Meet the The Cedars Care Home Team

My name is Michelle. I started my nursing career slightly later in life. I studied at Bournemouth University and after qualifying went to work in Bournemouth Hospital on the stroke unit. I became a specialist stroke assessor nurse before stepping out into nursing homes. I have progressed from a senior nurse, to deputy, to clinical manager and general manager before joining Barchester. I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of nursing and love that you are helping someone at their most vulnerable have the most fulfilling life possible whilst supporting all of their needs where they require it. I am especially passionate about end-of-life care and ensuring that the person and their family have the support and comfort that they require at what can be a very upsetting and distressing time for all.

I am a compassionate healthcare professional with an MSc in pre-registration nursing (Adult Health) and about a decade’s experience in the healthcare profession.  What I value most in my work is making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents, collaborating within a supportive team and finding purpose in providing compassionate care within a stable and fulfilling career.

Outside of my professional life, I prioritise personal growth and stress relief through meditations and I’m currently incorporating running into my routine.  I also enjoy reading, learning new skills, watching discovery and documentary films and travelling.

I qualified as a nurse in 2004 and have worked in the care sector ever since.  I joined the Cedars in spring 2024.  I really enjoy my work caring for the elderly.  I get enormous job satisfaction from knowing that I have helped our residents and made a difference.

My hobbies outside of work include sports but cricket in particular.

Hi, I have been working in administration for over 10 years. I joined Cedars as an Administration Assistant in February 2022, and progressed to Administrator in July 2022, where I now lead a team of 3 lovely ladies. I am thoroughly enjoying leading such a strong team. Tasks related to administration are often important to keeping a business running efficiently. So, having the responsibility to complete tasks on time and in a quality manner without much oversight is crucial and really rewarding for me personally. Being in administration has many other benefits - I interact on a daily basis with residents, families, staff and the local community which can be really fun.

In my spare time I love looking after my menagerie of animals, horse riding, and mostly just being outdoors! I also love spending quality time with my two children, who like to keep me on my toes!

I am also the South Region Divisional Winner of Home Administrator of the Year!

Hello. My name is Lorraine and I love working with the residents at Cedars.  I started as a carer and then joined the activities team.  I love crafting and so this job is ideal as I can look after the residents, whilst we have fun, laughter and create new things together. I find it very rewarding to see the residents happy, smiling and enjoying their day.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening and crafting.  I also have a horse and I look after my granddaughter.

Hello, I am an experienced Chef having served in the Royal Navy for fifteen years as a Leading Chef.  I love that every day is different in a kitchen and being creative with new recipes. I am looking forward to cooking for the residents here at Cedars.

As a Freemason, I enjoy raising money for charity, I am proud of my nomination for the BBC Solent Fundraiser of the year.  I am currently planning my next big fundraising event, climbing fourteen mountains in twelve days!

In my spare time I am busy doing DIY. I also have a pet cat called Dusty.

Lee joined the Cedars in September 2015. He carries out a wide range of duties to ensure our home is safe and secure. He also enjoys a chat with our lovely residents at any opportunity.

Hi, I joined The Cedars in April 2020. I enjoy leading the Housekeeping/Laundry team and have an energetic and enthusiastic team, we work closely together, 7 days a week, to keep The Cedars clean, fresh and tidy and ensure it is a lovely Home to be enjoyed by all our lovely residents. I'm grateful for the opportunity to engage every day with our residents and their families. I am also the 'Speak Up' champion for the home. I support staff to 'Speak Up' if they feel they are unable to in other ways, to help protect resident safety and quality of care.

Hello, I am an Administration Assistant here at The Cedars. Since October 2022 I have enjoyed working within the Admin team helping our residents and their families. I moved to the local area recently and enjoy exploring the local countryside with my dog, Wilfred. I also enjoy DIY, sewing and gardening.

I am part of the Administration team here at The Cedars. I will likely be the first person you see as you enter our home, I look forward to warmly welcoming you.

I thoroughly enjoy my job role, it is an excellent opportunity to use my skills whilst supporting the residents and staff in our beautiful home. 

David joined the Cedars some time ago and is our Resident Ambassador. His wife, Jenny, also helps as a Volunteer Gardener.  

They are a ray of sunshine and spend their time chatting with all the residents and joining in with the activities.

I joined the Cedars in August 2022.  I really love working as a part of a friendly team and supporting the residents.  In my spare time I can be found shopping or spending time with my family.

Hello. I have been working at the Cedars for two years as a Senior Carer. I really love the happy atmosphere and team work.  I regularly bring my Bengal cat, Sausage dog and two Labradors in for the residents to enjoy.

In my spare time I enjoy horse riding in the beautiful local countryside.  I am also a committee member on the local parish council.

I joined the Cedars in Autumn 2022.  I really love working with the residents and making them laugh.  I like to ensure everyone is really well cared for and well presented every day.

When I am not at work I go to the gym three times a week and walking with daughter.  We love spending time together.

Helen joined The Cedars in 2003.  She is kind, caring and enthusiastic. She works as part of the Hospitality team as a hostess, she is dedicated to maintaining a positive, supportive and enjoyable dining experience for our residents at Cedars.

Hello. I started working for Cedars at the beginning of 2019. I have been caring for the elderly community since I was 16 years old and decided to pursue a career in Cedars where I am an Activities Assistant. I love learning about dementia and how I can benefit those diagnosed and this led to me being a trained Dementia champion for the home. 

I implement many different ideas, improving the quality of care for our residents. My focus is inclusion and making sure all residents are included in everything, not only to enable them to feel independent and purposeful but also so that they are not inadvertently excluded by others.

When I am not at work, I enjoy Arts and Crafts, Vintage/Antique Fairs, Indian head massage and Reiki.

Aaron has worked in the care industry since 2013. He has previously worked as a care assistant and has re-trained to follow his passion for cooking food and promoting people's well-being.

In his spare time, Aaron likes to spend time with his partner and children. They enjoy going out when the weather is nice and relaxing together as a family.

I am part of the Housekeeping team. We take pride in making Cedars a clean, tidy, cosy and welcoming environment for residents and their families. I know the residents well and enjoy daily, fun and friendly chats. I'm always smiling and thoroughly enjoy my work.