progressed to Care Practitioner. In my first role, I most enjoyed a hands on approach delivering care and support to our residents. I decided to further my career for a more in depth understanding about care planning, administering medication and supporting colleagues, to ensure we deliver person-centred care to all of our residents and in particular, enjoy my additional responsibility as a ‘Dementia Champion’ and most passionate regarding delivering care with dignity.

Sarah Purdy

Activities coordinator

Hello, my name is Sarah and I have been working at West Abbey for over 7 years, with around 17 years’ experience in care. I am passionate about my role as we, the team and I see so many residents laugh and smile daily as we provide a wide range of activities. The home team describe me as the ‘queen of crafts’ as I love to create handmade gifts with residents and for my family.

Outside of work I’m a scout leader for St Michaels Cubs and Beavers, being a leader for over 8 years and received my ‘wood badge’ known as beads which I’m very proud of, I involve the groups with our residents as we want to promote intergenerational activity which the residents love.

Family time is very precious, with 4 children it’s a busy life, living locally to West Abbey I’m involved and have contacts with lots of community groups – reach out to me at West Abbey if we can work on projects or ideas together

Andrew Pippard

Second Chef

Hi my name is Andy, I have worked in catering for 15 years and have been here at West Abbey for over 10 years. I am a Level 3 Qualified Production Chef and take delight in cooking and providing good food for my residents, colleagues and family during my days off!

Kevin Turner

Physiotherapist

After qualifying as a physiotherapist in 1987, Kevin moved to Canada to work for 2 years. Upon returning, Kevin worked in the NHS for several years before starting his own practice.

Kevin specialises in musculoskeletal conditions and care of the elderly and has taught courses to physiotherapists all over the world. Kevin has been working with us here since 2006.