Meet the Leonard Lodge Care Home Team

Hello, my name is Emma and I am the Deputy Clinical Manager and Wellbeing Champion here at Leonard Lodge.

I am a qualified mental health nurse and joined Barchester following a 15 year career in the NHS where I worked both inpatient and in the community. I have always worked with older adults, specialising in the care of people with dementia and frailty from diagnosis to end of life.

I am passionate about the delivery of high quality, holistic and inclusive care to residents and the support of their care givers. I have extensive experience in integrated team working, completing assessments, risk management, and problem solving. I have provided dementia and frailty training to a wide range of professionals including the acute trust and social care. I aim to incorporate leaning at every opportunity to empower staff to gain the knowledge, understanding and the confidence to fulfil their potential.
 

Hi, I am Zheira Decena and I am a registered nurse leading one of the units at Leonard Lodge.

I have been a valued and compassionate member of the nursing team. Known for my calm and bubbly presence, clinical expertise, and unwavering commitment to resident care, I have become a trusted figure among colleagues, residents, and family alike. I have been here for almost 4 years now. I consistently go above and beyond in my role, offering not only skilled nursing support but also genuine emotional care and reassurance. My attention to detail and dedication to high standards ensure the safety, comfort, and dignity of every individual I care for. Whether I’m managing medications, supporting residents with their health needs, collaborating with the multidisciplinary team, or simply offering a kind word a smile, I approach my work with integrity and warmth.

My name is Lynn and I lead the Activities Team here at Leonard Lodge.

Since working at Leonard Lodge I have dedicated myself to ensuring that each of our residents can continue to partake in the hobbies that they have enjoyed for years. It is important that all of the residents here have access to life enriching, fun and social activities.

The whole home supports my team and I to organise activities, events and entertainment tailored to every residents preferences, abilities and needs. Each year we have a fantastically full calendar, and we look forward to the future when we can invite the families of residents to join us in the home again. 

I am married with two children and two rather annoying rescue cats. I lived in Italy for a number of years and love all Italian food, especially when somebody else cooks it for me! I love to read, especially crime novels. I am a regular theatre goer with a passion for musicals. I like to sing and dance (albeit badly!).

I have worked at Leonard Lodge since the doors originally opened. I started as a Laundry Assistant and have worked my way up to Head Housekeeper. I pride myself in ensuring a clean, fresh and inviting environment for residents, visitors and staff. I have also received my 15 year Long Service Award, which was presented at our anniversary party.

I started working at Leonard Lodge in 2001 and this year will receive my 20-year Long Service Award. I commenced as a registered nurse and moved into the Unit Managers position in January 2002. 

As well as being an RGN I am also a qualified Mental Health Nurse. My keen interest in dementia care means that I work very closely with relatives and health care professionals to ensure that we are providing the very best personalised care for each of our residents. 

I have worked in the care sector as a Nursing Home Administrator for the past ten years. I very much enjoy working in an environment where we can make a difference - each and every one of us - to our resident's daily life.

I worked in London for the first six years of my career as a Records Clerk with the British Medical Association. I was fortunate enough to meet Prince Charles who was our Honorary President, at a Grand Ball held in his honour. I then progressed to being the Records Officer at Gray’s Inn. 

I now have a lovely granddaughter, who takes up a lot of my spare time and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Hi, my name is Joe and I am the Head of Maintenance here at Leonard Lodge Care Home.

Together with the rest of the team I help to ensure that our home is a safe environment for our residents and staff. We are constantly looking for ways to improve the home so that it is an enjoyable place to live and work.

My favourite part of the job is assisting new residents set up their rooms; hanging photos, moving in furniture and helping then unpack. 

Hello, My name is Angela and I am part of the Activities team here at Leonard Lodge.

I became an activities coordinator because I have a passion for dementia care, ensuring that all residents feel included and valued.  Here at Leonard Lodge we strive to ensure our residents are always smiling, laughing and engaged in a wide variety of activities. I am trained to drive the mini bus, allowing for fun and adventurous activities out in the community as well as in the home.