Meet the Hazel Lodge Care Home Team

A wonderful team will be ready to welcome residents and will include: carers, activities coordinators, chefs, housekeepers and more. This carefully selected team will be in place to ensure that residents enjoy their time at the home and are supported to live life to the fullest.

Robert Dura-May

General Manager

Hi, my name is Robert, and I am the General Manager here at Hazel Lodge.

I joined Barchester Healthcare as I was looking to use my life skills to enhance both the life of residents and team members.  I liked the values and description of Barchester as a care provider.

I really enjoy the daily challenges, team recruitment and always pushing and exceeding performance where I can.  I also enjoy adding value, enhancing care and giving elder life purpose to enable residents to engage in a fulfilled life.

I am passionate about delivering the levels and standards of care that I would expect for my own parents, who are sadly no longer with us. If I had known about Barchester when my own parents required care, my family would have not experienced such pain and anxiety, this is why I chose Barchester to ensure that other families do not, where possible, have to endure what I have experienced in the past.

I have over 25 years’ experience in the NHS, Private and Public business and have worked in the care sector with children, young adults, adults with acquired brain injury and the last 10 years in Elderly Care.

I have recently studied with Open University to ensure decisions made at the home reflect best practice in providing a safe community.

Making a difference to people's lives throughout my career has been my biggest achievement. I strive to continually develop which ensures that the individuals I care for experience the very best care and life enrichment in later life.

Every day is an achievement, delivering and pushing the levels of care to exceed the expectations of Barchester and myself.

Wendy de Planta

Community Lead

Hi, I'm Wendy and I'm a Community Lead at Hazel Lodge . I live in Robertsbridge with my little family and I've been part of the team since November 2023.

I have worked in the health and social care sector for over 14 years and have experience in a variety of settings. I am passionate about providing high quality care and supporting the wonderful team here to do the same.
I believe in making a positive impact on the lives of not only our residents but also their friends and families and the best part of my working day is the quality time I get to spend with them all.

Samantha Whatley

Deputy Manager

I have worked for Barchester since Nov 2016 and started my career with them as an Health care Assistant . Since then I have progressed my career with various roles including a Care Practitioner and Unit Manager I am so pleased to be part of the Hazel Lodge team as Deputy Manager .

I'm a very lively, bubbly person and love having a bit of banter with the residents and supporting them to live their very best life.

Sharon Ward

Home Services Advisor

Hello, my name is Sharon, and I am the Home Services Advisor at Hazel Lodge. I have worked in both residential, memory and nursing care settings since 2009, and I am passionate about providing the very best support and advice for families when choosing the right care home for their loved one.

I love spending time listening to resident's stories and finding out what is important to them and their families. It's a great privilege to be able work in their home and to be able to be a part of making new memories.  

Outside of work I'm a country girl at heart, I have 2 horses, 2 dogs, 4 tortoises, 7 chicken and my other half to keep me busy! 

I look forward to getting to know all of the wonderful new residents and to welcome them and the Battle community into Hazel Lodge.

Clare Ralph

Administrator & Wellbeing Champion

Hi. My name is Clare and I am the home's Administrator and Wellbeing Champion.

I reside in St Leonards, I live with my husband and youngest son. I have worked at Hazel Lodge since November 2022 and enjoy being able to spend time with the residents . I am passionate about delivering an excellent customer service experience for both our residents and families.

Sonia Teixeira

Activities Coordinator & Dementia Champion

I am thrilled to be part of the team at ‘Hazel Lodge’ and to use the large range of experience I have from within the care sector.

As the Activities co-ordinator I have a real passion for promoting individual well-being and life enrichment and work closely with residents and their families, planning activities and events that they would like to participate in.

Mark Toomey

Head of Maintenance & Health & Safety Champion

Hello, My Name Is Mark, I have worked for Barchester since 2021, I enjoy the role of maintenance as its very varied not one day is the same. I like to keep the home looking nice and fresh for Residents, Staff and all visitors.  

Previously I’ve worked in different Care Homes/Hotels as a Maintenance Man for many years. I have 3 children and 5 Step children, I love nothing more than a Football kick around, and watching with the children. I enjoy taking our 2 dogs (A Labrador and Springer Spaniel) out for long walks along the beautiful Sussex coast.

Julie Stenning

Head Housekeeper & Infection Control Champion

I have been in the care sector for a number of years which has gained me a range of skills and knowledge.

As the Head Housekeeper in such an amazing home I am really excited to be working with an attentive team in providing spotlessly clean environment for residents and visitors.

Lauren Brinkley

Receptionist & Admin Assistant

My name is Lauren and I work full-time on reception and support the administrator as part of the admin team .

I enjoy being front of house and greeting all our visitors when they arrive.

It's lovely being able to spend time with the residents when they visit the bistro and to chat to the families . 

Warrick Clark

Senior Carer & Speak Up Champion

I have many years of experience in the care industry which supports me in my role as a Senior Carer at ‘Hazel Lodge’.

It's great being part of the team at ‘Hazel Lodge’ and being able to use my skills to provide the very best care for our residents.

I have always enjoyed working in the care sector as it gives me a sense of achievement in supporting older people to live a full life.

My interests are keeping fit and healthy, visiting the gym and having competed in Powerlifting competitions.

I love to set goals and keep motivated. I lead a busy active life whilst maintaining a good social and family life which is important to me.

I’m a strong believer in a positive mental attitude that creates a positive mindset and outcomes.

Rose-Marie Standley

Senior Carer & Infection Control Champion

My name is Rose and I am a Senior Carer at Hazel Lodge.

I love spending time getting to know our residents and finding out what makes them smile even when they may not be having the best day. 

I am always singing around the home and love to have a go on the karaoke much to the residents amusement.

Harriet Weaver

Senior Carer

I have worked in care for over twelve years. My passion started at an early age and I have enjoyed it ever since.  I understand the need for bespoke care and can't wait to meet our new residents and show them how wonderful life can be here.  
I have experience of working in Care Homes, Hospitals and Domiciliary Care, and have obtained all levels of my NVQ in Health and Social Care. For me, the real job satisfaction is knowing that we have person-centred care at the heart of everything we do.
 

Elliot Waller

Senior Carer

Hi. My name is Elliot and I am a Senior Carer here at Hazel Lodge.

I reside in Bexhill and live with my girlfriend. I have worked at Hazel Lodge for 6 months.

I enjoy my role as I find it very emotionally rewarding and I love enhancing the residents quality of life.

Lesley Ryan

Carer

Hello, my name is Lesley. I am a carer here at Hazel Lodge.

I enjoy my role as I enjoy looking after people and bringing happiness into our residents lives. I have worked at Hazel Lodge for 2 months.

Claire Rushton

Care Assistant & Falls Champion

I started at Hazel Lodge at the beginning of 2023 and enjoy the time spent with the residents . I am passionate about providing the very best care with respect and dignity .

Megan Curtis

Care Assistant & Dementia Champion

Hello. My name is Megan Curtis. I am a carer and Dementia Champion here at Hazel Lodge.

I enjoy my role as I am a natural caring person and enjoy looking after older people especially people with dementia.

I live in Bexhill with my family.

Jennifer Lawrie

Care Assistant & Mentor Champion

I have over 15 years experience within the care sector.

I enjoy using my skills and knowledge within my role as a carer at ‘Hazel Lodge’ and to be working in a wonderful home with a great team.

It's lovely getting to know our residents so I can provide the best quality care.

Julie Baughurst

Activities Assistant

My name is Julie Baughurst and I am a part-time Activities Assistant at Hazel Lodge, I live in Battle with my children and originally started by volunteering in the home in April 2023 .

I love playing a part in entertaining the residents and listening to their stories and previous experiences. Actively enriching the lives of our residents is very important to me.

Janet Johnson

Housekeeping Assistant

Hi, I'm Janet, I have worked at Hazel Lodge since Dec 2023 having moved to Hastings to be nearer to my son and his family.
I have worked in different care homes for 11 years, I started as a carer then a senior and now as a Housekeeping assistant.  
I enjoy getting to know the residents and their families, and being part of the Hazel Lodge team. 
I am originally from Nottingham,  I enjoy card making and knitting and following Notts County FC. 
 

Julian Johnson

Hello. I'm Julian I work at Hazel Lodge along with my wife Janet, I have worked as a Housekeeper in a care home environment for the past 11 years. 
I enjoy making a difference to the home cleaning to a high standard as well as chatting to the residents as I work. 
I am originally from Portsmouth and I support Pompey FC.
 

Norman

Feelgood Champion

I am Norman the Labradoodle and I visit Hazel Lodge with my very distinguished friend Clive .

Everyone loves to see us and I particularly like to sit near the tea trolley . We normally start our visit with a few exercises to keep us moving and then finish with a few quizzical questions to keep our minds stimulated as well.