Meet the team

We are proud of our staff here at Heron’s Lea.

Our team are led and supported by an experienced management team and comprises of 44 staff.

There is a thorough recruitment procedure in place, and we ensure that all essential checks are carried out before hiring.

We are fully committed to people living at Heron’s Lea receiving excellent care. Therefore we support our staff to undertake training where necessary to ensure they have the most up to date skills and knowledge to care for people in the safest and most appropriate way.

All staff receive regular training:

Moving and Handling
First Aid
Safe Guarding
Dementia
Mental Capacity
Fire Awareness
Infection Control
Food Hygiene

Our management team

Anita

Director

I have been responsible for the running of Herons Lea since 1994 when my husband and I opened with only 1 resident, Uncle Ronnie. I take pleasure in seeing the residents happy and well cared for and my employees to feel appreciated.

I’ve always been a ‘people person’ and like things done to a high standard so I’m extremely proud of the reputation we’ve acquired over the last 30 years.

Yannick

Registered Manager

I was appointed as the Registered Manager of Herons Lea in 2021. With over 15 years of experience in management roles in hospitality, I am naturally ‘detail orientated’ and love to build and manage relationships.

I completed a level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult care in August 2023 and continue to develop my knowledge by studying a range of other Social Care Qualifications.

My role is to run a tight-ship of well trained staff keeping residents happy and safe, whilst upholding our company reputation. In my free time I love running and cycling.

Rosie

Deputy Manager

I was born and raised in North Devon and am passionate about the area and improving the lives of people who live and work here. I have worked in care for 15 years, including live-in care, nursing homes and domiciliary care.

I have studied locally and completed a BA (Hons) Degree in Health & Social Care and have loved putting what I’ve learnt into practice as the deputy manager of Herons Lea.

Linda

Management Consultant

I started at Heron's Lea as the Registered Manager in April 2011. I absolutely loved this role and working alongside all of our lovely, caring staff. I also met some characters along the way, our residents were great and it was a privilege to look after them and ensure that they enjoyed their time at Heron's Lea. Covid struck in March 2020 and being a Registered Manager during this time was very challenging.

For personal reasons, in August 2021, I decided to relinquish my role as Registered Manager and hand the reins over to Yan. I never managed to fully retire though, I presently continue to be employed as a Management Consultant, working one day a week advising the present Management team on all things CQC related and undertaking some HR duties. One day I may retire completely, when I do, I will absolutely miss working at my favourite Residential Home!

Oliver

Operations Manager

I am responsible for managing all aspects involved at Herons Lea Residential and Herons Lodge Day Care.

I oversee multiple facets of the business from stock and inventory checks, through to health and safety.
I am also a huge Chelsea FC Fan.

Rosita

Commercial Manager

I have worked on and off at Herons Lea since I was 13 in various roles. My current role is to identify and develop business opportunities, whilst being responsible for reviewing operational processes to improve performance.

I am naturally a very friendly, organised and inquisitive person and love seeing how things can be improved.

Clare

PA/ Administration

I thoroughly enjoy my job as an administrator at Heron’s Lea where every day is different. Having the opportunity to interact with the residents and help with the smooth running of the home is so rewarding. Outside of work I keep myself busy spending time with my family. I also enjoy long walks with my dog and cycling the Tarka trail making the most of the beautiful part of the country we are so lucky to live in.

Our Senior Carers

Sam

I love my job here at Heron’s Lea, my favourite part is walking around the gardens with the residents and talking about their lives.

I feel privileged to be a part of the Herons Lea family. Outside of work I enjoy walking my dog and doing arts and crafts particularly making wax melts.

Paula

I've worked in the care sector for 27 years. I work alongside fantastic colleagues caring for our wonderful residents in a home from home environment.

I have a passion for organising charity events close to my heart and over the years have co organised several successful events.

Lorna

I have worked in care for many years in various roles. I joined Herons Lea nearly 7 years ago and have met some fantastic colleagues and residents during my time here.

I am very family orientated and when I’m not working, I am spending time with my beautiful grandchildren.

Janet

I’ve worked at Herons Lea since 2015. Originally I started working day shifts however I have now moved to night shifts which suit me better, we have a great team here and have become good friends.

When I’m not at work I love spending time with my grandson.

Dawn

I am one of the newer staff at Herons Lea working within the first year. I have met some amazing residents and work with a great team.

I have a Dalmatian who loves swimming and I am also in a local darts team which I really enjoy!

Michelle

I really enjoy working in care and have done for 16 years! I strive to bring empathy, kindness and ensure all residents receive the personalised attention they deserve.

Outside of work I love spending time with my grandchildren.

More of our team