Meet the Herne Place Care Home Team

Dhanish brings a wealth of experience and a heart for meaningful engagement to his role as Activities Coordinator at Herne Place. A qualified dentist in his home country, Dhanish discovered a calling beyond clinical work — helping older people live each day with purpose, connection, and joy.

He spent several years working at another Barchester care home before moving to a hospital environment, where he supported acutely ill individuals in finding comfort and dignity during their stays. There, he saw firsthand how even small moments of connection — a conversation, a game, a shared laugh — could transform someone’s day.

Now at Herne Place, Dhanish is passionate about creating activities that truly matter to each resident, from group events that bring everyone together to meaningful one-to-one time. His calm, compassionate approach helps residents feel valued, engaged, and part of the community, no matter their abilities.

Hi, my name is Susan, and I am a Community Lead at Herne Place. Before moving to Kent from London, I worked at Billingsgate fish market as office manager. In 1998, I moved to Kent and cared for my father-in-law, who was living with vascular dementia.  

After he passed, I realised that I wanted to continue in care, first as a community healthcare assistant, then in residential homes where I achieved NVQ's levels 2, 3 and lastly, level 5 leadership for health and social care. I joined Barchester Healthcare in 2022 as a senior carer, then progressed to community lead. 

No two days are the same and I love the work I do, which is caring and giving my best to those in our care. When I'm not in the home, I enjoy staying in my caravan and having my family around me.

Hi My Names Kelly Aves I am South London born and moved to Herne Bay in 2009 to be closer to my parents.

I joined Herne Place care home as the Home Administrator since May 2023 after working within the NHS for 16 + years, as a Practice Manger/Finance Manager for Saddleton Road & Seasalter Surgery, then as the Estates Manager for Whitstable Medical Practice when the two practices merged in 2018.

I have done mixed martial arts since I was 3, studying Karate, Kick Boxing & Muay Thai. I enjoy a variety of different activities such as dance, cooking and arts & crafts with my children.

My role within Herne Place is a varied one as I deal with all home administration, payroll and a wide range of other duties, I support all teams within the home and not one day is the same. My role brings me close to my community and I love my day to day interaction with every single resident within the home.

I look forward to many more years within the home.

Hi I'm Howard, I am the head of maintenance here at Herne place.

I have previously worked as an engineer installing and repairing fire and security alarms, CCTV and nurse call systems.
I also have 15 years experience in the adult social care industry, where I have a level 5 in leadership and management in health and social care.

My experience and knowledge has lead me to working at Barchester healthcare where I enjoy getting to know the residents while ensuring they live in a happy and safe home.

My name is Charlie. I have worked at Herne Place Care Home since July 2023 as an Administrative Assistant.

I have lived in Herne Bay my whole life and enjoy playing football in my spare time. I’ve enjoyed getting to know our lovely residents on a personal level and engaging in daily chat with them, welcoming our residents' families at the front desk.

I’ve really enjoyed working with such a good team which I have gained so much knowledge from. Herne Place is a very homely and friendly place and I look forward to the future here.

Hello, my name is Phoebe and I am delighted to be a Community Lead at Herne Place.

I trained in Hong Kong, where I qualified as a Registered Nurse and Midwife. Throughout my career, I have supported clients and families through pregnancy, rehabilitation, and critical illness, while managing complex clinical situations alongside multidisciplinary teams. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and person-centred care.

Since moving to the UK, I have continued to build on my passion for delivering high-quality, compassionate care. At Herne Place, I am committed to leading my team with kindness and professionalism, ensuring that every resident feels safe, respected, and valued.

I look forward to welcoming you and supporting our residents and their families with warmth and dedication

I have worked in care for six years now and joined the Barchester team at Herne place in 2023. Since then, I have made big changes to my career, starting as a carer. Barchester has enabled and encouraged me to develop through studying for my level 3 NVG in adult social care to become a senior and now a community lead for Windmill terrace.

I am very passionate and caring and always make sure the residents are cared for and receive the best possible care.

I have gained so much knowledge in the time I have spent at Barchester and feel proud of myself for getting this far. I love all my residents and care about them deeply and will always ensure quality care is provided. Care is my passion.

Hi, my name is Abbie. I’m a dedicated and experienced chef with 15 years working within the catering industry. I began my career as a kitchen porter, steadily working my way up to becoming a chef. I earned my city & guilds professional cookery qualification at East Kent College. 

With six years’ experience in a care home setting, I excel at developing personalised menus tailored to the specific requests of residents. I have a strong understanding of nutrition with the ability to craft meals that are both delicious and suitable for various health needs. This allows me to consistently deliver quality and enjoyable dining experiences. I also have a strong passion for baking and find great joy in creating birthday cakes that bring smiles to residents' faces.

I joined Barchester in September 2023 after 30 years working in London, 27 of which were for an International Bank.

My role as a Receptionist/Administration Assistant at Herne Place brings something new every single day and I thoroughly enjoy the variety.  From greeting our visitors, to getting acquainted with our lovely residents and their families, to helping out with any number of enquiries; an excellent standard of customer service, plus a combination of professional and sincerely dedicated care are essential skills. 

I am responsible for a broad range of admin tasks but it is most definitely the people I have the pleasure to engage with that are first and foremost the most important and rewarding aspect of what I do.   There is a genuinely homely feeling here which I am delighted to be a part of. 

My name is Loreta, and I am a Housekeeping Assistant at Herne Place Care Home.

I have been working in the Home since 2021 and I enjoy all aspects of my job especially interacting with the residents and making them happy.

Seeing the before and after of our cleaning jobs give me a sense of accomplishment, knowing that the work I do builds joy and satisfaction into the lives of our residents which is deeply rewarding.