Meet the Kings Park Care Home Team

Sarah has known since she was in her teens that she was going to be destined to work in care...  At school she was the first to volunteer at a local day centre for the elderly where she helped with serving lunches and encouraged them to join in with lots of activities, which she found she really enjoyed.

Training as a hairdresser, then soon after becoming a mother to four gorgeous children, which kept her very busy for the next part of her life, she eventually entered back into the work place, as she juggled motherhood with a night carer role in a nursing home.  This was all she needed to realise that although she enjoyed her hairdressing career, it was care that was her true calling and which she now finds incredibly fulfilling.

Sarah has worked in many differing care roles, but in recent years has stepped up to support in more managerial roles and loves to be part of a team, offering her support to those who are her senior and jumping into do differing jobs to help, as and when needed.

The element she loves most, is the ability to emotionally connect with each of the residents as well as their families, and support them in whatever way she can.

When not at work, Sarah is a big social bunny and loves nothing more than spending quality time with her friends and ever growing family - Can you believe she is now a grandma?

The best bit about her job, is bringing huge smiles to the faces of those around her.

Rebekah has worked in care since 2012, and is incredibly passionate about the role she plays here at Kings Park, driven by helping others and really making a difference to people's lives. Working with people and knowing that she can have a really positive effect on someone is really important to Rebekah, as well as getting to know families and friends and ensuring that they feel supported as a loved one moves into a home.

'Recent life experiences have helped me to fully understand things from the family’s perspective and I hope to help in every way I can. Having supported my late father as well as my mother with Alzheimer's, I can truly know how people may be feeling when considering care for their loved ones.  Nothing gives me more job satisfaction than seeing a resident and their friends and family smiling as they take this often emotional next step.'

When not at work, Rebekah has a passion for photography and has previous experience with weddings and portraiture.  She has a Lakeland terrier called Archie as well as two teenage children to keep her busy, but also has a love for travel and her favourite past holidays have been touring the USA, where she has many friends & family, but in particular loved visiting Dubai.

Jackie comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience from her 15 years in the care industry, having worked with adults with learning difficulties and children with autism, before finally working in the older adult care sector.  However, it was through caring for her late grandfather that prompted her to step into the industry, where she specialised in end of life care and providing the much needed support and help to families and loved ones as somebody nears their natural end.

Three years ago, Jackie was offered a role working in a slightly different area of the care home, in the admin sector, which is something that she has grown to love and also where she is able to help and support in a very different kind of way, in caring for families and individuals as they entering into care home life and beyond.  It is here that Jackie feels she has now finally found her calling.

When not at work, Jackie and her partner, Shaun, can often be found walking their 2 year old sprocker, Kenny, or being busy parents to two teenage children.  Jackie loves nothing more than boarding a jet and heading off to the sun for some much needed R&R or on a weekend heading out to a nice pub for a spot of lunch, before a little evening Netflix.

We are so very lucky to have Jackie on board and we are excited to have her as part of our wonderful Kings Park team!

Claudia moved to the UK from her native South Africa with her family some 6 years ago, although her family are of Italian decent.

With a caring nature, Claudia worked for a domiciliary care company helping in people in the community before eventually working in a care home environment, working up to the role of Senior Carer.

Realising how much she enjoyed making the residents smile, Claudia has now stepped into the role of Activities Lead here at Kings Park and very much loves the interaction with our residents, who have all taken a real shine to her.

Claudia can regularly be seen with our residents in a very creative capacity, enjoying flower arranging or leading everyone in a game of good old fashioned Bingo!

When at home, Claudia is a mother to two boys and a girl and also a pet mum to the the gorgeous, Molly - a Jack Russell cross.

She loves nothing more than curling up on the sofa in front of a good rom/com, with:  The Holiday, The Lakehouse and The Notebook as some of her favourites to date.

We are so happy to have her as part of the Kings Park team.

Good wholesome and nutritious food is very important to our residents and it's very satisfying hearing a resident has enjoyed their dinner. When planning menus, we always include the residents and ask what they would like to see on the menu.  There is always a wide variety of choice and my team are always happy to provide what is asked for.  I really enjoy planning and cooking for our many events too as seeing the community come into the home and enjoy a chat with our residents over a freshly baked cake or afternoon tea is very rewarding. 

Throughout the coming winter, we are providing free meals for our community on a Wednesday.  If interested, please call the home on 01202 863630 for details and to book a place. I look forward to welcoming you! 

Bernard has worked previously in a boutique hotel before switching to maintenance in the care sector, which is now where he is happiest.

'I love to learn all about our wonderful residents, ensuring that their home is well maintained, safe and comfortable, both in their own personal space as well as the communal areas within the home.'

When not in work, Bernard is the very proud owner of an Indian motorcycle and loves to take leisurely rides during warmer weather.

He also very much enjoys leisurely walks along the cliffs with his partner and their Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Joey.

Monika moved from Hungary over 10 years ago to be nearer to family in the Uk and loves being here.

'I love my job, because seeing the residents enjoy a comfortable and clean environment around them is something that I really find fulfilling.  The residents are like my second family and I love to make them happy.'

Monika enjoys to be around our residents and really adores them all.

In her spare time Monika enjoys reading fantasy & romance novels, loves to cook and bake and is obsessive about a clean and tidy house!

I love welcoming residents, families and visitors to Kings Park and am always ready to ensure everyone receives a warm welcome. As well as fulfilling my administration role, I also rejoice in spending time with our residents and as they very often like to meet and sit near my desk, I am always at hand to help them make a drink and have a chat.  I may be the first smile you see when you visit and you are assured a warm welcome from me and everyone in the home! 

Nicky has an experienced background in the care sector and loves being around people - The perfect front of house to welcome people into the home!

Nicky says, 'You never know who you are going to meet next and I love this element to my job.  Learning about everyone's different backgrounds and getting to know those I work with is something I really enjoy.'

When not at work, Nicky loves to spoil her family with cooking and baking and she has been known to share delicious cake with her colleagues too - Which they very much appreciate!

Nicky is a true team player and you can often find her in reception with a lovely smile, so stop by and say hello to her.

Sam is a well-loved and experienced member of the Kings Park team.

Having entered into care quite by accident, after helping a dear friend care for her husband, Sam realised that her passion for care was more than just a fleeting whim and that she truly enjoyed this kind of work, finding much in the way of job satisfaction from it.

'Care work wasn't something I actively looked for, but I soon realised how fulfilling it can be, so I decided to educate myself further in this sector and I truly love what I do for others as a result.  

Sam really has a true passion for her work and often supports her colleagues as and when needed.

When not at work, Sam is a keen swimmer and has a real love of cooking, especially Persian food.

Heidi is one of our lovely night owls and helps to care for our lovely residents on regular night shifts here in our home.

A very kind-hearted, caring and compassionate individual, Heidi's enthusiasm and caring nature are quick to rub off on the rest of the team and she is a real asset to our home.

As a Community Care Lead, Heidi helps organise the care and looks after all of our residents in a gentle and dignified manner, ensuring that all their medication is delivered at the appropriate times.

Outside of work, Heidi keeps herself active and busy and even play women's netball for a local team and as well as this, Heidi has a creative outlet in balloon decoration and design, creating some very impressive displays for parties and events.

Always a fun person to be around, Heidi loves a laugh and giggle with all our residents and makes their lives all the more fun!

Davina is a very experienced Community Care Lead here at Kings Park, with over 43 years experience to draw from, thus giving her a wealth of knowledge to share with the team that she supports.

In her past, Davina used to own and run a rest home in West Sussex, so is very well versed with life in a care setting.

'I love to feel like I am needed and can really make a difference to the lives of those who we care for, just brightening up someone's day give me a real sense of purpose, which I love.'

Outside of work Davina is a  loving mother to four grown children and grandma to eight grandchildren, who all keep her very busy indeed.

Davina also loves the outdoors and can be found on her days off, horse riding, sailing, kayaking or doting on her ever growing menagerie of animals; keeping rabbits, guinea pigs and also an African Grey Parrot called Louis!

Sienna is hard working, kind and very caring towards all our residents and goes the extra mile to ensure that everyone in the home has all they need.

Working alongside our other Hosts and the kitchen team, Sienna ensures that all the residents have plenty of nourishment throughout the day.

'I very much enjoy making our residents happy and ensuring that they enjoy their meals makes me feel good about what I do.  When I do the tea trolley, having a good natter with our residents, is something that is mutually beneficial.'

Outside of work, Sienna is a shop-a-holic and can often be found in a shopping centre with friends on the look out for a bargain or two.

Sienna often walks her 2 dogs, Prince & Ruby, a Chihuahua and Lhasapoo.  She is also partial to a good Netflix documentary.

Janet works hard supporting our kitchen team, serving food and making sure everyone has plenty to drink too.

During mealtimes, Janet ensures everyone is well catered for and supports with getting residents to and from their desired location for meals.

'Interacting with all the residents here gives me much pleasure and it's lovely to get to know them all, having the occasional giggle and joke or too with them,.'

On her days off, Janet enjoys a full social life with close friends and family, especially with her 2 children and 4 grandchildren who she loves to spend time with.

Other than that, Janet loves holidays, her favourite being Barbados.  Her dream destination would be Australia, where she would love to do a tour!

Diana loves to make people happy and says, 'It's all about their beautiful smiles!'

Diana can often been seen in and around our dining rooms, ensuring that residents have everything they need for the perfect meal.  In between times, she really loves her tea rounds, when she gets to chat with our residents and leave them fruit or delicious fresh bakes cake for them to enjoy.

Outside of Kings Park, Diana is a keen linguist and speak Romanian, Italian, as well as English, fluently.

A keen cat lover, Diana has a cat back in Italy where her family resides, which she has named Haru, which means 'spring'.

Katie is our resident multi-tasker, helping out in the kitchen, but also as a host serving meals in the dining room and delivering delicious home made cake and tea around the home to residents and guests alike.

'I really love how the home feels, it's such a warm and friendly place to be and I love working alongside such wonderful people.  Making people laugh and giggle is something I enjoy too.'

On her days off, Katie is kept busy with looking after her horse, Merlin, a brown thoroughbred, which she is currently trying to break in!

Other than that, Katie is also partial to a good drama on TV.

Jiro is a very kind, caring and patient individual, who clearly loves his vocation in care.  Previously, Jiro worked in a nursing environment, where he garnered much knowledge and experience to bring with him to his role as Carer here at Kings Park.

'I love to work with the elderly and learn so much from all of them.  Interacting with our residents makes me smile as you never can tell what the conversation will turn to next.  It's so rewarding working in care and I honestly love to feel that I am making a difference to their lives on a daily basis.'

When not helping residents at Kings Park, Jiro is an avid computer gamer and loves linking in with other on gaming networks.  Jiro also loves to spent quality time with his girlfriend, Diana.

Jami has a background in domiciliary care, some comes with a wealth of experience to draw from.

Care in our home is very different from being out in the community and Jami explained:  'It's so lovely to be part of a proper team who are all so supportive of each other, which is what I love about working at Kings Park, but I especially love to be able to provide lots of support in whatever aspect of their lives that the residents need it, which gives me real job satisfaction.'

In her down time, Jami is a lover of various types of dance and very much enjoys folk, western & Indian genres in particular.

Jami loves to share her Indian culture with our residents and colleagues.

Sarah is a wonderful addition to the Kings Park team and is someone who clearly loves her job, having worked in care since her move from her native, Ghana, back in 2022 along with her family.

'I have a passion for helping those around me who are in need and love to support their independence for as long as I possibly can.  I have really found my calling in this job and I love to know I have made a difference to someone's day for the better.'

Sarah has taken to life here in our home really well and it's clear to see she loves being here, which often comes across to our residents.

When at home, Sarah is a loving wife, and mother to her teenage daughter.  She loves to cook and has a real penchant for a very British dish:  Shepherd's pie!  Other that that, she loves making rice dishes, which are her favourites.

Originally from Nigeria, Phebe came to the UK to gain knowledge and insight into different types of care and is currently studying for a degree in Family & Human Services.

Kind and very compassionate, we are so lucky to have Phebe as part of the Kings Park team, spreading her smile around the home and so far she has made a really positive impact on both the team as well as our wonderful residents.

Phebe has a love of fashion and also does some modelling in London during her spare time.

Married to her lovely husband, Paul, when not busy with fashion shoots and work, Phebe loves nothing more than spending time with Paul, enjoying the cinema, coffee shops and lovely longs walks.

Emma consistently delivers first class care to all who she helps day to day and really takes charge of situations, being kind, compassionate and very hard working. 

Emma really listens to our residents and takes on board everything in a bid to make their lives all the better in whatever way she can.

'I love being involved with the residents, sharing a laugh or a joke in order to make their day that bit brighter - Working in care really gives me massive job satisfaction, simply knowing I have made a difference to someone's life.'

At home, Emma loves to cook; Mediterranean food, but in particular, Paella - Her signature dish!  Having spent time living in Gran Canaria this is something she especially loves and has honed well.

Leanne loves getting to know all the residents and loves to listen to all their stories.  

'I get so much satisfaction from my job and love to help and care for these wonderful people in whatever way I can.  I love to look after people and our residents are no exception.'

Having originally trained as a Chef, Leanne still keeps her hand in, but loves her job in care.

When Leanne is not at work she spends time with her young family and has two children aged 6 & 3, which keeps her busy, but she also loves to decorate cakes for friends and family for special occasions.

Donna says of her job:  'Every day is so different and that definitely keeps me on my toes!  You just never know what day to day life will bring and I love that.  I also really love the people I care for and get much pleasure from being able to help them day to day and make them smile.'

When Donna is at home and not busy watching her favourite series on Netflix, she loves to go for walks with her partner and two grown up children.  She also looks after her African Grey parrot, Rocky!  

Harriet has an ever growing passion in caring for the elderly and loves working in care.  Having a background in care in the community, Harriet has really taken to her job here at Kings Park and all our residents really appreciate everything she does for them.

'I really love the team spirit working here at Kings Park, which isn't something you get working in the community, so this home is definitely the right fit for me and the residents are wonderful'.

Harriet's heritage is Ugandan and she loves to chat about the wildlife and culture there with the residents.

Prior to working in care, Janna has been a full time mother to her four amazing children before eventually spending time working out in the community, then finally taking up her role within the Kings Park team.

'I love to listen to all our residents talk about their lives and reminisce - You learn so much from them all, especially about their professions and incredible life experiences.  What I love most is being able to put a smile on their faces.'

With four children at home, Janna certainly likes to keep busy!

Vivian works alongside our Activities Lead, Claudia and together they do everything in their power to put a smile on everyone's faces!

Vivian loves a good game of Scrabble and is very enthusiastic about her role here at Kings Park, being very good at enticing residents to join in the fun.

Having a background in activities for the past ten or so years, Vivian gets much pleasure day to day in her job, especially if there is a good old fashioned sing-along involved.

'Nothing gets everyone going more than a bit of a cockney-style knees up and you can often find me singing a bit of 'Knees up Mother Brown' or 'Doing the Lambeth Walk!', which always makes people laugh.'

Away from her singing, Vivian swims three times a week and is a dab hand at making cakes!

Candy is a wonderful, kind and hard working member of the Kings Park Housekeeping team and takes great pride in keeping our home clean and tidy, as well as ensuring that resident's clothes are well laundered for each of them.

'As I go about my work I love to chat with our residents and get to know them all.  They make my day so much brighter and are all wonderful!  I really enjoy meeting and welcoming in new residents into our home and put a smile on there faces.'

Having a background in care and activities, Candy really loves working in this sector and has plenty of experience under her belt.

At home, Candy loves her animals and has a collection of dogs, chickens & ducks, as well as five wonderful grandchildren - with one also on the way, who all keep her smiling!

Grace started working for Barchester at our sister home, Trinity Manor in Sherborne, before transferring to Kings Park in January of 2023, where she now helps our housekeeping team.

Keeping the home clean and tidy for the residents is something that Grace really takes a lot of pride in and she very much enjoys the interaction with all of the residents.

'I love getting to know everyone and get a lot of pleasure from learning about everyone's backgrounds and life experiences - You hear all sorts!  Every day I learn so much from everyone and love that about my job.'

When not busy at work, Grace is a keen online gamer and has built quite a following from this.

She also loves spending time with her Lakeland Terrier, Archie and her family.

My main role is to ensure our residents' clothes are laundered carefully and returned as soon as possible.  However, what I really enjoy about my role is spending time listening and talking to them.  When I return clothes and put them away neatly, we always have a chat and that really makes my day!